The new series is set to be a spin-off type series, with each episode dedicated to a different character. The movie will contain the entire original cast in the opening scene, but little has been said beyond that.

For those of us who wonder why Two and a Half Men is the most popular show on TV while shows that actually make us laugh languish, the Arrested Development announcement is a godsend. Here are some other TV series that we thought were awesome, but were cancelled because America was too busy watching total crap to notice.

Freaks and Geeks

This show is always the first to come up in any discussion of prematurely canceled shows. Freaks and Geeks is still much loved even though it went off the air over a decade ago. Set in the early ‘80s, this show had so much heart and portrayed characters with real depth, while capturing the struggles of growing up perfectly, no matter what the era. It also introduced audiences to Seth Rogan, James Franco, and Jason Segel.

Deadwood

Deadwood was a bleak western that left viewers with little to feel good about. That’s a tough sell in an America that wants brainless escape on the order of Jersey Shore. But for devotees of the show, the hardluck stories of deeply flawed characters trying to make their way through a dangerous and corrupt vision of the Old West made for great viewing.

Firefly

The epitome of a cult show, Firefly continues to inspire rabid devotion among its fans. Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon has a knack for creating character-driven fantasies, but audiences looking for some cheap action thrills weren’t going to warm up to this compelling sci-fi series that lasted just one season.

Dana Carvey Show

The Dana Carvey Show debuted in 1996, which was about ten years too soon. Its off-the-wall, envelope-pushing brand of comedy was too much for prime time television back then, but would probably suit the current, edgier sensibility much better. If you don’t believe it, look no further than the fact that show was put together by a group of comedic minds who have gone on to incredible success, including Louis CK, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Robert Smigel. Screenwriter extraordinaire Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) was also a writer. Sounds like a dream show, right? It would be now, but back in the mid-‘90s audiences just weren't ready for it. It didn’t even last one full season, and was canceled after six episodes.

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The Critic

Saturday Night Live alumnus Jon Lovitz made this foray into the animated sitcom world as a failed movie critic. The show was smart, funny, and contained cutting satire, but never really caught on. Lovitz has struggled to find an audience for his off-beat brand of comedy ever since.

Andy Richter Controls the Universe

Best known as Conan O’Brien’s sidekick, Andy Richter is a comedic gem in his own right. After he left the Conan show, he tried to find his way with a few different projects, including this sitcom. It was bizarre and hilarious. Unfortunately, viewers didn’t really warm up to the concept or sensibilities of the show and Richter eventually made his way back to full-time sidekicking.

Terriers

FX has put some of the best character-driven shows on TV lately. Unfortunately, most of them have been ignored. Terriers was a detective show in the model of classic TV drama, but with two down-on-their-luck private dicks with hearts of gold and serious character flaws. The show was interesting, suspenseful, and generally way better than what passes for entertainment on network TV. But after a stellar first season, the ratings wouldn’t justify renewing the series.

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