As it goes with every network TV show, the odds of cancellation and being overlooked are high due to the presence of so many options for viewers to watch. The CW has done well overall with hits like Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries, but there are certain shows that either the network has overlooked or the viewers themselves didn’t give much of a chance.
These range from drama, fantasy, comedy, action, to teen romance. Even though some did have relatively long runs, they didn’t get the appreciation they deserved back in the day or don’t for the ones that are still on-air. These hold up pretty well and viewers will certainly enjoy giving them a try. Shows that were under The WB banner have also been considered as The CW is its successor.
Hart Of Dixie (2011 – 2015)
This comedy-drama series starring Rachel Bilson carried a feel-good presentation, with characters’ conflicts largely coming to a peaceful resolution. The main character, Zoe Hart, had to contend with being a medical practitioner in the small town of Bluell after her dreams of thriving in New York didn’t work out.
The show featured numerous love triangles and the characters dealing with word spreading quickly around Bluebell. While the show wasn’t a critical darling, it did have a fanbase, who continue to be interested in where the Hart of Dixie cast is now. Its low stakes and mellow style is good for viewers who don’t want heavy-handed drama, and the series deserves another look.
Katy Keene (2020)
Starring Lucy Hale as the title character, Katy Keene is a spin-off of Riverdale that takes place in New York City and is about four artists trying to make it on Broadway. The series was canceled after just one season but is unique for its massive success with critics.
The show received a 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with its lack of viewership resulting in its cancellation. Katy Keene did tick all the right boxes, having a perfect blend of romance, drama, and musical sequences. Another underrated aspect is its connection to Riverdale, as the series shows Josie McCoy grown up and having undergone significant character development.
What I Like About You (2002 – 2006)
The mark of this show’s quality is that there are plenty of great What I Like About You episodes to enjoy even after so long. The sitcom followed two sisters, with Jennie Garth’s Val being the responsible elder sibling to Amanda Bynes’ fiery younger sister.
The series delivers laughs and a casual teen-comedy atmosphere, which still doesn’t feel dated. However, it ended after a relatively short run despite the straightforward premise, which is too bad since What I Like About You is among the best options for those who enjoy comedy that derives from the chemistry between its cast.
Ringer (2011 – 2012)
A crime thriller detailing the see-saw relationship between twin sisters, Siobhan and Bridget, the series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as both characters. The biggest missed opportunity with Ringer was that the series’ cancellation prevented big-time stars from continuing with the show.
The cast also included the likes of Zoey Deutch, Mike Colter, and Ioan Gruffud, all of whom are well-known names amongst fans. Ringer’s story still holds up as far as intrigue is concerned, as it had Bridget assume Siobhan’s identity after the latter’s disappearance, only to learn that Siobhan’s life is even more dangerous than the one Bridget left behind.
The Carrie Diaries (2013 – 2014)
A prequel to the highly popular HBO series, The Carrie Diaries is a teenage take on the topic of dating and stepping into the real world. It suffered from frequent comparisons to Sex and the City back during its airing, which isn’t fair since the series is meant to appeal to a younger demographic without extreme drama.
It’s also worth noting that, though Carrie Bradshaw’s character hasn’t aged too well for present audiences, her teenage self comes across as a much nicer person, giving the prequel a protagonist worth following. The concept was definitely worth a shot and The Carrie Diaries is harmless fun even now to watch.
Nikita (2010 – 2013)
A surprisingly action-packed series by The CW standards, Nikita was a show that took on a gritty approach that is far more relevant in today’s landscape as shows on streaming services carry similar themes and presentations.
The story is about the titular protagonist’s mission to bring down the same secret agency that trained her after she’s betrayed and Maggie Q’s Nikita vows to fight for things bigger than herself. Another underrated aspect about the series is how it dared to be different at a time when The CW was largely flooded with fantasy shows, as Nikita’s action-thriller elements made it one of a kind.
Penn & Teller: Fool Us (2011 – )
Although this magic competition show has been active for a decade and counting, it doesn’t generally get mentioned among The CW’s most popular offerings. Penn and Teller are also largely known for their live appearances rather than for their own show, which is too bad since they are in full focus here.
The series is intriguing for the fact that the format follows hopeful magicians who seek to fool Penn and Teller by pulling out magical tricks the duo needs to solve. If they are unable to crack it, Penn and Teller have to allow the magician to participate in their live shows.
Reaper (2007 – 2009)
This show follows Bret Harrison after his 21st birthday, when he learns that his soul was traded by his parents to the devil after he was born. Now under the devil’s service, he has to use his new powers to find lost souls and return them to Hell.
Reaper sounds like a generic The CW affair, but it’s worth a watch due to its status as a comedy show. Unlike other shows from the network, this one carries a lighthearted tone and doesn’t take itself too seriously. At a time when The CW’s fanbase was more interested in straight-up fantasies, Reaper couldn’t leave a big impression, but it should make for entertaining television these days thanks to its humorous style.
90210 (2008 – 2013)
Considering the original’s popularity is still so high that fans are interested in things like the ages of the Beverly Hills, 90210’s cast, it was always going to be a steep task for the reboot to match its success. To the follow-up’s credit, it has its own mix of teen drama elements that can very well garner its own fanbase.
The series even had a good run of five seasons, signifying its quality and its underrated quality generally comes from the original’s iconic standing. The reboot similarly follows the lives of wealthy students in high school all the way into college and adulthood, all with their twists and turns in drama and romance.
Girlfriends (2000 – 2008)
Tracee Ellis Ross is largely known due to her role in Black-ish but she tasted success much earlier with Girlfriends. Unfortunately, it didn’t manage to be as massive a series as it could have been during its run, mainly due to The CW not being associated with the sitcom genre.
Its overarching storyline was about a group of friends navigating their love lives in the city, with a number of hiccups along the way. The show couldn’t complete its storylines due to its cancellation but it does deserve credit for consistently delivering laughs along with sticking to the theme of friendship.
