Top 10 Plot Twists That Couldnt Save Dying Shows

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

The ninth and final season of “Scrubs” saw a complete change of pace and setting. Only a couple of its regular cast members returned, and they’re joined by some newcomers. J.D., Turk, and Dr. Cox are now teachers, mentoring a fresh cast of potential interns. This twist on the formula was as much of a shock to its cast and crew as it was to audiences. After the season 8 finale had done a pretty great job of wrapping everything up, a ninth season was ordered anyway. It wasn’t a disaster of a season, but it was clear “Scrubs” had run its course. This fresh twist didn’t win back many viewers, and the show was finally canceled.

“House of Cards” (2013-18)

This Netflix original lost a lot of steam once its lead finally assumed the presidency at the end of season 2. But it took three seasons for Claire Underwood to prove as ruthless as her cold-blooded husband. The penultimate season ends with Claire becoming president, and refusing to pardon Frank Underwood for his crimes. She even steals his shtick of addressing the audience directly. These moments announced a shift away from Frank Underwood’s evil machinations, placing the story in her hands. But this perspective-shifting twist couldn’t save “House of Cards” from its behind-the-scenes scandals. Misconduct allegations against star Kevin Spacey cast a shadow over the whole series, leading to his firing. But by then, the novelty of Netflix’s first legitimate hit had worn off.

“That ‘70s Show” (1998-2006)

After seven seasons as series regulars, Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher found bigger and better roles that required them to leave the show. Both were written out at the end of season seven. Eric Forman’s announcement that he is going to Africa puts a tremendous strain on his relationship with Donna. Meanwhile, Kelso’s decision to move to Chicago is dragged into the final season, fueling the love triangle between him, Jackie, and Hyde. Even before Grace and Kutcher left, the show had slipped in the ratings. Not even a few new characters and the ringing in of the 1980s could bring viewers back to finish out the journey.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2004)

Fans were left in complete shock and disbelief when Buffy Summers threw herself into a portal to save her sister, Dawn. Given that writer and creator Joss Whedon initially thought up the season 5 finale to serve as the very last episode of the show, there was a lot to explain once Buffy returned the next year. Her resurrection got a mixed response from fans. On the one hand, it was great to see Buffy and the Scooby Gang back in action. On the other hand, the show’s tone and direction shifted to something even darker once Buffy was brought back to life, which proved somewhat divisive.

“Dexter” (2006-13)

Audiences were shocked enough when Debra Morgan’s psychiatrist pointed out that she may be in love with her adoptive brother, Dexter. But that pales in comparison to when, a few episodes later, the homicide detective also discovers Dexter’s dark side. The whole premise of the show is upended with this revelation. It’s Dexter’s double life that fuels so much of the show’s drama, and the overall suspense is severely impacted by the twist. Dedicated fans stayed with the Showtime drama for its two final seasons. And those same fans and other viewers who stuck around to see how it all unfolded know that the show ran out of steam, limping to a widely hated series finale.

“Riverdale” (2017-23)

Yes, the CW’s Archie Comics adaptation took its fair share of big swings, but by season 6, viewership was down, and the wheels had finally come off. The sixth season adds witchcraft, superpowers, and time travel into the mix, seeing the characters conquering time loops and parallel universes. After a bomb planted by Hiram Lodge goes off in Archie Andrews’ bedroom, the entire town is thrown into a parallel version of Riverdale called “Rivervale.” Anyone with even a little awareness of “Riverdale” probably wouldn’t find it hard to believe that it went off the rails. They might be surprised just how long it actually took though.

“Gilmore Girls” (2000-07)

It isn’t just Lorelai Gilmore’s caffeine habit that keeps her coming back to the diner owned by surly Luke Danes. To everyone’s relief, they finally get together halfway through the series run. Unfortunately, it all falls apart, and it’s all April Nardini’s fault. When the brainy April walks into the diner and tells Luke he’s her father, you can hear millions of fans groan. Many even blame April for killing the show, but she was just a misguided solution to the show’s problems. The show’s central mother-daughter relationship was on the rocks by then, and this extra complication made it seem as if the writers had completely run out of ideas.

“Dallas” (1978-91)

Killing off a major character is a big deal. But that shock is made worse when a show pulls an “lol jk” after they do it. “Dallas” shocked everyone by writing off Bobby Ewing in a car accident at the end of season 8. The next season shows the wealthy Ewing Family having to move on without him. However, this is then followed by another twist at the end of the ninth season. Bobby is revealed to be alive, and all the storylines we’ve been following the whole year are revealed to be a dream. The show would continue for a few more seasons, but the season-ending twist paled in comparison to the famous “who shot J.R.?” cliffhanger that captivated the world years before.

“Roseanne” (1988-97; 2018)

For most of its run, this working class sitcom sat comfortably at the top of the ratings. But in its ninth and (initially) final season, “Roseanne” tanked its credibility and alienated its loyal following. The Conner Family were relatable because of their working class struggles. Seeing them win the lottery changed everything the show was about. The storylines became more and more experimental, if not downright nonsensical. In its original series finale, Roseanne herself reveals that the whole show is actually a fictionalized version of her life, and they never won the lottery at all. The revelation doesn’t make the season any less of a bummer. Everything that happened post-lottery was erased when the show was revived in 2018.

“The Brady Bunch” (1969-74)

The six Brady kids couldn’t help growing up, but the show’s appeal lay in its young audience. Cousin Oliver was the solution. Anyone who knows anything about “The Brady Bunch” knows how that decision turned out. In season 5, the Bradys are saddled with Carol’s nephew Oliver while his parents are away. The bespectacled blonde boy can’t help but be a disaster on two legs, causing chaos wherever he goes. He was also a massive flop with the audience. “The Brady Bunch” was put out of its misery just a few episodes later. Although Cousin Oliver is often blamed for killing the show, it was the show’s declining ratings that made him necessary in the first place. Still, he certainly didn’t help.