The 2010s brought a wave of television shows that captivated audiences and critics alike, but not every hyped series lived up to the buzz. Despite their initial allure and massive followings, some shows fell short of expectations, leaving viewers questioning the hype. Let’s dive into the world of overhyped TV shows from the 2010s and see which ones didn’t quite hit the mark.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead started with a bang in 2010, capturing the horror genre with a unique focus on human survival amidst a zombie apocalypse. However, as the seasons progressed, repetitive storylines and character development issues plagued the series. Despite its numerous awards, including several Primetime Emmys, the show struggled to maintain its initial spark, leading many viewers to drop off. The hype overshadowed the declining quality, leaving a series that felt more like a drawn-out saga than a thrilling journey.
Game of Thrones
Premiering in 2011, Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon with its complex characters and intricate plotlines. However, the final seasons faced severe backlash for rushed storytelling and unsatisfactory character arcs, particularly in the widely criticized final season. Despite winning multiple awards, including 59 Primetime Emmys, the ending left a sour taste for many fans, overshadowing its earlier brilliance. The immense hype and high expectations ultimately led to a disappointing conclusion that failed to meet the standards set by its earlier seasons.
True Detective
True Detective debuted in 2014 with a stellar first season that set the bar high for anthology crime dramas. Unfortunately, subsequent seasons failed to recapture the magic, with season two in particular being criticized for its convoluted plot and lackluster characters. The series did receive critical acclaim and awards, including a Primetime Emmy for its first season, but the inconsistency across seasons diminished its overall impact. The initial hype couldn’t sustain interest, and the show’s later seasons felt like a letdown.
American Horror Story
Since its premiere in 2011, American Horror Story has been known for its anthology format, offering a fresh storyline each season. While the first few seasons garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, later installments were met with mixed reviews. The over-the-top plots and inconsistent storytelling led to a decline in viewership, as the series struggled to maintain its initial momentum. The hype surrounding each new season often fizzled out as the storylines failed to deliver the same impact as the early seasons.
13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why premiered in 2017 with a compelling narrative that sparked important conversations about mental health and bullying. However, subsequent seasons were criticized for unnecessary extensions of the storyline and sensationalizing serious issues. Despite receiving awards for its initial impact, the later seasons felt forced and out of touch with the original message. The show’s hype overshadowed its problematic handling of sensitive topics, leading to significant backlash.
Westworld
Westworld debuted in 2016, offering a complex narrative and high production value that quickly captivated audiences. However, as the series progressed, its intricate plot became convoluted, leaving many viewers confused and disengaged. Despite winning multiple awards, including Primetime Emmys, the show’s later seasons failed to live up to the promise of its intriguing start. The hype generated by its initial success couldn’t sustain the audience’s interest, making it one of the more overhyped series of the decade.
Stranger Things
Premiering in 2016, Stranger Things quickly became a fan favorite with its nostalgic 80s vibe and supernatural thrills. However, as the seasons continued, the novelty wore off, and the repetitive plotlines began to drag. The show received several awards, including Screen Actors Guild Awards and Emmys, but struggled to maintain the same level of excitement. The hype surrounding each new season often led to disappointment as the story failed to evolve in fresh and engaging ways.
Riverdale
Riverdale premiered in 2017, reimagining the classic Archie Comics characters in a dark and dramatic setting. Initially praised for its fresh take, the series quickly descended into absurdity with increasingly outlandish plots and melodrama. While it garnered several Teen Choice Awards, the show’s quality diminished significantly over time. The initial hype gave way to criticism, as viewers grew tired of the over-the-top storylines and inconsistent character development.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale debuted in 2017 to critical acclaim, presenting a dystopian narrative that resonated with contemporary socio-political issues. However, as the series progressed, it struggled to expand the story beyond its original premise, leading to repetitive and drawn-out episodes. Despite winning numerous awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes, the later seasons received mixed reviews. The intense hype surrounding its initial impact couldn’t sustain the series, leading to a decline in viewership and interest.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies premiered in 2017 with a star-studded cast and an intriguing mystery that captivated audiences. The first season was highly praised, winning multiple awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys. However, the decision to extend the series beyond its intended single season led to a drop in quality and viewer interest. The second season, while still well-acted, felt unnecessary and overhyped, failing to recapture the magic of its debut.
