10 Canceled TV Shows That Continued Their Stories in Comics

The connection between television and written works has always been a fruitful experience. Not only do fans get the chance of seeing their favorite stories adapted for a viewing audience but, in rare cases, they also get to follow their favorite characters beyond the borders of a TV screen.

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These select series have the fortune of continuing and concluding their own stories, despite their cancelation from major networks.

10 Jericho (2006)

The short-lived Jericho saw a group of strangers in the titular town unite and strive to survive after a barrage of nuclear attacks on the United States. Throughout its two seasons, the series evaluated the many methods used to forge a community, and raise families, and the risks that come with resource scarcity amid calamities.

A Series That Discovers Itself In the Pages

Despite the second season being favorably reviewed compared to the premiere, the show was canceled due to low ratings. Nonetheless, Devil’s Due Publishing promised fans that the stories would be continued in comic issues, with the third season being released as three issues in 2009. Reimaginations of the third and fourth seasons proved to be critically and commercially successful, satisfying fans while authentically progressing the stories established in the series. Stream Jericho on Paramount+.

Jericho

Release Date: September 20, 2006
Cast: Lennie James , Gerald McRaney , Ashley Scott , Brad Beyer , Kenneth Mitchell
Seasons: 2

9 Farscape (1999)

Farscape focuses on a group of escapees that board a biomechanical entity named “Moya”. Escaping the ironically oppressive and militaristic organization named “The Peacekeepers”. Joined by an Earth-based astronaut named John Crichton (Ben Browder), the newfound team attempts to retain their freedom while also embarking on a series of compelling arcs.

A Trippy Saga in Space

Much like Firefly and Battlestar Galactica, Farscape attempted to solidify itself as a unique sci-fi series, separate from the looming legacy of Star Trek. However, Farscape realizes its true potential with the comic series that followed its cancelation. Both Wild Storm Productions and BOOM! Studios have helped propel the series to new heights and saw the Moya crew in the middle of an interplanetary war while also offering rich, character-driven plots. Stream Farscape on Peacock.

Farscape

5
/5

Release Date: March 19, 1999
Cast: Ben Browder , Claudia Black , Virginia Hey , Anthony Simcoe , Gigi Edgley , Paul Goddard , Lani Tupu , Wayne Pygram , Jonathan Hardy , Tammy MacIntosh , Raelee Hill , Melissa Jaffer , David Franklin , Rebecca Riggs
Main Genre: Sci-Fi
Seasons: 4
Studio: SyFy

8 Dollhouse (2009)

Dollhouse envisions a world where an underground organization relies on “Dolls”, or humans programmed to serve their clients without pause, to assist their wealthy clientele in devious acts. Largely focusing on Echo (Eliza Dushku), her role as a Doll, and her true identity, the show served audiences with an intriguing premise but was ultimately canceled after both of its two seasons were met with middling reviews.

An Ambitious Science Fiction Story About Exploitation

In collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, Dollhouse received a 24-page comic sequel that was sold in tandem with the DVD and Blu-ray disc of the second season. Additionally, the story continued with a one-shot release followed by another sequel that saw the city of Los Angeles destroyed by Dollhouse technology. The many iterations of the series enjoyed positive feedback from fans and critics. Buy Dollhouse On Apple TV+.

Dollhouse

Release Date: February 13, 2009
Seasons: 2

7 Naomi (2022)

Naomi follows the titular teen, a Superman fan (Kaci Wallfall) who comes to realize they share more in common than she thought. After coming across an ominous stranger (Cranston Johnson) who clues her into her true heritage, Naomi conducts her own investigation and is both startled yet seemingly exhilarated by the discovery.

A Worthwhile Expansion of The DC Universe

Despite the success of the Arrowverse on the CW and Ava Duvernay’s role in creating the series, Naomi was canceled after one season due to low ratings. However, Naomi’s introduction to televised audiences was not a decision made in vain. Fully incorporated into the DC Universe, her story continues in several issues, with some finding her confronting Zumbado and others seeing her in Metropolis alongside Superman and Batman. Stream Naomi on Max.

