This is the nineteenth category of the 1st Annual AFT Television Awards to be announced. This category is a special one, honoring those shows which failed to live past, or even up to, their initial episode orders. "Threshold", for those who do not know, was a fantastic science fiction drama that premiered in 2005 on CBS and was axed after only nine episodes (the DVD release contains four additional unaired episodes). Led by the great Carla Gugino and featuring a fun cast, the show began with an electrifying pilot surrounding an interesting type of alien invasion strategy. Unfortunately, the show premiered around the same time as two similar sci-fi series, the dreadful "Surface" and the impressive "Invasion". Both those shows outlived "Threshold" but ultimately did not make the cut for a renewal order. "Threshold" was the victim of a bad timeslot, and just to make it worse, CBS decided to renew a staggering six series from the 2005-2006 season. This category was suggested by a friend to be titled the "Firefly" award, but I could not in good conscience name an award after a show I have not yet seen (though I plan to). Thus, I would like to honor the memory of "Threshold" with this award.
To be eligible, shows must have aired anywhere between one and twenty-four episodes and not have been renewed for a second season.
To be eligible, shows must have aired anywhere between one and twenty-four episodes and not have been renewed for a second season.
The "Threshold" Award for Best Cancelled Series
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (ABC)
This quirky comedy was a lot better than critics might have you believe. Jonathan Silverman and David Arquette led an able cast, the standouts of which were supporting players Kelly Hu and Greg Germann. ABC aired 12 of the 13 produced episodes.
THE KNIGHTS OF PROSPERITY (ABC)
This was hyped for a while, and everyone seemed prepared to like it, but when it premiered, it got pulled after only nine episodes. I personally think the show needed work, but it was definitely fun and got better as it went along.
THE NINE (ABC)
ABC really cancels a lot of their good shows, huh? And "Ugly Betty" and "Brothers & Sisters" get undeservingly renewed. "The Nine" started off with a thrilling and promising pilot, faltered and went downhill a bit, but otherwise a great "what happened in there" concept worthy of more than seven episodes. Luckily, ABC has decided to air the remaining six beginning August 1st.
RAINES (NBC)
I am not a fan of "Medium" or "Ghost Whisperer" and their respective leads. This show came as a welcome surprise. While it may have needed a bit of time to develop, its brief midseason seven episodes showed that Jeff Goldblum is fantastic (and a runner-up for my Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominees) and that a cop-talking-to-dead-people show can work.
SMITH (CBS)
This quirky comedy was a lot better than critics might have you believe. Jonathan Silverman and David Arquette led an able cast, the standouts of which were supporting players Kelly Hu and Greg Germann. ABC aired 12 of the 13 produced episodes.
THE KNIGHTS OF PROSPERITY (ABC)
This was hyped for a while, and everyone seemed prepared to like it, but when it premiered, it got pulled after only nine episodes. I personally think the show needed work, but it was definitely fun and got better as it went along.
THE NINE (ABC)
ABC really cancels a lot of their good shows, huh? And "Ugly Betty" and "Brothers & Sisters" get undeservingly renewed. "The Nine" started off with a thrilling and promising pilot, faltered and went downhill a bit, but otherwise a great "what happened in there" concept worthy of more than seven episodes. Luckily, ABC has decided to air the remaining six beginning August 1st.
RAINES (NBC)
I am not a fan of "Medium" or "Ghost Whisperer" and their respective leads. This show came as a welcome surprise. While it may have needed a bit of time to develop, its brief midseason seven episodes showed that Jeff Goldblum is fantastic (and a runner-up for my Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominees) and that a cop-talking-to-dead-people show can work.
SMITH (CBS)
I have previously bemoaned this show's death, due mainly due to its time slot, here. Regardless, this was a fantastic heist drama with a pretty good cast and a lot of potential. Three episodes was so much less than the show deserved. Here's hoping for a DVD release real soon.
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP (NBC)
This is another show I have mentioned a lot. It had a remarkable cast and great premise, but needed a bit more balance to make it truly excellent. NBC did give it a chance, which was good, and a burn-off run in May. It is too bad it did not make it.
And the winner is...
RAINES
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP (NBC)
This is another show I have mentioned a lot. It had a remarkable cast and great premise, but needed a bit more balance to make it truly excellent. NBC did give it a chance, which was good, and a burn-off run in May. It is too bad it did not make it.
And the winner is...
RAINES
Next: Best Comedy Series
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