Heroes Reborn
Launched in 2015 as a follow-up to the popular series Heroes, hoping to reignite the excitement of the original. However, it failed to capture the same magic, with convoluted plots and underdeveloped characters. The series did not receive significant awards and was canceled after one season due to low ratings. The hype around the reboot couldn’t overcome its shortcomings, making it a notable disappointment.
The Following
Premiered in 2013 with a gripping premise and a strong lead in Kevin Bacon. Initially praised for its intense storyline, the series quickly became repetitive and reliant on shock value. Despite receiving a few awards, the show struggled with declining viewership and critical reception. The hype around its debut couldn’t sustain interest, leading to its cancellation after three seasons.
Revolution
Revolution started in 2012 with an intriguing post-apocalyptic premise, promising a thrilling adventure. However, the series was plagued by inconsistent writing and pacing issues, leading to a drop in viewership. Despite its initial promise, the show was canceled after two seasons without major awards. The hype surrounding its debut fizzled out as the story failed to deliver compelling content.
Manifest
Premiered in 2018 with a mysterious premise that drew in a curious audience. However, the series struggled with pacing and delivering satisfactory answers to its central mystery, leading to mixed reviews. While it garnered a dedicated fan base, it did not receive significant awards and was often criticized for its slow and convoluted storytelling. The hype around its intriguing start couldn’t sustain long-term interest, making it one of the more overhyped shows of the decade.
Under the Dome
Under the Dome debuted in 2013, based on Stephen King’s novel, with high expectations and an intriguing plot. However, the series quickly deviated from the source material, leading to convoluted storylines and character arcs. Despite its initial success and a few award nominations, it failed to maintain viewer interest and was canceled after three seasons. The hype around its premise couldn’t overcome the show’s declining quality and repetitive plot points.
Scream Queens
Scream Queens launched in 2015, blending horror and comedy with a star-studded cast. Initially praised for its campy fun, the series soon became bogged down by repetitive jokes and lackluster plot twists. While it received a few awards, including a Teen Choice Award, the show’s novelty wore off quickly. The hype around its debut couldn’t sustain viewer interest, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
The OA
Premiered in 2016 with a unique and mysterious storyline that intrigued many viewers. However, the series’ abstract narrative and slow pacing led to mixed reviews and a divided audience. Despite receiving critical acclaim and several award nominations, it struggled to maintain a consistent viewership. The hype surrounding its innovative concept couldn’t sustain long-term interest, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
Vinyl
Vinyl debuted in 2016, set in the 1970s music industry and created by notable figures like Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger. Despite its high-profile production team and strong cast, the series failed to resonate with audiences due to its slow pacing and unengaging storyline. The show received a few award nominations but was ultimately canceled after one season. The immense hype around its launch couldn’t save it from being one of the more overhyped shows of the decade.
Gypsy
Gypsy premiered in 2017, featuring Naomi Watts as a therapist who becomes involved in her patients’ lives. Despite the strong cast, the series received mixed reviews for its slow pacing and lack of compelling plot developments. It did not receive significant awards and was canceled after one season. The initial hype around its intriguing premise couldn’t sustain viewer interest, making it a notable disappointment.
The Mist
The Mist launched in 2017, based on Stephen King’s novella, with high expectations for a thrilling adaptation. However, the series struggled with poor character development and a lack of suspense, leading to negative reviews. It did not receive significant awards and was canceled after one season. The hype around its debut couldn’t overcome its execution flaws, making it one of the more overhyped shows of the decade.
The Newsroom
Premiered in 2012, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional news network with sharp writing from Aaron Sorkin. Despite a strong start and several awards, including Primetime Emmys, the show was often criticized for its preachy tone and unrealistic dialogue. The later seasons struggled to maintain the same level of critical acclaim, leading to a decline in viewership. The hype around its initial promise couldn’t sustain its momentum, making it one of the more overhyped series of the decade.
Sense8
Sense8 debuted in 2015, created by the Wachowskis, with a unique premise that connected eight strangers from around the world. While praised for its diversity and ambitious storytelling, the series faced criticism for its slow pacing and complex narrative. Despite a strong fan base and several award nominations, it struggled to maintain a broad audience. The hype around its innovative concept couldn’t sustain long-term interest, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
While these shows generated significant buzz and captivated audiences initially, not all managed to maintain their appeal over time. Despite their flaws, they each brought something unique to the television landscape of the 2010s. In the end, the conversation around these series highlights the diverse tastes and expectations of TV viewers. Whether you loved or loathed them, these overhyped shows left a lasting impression on the decade.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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