ITV has axed Jericho and fans are not happy. Could it be that broadcasters are not giving new dramas enough time to develop and find an audience? Here's six recent examples of shows TV Times would like to have seen more of…
Do you agree? What have we missed?
Let us know below in our comments section – there's an official TV Times mug for our favourite three comments.
1
Jericho
(One series, 2016)
This was essentially a western set in 1870s Yorkshire so ITV are due credit for trying something a bit different from police procedurals and book adaptations – and, given this was The Wild North, the potential for stories was huge, or so we we thought…
2
Our Zoo
(One series, 2014)
Animals, period detail and Lee Ingleby – Our Zoo had it all! And while one man on a mission to establish a zoo in Cheshire might be a difficult sell that was made easier by the fact it was based on a true story and the zoo's still in business today.
3
Frankie
(One series, 2013)
This one is probably the best of the lot. In District Nurse Frankie Maddox (Eve Myles) , we had a loud, proud and believable lead character with daily challenges and plenty of stories to tell, surrounded by a strong ensemble. And it actually went up in ratings as it went along, BBC1! Tut.
4
Cuffs
(One series, 2015)
Since The Bill was shelved in 2010, it's always felt like another hit long-running primetime police drama will happen sooner or later. BBC1's attempt was this Brighton-based series which had sound stories, a good cast and a fair bit of edge for a pre-watershed show. Not perfect but definitely deserved longer to bed in.
5
The Hour
(Two series, 2011-12)
Big names and big stories set in a tumultuous time for television, news and Britain, BBC2's The Hour might not have been a smash hit but it was a gem that could have sat happily on Netflix basking in acclaim and attracting new fans for years. The chop was particularly annoying given we were left with the cliffhanger of whether or not fan-favourite Freddie (the excellent Ben Wishaw) had died in the final scene of the second (and last) series… And yes, we are STILL waiting BBC bosses! Double tut.
6
The Fades
(One series, 2011)
Despite winning the Best Drama BAFTA in 2012, BBC3's terrific cult thriller was axed after just one series. Rave reviews, a public outcry and an online petition could not save this dark twist on the zombie genre. For shame!
Do you agree? What have we missed?
Let us know below in our comments section – there's an official TV Times mug for our favourite three comments.
