Best of TV (Short Run), No. 3


I continue my look at the Best TV Series that never got a chance to prosper with another Bryan Fuller creation.

Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
Network: ABC
About: Another Bryan Fuller show that was wildly creative that just never found an audience. At one point ABC tried to pair it with "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice." If you've seen those shows, you know that "Pushing Daisies" isn't really the same kind of creation. It's wildly brilliant, funny, and unique. But it's hard to pin it down to one of those standard TV genres. It's a comedy, it's a little sci-fi, and it has some dramatic moments. It was also one of the most visually stunning shows I've ever seen. The color palette was beautiful. The breath-taking scenery and creative visuals were a big part of the appeal. So, too, was the charming cast, led by Lee Pace. Pace was a star in "Wonderfalls," and did even better work in this Fuller creation. Sadly the show didn't take off, and neither did his career. Anna Friel was great as a girl named Chuck, Chi McBride was charming in his typically gruff way, and Kristen Chenoweth showed her diversity and range as lovelorn Olive Snook. Another great feature of the show was its charming narration, provided by Jim Dale. The show technically had two seasons, however the first season was just nine episodes, and the second season was just 13 episodes. So it really only got 22 episodes, erratically spaced out over the span of two years. It never got the chance to flourish, never got the right kind of companion scheduling, and just never had the chance to find an audience. That doesn't mean it wasn't a stroke of genius. Sadly, it was a brilliant show that was cancelled too soon.
Viewing Options: Both the first and second season of "Pushing Daisies" are available on DVD and Blu-Ray. It's so beautiful, I recommend the Blu-Ray.

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