Comedy Central has long been churning out impressive original series and a whole bunch of stinkers. However, the network has had to cancel some groundbreaking series because they didn’t have the widespread appeal to connect with middle america. Some of these shows were too cutting edge and some were just too damn weird, but here are the best shows canceled by Comedy Central.
Crossballs
Right when The Daily Show was picking up steam as the greatest fake news show ever, Comedy Central commissioned, Crossballs, a debate show akin to Hardball and Crossfire. The genius of the show was that it featured some of the biggest names in improvisational comedy today (Matt Besser, Andy Daly, Jerry Minor), paired against people who think they are on a legitimate debate show. Despite the show being over a decade old it still holds up as a cringe-inducing comedy masterpiece.
Jon Benjamin Has a Van
Now I’m sure nobody feels bad for H. Jon Benjamin as he collects checks from his wildly successful animated series Archer and Bob’s Burgers but his 2011 live action comedy series was something special. A quality mix of scripted material and strange off-beat pranks, Jon Benjamin Has a Van was a bit too alternative for Comedy Central’s audience. The show also featured an early performance by Nathan Fielder before he got his own show with Nathan for You.
Strangers with Candy
Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Dave Pasquesi, and Maria Thayer are just a few of the hilarious cast members who starred or made appearances on this demented send up of teen angst dramas. This hilarious show spawned two seasons and a film.
Stella/ Michael & Michael Have Issues
Following the conclusion of Mtv’s The State, the members of the sketch comedy group broke into two camps; the Tom Lennon & Robert Garant team and the Showalter/Black/Wain camp. Stella was released in 2005 and featured some truly absurd character work. Stella can be seen as big influence on The Lonely Island and Good Neighbor People.
Showalter and Black departed from Wain after he started production on Children’s Hospital. The two again played themselves as frenemies in Michael & Michael Have Issues.
Reno 911
Because we need more short shorts
