It Gets Better
Every TV fan knows the pain: you start a new show, the premise sounds fun, the cast looks promising…but the first season leaves you wondering why you even pressed play. Luckily, some shows don’t just bounce back — they transform into the kind of series you’ll be yelling at your friends to binge immediately. The following TV series all prove that sometimes you just need to stick around past Season 1 before the magic happens.
The Office
Season 1 of The Office (U.S.) was a cringe-fest. Michael Scott was more insufferable than lovable, and the show leaned a little too hard on mimicking the British original. But come Season 2, the writers found their groove, the characters became fleshed out, and suddenly you weren’t hiding behind your hand —you were laughing out loud and rooting for Jim and Pam.
NBCUniversal Television Distribution, The Office (2005–2013)
The Last Kingdom
When The Last Kingdom was just a BBC production, it felt like a solid historical drama. But once Netflix took the reins, the budget shot up and so did the intensity. Suddenly, battles looked cinematic, the political intrigue thickened, and fans found themselves chanting “Destiny is all” right alongside Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
Netflix, The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)
Schitt’s Creek
The first few episodes of Schitt’s Creek mostly played up small-town jokes that felt predictable. But once the writers realized the comedy gold lay in the Rose family’s over-the-top absurdity (and not just mocking the locals), the series bloomed into one of TV’s most heartwarming comedies. By the time David and Patrick’s love story took center stage, fans were crying happy tears instead of just laughing.
CBC Television, Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The pilot of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. felt like a watered-down Marvel wannabe, and viewers wondered if it could ever match the movies’ magic. Then Captain America: The Winter Soldier dropped, and the Hydra twist turned the show upside down. From that point on, the series became a wild ride of espionage, betrayals, and surprisingly heartfelt character arcs.
ABC, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–2020)
The IT Crowd
The IT Crowd had a decent start, but it was more quirky than hilarious at first. Everything changed in Season 2 when Matt Berry’s character, Douglas Reynholm, barged into the series with all the subtlety of a foghorn. His eccentric energy perfectly complemented Moss and Roy’s geeky antics, pushing the show from cult hit to comedy classic.
Channel 4, The IT Crowd (2006–2013)
Cougar Town
When Cougar Town launched, it tried to market itself as “Courtney Cox dates younger men,” and the result was awkward. Thankfully, the show quickly shifted gears into a cozy hangout comedy with drinks, friends, and way too many in-jokes. Once it stopped taking itself so seriously, it turned into a gem of feel-good TV.
How I Met Your Father
The first few episodes were clunky, almost like a carbon copy of How I Met Your Mother but with less charm. But as the season progressed, the show began to carve out its own identity. With fresh dynamics and witty writing, it blossomed into a genuinely fun rom-com sitcom—the kind that makes you forgive its slow start.
Hulu, How I Met Your Father (2022–2023)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars movie left a bad taste in fans’ mouths, and the early episodes didn’t do much better. But midway through Season 2, the series became darker, more complex, and shockingly emotional. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a kids’ show—it was an epic saga that expanded the Star Wars universe in unforgettable ways.
Lucasfilm, Disney, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2020)
American Dad!
At first glance, American Dad! looked like a bland Family Guy knockoff. But as the seasons went on, the series found its voice, leaning on character-driven humor instead of pop-culture gags. With Roger’s endless disguises and Stan’s over-the-top antics, the show grew into a weird, witty staple of animated comedy.
20th Television / TBS, American Dad! (2005–present)
Longmire
The first season of Longmire felt like standard cop procedural fare with a Western twist. But as the storylines deepened, the show evolved into a gripping and emotional drama that hooked viewers hard. What started as “background TV” turned into the kind of show you and your partner argue about watching without each other.
A&E, Netflix, Longmire (2012–2017)
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Yes, Avatar was never truly “average,” but Season 1 was definitely lighter and more child-friendly. As the series progressed, the tone matured, the characters grew deeper, and Zuko’s redemption arc set a new bar for storytelling in animation. By the finale, it had cemented itself as one of the greatest shows ever made.
Netflix, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024-Present)
Person Of Interest
At first, Person of Interest seemed like just another procedural where a machine spits out weekly cases. But as the mythology expanded, it morphed into a gripping exploration of surveillance, AI, and morality. By the end, it was one of the smartest sci-fi thrillers on TV.
CBS, Person of Interest (2011–2016)
The Amazing World Of Gumball
Season 1 of Gumball was cute but nothing groundbreaking. Then the animation sharpened, the writing got sharper, and the show leaned fully into its chaotic, fourth-wall-breaking absurdity. Suddenly, it wasn’t just kids who loved it—adults were quoting it too.
Cartoon Network, The Amazing World of Gumball (2011–2019)
Parks And Recreation
The first season of Parks and Rec was basically “The Office but with local government”. Leslie Knope came off as a bit too much, and the pacing dragged. By Season 2, however, the characters clicked, the humor soared, and new cast additions like Ben and Chris made Pawnee one of the most delightful towns on TV.
NBCUniversal, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
The Magicians
The Magicians took a few episodes to get rolling, but once it did, viewers were treated to a dark, witty, and fantastical ride. The ensemble cast carried the series to magical heights, and each season built on the last. It’s one of the rare cases where fans argue the show outshone the books.
Syfy, The Magicians (2015–2020)
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The early seasons of It’s Always Sunny were funny, but it was when Danny DeVito joined in Season 2 and the gang leaned harder into unhinged chaos that the show really took off. By Seasons 4 and 5, it had fully embraced its “Seinfeld on crack” identity. What started as low-budget absurdity is now one of the longest-running live-action comedies ever.
FX, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–Present)
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Trekkies will admit it: Season 1 of TNG was rough. The writing wobbled, the cast hadn’t gelled, and some episodes were downright painful. But over time, the chemistry clicked, the storylines improved, and it grew into one of the most beloved entries in the entire Star Trek canon.
Paramount Domestic Television, Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Halt And Catch Fire
At first, Halt and Catch Fire looked like a Mad Men ripoff with computers. But once the show shifted focus from retro aesthetics to character-driven drama, it transformed into something special. By the end, it was an intimate, emotional story about ambition, innovation, and human connection.
AMC, Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017)
Bob’s Burgers
The first couple seasons of Bob’s Burgers were solid but still finding their rhythm. By Seasons 3 and 4, though, the show perfected its quirky blend of workplace and family comedy. Throw in unforgettable songs and the Belcher kids’ antics, and it became one of the best animated sitcoms on TV.
Fox, Bob’s Burgers (2011–present)
Legends Of Tomorrow
The first season of Legends tried too hard to be serious like the rest of the Arrowverse. But once the writers embraced the absurd—time-traveling shenanigans, wild historical cameos, and ridiculous humor—it blossomed into one of DC’s most fun and unpredictable shows. Embracing chaos turned out to be its superpower.
The CW, Legends of Tomorrow (2016–2022)
You May Also Like:
The Worst Casting Choices In TV History
Shows That Were Ahead Of Their Time—And Paid The Price
These 44 Shows Let Their Main Characters Slip Out Of Focus
Source: 1
