The 2010s were a golden era for sitcoms, with long-running favorites like Mom, New Girl, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine dominating the airwaves. But not every comedy got the chance to find its audience. Some were canceled after just one season, despite showing immense promise. As any TV fan knows, a short run doesn't mean a show was bad—often, it just means it was ahead of its time or too quirky for mainstream success. Here, we celebrate the best one-season sitcoms of the 2010s, from Robin Williams' triumphant return to network TV to a hilarious animated/live-action hybrid.
5. Powerless (2017)
Before the DC Universe took itself too seriously, Powerless offered a refreshingly comedic take on a world filled with superheroes. Set in the offices of Wayne Security, the show followed the everyday employees who had to deal with the collateral damage of super-powered battles. Vanessa Hudgens starred as Emily Locke, the new head of R&D, who tries to motivate her team—including Danny Pudi and Ron Funches—while navigating the incompetence of Bruce Wayne's cousin, Van, played with perfect comedic timing by Alan Tudyk.
What made Powerless special was its ability to find humor in the mundane aspects of a superhero universe. Instead of capes and laser beams, we got office politics and insurance claims. It was a clever concept that was perhaps too subtle for its time, but now that DC is exploring half-hour comedies again, this show feels like a missed opportunity worth revisiting.
4. Selfie (2014)
Based on the classic tale of Pygmalion, Selfie was a modern rom-com that was far sharper than its title suggested. Karen Gillan played Eliza Dooley, a social media-obsessed woman who enlists the help of marketing expert Henry Higgs (John Cho) to rebuild her image after a viral embarrassment. The chemistry between Gillan and Cho was electric, and the show's exploration of online validation was surprisingly prescient.
While the premise might sound like a simple romantic comedy, Selfie had depth, tackling themes of loneliness and the pressure to maintain a perfect online persona. The jokes about viral videos and self-branding, which seemed exaggerated in 2014, now feel like a documentary of modern life. It's a shame the show didn't get more time to develop its characters and storylines.
3. The Crazy Ones (2013-2014)
Robin Williams' return to network comedy was a major event, and The Crazy Ones was a worthy vehicle for his talents. Set in a high-stakes advertising agency, the show starred Williams as Simon Roberts, a brilliant but impulsive ad man, and Sarah Michelle Gellar as his more grounded daughter, Sydney. The father-daughter dynamic was the heart of the show, with Sydney trying to step out of her father's shadow while Simon grapples with his own insecurities.
Williams brought his signature manic energy and warmth to the role, and the show was filled with moments of pure comedic genius. It also featured a touching Mork & Mindy reunion when Pam Dawber guest-starred as a love interest. While the show was bright and silly, it's impossible not to feel a sense of loss knowing this was one of Williams' final roles. Still, The Crazy Ones remains a delightful reminder of his incredible talent.
2. Son of Zorn (2016)
Imagine a cartoon warrior from a fictional island coming back to suburban California to reconnect with his estranged son—that's the premise of Son of Zorn. Jason Sudeikis voiced Zorn, a character who was equal parts He-Man and Johnny Bravo, with a surprising amount of emotional depth. The show blended animation with live-action, and the result was hilariously weird.
Zorn's attempts to navigate modern life, from holding down a job to dealing with his ex-wife's new boyfriend (played by the always-brilliant Tim Meadows), were comedy gold. The show was executive produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who brought their signature irreverent style. Son of Zorn was too high-concept for network TV, but it's a cult classic in the making.
1. Go On (2012-2013)
Matthew Perry starred in this heartfelt comedy about a sports radio host who is forced to attend grief counseling after his wife dies. Ryan King, played by Perry, is a fast-talking, sarcastic guy who initially tries to "win" at therapy, but gradually opens up to the quirky group of people in his support group. The show was a perfect blend of humor and heart, tackling grief in a way that was both funny and touching.
Go On was ahead of its time, dealing with themes of loss and healing in a way that was rare for sitcoms. Perry was at his best, bringing a vulnerability to the role that went beyond his Friends persona. The supporting cast, including John Cho and Julie White, was fantastic. It's a shame the show was canceled after just one season, but it remains a must-watch for fans of smart, character-driven comedy.
These shows may have been short-lived, but they left a lasting impression. If you're looking for more underrated gems, check out our list of delightful fantasy TV series or short Western TV series. And for more great content, explore our bingeable miniseries picks.
