These are television shows where the high concept didn’t warrant the lifespan that they ended up with: shows that outlived their premise and didn’t have any different stories to tell, or shows that played their hand too early and had no cards left up their sleeves.

Whether flawed from conception, poorly plotted and paced, badly executed, or just a great show with a definitive shelf life, these are the television shows that definitely outstayed their welcome.

10. Burn Notice (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php)

9. M*A*S*H (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/2)

8. The Vampire Diaries (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/3)

7. House (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/4)

6. Supernatural (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/5)

5. The Following (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/6)

4. Homeland (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/7)

3. Smallville (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/8)

2. Castle (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/9)

1. Prison Break (http://whatculture.com/tv/10-tv-shows-that-should-have-quit-while-they-were-ahead.php/10)

I don't think M*A*S*H belongs on the list, personally.

Yes, yes, I've read for years the conventional wisdom that the show got worse when it got more serious, but I totally disagree. I think the meaningful episodes were even more effective than the straight comedy ones, because they added a real life dimension to things and made us understand that war, despite some clowning to keep yourself from going insane, is deadly serious business.

And yes, I know the Korean War only lasted three years, while the show ran eleven. So what? Sitcom time has never equaled real time in any other show; why do we expect M*A*S*H to be any different?

And while I loved this show, I would add "The X-Files" to this list. That show ran just about two, possibly, three years too long. Once we knew what happened to Mulder's sister, a lot of steam went out of the show. And once Mulder left, there was absolutely no reason to keep going.

Since there are mostly modern shows listed, I would say WEEDS should also be there. They should have nixed the last two seasons.

I kinda think "All in the Family" and "Laverne & Shirley" should've quit in their last season (Season 9 and Season 8, respectively.) While I adore both shows, I don't *too much* care for their final seasons.

"Happy Days" would be another example. I think Seasons 1-8 are their prime seasons, but I think Seasons 9-11 are okay too.

I also think "The Beverly Hillbillies" shouldn't have lasted as long as it did, even though I adore the show.

I also think "The Simpsons", "The Fairly OddParents" & "SpongeBob SquarePants" shouldn't still be running. They should've ended long ago. The only true Nickelodeon show I like would be "Harvey Beaks."

I kinda think "All in the Family" and "Laverne & Shirley" should've quit in their last season (Season 9 and Season 8, respectively.) While I adore both shows, I don't *too much* care for their final seasons.

"Happy Days" would be another example. I think Seasons 1-8 are their prime seasons, but I think Seasons 9-11 are okay too.

I also think "The Beverly Hillbillies" shouldn't have lasted as long as it did, even though I adore the show.

I also think "The Simpsons", "The Fairly OddParents" & "SpongeBob SquarePants" shouldn't still be running. They should've ended long ago. The only true Nickelodeon show I like would be "Harvey Beaks."
Your'e right about The Simpsons and the 2 Nick shows. The Simpsons 25 years?!! Come on!!

Your'e right about The Simpsons and the 2 Nick shows. The Simpsons 25 years?!! Come on!!

I agree as well...

Once the third wave of Prime-Time Cartoons arrived (which was between 1997 and 2000), The Simpsons lost its humor. Even when other FOX shows ended their first-run...it seems that The Simpsons HAVE to be The Energizer Bunny, they just keep going and going and going and going...

Also...Scooby Doo HAS to end!

Now we all know that cartoon characters don't age but if Bart and Lisa grow into teens, it would at least keep the series fresh.

all the Adult cartoons!!
Bonanza
Gilligan's Island
Designing Women
the Andy Griffith show
Green Acres
all in the family
roseann
one day at a time
Parks and Recreation
Xena: Warrior Princess
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
married with children
modern family
the office
two & half man
lost
schandel
castel
7th heaven
touch by an angel
high way to heaven
Little House on the Prairie
Drop Dead Diva
Boston Legal
buffy the vampire slayer
angel
super natural
vampire diaries
Desperate Housewives
Degrassi
Diagnosis Murder
The Dukes of Hazzard
er
the following
hannibal
judging amy
Miami Vice

I kinda think "All in the Family" and "Laverne & Shirley" should've quit in their last season (Season 9 and Season 8, respectively.) While I adore both shows, I don't *too much* care for their final seasons.

"Happy Days" would be another example. I think Seasons 1-8 are their prime seasons, but I think Seasons 9-11 are okay too.

I also think "The Beverly Hillbillies" shouldn't have lasted as long as it did, even though I adore the show.

I also think "The Simpsons", "The Fairly OddParents" & "SpongeBob SquarePants" shouldn't still be running. They should've ended long ago. The only true Nickelodeon show I like would be "Harvey Beaks."

Totally agree on AITF. To me, once Mike and Gloria left, that should have been the end.

I never watched/liked any of the 10 shows listed in the original post.