6 Canceled NBC Shows We Want to Return

NBC has been around for almost 100 years, and a lot of shows have come and gone from the network in the last several decades. Even just recently, the network was brutal in cancellations, while some stuck, others have moved networks or platforms or even got the rare reverse cancellation. But even so, for most, it didn’t last long, and fans were once again left weeping.

There are plenty of shows that have ended prematurely on NBC, many that definitely did not deserve it. Like always, there are too many shows to name them all, but we have narrowed it down to only a handful. So, take a look at just some of the canceled NBC shows that need to come back.

‘Magnum P.I.’

Does it count if a show has been canceled but it’s still airing? After NBC saved action series following its CBS cancellation last year, the reboot got a 20-episode order. Initially, it was to be split into two seasons but has now aired as just Season 5. Although ratings were shaky for its NBC debut and the first 10 episodes, fans thought Thomas and crew still had a chance for another season.

Unfortunately, that didn’t come true. NBC announced earlier this summer, with the final 10 episodes set to premiere as part of NBC’s fall 2023 schedule due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as filming wrapped back in April. Since filming wrapped prior to the cancellation, it’s hard to tell whether there will be a cliffhanger or not. But, it’s pretty likely that most, if not all, stories will remain without closure. Even if it got just one final season to close it out, it would be enough. Alas, it looks like fans will have to deal with yet another Magnum P.I. cancellation.

‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’

Does this one also count if it got a Christmas movie on Roku? Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist lasted for two seasons on NBC before the network canceled it. The musical dramedy got new life on The Roku Channel by way of a Christmas movie, and while there were talks about possibly bringing it back for more, it’s been over a year and a half since Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas aired and nothing since.

While fans did get some closure in the film, it only made fans want even more of Zoey’s. It took the balance of fun and emotions and putting them in song, and it was quite the roller coaster. But now we just need more of it.

‘Good Girls’

Crime dramedy Good Girls was one of the most surprising cancellations in 2021 after NBC axed it after four seasons. While it seemed like the series had a good chance at getting a fifth season since it was one of the more popular shows on the network, that was not the case due to financial problems. Moreover, the studio didn’t even shop it around elsewhere to try to get it picked up, so once the final episodes of Season 4 aired, that was it.

Good Girls‘ cancellation still hurts, and even though it’s been two years, it still would be nice to get some actual conclusion and to see Beth, Annie, and Ruby again. Their stories ended far too soon, and it hurts even more, knowing that it was supposed to get a Season 5.

‘Chicago Justice’

Often the forgotten child of the One Chicago franchise, Chicago Justice. While the show was able to be part of a couple Chicago crossovers, and even with Law & Order: SVU, it seems that Justice wasn’t the right fit. It was likely due to the fact that Law & Order was going strong, and adding yet another legal drama to the mix would be too much.

While the show’s cancellation was able to bring Jon Seda back to Chicago P.D. as Antonio Dawson and add Philip Winchester as Peter Stone to Law & Order: SVU, it was still a disappointment to see Justice end so soon. Since One Chicago is still thriving, perhaps it’s time to bring , or at least some of the characters.

‘Timeless’

Timeless was a true Cinderella story, as the sci-fi drama was canceled by NBC after its first season. Due to an uproar from fans, the network renewed it just three days later for a second season. However, it was canceled again after Season 2, only for NBC to change their minds yet again, ordering a two-part finale to conclude the series a month later.

Timeless coming back years after the show ended would be in appropriate fashion considering its two previous comebacks. There was definitely still much more story to tell with Wyatt, Lucy, and Rufus, and probably many other timelines to save.

‘American Auto’

One of the more recent cancellations workplace sitcom American Auto. The Season 2 finale saw the crew at Payne Motors keep their jobs, as well as CEO Katherine Hastings, and it was only just the beginning for them. While it was nice to see the series end on a good note, the fact that fans won’t be able to see them really thrive is a disappointment.

It may not have been on par with other workplace sitcoms on NBC, such as The Office, Parks and Rec, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but it was still enjoyable. Payne Motors deserved better, and it’s a shame they won’t be able to come back.

Honorable Mentions

• Constantine
• Powerless
• Crisis
• Heroes Reborn
• Law & Order: Trial by Jury
• Grand Crew
• Young Rock
• My Name is Earl