10 Failed TV Shows That Became Cult Classics

6. Jericho

Jericho was a post-apocalyptic drama series taking place in the fictional titular Kansas city following a devastating nuclear attack on U.S. soil, and certainly suffered from expectations that it would be "the new Lost."

Reviews for the 22-episode first season were heavily mixed, citing a slow pace and over-reliance on genre tropes, but it nevertheless found a passionate cabal of fans for its more low-key cast and lesser emphasis on spectacle compared to other similar shows.

Nevertheless, CBS cancelled Jericho after a single season, only to grant fans a shortened, 7-episode second season after fans collectively sent 20 tons of nuts to CBS HQ, referring to a famous quote from the first season's finale.

Reviews for season two enjoyed a steady uptick, but sadly the ratings continued to drop, and CBS subsequently canned the show for a second time. As a small sliver of solace, the story was continued in comic book form for two more "seasons."

In recent years Jericho creator Stephen Chbosky attempted to shop the show to Netflix, and despite the streaming platform reportedly being receptive, CBS ultimately refused to sign off on it.

More than a decade after the show ended, fans still remain optimistic that it might one day get the Deadwood treatment and earn a belated revival, be it a new series or a TV movie.