8 Declining TV Shows Save By 1 Great Storyline

Summary Show storylines can be saved by strong characters like Ben & Chris in Parks and Recreation.

Avoiding unnecessary arcs like Rachel & Joey on Friends can help shows maintain viewer interest.

Rebranding, like Lucifer leaning into supernatural elements, can renew a show's success.

TV shows have plenty of ups and downs, but one great storyline can easily save a declining TV series. There are many ways that a show can begin to fail, whether it's due to a fall in critical reception or a dip in ratings. Toward the end of a series, when the writers and creators are running out of ideas, they might incorporate random and inconsistent plot points that are built to fail, which can upset viewers and critics. However, if the show has been on the air for long enough it can reestablish its ability to succeed.

However, the mark of a strong show is how well it can bounce back from near failure and put the show back on track for the future.

For the many storylines that save a show, there are just as many that push TV series to the brink of destruction. Often, show storylines are ruined by actor exits, as writers can't always prepare for an instrumental character leaving the series amidst an important arc. However, the mark of a strong show is how well it can bounce back from near failure and put the show back on track for the future. With any luck, it's only the good narrative arcs that viewers remember and if the show moves on quickly enough, it can achieve this.

Related 10 TV Shows That Were Saved By One Perfect Casting Change Recasting an actor on a TV series doesn't mean that a character is gone forever, and sometimes, the new actor brings a fresh take on the role.

8 Ben & Chris' Introduction - Parks And Recreation (2009–2015)

Two of the best characters who were added after season 1

Close

The end of Parks and Recreation season 2 saw big changes for the show in terms of tone, plot, and characters. Season 2 was a vast improvement from the poorly received season 1, but the series still had a ratings problem it needed to fix. They achieved this by cutting the straight-man character, Mark, and adding two characters that served a similar purpose, but created more opportunities for humor; Ben and Chris. Additionally, the show used these shifts to accompany a massive change in Leslie's characterization and development.

Ben and Chris became two enormously important characters on the show as Ben was Leslie's main love interest who she later married. Additionally, Chris went on to be Ann's partner, and both characters created tension and humor in places that Parks and Recreation lacked before. Parks and Recreation would go on for a total of seven seasons and establish itself as a unique blend of heart and humor on television that audiences responded well to.

Parks and Recreation Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available This political sitcom full of humor and heart follows the adventures of Leslie Knope, deputy director of the Parks Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Every week holds a new crisis of small-town politics, but Leslie and her friends work tirelessly to make Pawnee — and the world — a better place. Cast Amy Poehler , Nick Offerman , ​Chris Pratt2 , Aubrey Plaza , Adam Scott , Rashida Jones , Retta , Jim O'Heir , Aziz Ansari , Rob Lowe Release Date April 9, 2009 Seasons 7 Network NBC Directors Michael Schur Showrunner Michael Schur Expand

7 Rachel & Joey Break Up - Friends (1994–2004)

The much-needed end to a pointless and uncomfortable romance

Close

Love them or hate them, Ross and Rachel were always set up to be together on Friends, and most of their other relationships were merely a stalling tactic to keep them apart.

Love them or hate them, Ross and Rachel were always set up to be together on Friends, and most of their other relationships were merely a stalling tactic to keep them apart. Their will-they-won't-they storyline on the TV show is a classic element of sitcoms both then and now, and seeing them get together at the end of the series was satisfying for audiences. However, the relationship between Rachel and Joey nearly ruined everything, as it tainted their friendship and drove an unnecessary wedge between Ross and Rachel.

Luckily, it didn't take long for the show to scrap this plot point and start fresh in season 10, as it was the final season of the show, and they needed to go off on a high point. After essentially pretending that the Rachel and Joey relationship never happened, the series pivoted to Monica and Chandler moving out of the city, and all of the characters taking steps to move on and enter a new phase of life. This eventually led to Rachel and Ross declaring their feelings for each other and deciding to give their relationship another shot.

