10 TV Shows That Should Have Ended After One Season

There is a strong argument that Derek shouldn’t have been made at all. Derek, Ricky Gervais’ follow up to the disappointing Life’s Too Short, sees the auteur indulge in two of his worst pastimes - making fun of the less fortunate, and excessive schmaltz. Gervais can claim that the titular character, who he plays, is not supposed to be intellectually challenged all he wants, but as with much of his work there’s a cruelty at the heart of that performance.

Still, there were things to like in the first season of Derek, most notably the performances of Kerry Godliman (underused in the equally schmaltzy but more successful After Life) and long time Gervais punchbag Karl Pilkington. The scenes that don’t revolve around the star’s gurning can be amusing and even heartfelt.

Gervais’ earlier comedy masterpieces The Office and Extras evolved greatly in their sophomore seasons. Derek just doesn’t. It’s the same questionable schtick, only with even more ill earned sentiment, even fewer jokes, and no Pilkington. One season was just about tolerable for the good parts; the second is just more punching down.