Entertainment is one of the most unpredictable industries, and animation is no exception. Many beloved shows were only granted one season due to budgetary restrictions, cancelations, low ratings, or even creative choices. Despite only having a single season, many shows developed large fan bases and huge cult followings that were left craving more with the worlds they fell in love with.

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Animation is the most tedious and time-consuming medium, with each frame being hand drawn. It remains one of the most creative genres, bringing unique and otherworldly ideas to life. Though it isn't hard for audiences to fall in love with these stories, it's difficult for studios and artists to keep up with the demand.

10 Silver Surfer

Silver Surfer mid battle

Created by Larry Brody, Silver Surfer centers around the comic book character, Silver Surfer, as he travels the galaxy in search of a planet that isn't Earth for his master to destroy. One of the most powerful superheroes, creators brought a new life to Silver Surfer's character, showcasing his strengths without The Fantastic Four.

Silver Surfer gained immediate praise from fans and critics, making its cancelation shocking. The show only lasted for thirteen episodes, and while there are many rumors regarding its cancelation, Brody claimed it was due to a legal dispute, though some believe it was a result of Marvel's bankruptcy. Regardless, fans remain hopeful that there will be an up-to-par reboot.

9 Clone High

Abe from Clone High leaning against lockers while Joan hangs on him and Cleo looks affectionately

Despite being thirteen episodes long, Clone High remains one of the most original series with one of the most original concepts. An orchestrated government experiment, Clone High features a group of high schoolers who happen to be clones of important historical figures.

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From figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi, the show's satirical approach to known history, as well as its modern touch of humor quickly garnered a large cult following. Clone High was canceled after one season as a result of low ratings and controversy regarding Gandhi's character, though the series' success garnered a revival that picked up right where it left off.

8 Stone Quackers

Stone Quackers is a comedy series that follows the misadventures of Whit and Clay, two ducks who live in the fictional city of Cheeseburger Island. Stone Quackers thrives thanks to its abstract comedy, and relatable yet unique characters. The series premiered on FXX as part of their Animation Domination block where it gained its dedicated fan base.

While Stone Quackers had a large audience, Fox and FXX juggled the show between platforms and online when the Animation Domination block ended, leaving the show's future in limbo. Though the show lasted one season, a spin-off, Gothball, was released as a web series offering fans more time with the world they loved.

7 Harold And The Purple Crayon

Harold draws an island in Harold And The Purple Crayon.

Adapted from Crockett Johnson's children's book of the same name, Harold and the Purple Crayon is a children's series that centers around a creative four-year-old who draws the worlds he dreams of using his purple crayon. Audiences fell in love with the simple yet colorful art, but were only given thirteen episodes.

Many children's shows try to stuff as much as they can into each episode, finding ways to keep young audiences engaged. Harold and the Purple Crayon relies on its lovable and simple stories, which earned a Daytime Emmy win. While the series was originally designed for one season, the show deserves a reboot and more episodes to explore Harold's world.

6 Over The Garden Wall

Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice walk through the forest in Over the Garden Wall

Over the Garden Wall is a fantasy miniseries created by Patrick McHale for Cartoon Network. The series follows two half-brothers as they travel through a mysterious forest in search of their home, encountering creatures and fantastical things along the way. Even with its short run, Over the Garden Wall is one of the best animated fantasy series.

The series was based on McHale's original short film Tome of the Unknown which screened as part of Cartoon Network's short development program. Over the Garden Wall's whimsical magic, stunning art style, and witty writing helped audiences fall in love with the show.

5 Out There

Friends walking down the sidewalk

Created by Ryan Quincy, Out There is an adult-animated series that follows three anthropomorphic bears in a small town as they waste time during their last years as adolescents. Audiences not only love Out There's humor, but the show's sincere and personal storylines.

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Despite the show's entertaining storylines that work well in episodic series, Out There wasn't renewed for a second season due to low ratings. Fans adore Out There's oddly unique art style, as well as its touching coming-of-age storylines, making its limited episodes a tough pill to swallow.

4 Trollz

Topaz, Onyx, Amethyst, Opal, and Sapphire posing and smiling in the Trollz cartoon.

Inspired by the 1960s troll dolls, Trollz is a magical adventure series that centers around a group of five friends, Sapphire, Topaz, Amethyst, Ruby, and Onyx, who use magic to battle beasts, school, and boys. Trollz is produced by DIC Entertainment, but even after its successful 27 episode run, the series was canceled after just one season.

While many magical adventure fantasy animated shows exist, there isn't one quite like Trollz. Bringing magic into the lives of teenage girls and their everyday problems is a brilliant concept, and one that earned itself a dedicated fan base.

3 Jeff & Some Aliens

Jeff watching TV with alien friends

Jeff & Some Aliens is a Comedy Central adult-animated sitcom based on Comedy Central's sketch comedy series TripTank. Jeff & Some Aliens centers around a human named Jeff who lives with three aliens that traveled to Earth to evaluate the human race, specifically through Jeff.

The series finds humor through the alien's interactions with Jeff and other humans, and the mundane absurdity that comes with observing human life through an alien's eyes. Despite fans admiration for Jeff & Some Aliens, the series cancelation after just one season was a surprise.

2 Sym-Bionic Titan

An image from the Sym-Bionic Titan cartoon.

Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews, and Paul Rudish, Sym-Bionic Titan is a Cartoon Network series that centers around three aliens who can form a giant robot together in order to stop crime. The series balances high school drama with "giant robot battles," offering enough excitement for all audiences.

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Sym-Bionic Titan garnered great reviews from critics and audiences, and while the creators hoped for a second season, Cartoon Network ultimately canceled the series since there were no toys and further sources of income connected to it. Unlike many action adventure series, Sym-Bionic Titan also stands out thanks to its heartfelt stories and positive messages within the show.

1 The Midnight Gospel

The Midnight Gospel is a surreal comedy series created by Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward, and comedian Duncan Trussell. The series uses Trussell's podcast interviews as the episode's stories, turning each one into a fantastical adventure led by Clancy Gilroy, a "spacecaster."

Each episode is filled with intricate and colorful designs, thought-provoking conversations, and one-of-a-kind world building. Adapting a podcast is a difficult feat, but Trussell and Ward made using a podcast as the episode work. The series' cancelation was a surprise for its creators and fans, and many remain hopeful for a reboot. There's no show quite like The Midnight Gospel, and the series' deserves more than its short-lived run.

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