15 Series Everyone Recommended That You Still Regret Starting

Some TV shows come with glowing recommendations from friends, coworkers, or online buzz, promising gripping stories or unforgettable characters. You dive in, expecting a new favorite, only to find yourself slogging through episodes that don’t deliver.

I’ve been there, starting series everyone raved about, only to regret the hours spent. Below, I break down 15 shows that didn’t live up to the hype for me, despite their popularity. Each had potential, but something—whether weak endings, dragged-out plots, or unlikeable characters—made me wish I’d passed.

This Is Us (2016-2022)

The story of the Pearson family, weaving through their past and present, hooked me with its emotional depth early on. I was drawn to the heartfelt moments and the mystery of Jack’s death, but the constant melodrama wore me down.

By the later seasons, the show felt like it was trying too hard to tug at my heartstrings. The characters’ endless family conflicts and over-the-top emotional arcs became exhausting, making me wish I’d stopped after the first season.

Tiger King (2020)

This docuseries about eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic exploded in popularity, and I got sucked into the wild world of big cat owners. The chaotic drama and bizarre characters were gripping at first, but the show’s refusal to dive deeper into the ethical issues of exotic animal ownership left me uneasy.

It glorified the wrong things, focusing on feuds rather than the animals’ welfare. I regretted spending time on a series that felt more like a guilty pleasure than a meaningful watch.

Good Girls (2018-2021)

Three suburban moms turning to crime sounded like a fresh premise, and I was excited for a mix of humor and tension. The early episodes delivered with sharp chemistry between Beth, Ruby, and Annie, but the repetitive storylines killed the vibe.

Every season seemed to follow the same cycle—crime, trouble, escape, repeat. The lack of character growth and unresolved plot points, like Annie’s paramedic arc, made me wish I’d skipped this one.

Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

This teen drama about Manhattan’s elite promised juicy scandals and glamorous lives, and I was hooked on the mystery of Gossip Girl’s identity. The early seasons were addictive, but the characters’ constant backstabbing grew tiresome.

By the later seasons, the plotlines felt absurd, with high schoolers acting like soap opera villains. The final reveal of Gossip Girl was a letdown, leaving me regretting the time I invested.

Lost (2004-2010)

The mystery of a plane crash on a strange island grabbed me, and I loved piecing together the survivors’ backstories. The early seasons were thrilling, with twists that kept me guessing, but the show spiraled into confusion.

Too many unanswered questions and a finale that felt vague left me frustrated. I wished I’d stopped watching when the mysteries still felt exciting rather than overwhelming.

The Walking Dead (2010-2022)

Zombies and survival drew me into this gritty series, and I was invested in Rick’s group fighting to stay alive. The first few seasons were intense, but the show dragged on far too long.

Losing key characters and repetitive conflicts made it hard to stay engaged. By the final seasons, I was watching out of habit, not enjoyment, regretting the commitment.

Heroes (2006-2010)

The idea of ordinary people with superpowers was exciting, and I enjoyed the interconnected stories in the first season. The ensemble cast, like Hiro and Claire, kept me hooked early on.

But the later seasons felt chaotic, with rushed plots and new characters I didn’t care about. The show lost its spark, and I regretted sticking with it past its strong start.

House of Cards (2013-2018)

Frank Underwood’s ruthless rise in politics was gripping, and Kevin Spacey’s performance kept me glued to the screen. The first few seasons were sharp and clever, but the show stumbled hard later.

After major cast changes and a rushed final season, the story felt sloppy. I wished I’d stopped when the political schemes still felt fresh and unpredictable.

Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)

Piper’s journey in a women’s prison intrigued me, and the diverse cast brought unique stories that hooked me early. The mix of humor and drama was compelling at first.

But the later seasons felt overstretched, with too many side plots and less focus on the core characters. I regretted pushing through when the show started feeling like a chore.

Utopia (2013-2014)

This British thriller about a mysterious graphic novel had me hooked with its dark tone and conspiracy vibes. The unique visuals and intense plot were captivating initially.

However, the story became too convoluted, and the lack of closure after its cancellation left me annoyed. I wished I’d skipped this one, despite its early promise.

Billions (2016-2023)

The high-stakes world of finance and power struggles pulled me in, with Bobby Axelrod’s cunning keeping things exciting. The sharp dialogue was a highlight early on.

But the constant scheming grew repetitive, and new characters didn’t click. I regretted sticking with it as the later seasons felt like they were running out of steam.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)

David Lynch’s quirky mystery about Laura Palmer’s death drew me in with its eerie vibe and odd characters. The first season was a wild ride I couldn’t stop watching.

The second season dragged with confusing subplots, and the revival felt disconnected. I wished I’d just watched the original season and left it at that.

Yellowstone (2018-2022)

The Dutton family’s ranch drama promised intense conflicts, and Beth’s fierce personality kept me watching. The stunning Montana backdrop was a bonus.

But the over-the-top family feuds and predictable rivalries got old fast. I regretted investing in a show that felt more like a soap opera than a gritty drama.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

This epic fantasy had me hooked with its sprawling world and shocking twists. The early seasons were a masterclass in storytelling, with characters like Tyrion shining.

The final season’s rushed pacing and character betrayals left a sour taste. I regretted spending years on a show that didn’t stick the landing.

If It’s for My Daughter, I’d Even Defeat a Demon Lord (2019)

This anime about an adventurer raising an orphan girl seemed wholesome, and I was drawn to the father-daughter dynamic. The early episodes were charming and light.

But learning about the light novel’s controversial ending soured the experience, even if the anime didn’t get there. I wished I’d skipped this one to avoid the unease.

Which of these shows did you regret starting, or is there another series that let you down? Drop your thoughts in the comments!