http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php

In an age of Netflix releasing all the episodes of its original series in one go the old idea of TV shows releasing a single episode a week feels rather antiquated. Far from just taking advantage of the convenience of not having to adhere to air-times (streaming is, after all, 24/7), it allows for a much higher level of creativity – you don’t have production running into the release window, where episodes are made after the initial reaction is known. It’s a similar approach that has allowed shows from the likes of HBO to prompt the “better than movies” argument.

Still, over the course of seasons it’s impossible to live in a bubble, particularly with armchair critics making their feelings known in droves online, and unfortunately, rather than sticking to their laurels, TV writers and producers can all too often buckle to (or under) fan pressure. Although it’s all based out of love of the product, extreme popularity can actually destroy the series it’s aimed at.

Today we bring you ten shows that were utterly ruined by their popularity. Maybe their existence was dragged out at the behest of the fans, or the writers got totally overwhelmed by their plaudits, but something went wrong and formerly awesome series ended up spiraling downwards.

We’re discussing the whole plots of completed shows and incredibly recent developments for those that are still airing so naturally spoilers abound.

10. Heroes (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/2)

9. True Detective (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/3)

8. The Simpsons (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/4)

7. Homeland (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/5)

6. The Big Bang Theory (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/6)

5. Doctor Who (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/7)

4. Twin Peaks (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/8)

3. Dallas (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/9)

2. How I Met Your Mother (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/10)

1. Lost (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-ruined-by-their-own-popularity.php/11)

The Simpsons should be at #1.

I agree about TBBT, on other hand Twin Peaks was never that popular, only critics and mainstream media were gushing all over it, "It was all a dream" in Dallas happened in 8th or 9th season, so its quality was bound to decline eventually, also this was the time when prime-time soap operas were waning in popularity.

I think most of the opinions about Doctor Who are largely from UK fans who feel other fans from around the world, specifically Americans, shouldn't embrace the show, that it should be left as something for only Brits to enjoy, or it risks becoming too Americanized.

I have only seen two of these shows, Simpsons and TBBT.

My nomination that wasn't on the list is the game show...........

"Who wants to be a Millionaire".

This program (with Regis Philbin of all people as host) was so popular that ABC, which at the time wasn't doing so great with their other programming, expanded the show to like four "special" nights. During those dark times, I wanted to strangle anyone who asked "Is that your final answer?"

Not to mention that CBS and NBC tried to capitalize on it. CBS wheeled out that old fossil Dick Clark to do something called "Winning Lines" while NBC did a remake of "21" hosted by.....wait for it.....Maury Povich! Both died pretty quickly. NBC is still trying to do the game show thing, one with that dude who was on St. Elsewhere (he is bald with a child sized Hitler mustache under his chin) and something called Hollywood Game Night with Jane Lynch.

Then the viewer got burned out of the Millionaire show to ABC's horror which almost sunk the network because they had too much faith on the longevity of Millionaire and they did not really have anything else lined up. Probably an important lesson for TV programmers. Do not put all eggs in one basket. Do not expect one show to carry the whole network. Even NBC is not that dumb. Can't really blame them, Millionaire was a #1 show and people wanted more, so why not have four nights of it? Cheap to make, much cheaper than a scripted drama or comedy. The network did not count on the concept being a fad and people would lose interest. The game show "The Price is Right" which has been on CBS Daytime for 2,136 years, more or less failed when CBS tried a prime time show back in the 1970's.

I think Millionaire is still around in the daytime (I think) with Meredith Viera or some news chick doing it. Personally, I disliked the Millionaire show for the pacing, very slow, and lots of easy questions in the early rounds, and again, everytime, and I mean every freaking time a contestant gave an answer...the whole "Is that your final answer?" "Yes. Dinghole, it is, or I would not say it!"

I have only seen two of these shows, Simpsons and TBBT.

My nomination that wasn't on the list is the game show...........

"Who wants to be a Millionaire".

This program (with Regis Philbin of all people as host) was so popular that ABC, which at the time wasn't doing so great with their other programming, expanded the show to like four "special" nights. During those dark times, I wanted to strangle anyone who asked "Is that your final answer?"

Not to mention that CBS and NBC tried to capitalize on it. CBS wheeled out that old fossil Dick Clark to do something called "Winning Lines" while NBC did a remake of "21" hosted by.....wait for it.....Maury Povich! Both died pretty quickly. NBC is still trying to do the game show thing, one with that dude who was on St. Elsewhere (he is bald with a child sized Hitler mustache under his chin) and something called Hollywood Game Night with Jane Lynch.

Then the viewer got burned out of the Millionaire show to ABC's horror which almost sunk the network because they had too much faith on the longevity of Millionaire and they did not really have anything else lined up. Probably an important lesson for TV programmers.

I think Millionaire is still around in the daytime (I think) with Meredith Viera or some news chick doing it. Personally, I disliked the Millionaire show for the pacing, very slow, and lots of easy questions in the early rounds, and again, everytime, and I mean every freaking time a contestant gave an answer...the whole "Is that your final answer?" "Yes. Dinghole, it is, or I would not say it!"

Two series come to mind: Melrose Place and it's predecessor, Beverly Hills 90210. Both shows became so overwhelmingly popular that producers had to top themselves every season; causing in my mind, some questionable storylines, characters and plot-points.

Both shows stayed on-air long after they reached their peaks. Especially BH90210 which was a shadow of its former self by the end.


I would also mention South Park, which I think has likely past its prime.

and lastly, I'll mention Family Guy, The Real World and Ally McBeal. All shows that had serious issues maintaining their quality for long. TRW which started as a unique concept eventually evolved into a cliche of itself and became "like every other reality show on tv". Ally McBeal was unable to maintain it's quirk and charm and became too absurd; in a mission to maintain its ratings it sacrificed quality for headlines; and lastly, Family Guy which I think now settles for shock and attention than actual substance.

grey's anatomy
american idol
family guy
the simpsons
lost
ugly betty
most reality shows
south park
glee
ally mcbeal

"Two and a Half Men" should be on this list because Charlie Sheen got so damn full of himself and Angus T. Jones left because of immorality (I've watched the show and all it's about is sex)!

"Sesame Street" only because of Elmo!

And...Reality Shows! No need to explain!