TV shows don’t know when to quit.
When ratings are good, networks get greedy and keep shows on the air for longer than they should.
These 15 TV shows would have been the perfect example of a limited series.
However, they were dragged kicking and screaming into second seasons, and beyond.
Riverdale
This show had a tight mystery that was resolved at the close of its freshman season — but then things got completely and utterly ridiculous.
Revenge
Emily Thorne’s revenge plot lasted four seasons. There were some stupid plot twists along the way, and the show was never actually good after the first season. It would have been remembered as a solid show if it was a limited series.
13 Reasons Why
This controversial series was very much good TV in its first season. But then the storyline was dragged on for more seasons. The second focused on a trial and there was nothing to like about it.
Prison Break
For a show that focused on a prison break, it sure featured the same storyline over and over again. That’s because it got four seasons and even a limited-series revival.
Under the Dome
Under the Dome was a surprise success when it debuted. It lasted three seasons, even though it was only supposed to be a one-season thing. In the end, the destruction of the dome was hastily cobbled together because of how late in the game the series was given the pink slip.
UnREAL
This exposé of The Bachelor-like series had an excellent first season, but it suffered from declining quality in subsequent seasons. It was primarily because beyond the dating series setting, there wasn’t much else going on of note.
The Affair
The Affair had a rock-solid storyline that focused on the aftermath of an affair that tears multiple families apart. Things got downright weird in subsequent seasons.
The Killing
The Killing rubbed fans the wrong way when it decided to carry the Season 1 mystery over to its second season, despite viewers being promised all the answers. It was canceled multiple times following its first season, and ultimately lasted four seasons.
How I Met Your Mother
This is a controversial one, but when you consider the amount of filler in the latter seasons as viewers were waiting to find out who the mother was. It would have worked way better as a one-season thing.
Pretty Little Liars
The mystery surrounding A went on for too long and had too many plot holes to take seriously. The liars pointed the finger at so many people that we’re surprised there was anyone to reveal as the villain later in the run of the series.
Scandal
It started as a political thriller about a fixer. It ended as a soapy mess that hadn’t been good in years.
Gossip Girl
The first season was one of the best freshman runs for any TV series. It was all downhill from there, and it would have worked better to unmask Gossip Girl and call it quits while the going was good.
How to Get Away with Murder
Where do we start with this one? After a great murder-mystery, we were given a bunch of terrible mysteries that were filled with unbelievable moments.
Dexter
It started as an innovative drama about a serial killer with a conscience, but the storyline only got more frustrating and convoluted as the years went on.
Lost
The first season was great. It was filled with mystery, but the rest felt like it was trying to shock the audience for the sheer sake of it, plot holes be damned.