10 Cancelled TV Shows That Made Obvious Mistakes

2. Being Set In The Present Day - Blockbuster

Blockbuster Netflix
Netflix

On paper, a nostalgic sitcom centered around the halcyon days of Blockbuster Video could've been an easy hit for Netflix - ironically, the company who put them out of business - especially with the charming Randall Park and Melissa Fumero playing the leads.

The problem? For reasons that will never be truly clear, the decision was made to set the show in the present day, focused on the employees of the last remaining Blockbuster store.

But that isn't nearly as fun or interesting as a period sitcom set in the mid-90s - the height of Blockbuster's power - which could've easily exploited the growing audience nostalgia for that era.

It was a slam-dunk idea, because there are few things more bankable in media than nostalgia, and yet by bafflingly setting it in the present, Blockbuster ended up feeling like nothing more than a tired, fourth-rate Superstore knock-off.

Barely a month after its release, Netflix announced Blockbuster's cancellation, confirming that audiences had soundly rejected it - and letting everyone joke that Netflix killed Blockbuster again.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.