Naomi

Release Date: January 11, 2022
Cast: Kaci Walfall , Mary-Charles Jones , Cranston Johnson
Seasons: 1

6 I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

I Am Not Okay With This follows young, confused teenager Sydney (Sophia Lillis), as she attempts to maneuver around the obstacles that come with puberty, social stratification in a high school building, and the discovery of her telekinetic abilities. Joined by the admittedly awkward Stanley (Wyatt Oleff), the duo attempts to make the most of the newfound information, even if it results in mayhem.

A Spectacular Display of Puberty

The intriguing coming-of-age superhero story was promised a second season, but complications due to the COVID-19 outbreak led to the series’ cancelation. In spite of such news, the Charles Forsman- penned comic book of the same name offers distinctly different and darker plots, while also concluding character arcs that the sole season could not address. Stream I Am Not Okay With This on Netflix.

5 Torchwood (2006)

One of many short-lived Doctor Who spin-offs, Torchwood follows the titular organization that aims to control the chaos that the multiverse has to offer. Led by Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), the rogue agency investigates extraterrestrial activity on Earth in hopes of obtaining alien technology for more selfish aspirations.

An Exciting Addition to a Fascinating Franchise

Despite the cancelation of the series, Torchwood has enjoyed a series of comic adaptations, picking up from its televised conclusion. From the resourceful Torchwood magazine, to publications from Titan Comics, the series has lived on in the pages and panels of exciting comic stories up until 2017, with some characters and plot lines being referenced in the later seasons of Doctor Who. Stream Torchwood on Max.

Torchwood

Release Date: October 22, 2006
Seasons: 4

4 Altered Carbon (2018)

Altered Carbon graced streaming fans with an exhilarating sci-fi noir, centered around the jaded Takeshi Kovacs, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman and Anthony Mackie, respectively. Roped into an elaborate mystery, Kovacs adventures are both entertaining and informative in regard to wealth disparities, corruption, and violence.

A Gory, Gratifying Sleuth Story

After the series was canceled, Altered Carbon received a comic adaptation in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Courtesy of Dynamite Comics, both graphic novels go further in depth with its world-building, the progression of Takeshi’s family, story, and abilities. Stream Altered Carbon on Netflix.

Altered Carbon

Release Date: February 2, 2018
Main Genre: Sci-Fi
Seasons: 1

3 Charmed (1998)

Charmed follows the hectic lives of three sisters who discover they are from a line of powerful witches. The modern look at messianic witches makes light of the various adventures they embark on, while never shying away from the dark drama that permeates within their household and outside of it.

An Entertaining Elixir of Sisterhood and Magic

With permission from CBS, the series was able to adhere to the storylines established in the televised series. Fans were treated with the return of major characters and satisfying story arcs that saw the sisters and their allies fend off terrifying villains, protect the otherwise secret nature of magic, all the while, tending to their respective families. Stream Charmed on Prime Video.

Charmed

Release Date: October 7, 1998
Seasons: 8

2 Xena: Warrior Princess (1997)

Xena: Warrior Princess chronicles the many adventures of the titular heroine, who directs herself down the road to redemption to help remedy a disturbing past. Set in Antiquity, the series includes harrowing gods and monsters alike, some allying with Xena (Lucy Lawless) while others pose as a nuisance.

Mythology Galore with a Riveting Heroine’s Journey

After its conclusion, Topp Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Dynamite Entertainment offered a massive cult following a continuation of their favorite warrior princess’ story. Coupled with its relation to the previous Hercules franchise, and the exciting trials Xena embarks on, the decision was a resounding success commercially and, most importantly, thematically. Stream Xena: Warrior Princess on Prime Video.

1 Smallville (2001)

Smallville stands as one of the most uniquely engaging coming-of-age series to premiere on television. Chronicling Clark Kent’s (Tom Welling) adventures from his high school career into adulthood, the series offers a closer, earnest look into one of the many fictional faces of justice.

The Pinnacle of Superhero Storytelling on Television

After a lengthy run on television, the series was adapted into a comic series, where Clark’s story continues. DC Comics granted fans with the eleventh season adapted into a comic book while also providing additional, exciting stories about other characters in Metropolis like Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum). Stream Smallville on Hulu.