The 5 best TV shows you might not know (that were also cancelled too soon)

Whenever someone asks me if I prefer TV or movies, I always go with TV. I like my visual entertainment in short, episodic packages because unlike feature-length films, TV allows both characters and storylines to develop over a longer time. Plots (and subplots) can last one episode, or they can last the entire length of the show. Characters can date around, introducing viewers to a plethora of new people. Or maybe the gang decides to go to Hawaii for a special two-part episode. The possibilities are endless! Well, at least until the show gets cancelled. Booooo.
Of course, sometimes TV shows get too carried away with the idea of "endless possibilities" and wind up jumping the shark*. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, there exists a number of shows that were axed before their prime, like Firefly and Firefly, or the cult classic Firefly. We all miss Firefly, but this post isn't about Firefly. Instead, let's focus on some cancelled-too-early shows you might have missed:

* Caution! Clicking on this link will open the TV Tropes entry on Jumping the Shark, meaning you are at risk for getting sucked into the Tropehole and have little to no chance of ever escaping. Only the strong will be able to only read a few entries before breaking away from the computer. You have been warned.

Party Down

source: eonline.com

Number of Seasons: 2
Why it was great: Despite the fact that it was on the Starz channel, it was the perfect comedy for every young adult in America. The show follows a group of Hollywood burnouts who work at Party Down, a catering company. Adam Scott plays Henry Pollard, a washed up actor who can't shake off his only role (although you never see the actual beer commercial, every time you hear "Are we having fun yet?" you feel like you've seen it a million times.) Other cast staples include Lizzy Caplan, Ken Marino, Jane Lynch, and Martin Starr.
Each episode has the group catering a different event, allowing for a variety of fresh environments and an abundance of cameo appearances. Also, it's fucking hilarious. Party Down is packed with dry humor and quick wit.
Where you can watch it: Amaon Prime (paid) or Hulu Plus
Clip:

Don't Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23

Source: tvguide.com

# of Seasons: 2
Why it was great: It's a show about two girls, but it's not inherently a "girly" show - not that there's anything wrong with being girly, but some people are put off by it. Yes, it's about a Bitch (Krysten Ritter of "Breaking Bad" fame as Chloe), but that Bitch rules, and the dynamic between her and her roommate, June, puts a fresh spin on the straight man/foil pairing. Dont Trust the B-- also launched Eric Andre's career, and if you watched The Eric Andre Show before DTTB, he's almost unrecognizable. Oh, and James Van Der Beek plays a washed up version of himself, and it's pretty fantastic. My S.O. and I aren't fans of Dawson's Creek or Varsity Blues but we got a huge kick out of The Beek.
Clip:

Bored to Death

Source: www.play.google.com

# of Seasons: 3
Why it was great: Jason Schwartzman plays Jonathan Ames, a struggling writer who decides to become a private detective after his girlfriend dumps him. Jonathan's best friends are Zach Galifinakas as Ray, a comic book artist and Ted Danson as George, a rich editor. Each episode follows the nerdy, but affable Jonathan on a different case, usually with disastrous results. It becomes abundantly clear to Jonathan that being a detective for hire via Brooklyn Craigslist ads is nothing like the classic noir films and novels he's so fond of, but he peppers on, weaving through the show's quick-witted dialogue and assortment of New York weirdos. It's important to note that even when Bored to Death gets wacky and zany, all of it feels so real. It's an incredibly thought-out show.
Where you can watch it: Amazon Prime
Clip:

Flight of the Conchords

# of Seasons: 2
Why it was great: Okay, so this one is kind of a stretch because FoTC is probably the most well-known show on the list. But I'm just gonna pretend that you haven't heard the musical stylings of Bret and Jermaine so I can talk about them for a moment.
Now, I'm not normally a fan of musical comedy. I think it's restrictive and predictable. But Flight of The Conchords (the name of the band and the show) is different in that their songs don't necessarily stand alone; instead, relying on the context of the show's events. That makes it sound bad, doesn't it? Well, it's not bad. These New Zealanders know how to both rock and roll. Also, Arj Barker plays Dave, the douchebag, deadbeat "friend" to the 'Chords, and Kristen Schaal plays Mel, the duo's number one fan forever/stalker. Both characters are equally pee-your-pants funny.
Where you can watch it: Nowhere! Well, at least not on Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Netflix, so that means it's okay to use one of those "Is this legal or not?" European streaming sites.
Clip: Spoiler alert! This is the ending to the "Racism" episode, my personal favorite.

Better Off Ted

Source: simplysyndicated.com

# of Seasons: 2
Why it was great: Oh Portia De Rossi, you are no stranger to short lived cult TV shows (grumble grumble Arrested Development grumble.) While Arrested Development's Lindsay Bluth has some similar traits to Veronica in Better Off Ted, her role as Ted's boss really flexes her "lovable sociopath" muscles.
The show centers around Veridian Dynamics, a truly evil and soulless corporation filled to the brim with cynical employees. Even though the show teeters on the hyper-unrealistic (weaponized pumpkins and cryogenic chambers are the norm in this universe), Better Off Ted's characters and their interactions are relatable enough to make you believe.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Clip: Two clips! The first is a Veridian Dynamics "commercial," and the second is a clip from the actual show. Enjoy!