10 Failed TV Shows That Became Cult Classics

8. Constantine

After Hollywood served up a stylish yet unconvincing adaptation of the beloved Hellblazer comics - starring Keanu Reeves with neither blonde hair nor a Scouse accent - fans' prayers seemed to be answered with NBC's TV adaptation, co-developed by David S. Goyer (Blade, The Dark Knight, Man of Steel).

Though Matt Ryan's take on the character wasn't shown smoking (due to network regulations) and he chose to speak with a more ambiguous "regional" accent, Ryan nevertheless gave fans a decidedly more accurate portrayal of John Constantine, signature trench coat and all.

After a slightly wonky start, the show quickly picked up thanks to a combination of Ryan's performance, stylish visuals and a creatively grim tone befitting the source material.

The first season was reviewed broadly well, but NBC cancelled the show a few months after it aired, citing poor "live" viewership (where most ad revenue is made) and the expensive costs of production.

Though Warner Bros. Television attempted to shop it around to other networks, nobody bit, causing the cast and crew to be released from their contracts, effectively killing it dead.

Fans were vocal in their desire for the show to find a new home regardless, showing just how much its more source-accurate depiction of the title character meant to them.

And while those efforts haven't panned out yet, Ryan's Constantine has appeared extensively in CW's Arrowverse (especially Legends of Tomorrow), while voicing the character in both the animated film Justice League Dark and animated web-series Constantine: City of Demons.

Rumours have swirled in recent months that Warner Bros. is interesting in reviving the show with Ryan, but it's probably best not to get your hopes up. What a win for fans and their dedicated campaigning that would be, though.