10 Shows that only got one season to show their greatness 

Usually, a series runs for about 4-5 seasons to develop a mass following and make a special place in the heart of the audience. But sometimes, due to production constraints, filming issues, or other reasons, they get limited - one season and somehow through a limited number of episodes, manage to become highly acclaimed. If you are short on time and need suggestions about binge-watching something on a weekend,

Here is a list of 10 great shows that only ran for a single season.

1) The Queen’s Gambit

Starring none other than, the incredible - Anya Taylor Joy, Queen’s Gambit is a series revolving around the game of chess. It follows the life of - Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy who lives in an orphanage, and her rise to the top in the world of chess championships. The Queen’s Gambit, released on 23 October 2020 is an intriguing show that deals with issues of addiction and mental health and is set against the backdrop of gender discrimination in the 1950s and 60s.

2) The Haunting of Hill House

Available to stream on Netflix - The Haunting of the Hill House blurs the lines between actual demons and the demons created by our brains when one is struggling with grief and is surrounded by fractured family relationships. Set in the year 1992, The Haunting of Hill House, released on 12 October 2018, follows the Crain Family as they move into a new house and begin experiencing paranormal activities that follow them for a long long time.

3) Chernobyl

Chernobyl is based on the real-life Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster that took place in Soviet Ukraine after an explosion of a nuclear power plant reactor. Chernobyl, released on 6 May 2019, creatively and critically manages to capture the consequence of this tragedy, along with different aspects of reactions towards it. It shows how government propagandas during events of mass destruction lead to nothing but human cost and poses a question to the integrity of the ever-growing scientific community.

4) The Last of Us

The Last of Us is a dystopian series, set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a deadly fungal infection has wreaked havoc. This fungal infection, when contracted, turns one into a zombie-like creature. Starring Pedro Pascal as Joel Miler, the story focuses on his character, as he is given the task of transporting a teenage girl called Ellie, who is immune to this fungal infection and can be key to finding a cure. The Last of Us was released on 14 June 2013 and has only one season of thrill and suspense for its viewers.

5) Wednesday

The 2022, Wednesday Series, showcases the life of the much-acclaimed character - Wednesday Addams, daughter of the Addams Family, who is sent to study in the supernatural school - Nevermore Academy. Starring Jenna Ortega in the lead role, Wednesday, released on 23 November 2022, has become a cultural phenomenon as it deals with issues of identity, belonging, family, legacy, and friendship while being adorned in the gothic aesthetic and filled with dark humor.

6) Maid

The one-season series - Maid, is about a young woman who with her daughter, escaped an emotionally abusive relationship. To provide for a better life for her daughter she undertakes a job as a maid and struggles in poverty. Released on 1 October 2021, Maid reflects on what motherhood actually means and how a woman never thinks twice before making a sacrifice for her child. The show also depicts what long-term abuse can do to a person, and the emotional and physical strength required to heal from it.

7) Fool Me Once

Fool Me Once is based on the very famous novel written by Harlan Coben. It is about Maya Stern, who used to be a special forces officer and is now lamenting the loss of her husband while trying to provide for her daughter. Her life comes to a standstill when on a nanny cam, she spots her said, dead husband, very much alive, meeting her daughter. Released on 1 January 2024, Fool Me Once is about trust and betrayal as Maya is on a journey to uncover the secrets kept from her.

8) Normal People

Normal People, starring - Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal, is based on the best-selling novel of the same name, Normal People, by the Irish Author - Sally Rooney. Released on 26 April 2020, Normal People follows the complicated yet passionate relationship of two teenagers, who because of their different social backgrounds and statuses, keep their love story a secret. It follows their life through its many ups and downs and over many years as they both end up becoming each other’s found family.

9) Freaks and Geeks

Another one-season show - Freaks and Geeks, set in the 1980s follows the life of Lindsay Weir, portrayed by Linda Cardellini. Lindsay is smart and intelligent but finds herself friends with opposite rebellious people called - The Freaks. While her younger brother - Sam finds himself in the company of awkward and bullied - Geeks. Released on 25 September 1999, Freaks and Geeks captures the many themes of teenage life and has achieved the status of being called a - cult classic.

10) Life as We Know It

Life as We Know It was another show capturing the essence of teenage life. It was about three friends - Dino, Jonathan, and Ben who despite the various challenges life throws at them, in the end, are always there, supporting each other. Released on 2 October 2010, Life as We Know It touches upon a diverse range of topics like - teenage relationships, friendships, family conflicts, peer pressure, and amidst it all - self-discovery and self-acceptance.