10 Failed TV Shows That Became Cult Classics

5. Wayward Pines

Wayward Pines had one hell of a hook: a Twin Peaks-style mystery show with a pilot episode directed by M. Night Shyamalan, who also served as an executive producer.

That's not to forget a stupid-good ensemble cast, including Matt Dillon, Carla Gugino, Toby Jones, Juliette Lewis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard, Jason Patric, Hope Davis, Djimon Hounsou and many more.

And though some criticised the show feeling a little too much like a Peaks clone, its entrancing mystery and brilliant acting proved undeniable catnip to those seeking some David Lynch-lite entertainment.

Season one was broadly well-reviewed and performed decently in ratings, but season two was beset by a number of issues, namely the departure of showrunner Chad Hodge, and its last-minute renewal meaning many actors had already moved onto other projects.

Under new showrunner Mark Friedman, the show scored wildly mixed reviews, with many citing its lack of necessity, given that the first season adapted all the existing novels and was as such intended to be a one-off.

The ratings promptly dropped off throughout season two, though Fox cruelly didn't officially cancel the show for more than 18 months after the season finale aired.

Given that season two ended on a cliffhanger and actually had a baked-in set-up for a third season to focus on a new cast, fans are still hoping that the show might end up revived at some point. So far no dice, though.