Friends Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Friends is the popular sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, released back in 1994 and ran for ten seasons. The show follows a group of six twentysomethings through their lives in New York City and their time spent between their two apartments and their local coffee shop. The show features the group navigating tricky relationships with one another and comical misadventures. Cast Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry , David Schwimmer Release Date September 22, 1994 Seasons 10 Network NBC Writers David Crane , Marta Kauffman Directors David Crane , Marta Kauffman Showrunner Marta Kauffman Expand

6 The Gentlemen & Tara - Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

A standout episode in a lackluster season & an incredible new character

Close

Willow and Tara's relationship in Buffy The Vampire Slayer is one of the bright spots to come out of season 4, which was a slump for the show in general. After leaving high school, the writers weren't sure what to do with Buffy and the Scooby gang now that they were in college and taking their first steps toward adulthood. The season got off to a rocky start with some of the worst episodes of the show, but two major highlights saved the series and propelled it toward some of the show's strongest storylines in the coming seasons.

In season 4, episode 10, "Hush," the demons of the week are the Gentlemen, a group of villains with chilling character designs that take away the entire town's ability to speak. This episode was the turning point of the season, as Buffy's identity as the Slayer was revealed to Riley, and Tara and Willow were brought closer as they navigated their feelings for each other. Without "Hush," season 4 might have brought a premature end to the show.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of "Slayers" destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town - and the world. Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters Release Date March 10, 1997 Seasons 7 Network The WB Directors Joss Whedon Showrunner Joss Whedon Expand

5 Leaving Behind The Crime Procedural - Lucifer (2016–2021)

Leaning into the mythical and supernatural show elements

Close

After only three seasons, Lucifer was canceled on Fox but was literally saved from ending and fading to obscurity by being picked up by Netflix. Joining the streamer was the best possible course of action for the show and allowed the showrunners to dig more deeply into the best aspects of the show. What got Lucifer canceled in the first place was the fact that it was formatted as a typical crime procedural with a slight supernatural twist. However, the protagonist being the devil is much more interesting than an episodic crime drama.

As soon as Lucifer season 4 premiered on Netflix, and introduced Eve as a character, it was clear that things were going to be different from here on out.

As soon as Lucifer season 4 premiered on Netflix, and introduced Eve as a character, it was clear that things were going to be different from here on out. The character relationships were more compelling, Lucifer had the chance to grow and develop into a complex individual, and the supernatural parts of the series were turned up. By the series finale, the show was practically unrecognizable, and this has sparked a legacy that will outlive the show for years to come.

Lucifer Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Lucifer is a Comedy/Drama and Mystery series developed by Tom Kapinos and starring Tom Ellis, Kevin Alejandro, D. B. Woodside, and Lauren German. The premise follows the Devil, Lucifer Morningstar, as he abandons his Kingdom of Hell and instead moves to Los Angeles to run a club called Lux. Cast Tom Ellis , Kevin Rankin , Lesley-Ann Brandt , Rachael Harris , D.B. Woodside , Kevin Alejandro , Lauren German , Scarlett Estevez Release Date January 25, 2016 Seasons 6 Streaming Service(s) Netflix Directors Joe Henderson Showrunner Joe Henderson Expand

4 Jeff Becomes A Teacher - Community (2009–2015)

Giving the characters a reason to stay at Greendale

Close

Community season 4 was an all-time low for the beloved TV show, and although it never fully recaptured the magic of the first three seasons, the series did its best to bounce back. Without the creator, Dan Harmon, season 4 introduced many terrible stories, like Britta and Troy dating and repeats of earlier episodes that were better the first time. However, season 5 was a soft reboot of the show, and a strong return to form in many ways. This success hinged on a strong reason for the gang to stay at Greendale.

This came in different forms for many of the characters, and some of them would eventually move on during season 5, like Donald Glover, but Jeff's arc was the strongest. He decides to stay at Greendale, be a teacher, and join the Save Greendale committee with the rest of the characters. It illustrated just how much he had changed from the man he was at the start of the show and proved to the audience that Community was going to forget season 4 ever happened.

