I’m asking dopers to remember short lived but profoundly influential TV shows, or shows that had an impact more profound on the cultural memory than their relatively brief status on TV would indicate.
Some examples: certain BBC plays of the week, which were one-offs, like Cathy Come Home have been profoundly influential, or The Prisoner which has a reputation and mystique which seems to be magnified by the vexing unanswered questions the show left. Or even this 38 episode wonder which has left an indelible stamp on the popular memory of a generation.
What other short lived series have cast so long a shadow?
Your link says Gilligan’s Island ran for 98 episodes. Which is a pretty respectable run for a TV show.
I also think in 5 years Arrested Development will be a television footnote. No influence for you!
As for me, call me a Whedon-obsessed fanboy, but I think Firefly will hold a place in people’s hearts for years to come. Not necessarily because of an increase in Western Sci-Fi, but because all of the actors are moving on to bigger and better things. And Firefly is the jumping off point for a lot of these people (Adam Baldwin and Ron Glass notwithstanding).
Homefront was a fan favorite, so much so that I’ve heard that Dear Abby , the columnist, even lobbied for it’s renewal.
I do not know if this is true but I loved the series and wish it were in syndication right now. I really do miss this show.
