10 Great TV Shows That Ran for at Least One Season Too Long
Some TV shows capture our hearts and keep us glued to the screen for years. They start strong, with fresh stories and characters we love. But sometimes, even the best shows stretch past their prime. An extra season can dilute what made them special, leaving us wishing they’d ended on a high note.
We’ve all felt the sting of a favorite show losing its spark. Maybe the plot got messy, or key actors left, or the writing just didn’t click anymore. This article dives into ten great TV shows that ran for at least one season too long, exploring why their final chapters didn’t quite measure up. Let’s take a look.
‘The Office’ (2005-2013)
‘The Office’ brought us laughs with its quirky take on workplace life at Dunder Mifflin. The mockumentary style and Steve Carell’s bumbling Michael Scott made it a comedy gem. By season seven, the show had nailed its mix of heart and humor. But after Carell left, seasons eight and nine struggled to fill the void.
The final seasons leaned on forced drama, like tension between Jim and Pam, which felt out of place. New characters like Andy as manager didn’t gel the same way. While the finale tied things up nicely, the show could’ve ended after season seven for a tighter legacy.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-present)
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ redefined medical dramas with its mix of romance, tragedy, and surgery. Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey anchored a cast facing endless crises at Seattle Grace. The first ten seasons delivered emotional highs, but by season 16, the show felt stretched thin. Major exits like Sandra Oh and Justin Chambers left gaps.
Recent seasons piled on wild plots, from deadly accidents to improbable recoveries, making it feel like a soap opera. With over 20 seasons, the show keeps going, but trimming a few could’ve preserved its earlier magic.
‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005-2014)
‘How I Met Your Mother’ charmed us with Ted’s quest to find love, told through flashbacks. The ensemble cast, led by Josh Radnor, had great chemistry, and the mystery of the mother kept us hooked. Seasons one through seven balanced humor and heart. But the ninth season dragged out the wedding weekend too long.
The finale upset many with its rushed reveal and divisive ending. Season nine felt like filler, and cutting it could’ve made the story crisper. The show’s legacy is strong, but that last stretch tested our patience.
‘The Walking Dead’ (2010-2022)
‘The Walking Dead’ gripped us with its zombie apocalypse survival tale. Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes led a group through brutal choices, making it a cultural hit. The first six seasons were intense, but by season nine, the show started to repeat itself. Key departures like Lincoln hurt the momentum.
Seasons ten and eleven leaned on endless conflicts with new groups, feeling repetitive. Spin-offs kept the world alive, but the main show could’ve wrapped after season nine for a tighter end to Rick’s story.
‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015)
‘Two and a Half Men’ delivered raunchy laughs with Charlie Sheen’s carefree Charlie Harper. Jon Cryer’s Alan and young Angus T. Jones rounded out the trio. The first eight seasons were a ratings juggernaut. But Sheen’s exit led to Ashton Kutcher joining in season nine, and the vibe shifted.
The final seasons leaned on tired jokes and odd plots, like Kutcher’s billionaire character. Ending after season eight would’ve kept the show’s edgy charm intact, avoiding the later fizzle.
‘That ’70s Show’ (1998-2006)
‘That ’70s Show’ took us to a groovy Wisconsin basement with teens like Eric and Donna. Topher Grace and Mila Kunis led a cast with sharp comedic timing. The first six seasons nailed retro nostalgia. But season eight lost steam when Grace and Ashton Kutcher left, introducing new characters who didn’t click.
The final season felt like a different show, with forced romances and weaker laughs. Ending after season seven would’ve preserved the gang’s tight-knit vibe and avoided the awkward farewell.
‘Once Upon a Time’ (2011-2018)
‘Once Upon a Time’ wove fairy tales into a modern story, led by Jennifer Morrison’s Emma Swan. The magical town of Storybrooke sparkled in early seasons, blending Disney characters with drama. Seasons one through five were enchanting, but season seven’s reboot with new faces fell flat.
The later seasons piled on complex lore, losing the original charm. Even actor Robert Carlyle felt it ran too long. Stopping after season six could’ve kept the fairy-tale magic alive.
‘Friends’ (1994-2004)
‘Friends’ defined sitcoms with its six pals navigating life in New York. Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, and the gang became icons. The first eight seasons were comedy gold, but season ten pushed the characters into odd territory, like Rachel and Joey’s brief romance.
The final season felt like it was stretching for stories, with exaggerated quirks. While the finale was heartfelt, ending after season nine could’ve kept the group’s dynamic fresher and avoided some clunky plots.
‘Scrubs’ (2001-2010)
‘Scrubs’ mixed hospital drama with zany comedy, led by Zach Braff’s daydreaming JD. The show’s heart and humor shone through eight seasons at Sacred Heart. But season nine shifted to a medical school setting with new students, losing the original cast’s spark.
The reboot vibe didn’t land, and even JD’s limited role felt forced. Ending after season eight’s perfect finale would’ve cemented ‘Scrubs’ as a comedy classic without the uneven aftertaste.
‘Supernatural’ (2005-2020)
‘Supernatural’ followed brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, hunting demons and ghosts. Its blend of horror and heart built a loyal fanbase. The first five seasons told a tight story, but by season 15, the show was recycling ideas. Major arcs felt repetitive.
Later seasons added convoluted mythology, diluting the brothers’ core bond. Ending around season ten could’ve kept the show’s gritty edge and avoided stretching the epic tale too thin.
Which TV show do you think overstayed its welcome, or is there one we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!