7. Bones (2005-present)
What Was So Bad? The pilot of Bones isn't bad it's just a bit wrong. It takes far too long setting up the premise, which is really clever, but never really pulls it off quite right, and quickly becomes derivative of every other show that's on, like CSI and even The X Files. There's little chemistry between Booth and Brennan in the first episode, which is something we'd come to love as part of the show, and it really shows on screen. The dialogue is wordy and doesn't really go anywhere, making it an ordeal to get through.
How Did They Fix It? Honestly, i's not terrible by any means, it's just different to what the series would become and the pilot blends in with the scenery of other crime shows. After the pilot there seemed to be a reshuffle behind the scenes and the show really started using its premise well, and as a result it's going strong after nine seasons. The cinematography, lighting and performances are also markedly better after the Pilot, a result of confidence and an increased budget, as well as the series finding its feet and settling into its own style. More characters were introduced throughout the season and gave the show a real feeling of being like a family. The police procedural element was continuously changed week-in week-out to keep the format fresh, too.