In the world of television, it’s no secret that fans hold immense power. Whether it’s a dedicated Twitter campaign or an outpouring of love on social media, viewers have proven time and again that their voices matter. In fact, there are countless examples of shows that were saved from cancellation thanks to the tireless efforts of their loyal fanbases. Unfortunately, one show that didn’t manage to escape the axe was So Help Me Todd. However, if you’re a fan of TV rescues, don’t worry—there are still plenty of examples where fan enthusiasm turned the tide for a show’s survival or return. Let’s dive into five incredible stories of how fans saved their favorite shows.
1. The Revival of Lucifer: From Streaming Failure to TV Victory
One of the most remarkable tales of fan-driven television revival is the story of Lucifer. This show, based on the DC Comics character Lucifer Morningstar, originally aired on Fox for three seasons. Despite a dedicated following and solid ratings, Fox pulled the plug in 2018, leaving fans heartbroken and desperate for a resolution. But that’s where the fans stepped in.
They didn’t just mourn the cancellation—they fought back. Fans launched massive social media campaigns, including the viral #SaveLucifer hashtag, and even created petitions begging for a new season. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Within a month of the cancellation, Netflix swooped in and picked up Lucifer for a fourth season. And the show didn’t just survive; it thrived, lasting an additional three seasons before wrapping up in 2021.
The moral of the story? If you love something, don’t just sit there—make some noise! Lucifer’s success on Netflix proves that fans really do have the power to bring shows back to life.
2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: An Unlikely Resurrection Thanks to Fans and Cast Support
Another prime example of fans saving a show is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The quirky police procedural comedy was beloved for its diverse cast, witty humor, and charming ensemble. In 2018, NBC made the shocking decision to cancel Brooklyn Nine-Nine after five seasons. The response was immediate, with both fans and celebrities expressing their outrage over the cancellation.
But it wasn’t just the fans who came to the rescue. The show’s cast, including Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews, actively campaigned for the show’s revival. Within hours, NBC reversed its decision, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine was renewed for an additional two seasons. The power of both the fans and the cast made it clear that this show wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a cultural phenomenon.
If you’re a fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, you know the series had some of the most heartfelt moments and hilarious one-liners on TV. Thanks to fan support, the show was given a chance to wrap up its story properly and give fans the closure they deserved.
3. The Mindy Project: A Perfect Example of the Power of Streaming Platforms
Mindy Project fans were dealt a devastating blow when Fox canceled the show after three seasons. However, the show’s loyal fanbase wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Mindy Lahiri just yet. Thanks to the show’s popularity, streaming platforms like Hulu took notice, and in 2015, Hulu gave the show a new lease on life by ordering a fourth season.
What made The Mindy Project so special was Mindy Kaling’s unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and romance. The show quickly became a fan favorite for those who were looking for something different from the typical rom-com. Hulu’s decision to pick up the series was a win for both fans and the creative team behind it, and the show continued for an additional three seasons before wrapping up in 2017.
Fans of The Mindy Project had learned an important lesson—that streaming platforms were becoming the new home for shows that struggled on network television. And thanks to the support of its loyal fanbase, The Mindy Project was able to see a proper conclusion.
4. Veronica Mars: The Show That Got a Movie Thanks to a Kickstarter Campaign
Let’s rewind to 2007, when Veronica Mars was canceled after three seasons on UPN (later The CW). The show, which followed the titular high school student-turned-private investigator, gained a cult following during its run. However, like many cult favorites, Veronica Mars didn’t have the mainstream appeal to stay on the air for long.
But here’s where it gets interesting. In 2013, the show’s creator, Rob Thomas, launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a Veronica Mars movie. The goal was set at $2 million, and within just 10 hours, fans had pledged over $1 million. By the end of the campaign, more than $5.7 million had been raised, demonstrating just how passionate the show’s fanbase truly was.
The movie was released in 2014, and while it wasn’t a box office smash, it reinvigorated the Veronica Mars brand. Later, the show was brought back to life as a Hulu original series in 2019, continuing its legacy as a beloved piece of pop culture. Fans proved that crowdfunding was a viable way to revive shows and even get feature-length movies made.
5. The Expanse: A Space Opera Saved by the Fans and Amazon Prime Video
When The Expanse was canceled by Syfy after its third season in 2018, it left fans of the sci-fi series reeling. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, The Expanse had been praised for its complex characters, political intrigue, and realistic depiction of space. While the show had a passionate fanbase, it struggled to find a larger audience on Syfy.
Fans rallied together, pushing hard for the show’s return. Within weeks of the cancellation, petitions started flooding the internet, and a hashtag campaign #SaveTheExpanse gained traction. Amazon Prime Video took notice of the fan outcry and decided to pick up the series for a fourth season, giving it a new home where it could thrive. The show ran for two more seasons, finally concluding in 2021.
The success of The Expanse serves as a perfect example of how fan engagement can make a difference. Streaming platforms are becoming increasingly receptive to passionate fanbases, and it’s clear that there’s a demand for genre-defining shows like The Expanse.
Conclusion: Why Fans Are More Powerful Than Ever
While So Help Me Todd may not have made it through the tough world of TV cancellations, the stories of Lucifer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mindy Project, Veronica Mars, and The Expanse prove that fans still have the power to revive and resurrect their favorite shows. The rise of social media, streaming platforms, and crowdfunding campaigns has completely reshaped the entertainment landscape. Fans have more control than ever before, and when they band together, they can create a wave of support that can’t be ignored.
If you’re passionate about a show, don’t just sit back and watch it slip away—take action. From signing petitions to starting social media campaigns, your voice matters. You never know when your efforts might help bring a canceled show back to life or inspire a revival in a new form.
