The entertainment industry offers mountains of content for audiences to devour. All streaming services and the cinema continuously produce new films and television programs; it takes a lot of work to keep up with everything. There's always something new and old to watch, even as fans check out a particular gem on Netflix or Shudder.
Television is quite extensive and varied here. Not only do audiences absorb content released today, but they also backtrack to familiar shows. It becomes a never-ending display of tug-of-war between the time on the clock and the visual stories the public follows.
What's worse, some streaming services omit certain shows from their libraries. Disney+ and Max stripped away some content, leaving only telephilias to rely on research and boxed collections at home. Before history forgets more televised tales, viewers must remember these shows before no one else does.
Angela Anaconda (1999-2001)
Growing up is a trip, and television programs help audiences better understand the mystery of an evolving human being. However, fans feel strange whenever Angela Anaconda pops up in conversation or online. The show's cutout animation elicits a shared fever dream many can't wake up from. It aired on the Fox Family and Cartoon Network channels for three seasons.
Though Angela Anaconda‘s black-and-white imagery looks familiar, many struggle with recalling the show's title. With 65-produced episodes, fans can't begin telling their friends what goes down in Angela's life. Aside from the catchy “My Name is Angela Anaconda” theme, its plotlines fizzled from the market's demand for cool animation.
Mummies Alive (1997)
Angela Anaconda shined for three seasons, yet audiences needed to invest more in another 90s cartoon: Mummies Alive. DIC Productions and Northern Lights Entertainment assembled to join in on the “mummymania” frenzy of the 90s with Mummies Alive. This new animated series capitalized on the wonders of ancient Egypt as it aired on multiple networks via syndication.
While children mildly learned about ancient Egyptians, Mummies Alive did little to garner rewarding ratings. Despite delivering 42 complete episodes across television networks, it aired for only one season. With how interconnected the animation world is, it's shocking many don't recall or hear about Mummies Alive today. Frankly, fans remember Recess more than the short-lived Mummies-centered animation.
Encyclopedia Brown (1989)
Single-season shows develop a cult following or collect dust on history's overcrowded shelves. The latter sadly applies to Encyclopedia Brown, which colorfully adapted the children's books into a live-action family show. It features actor Scott Bremner in the lead role as he investigates different issues in his town of Idaville. With each episode dedicating a storyline to a separate subject, young viewers join in on the fun when it aired on HBO.
Unfortunately, Encyclopedia Brown settled its case and stayed in the books. With only one season, the show disappeared into HBO's pile of forgotten shows. Due to legal tussles concerning character rights, Encyclopedia Brown also runs into issues with a film adaptation. Compared to other children's series, producers rarely pick up the file.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2009)
Like Encyclopedia Brown, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency faced similar closures. Adapted from a book series for HBO programming, the show follows Mma Ramotswe and her titular agency's origins. Filming in Botswana provided authentic locations for crewmembers to work their magic. The show offers the right ingredients for hungry HBO subscribers eager for new content.
Despite accumulating positive reviews, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency ceased operations after one season. The singular season consisted of seven episodes (one of which included a 109-minute pilot). It premiered in 2008, yet it's one cold case many must reconsider before HBO forgets about it entirely.
She’s the Sheriff (1987-1989)
Actress Suzanne Somers readied herself for another television role as Hildy Granger in She's the Sheriff. Premiering in 1987, Granger juggled multiple struggles as she assumed her recently deceased husband's duties as Lakes County Sheriff. Hilarity ensued for two seasons, spearheaded by a syndication formula for everyone's amusem*nt.
However, She's the Sheriff's reception dwindled, leading to poor ratings and less public interest. Lorimar Television moved on from the Somers-led show, opening the doorway for programs like Full House to flourish. Now, it seems only the more educated crowds connect with Somers' deep cuts more than other groups.
Three’s a Crowd (1984-1985)
Everyone recognizes Three's Company merely by name, if not by nature. ABC launched the hit sitcom in 1977, producing eight seasons to immense popularity. Some may not know that Three's Company spawned some spin-offs, including the appropriately named Three's a Crowd. It brought John Ritter's Jack Tripper into new situations involving his love interest (played by Mary Cadorette).
In some ways, Jack Tripper's complicated love life spelled charming outcomes for the character and his companions. In many other ways, audiences didn't see eye-to-eye with this particular continuation. Ratings fell, and Three's a Crowd ended after its one-season run. Plex servers likely include this forgotten show, yet chances remain low given today's overstuffed climate.
McEnroe (2004)
When there's a John Ritter in the world, there's also a John McEnroe. The notorious tennis player excels in infuriating critics, sports officials, and anyone else he encounters. Despite his confrontational attitude, McEnroe believed in hosting a talk show via CNBC under his name. As such, McEnroe launched his self-titled conversation program in 2004.
Accompanied by sidekick John Fugelsang, John McEnroe bored viewers and television critics. Twice, McEnroe received the dreaded 0.0 Nielsen rating, ultimately leading to its downfall months after debuting in the summer of 2004. The tennis world is massive, yet parts of its dedicated fanbase often overlook McEnroe's failed talk program.
Joanie Loves Chachi (1982-1983)
Film and television spin-offs present themselves as gambles in entertainment. Judged by a mix of audience ratings and critic reviews, a spin-off either thrives or disintegrates. Unfortunately, Joanie Loves Chachi‘s case is the latter, with only 17 episodes on ABC's network. Even if it's a Happy Days connection, Joanie Loves Chachi succeeded very little in attracting fans.
