Low-Viewed White TV Shows Gain Post-Season Popularity: Breaking Bad, Suits, Arrested Development

Plenty of Successful Shows Prove Viewership Isn’t Everything

When it comes to television shows, success is often measured by viewership ratings. However, some shows have defied this conventional wisdom by achieving immense popularity long after they have ended. One Twitter user, Taylor Gray, recently pointed out this phenomenon, highlighting shows like Breaking Bad, Suits, and Arrested Development, which gained a loyal fanbase despite initially low viewership numbers.

Breaking Bad: A Slow-Burning Sensation

Breaking Bad, a gripping crime drama, first premiered in 2008. The show follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer, portrayed by Bryan Cranston. Despite receiving critical acclaim, Breaking Bad struggled to attract a large audience during its initial run. However, as viewers discovered the show through streaming platforms and word-of-mouth recommendations, its popularity skyrocketed.

Over the course of its five seasons, Breaking Bad garnered a devoted following, with fans praising its complex characters, intense storytelling, and groundbreaking cinematography. The show’s finale in 2013 drew in a record-breaking 10.3 million viewers, solidifying its status as a modern television classic.

Suits: A Legal Drama That Stood the Test of Time

Suits, a legal drama set in a prestigious New York City law firm, premiered in 2011. The show centers around a college dropout, Mike Ross, who lands a job as a law associate despite never having attended law school. While Suits initially struggled to attract a large audience, it gained significant traction through digital streaming platforms.

As the show progressed through its eight seasons, Suits amassed a dedicated fanbase, drawn to its witty dialogue, engaging storylines, and charismatic ensemble cast. Notably, the show’s popularity skyrocketed after the departure of two of its main characters, Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle, who left the show in 2018. This unexpected turn of events brought renewed attention to Suits, further solidifying its status as a long-lasting success.

Arrested Development: From Cancellation to Cult Following

Arrested Development, a critically acclaimed sitcom, first aired in 2003. The show revolves around the eccentric Bluth family and their misadventures in the aftermath of their real estate empire’s collapse. Despite receiving rave reviews from critics, Arrested Development struggled to find a wide audience during its initial three-season run.

However, fans of the show refused to let it fade into obscurity. Through grassroots efforts and online campaigns, they managed to convince streaming giant Netflix to revive the show for two additional seasons in 2013. This unprecedented move not only delighted the show’s loyal fanbase but also introduced Arrested Development to a whole new audience. The show’s unique blend of clever humor and intricate storytelling continues to resonate with viewers, making it a prime example of a show that found success long after its original run.

Conclusion

These examples of shows like Breaking Bad, Suits, and Arrested Development prove that viewership numbers do not always determine a show’s long-term success. Thanks to the power of streaming platforms, word-of-mouth recommendations, and dedicated fanbases, these shows defied initial low viewership to become beloved cultural phenomena. So the next time you come across a hidden gem of a show, remember that its true potential may not be immediately evident..

Plenty of white shows last for several seasons with little viewership and even find popularity AFTER they’re done.

i.e. Breaking Bad (5 seasons), Suits (8 seasons), Arrested Development (3 seasons then picked up for 2 more)

— Taylor Gray (@offtaylorgray) January 18, 2024

Source

@offtaylorgray said @ThirstForTT @PopCrave Plenty of white shows last for several seasons with little viewership and even find popularity AFTER they’re done. i.e. Breaking Bad (5 seasons), Suits (8 seasons), Arrested Development (3 seasons then picked up for 2 more)

RELATED STORY.