Community Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Created by Dan Harmon, Community is a comedy series that follows a study group at an unorthodox community college where zany antics occur daily. When disgraced lawyer Jeff Winger is forced to enroll in a local college to get a degree and reinstate himself, he gets roped in with fellow students from different backgrounds, races, religions, and ages and reluctantly forms a study group. Together, these lovable misfits will navigate their school lives in some nigh unbelievable situations as they all try to figure out where their futures lie. Cast Ken Jeong , Chevy Chase , Joel McHale , Jim Rash , Gillian Jacobs , Alison Brie , Yvette Nicole Brown , Donald Glover , Danny Pudi Release Date September 17, 2009 Seasons 6 Network NBC Showrunner Dan Harmon

3 Lorelai Leaves Christopher - Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

The inevitable end to their misguided relationship

Close

The time she spends by herself in season 7 is pivotal for her growth and helps her realize what she actually wants out of life.

Gilmore Girls season 7 has many of the most-hated plotlines on the show, but it's important to remember that the seeds of these arcs began in season 6, before Amy Sherman-Palladino left the series. At the end of season 6, a distraught Lorelai sleeps with Christopher after Luke won't elope with her. Despite her initial regret, she commits to a relationship with Christopher, even though it's not what she really wants. Their marriage goes on for an agonizingly long time in season 7, angering viewers.

However, after many moments that lead to Lorelai and Christopher's divorce, Lorelai breaks things off and starts fresh as her own person. It's an important step toward Lorelai and Luke getting back together, but more importantly, it's Lorelai following her heart and putting her happiness first. The time she spends by herself in season 7 is pivotal for her growth and helps her realize what she actually wants out of life. Though Christopher is Rory's father and not the worst man on the show, he was never meant to be Lorelai's happily-ever-after.

Gilmore Girls Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available In the fictional town of Star's Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships. Cast Lauren Graham , Scott Patterson , Sean Gunn , Keiko Agena , Matt Czuchry , Alexis Bledel , Yanic Truesdale , Kelly Bishop , Melissa McCarthy , Edward Herrmann , Liza Weil , Jared Padalecki , Milo Ventimiglia Release Date October 5, 2000 Seasons 7 Network The WB Writers Amy Sherman-Palladino

2 Katherine Surviving Silas - The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)

As one of the most iconic characters on the show, she deserved to live

Close

The Vampire Diaries is famous for killing off and resurrecting characters with little regard for consistency or worrying about plot armor. There are many times when Elena should have died but survived thanks to plot armor and many of the most essential characters had a similar kind of luck. However, when it came to Katherine, Elena's evil doppelgänger, she survived out of pure force of will until the very end of her story. Bringing her back after it seemed Silas killed her was a brilliant move by the showrunners.

Silas is one of the many doppelgängers on the show, and he makes a point of draining Katherine's life force. His entire plotline was boring, overwrought, and mostly a distraction from bigger issues on the show. Fortunately, the writers recognized that Katherine was a much more important character than Silas, and had her survive the encounter, even if it was borderline improbable. Her actual death was much more satisfying and a great tribute to the character.

The Vampire Diaries Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

rent

buy Not available Not available Not available Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another's affection. Cast Nina Dobrev , Ian Somerhalder , Steven R. McQueen , Paul Wesley , Kat Graham , Michael Trevino , Michael Malarkey , Zach Roerig , Candice King , Matthew Davis Seasons 8 Network The CW Directors John Dahl Showrunner Julie Plec Franchise The Vampire Diaries Expand

1 Sansa's Triumph Over Little Finger - Game Of Thrones (2011–2019)

And her eventual rise to Queen in the North

Close

Despite starting off so strongly and having a meteoric rise to fame HBO's Game of Thrones never fully recovered from the steady decline in quality and ratings after season 5. Based on the novels by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones had intricately detailed source material to draw from for the first five seasons, but after the books ran out, the creators were scrambling to think of new and interesting plots for the show. This culminated in the final season, season 8, which is considered the worst of the show.

When Sansa finally reunites with the other Stark children at Winterfell, Littlefinger is still trying to worm his way in and ensure that Sansa remains loyal to him.

However, one of the few bright spots of season 8 came when Sansa finally saw Littlefinger for who he was and cut him loose. When Sansa finally reunites with the other Stark children at Winterfell, Littlefinger is still trying to worm his way in and ensure that Sansa remains loyal to him. However, his attempts to make her distrust her siblings fail, and she teams up with Arya to cast judgment on Littlefinger once and for all. It's an incredibly satisfying moment that Sansa deserves after going through so much.