Regarding the show's cancellation, fans grew uninterested in its limited story threads involving Chachi Arcola and Joanie Cunningham. The pair returned to Happy Days, though its finale premiered just one year later. While many know of Happy Days by name, some recognize the title Joanie Loves Chachi when Ben Stiller's character utters it in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
My Secret Identity (1988-1991)
Actor Jerry O'Connell shines as a comedy actor in film and television. Audiences watched as he starred in a multitude of roles, including one as Andrew Clements in My Secret Identity. It's one of O'Connell's earlier gigs in 1988, years before his reliable voice talents as Clark Kent/Superman dominated DC animated projects. In My Secret Identity, O'Connell coincidentally stars as a boy who develops fantastic superhero powers.
Only a few fans recall My Secret Identity‘s runtime from the previous century. The show generated 72 episodes under a 3-season structure, airing in the U.S. via syndication and in Canada via CTV. In other words, the show provided extensive availability, yet viewers stayed silent regarding identifying unique superhero shows.
Square Pegs (1982-1983)
While Jerry O'Connell delights television viewers with superhero abilities, Sarah Jessica Parker bewitches them in Square Pegs. Starring alongside Amy Linker, the two actresses explore droll high school scenarios in the 1980s. From losing oneself in the Pac-Man video game to school newspaper investigations, Square Pegs caters to the younger folks.
Awkwardly, plans didn't go as prepared, a sentiment many share when considering high school. Square Pegs didn't provide enough homework to lure observers, with only one season for show and tell. The show's two main stars found work elsewhere, leaving Square Pegs in the past. Chances stand extremely low if fans anticipate any sort of high school reunion.
Bug Juice (1998-2001)
Producer J. Rupert Thompson's résumé extends across various notable television programs. His credits include Fear Factor, American Gladiators, Wipeout, and the infamous Kid Nation show. Another project he constructed involved fellow creator Douglas Ross with Bug Juice, a reality program for the Disney Channel.
Focusing on multiple kids and their activities at summer camp, Bug Juice aired as a breath of fresh air from Disney's usual scheduling. While Bug Juice ran for only three seasons, a 2018 revival welcomed back interest in young viewers. Though the revival (Bug Juice: My Adventures at Camp) aired for one season, Bug Juice is seldom mentioned among Disney fans.
Gullah Gullah Island (1994-2000)
Nickelodeon also dabbles in safe television territory with its share of children's programming. In addition to PBS and Disney, Nickelodeon produced various shows for young audiences. One of these shows premiered as Gullah Gullah Island, a musical series for the Nick Jr. block. Not only is the show inspired by the Gullah culture of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, but it also showcases many catchy tunes.
It's hard to admit how Gullah Gullah Island sank. No clear source explains the show's conclusion, though some suspect Nickelodeon's increasing interest in animation shortened the show's lifetime. Be that as it may, only a few recall Ron and Natalie Daise's time on Gullah Gullah Island.
Freakazoid (1995-1997)
Warner Bros. Animation is another company fans reference when reviewing older television shows. The animation studio gifted audiences numerous classics, including Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain. Another slice of entertainment from Warner Bros. Animation involves the Tom Ruegger-developed Freakazoid. Acting as the third collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Amblin Television, Freakazoid administered all the right elements for a promising cartoon.
Unlike other Warner Bros. Animation shows, Freakazoid failed in the late 1990s. Ratings fell below expectations, and the show lasted for two seasons. Though animation outlets might remember this cartoon, only a handful of fans might recognize its existence. Everyone developed intense fanbases for other Warner Bros. Animation series, leaving Freakazoid behind in the abyss of forgotten entertainment.
Waynehead (1997-1998)
Speaking of forgotten animation, Waynehead is another show everyone seemingly forgot about. Captained by Damon Wayans of the Wayans family, Waynehead follows Damey Wayne (voiced by Orlando Brown) and his Chelsea, Manhattan upbringing. Damon Wayans pulled threads from his childhood into the show, adding a sense of authenticity to the animation.
However, Damon Wayans only worked with a single season of Waynehead before Warner Bros. axed its programming. Though it featured hilarious voice talent, Warner Bros. believed Waynehead “wasn’t black enough,” frustrating Wayans. The company pointed at low ratings, yet who knows in such a complex visual environment? Luckily, Wayans succeeded with his My Wife and Kids show, which ran for five seasons on ABC.
Radio Free Roscoe (2003-2006)
Starting an underground radio station with some friends is a recipe for creating new memories. This premise inspired Doug McRobb and Will McRobb to create Radio Free Roscoe for the Family Channel in Canada. Centered around a group of rebellious teens who develop a pirate radio station, Radio Free Roscoe tuned in for the young ones looking for a splash of teenage bravery.
However, just like high school, all things must end. Radio Free Roscoe aired four seasons until the Noggin channel slashed funding. Reruns continued playing on specific networks, but the show fails to interest viewers today who search for forgotten television content. Instead, many turn to Degrassi when viewers must confront their high school dilemmas.
Strange Days at Blake Holsey High (2002-2006)
Some high schools focus on typical teenage problems, while others, like Blake Holsey High, explore fictional mysteries. Entitled Stange Days at Blake Holsey High, the show's premise follows a talented Science Club manifesting solutions for various weird complications. From a wormhole on school property to villainous robots, the Science Club encounters many engaging problems families adored.
After three seasons, Strange Days at Blake Holsey High closed down. When its production company, Fireworks Entertainment, shut its door, it followed suit, leaving all enthusiasm for more sci-fi adventures behind. Granted, the Echoes web series continues the story Strange Days commenced, yet outlets barely mention it.
