Even if a show doesn’t drive huge ratings, it can live on long after its initial run thanks to a devoted fan following. Here we look back on some shows that have remained popular even decades after they first aired.
“Mystery Science Theater 3000”
Aired: 1988-1999
This quirky comedy series followed a man and his two robot sidekicks as they riffed on an endless supply of terrible B-movies. Series creator Joel Hodgson recently held a successful Kickstarter campaign to create a new 14-episode season, now airing on Netflix.
“Veronica Mars”
Aired: 2004-2007
Kristen Bell played a street-smart young crime solver who assisted her father at his private detective agency. The series was revived for a one-off movie in 2014 after a Kickstarter campaign.
“Pushing Daisies”
Aired: 2007-2009
Bryan Fuller created this colorful comedy series starring Lee Pace as a pie maker with the ability to bring people back from the dead.
“Trailer Park Boys”
Aired: 2001-2007, 2014-present
Three friends who loved to curse, drink, and smoke dope tried to get by as petty criminals in a Nova Scotia trailer park. Netflix revived the show in 2014 and has aired three new seasons to date, with more to come.
“Parks & Recreation”
Aired: 2009-2015
Amy Poehler led this smart mockumentary show about the bizarre inhabitants of the local government of Pawnee, Indiana.
“30 Rock”
Aired: 2006-2013
Tina Fey and company won 16 Emmys for this comedy about the staff and stars of an “SNL”-style variety show on NBC.
“Twin Peaks”
Aired: 1990-1991
David Lynch‘s unorthodox murder mystery series only lasted for two seasons, but fans have been rabid about a new season ever since. Showtime answered their prayers and debuted a revival in May.
“Star Trek: The Original Series”
Aired: 1966-1969
Perhaps the cult show to end all cult shows, this iconic sci-fi series only aired for three seasons but spawned five TV spinoffs and 13 feature films to date.
“Doctor Who”
Aired: 1963-1989, 2006-present
Numerous actors have played the titular Doctor in this long-running British series, which has been exported worldwide to incredible success.
“Arrested Development”
Aired: 2003-2006
Ron Howard executive produced and narrated this critically beloved but low-rated comedy series. Netflix brought it back for a fourth season, with plans for a fifth and possibly a film.
“Community”
Aired: 2009-2015
Joel McHale, Chevy Chase, and Ken Jeong were among the stars of this Dan Harmon series about students at a fictional community college who did everything but learn.
“Freaks and Geeks”
Aired: 1999-2000
Judd Apatow assembled much of the crew that would go on to star in many of his future films — including Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jason Segel — in this high school comedy about two disparate groups of friends.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
On the Air: 1997-2003
The world got its first real taste of Joss Whedon in this supernatural drama about a teenage vampire hunter (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who also dealt with high school life and young romance.
“Futurama”
On the Air: 1999-2003, 2009-2013
“Simpsons” creator Matt Groening led this futuristic sci-fi comedy. It folded after just four seasons, but was revived on Comedy Central for three more almost 10 years later.
“Battlestar Galactica”
On the Air: 2004-2009
Edward James Olmos played the commander of an old but tough starship filled with the last remaining human beings searching for a new home. They are pursued across the galaxy by the evil robotic Cylons.
“Firefly”
Aired: 2002-2003
Joss Whedon pops up again as the creator of this sci-fi series about a ragtag group of outlaws aboard a rundown ship on the edge of the galaxy. The cast reunited for the 2005 movie “Serenity.”
“Mr. Show”
Aired: 1995-1998
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross starred in this HBO sketch series. The duo and many of their former co-stars recently reunited for the Netflix show “W/ Bob & David.”
“Kids in the Hall”
Aired: 1988-1994
This Canadian sketch series was known for its strange characters and cross-dressing main cast. The troupe starred in their own film, “Brain Candy,” in 1996.
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus”
Aired: 1969-1974
This British sketch series found big success on PBS in the United States, and the cast went on to star in four films together.
“Xena: Warrior Princess”
Aired: 1995-2001
Lucy Lawless made being a badass look easy as a female warrior looking to right the wrongs of her past. The series was a spinoff of “Hercules” starring Kevin Sorbo.
“Stargate SG-1”
Aired: 1997-2007
Based on the 1994 movie “Stargate,” this series ended up running for over 200 episodes and inspired three TV spinoffs.
“H.R. Pufnstuf”
Aired: 1969
Though it only lasted one season, this children’s show became infamous for what many believed to be drug references hidden throughout each episode.
“Quantum Leap”
Aired: 1989-1993
Scott Bakula starred in this series about a scientist who finds himself randomly leaping through time, striving to put right what once went wrong.
