A look at Terriers, The Following, Prodigal Son and Defending Jacob - hidden gems in the crime‑drama genre that remain compelling despite early cancellations.
Crime series flood the television landscape, yet many excellent titles have slipped into obscurity despite their lasting appeal. From network primetime to streaming platforms, the sheer volume makes it easy to overlook gems that deserve a second look.
Below we revisit four standout shows that were cancelled early or simply forgotten, each offering strong performances, intriguing premises and storytelling that still holds up today. Terriers (2010) debuted on FX as a crime‑comedy drama set against the sun‑splashed backdrop of Ocean Beach in San Diego. The series follows ex‑police officer Hank Dolworth, a recovering alcoholic, who teams up with his best friend and former criminal Britt Pollack to run a private investigation firm.
Their chemistry drives the narrative, while witty writing and a blend of buddy‑comedy and mystery keep the tone fresh. Critics praised the show, awarding it a 93 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it was cancelled after one season, leaving fans to wonder why such a well‑crafted series was pulled from the schedule. The Following (2013-2015) pairs Kevin Bacon with James Purefoy in a dark cat‑and‑mouse thriller.
Bacon plays former FBI agent Ryan Hardy, the man who captured notorious serial killer Joe Carroll. Carroll, portrayed by Purefoy, remains a charismatic and manipulative figure who continues to wield influence over a devoted cult of followers even from behind bars. The series heightens tension through relentless psychological games between Hardy and Carroll, supported by strong supporting performances from Valorie Curry and Shawn Ashmore.
Though it never achieved mainstream acclaim, The Following offers a gripping exploration of obsession and the limits of law enforcement. Prodigal Son (2019-2021) centers on Malcolm Bright, an FBI profiler whose father, Martin Whitly, was a celebrated heart surgeon turned serial killer. Michael Sheen delivers a chilling performance as Whitly, whose lingering presence haunts Malcolm and fuels his own fear of inherited darkness.
The show blends procedural elements with a deep dive into familial trauma, presenting Malcolm as a haunted detective who must confront both external monsters and the shadows of his lineage. Its tone often echoes the atmospheric intensity of Hannibal, and despite its premature cancellation, it remains a compelling study of nature versus nurture within a crime‑drama framework. Defending Jacob (2020) is an Apple TV+ miniseries that tackles the harrowing fallout when a teenage boy is accused of murder.
Led by Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery, the drama examines parental love, denial, and the legal system's pressure as the family grapples with the possibility of their child's guilt. While the series received criticism for a slow pace and a polarising conclusion, its focus on the emotional weight of a parent's worst nightmare sets it apart from typical procedural fare.
Each of these series, though overlooked, showcases the depth and diversity that crime storytelling can achieve when given the space to develop characters and intricate plots
Terriers The Following Prodigal Son Defending Jacob Crime Drama
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