Introduction to Underrated Television Series

How many times have you heard the phrase, ldquo;It’s not about the ratings, it’s about the qualityrdquo;? Or conversely, do you ever wish that certain TV shows that you genuinely believe in receive the recognition they deserve? In this exploration, we delve into some underrated television series that have not only been overlooked by critics and viewers but have also managed to captivate the hearts of a devoted fanbase. These hidden gems stand out for their unique storytelling, compelling characters, and undeniable quality, often falling through the cracks because of factors such as poor marketing or inopportune timing.

Arrested Development: A Cult Favorite Ignored by the Masses

Let’s begin with the critically lauded cult favorite Arrested Development. As a former Google SEOer, I can confidently say that this show remains a mystery to many. Winning numerous awards, it has a dedicated fanbase that has remained loyal throughout its run. However, despite these accolades and a loyal following, the show never managed to pull in more viewers or garner larger ratings. One possible reason for this could be a failure in marketing or perhaps the show simply being too offbeat for regular audiences. Regardless, Arrested Development remains a shining example of quality television that was perhaps a victim of its own uniqueness.

Tombstone Territory: Forgotten Westerns Ruling the Airwaves

Jumping back to the Western genre, we have Tombstone Territory, a show that was produced between 1957 and 1960, spanning a total of 91 episodes. This Ziv production, a 30-minute series, starred Pat Conway and Richard Eastham as the town's lawman and newspaper editor, respectively. It was meant to be based on a real person and paper, and while the stories were fast-moving, they were often inspired by actual events from the newspaper. Despite its interesting premise and strong performances, Tombstone Territory never managed to get high ratings during an era when Westerns dominated the airwaves. According to the episode intro: ldquo;An actual account from the pages of my newspaper The Tombstone Epitaph. This is the way it happened in the town too tough to die.rdquo;

Constitution of Tombstone Territory

Michal Frizell, the creator, had initially conceived of the editor based on a real person and paper as the pivotal character. However, ABC insisted on the lawman taking center stage, potentially to allow for more action. The show was also forced to change its title from Tombstone to Tombstone Territory, with ABC deeming the latter more appealing to Western fans. The series ran for three seasons, but bizarrely, it was cancelled three times! The first season was not picked up until a midseason replacement was needed, and after the second season, it lost its sponsor, leaving only 51 episodes produced. Ziv then took the unusual step of financing the remaining episodes, qualifying it for syndication and making a profit. During the show's run, there was also a comic produced, featuring Pat Conway, with a very strange-looking cover.

Behind the Scenes

InTombstone Territory, Myron Healy portrays Johnny Ringo, a character that was famously played by Myron Healyin the film Walk the Proud Land. Sam Peckinpah, a renowned director, wrote an episode where Healy guest stars. Pat Conway, who played Sheriff Clay Hollister, was a grandson of silent screen star Francis X Bushman, best known for his role as Messala in the original Ben Hur. Interestingly,pat grew up on a ranch and was skilled in roping and horseback riding. Pat Conway enjoyed doing his own stunts, but he often got into trouble with the stuntmen because he wasn’t trained. His career effectively ended after the show, and he struggled with alcoholism. He was not entirely popular on the show with the stuntmen, who often had to stop him from performing his own fight scenes due to a lack of training. Despite his struggles, he appeared as a guest in various shows after the cancellation of Tombstone Territory and eventually died in 1981 at the age of 50. Richard Eastham, who played Harris Claibourne, the town’s newspaper editor based on the real editor of the paper of that era, had a career that spanned many years, including his role as the boss of Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) in the Wonder Woman TV series starring Lynda Carter. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Conclusion

These underrated television series, such as Arrested Development and Tombstone Territory, are examples of the quality that sometimes goes overlooked despite the love and dedication of their viewers. Whether it’s the unique storyline, the in-depth character development, or the true-to-life inspiration, these shows deserve more recognition. Let’s strive to amplify their voices and bring more attention to the hidden gems that have stood the test of time.