Some very good TV shows run for only a season, either by design or because they were canceled due to low viewership. However, some of these might have been even better with a second.
Of the one-season wonders that have aired in recent years, these are my absolute favorites.
7
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Watch The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
This award-winning Netflix series starred Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role. It told the story of an orphaned chess prodigy named Beth Harmon in the 1950s and 1960s who went on to dominate a male-dominated chess world. Through seven episodes, we see her struggle with alcohol and drugs. The series culminates with a confrontation between Harmon and her nemesis, Vasily Borgov, in a world chess championship.
The Queen’s Gambit ended on a high note, and we can imagine that Taylor-Joy’s character went on to live a life full of promise both in her career and personal life. However, several unresolved questions remained unanswered that would have made for an intriguing second season.
Overall, The Queen’s Gambit is perhaps one of the best one-season TV series in the history of the media. If you haven’t seen it, go for it. You’ll be glad that you did—it’s another addictive mini-series you can binge-watch.
6
The Night Of (2016)
Watch The Night Of on HBO Max
The Night Of from HBO presents an eight-part miniseries that delivers both captivating and depressing content. The story follows Nasir “Naz” Khan through his mostly sad journey as a Pakistani-American college student from Queens, New York, who becomes accused of murder. Throughout the series, we observe Naz transform from an optimistic young man anticipating his future into a person who loses his identity completely. The series also illustrates how the U.S. justice system often fails to provide equal legal protection to all citizens.
The series finale presents a conclusion for Naz, but certainly one that most audiences didn’t expect when it first aired. It’s because of this that I couldn’t see how Naz’s story could have been continued into future seasons.
And yet, The Night Of could have returned with fresh and powerful crime-based storylines that revolved around its talented supporting cast, which included John Turturro (from Severance), Glenn Headly, and others. The characters possessed just enough depth in their backstories and complex personalities, which could have supported engaging new storylines.
5
Station Eleven (2021-22)
Watch Station Eleven on HBO Max
Post-apocalyptic stories aren’t new, and many come and go without resolution. HBO’s Station Eleven is one of those that, honestly, I forgot about until doing research for this article.
Told over ten episodes, Station Eleven follows various characters before, during, and after a devastating flu pandemic known as the “Georgia Flu,” which wipes out most of the world’s population. Like many series, Station Eleven’s biggest strength was its cast, which is headlined by Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Daniel Zovatto, and others.
Though Station Eleven ended on a hopeful note, it’s not a satisfying ending by any stretch of the imagination. The fate of many characters in this series remained unresolved, nor were most of the integral stories. Its early demise likely had something to do with the arrival of another end-of-the-world HBO series, The Last of Us, a year later. From day one, that series had a bigger baked-in following since it’s based on a popular video game series.
4
Watchmen (2019)
Watch Watchmen on HBO Max
HBO also aired the critically acclaimed television series Watchmen, which drew inspiration from the famous graphic novel of the same name. The story takes place in an alternate 1985 world where superheroes exist, but the “Keene Act” has made them illegal.
The show was about retired and active heroes who struggled with the ethical dilemmas of their past actions while dealing with the psychological weight of their superhero personas. The plot began when one of their own was brutally murdered, which triggered a conspiracy that exposed many truths.
The central conflict of Watchmen was resolved, but, like the graphic novel, it ended with at least one unresolved question. Unlike some series that didn’t continue due to low ratings, the fate of Watchmen was decided by its creator and showrunner, Damon Lindelof, who chose not to pursue future seasons.
3
Godless (2017)
Watch Godless on Netflix
Another Netflix series that failed to get a second-season pickup is Godless. Told in seven parts, the Western drama tells the story of the one-armed outlaw Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels) and his former protégé, Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell). Along for the thrilling ride is Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey). It centers on a unique western town, La Belle, that’s mostly populated by women after a tragic mining accident killed most of the men.
The main storyline in Godless gets resolved after a violent and bloody shootout leaves one of the main characters dead. That was reason enough for the series not to get picked up for a second season. And yet, there were plenty of unanswered questions that could have made this possible.
If you like westerns and don’t have time to commit to endless episodes, Godless is probably for you. It features a mostly satisfying ending that’s worth your time.
2
Anatomy of a Scandal (2022)
Watch Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix
Based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan, Anatomy of a Scandal is a courtroom drama and psychological thriller that will keep you guessing through its six episodes. It stars Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend as the perfect couple who watch their lives unravel after Friend’s character is accused of rape. Like Godless, Anatomy of a Scandal also features Michelle Dockery, who stars as the prosecutor handling the rape case.
A lot happens during this series, which explores various themes, including consent, class, and the abuse of power. In the end, there’s a well-deserved resolution to the series’ biggest storyline, although many questions remain that could have justified a second season. However, for the most part, it did manage to convey its source material, which means it still works well in just one season.
1
Night Sky (2022)
Watch Night Sky on Amazon Prime Video
Science fiction dramas often aren’t around long enough for their entire story to be told. So is the case for Prime Video’s Night Sky, which starred Academy Award winners Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons as an elderly couple with a massive secret in their backyard: a portal to an alien planet.
Told over eight episodes, Night Sky was a slow-burner that reached its peak at just the right time. Unfortunately, that’s when the series came to an end with apparently no resolution.
Night Sky is absolutely an unfinished series, and I was surprised when its producers weren’t given a second season. So many questions were left unanswered, and it would have been a joy to see Spacek and Simon return and get more screen time together. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. Despite its premature ending, Night Sky is still worth enjoying nonetheless. Please be aware that the ending may disappoint due to its many unresolved stories.
Still not satisfied? Check out Unlock the Hidden Gems: Must-Watch One-Season Wonders You Missed