J.J. Abrams is best known for blockbuster franchises like Lost, Fringe, and Star Wars, but his television track record includes far more than just the hits. Over the years, Abrams has launched several lesser-known series. Many of these were canceled well before they found their footing.
While some suffered from network misfires or mismatched expectations, others were simply ahead of their time. Despite their short runs, these forgotten shows offer clever premises, strong performances, and creative ambition that make them worth rediscovering. Whether viewers prefer sci-fi thrillers, romantic dramas, or emotional fantasy, these surprising gems are worth a second look.
6 What About Brian is a Surprisingly Honest Look at Adult Relationships
A Low-Key Romantic Drama That Offers Real Emotional Depth
What About Brian is one of those rare shows that does not shout for attention but still gets under the viewer’s skin. It centers on Brian Davis (Barry Watson), a 30-something guy living in Los Angeles. He is the last single man in a friend group where everyone else seems happily coupled up. The show quietly explores what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, not just romantically, but emotionally, too. Brian is not a perfect character. That is the point; he is still figuring things out, just like everyone else.
The show dives into the complexities of love, dating, marriage and friendship in an honest, relatable way. The drama is not over-the-top. Instead, it unfolds gently, reflecting the kinds of dilemmas real people face. What sets What About Brian apart is its tone. It is not flashy or filled with constant twists, but it is sincere. The show takes its characters seriously, and that earns the viewers’ trust. It also captures the emotional messiness of being an adult in a way few shows at the time really attempted. Although it only lasted just two seasons, What About Brian quietly developed a loyal fanbase. For viewers who appreciate romantic dramas that avoid clichés, this show offers something more grounded and heartfelt.
What About Brian
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5 Six Degrees is an Ambitious Drama About How Our Lives Intertwine
A Thoughtful Ensemble Series That Didn’t Get Enough Time to Grow
Six Degrees follows the fascinating idea that everyone is connected by a chain of just six people. Set in New York City, the show follows six strangers from different walks of life. Each character deals with their own struggles, but their lives gradually intersect in unexpected and sometimes meaningful ways. The cast includes Campbell Scott, Erika Christensen, Hope Davis, Bridget Moynahan, Dorian Missick and Jay Hernandez. Each actor plays a character navigating love, grief, ambition and loneliness. The show leans into the emotional complexity of everyday life, asking how much people really influence each other, often without realizing it.
Six Degrees is thoughtful and often quietly moving, but the storytelling can feel disjointed. With six main characters and multiple storylines, the show spreads itself thin. It never gives any single arc enough time to really dig deep. Still, moments of insight shine through. When connections form between characters, it delivers some truly touching scenes. Unfortunately, Six Degrees struggled with ratings and was pulled off the air after just eight episodes, though 13 were filmed. It did not have time to fully explore its premise or develop the emotional payoffs it was clearly building toward. The show’s gentle message about human connection still resonates.
4 Alcatraz Crafts a Dark, Intriguing Mystery That Ends Too Soon
A High-Concept Sci-Fi Procedural With an Eerie Atmosphere
Alcatraz launches with a gripping premise: in 1963, 302 prisoners and guards mysteriously vanish from the infamous prison. They reappear decades later in modern-day San Francisco. The prisoners are unchanged but confused. Executive produced by J.J. Abrams, the show blends sci-fi with crime procedural elements, as a special task force hunts down the returned prisoners who commit crimes while uncovering deeper conspiracies. The series features a strong cast including Jorge Garcia and Sam Neill, whose characters anchor the story in emotional and procedural stakes. Alcatraz skillfully builds tension with its eerie atmosphere, government secrets, and time-bending mysteries.
The show combines serialized storytelling with procedural cases to balance weekly thrills with a larger mythology. Unfortunately, the show suffered from pacing issues and a decline in ratings. FOX canceled it after one season and 13 episodes, leaving its biggest mysteries unresolved. However, fans appreciate Alcatraz for its ambition, mood, and clever integration of science fiction and crime drama elements. Alcatraz’s tone and interesting mysteries resonate with viewers who enjoy Abrams’ signature storytelling style, reminiscent of Fringe and Lost. Though short-lived, Alcatraz stands as a captivating, underappreciated series that still sparks curiosity and discussion years later.
Alcatraz
Drama 1
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3 Undercovers Brings a Light, Stylish Take on Spy Drama
A Breezy, Fun Series That’s Underrated for Its Charisma and Chemistry
Undercovers premiered on NBC as a stylish espionage series focusing on a married couple of retired CIA agents, Steven (Boris Kodjoe) and Samantha Bloom (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). J.J. Abrams directs the pilot and aims for a lighter tone, a clear departure from his more mythology-heavy works. The show embraces a spy-of-the-week format with fun, self-contained episodes full of globe-trotting adventure, witty banter, and a vibrant international flair. Despite its charm and diverse lead duo, Undercovers struggles to find its audience.
Critics praise the chemistry but feel the show lacks the emotional depth and narrative complexity Abrams is known for. Its decision to avoid serialized mythology and intricate plotlines leaves viewers wanting more depth. As a result, NBC cancels the show after airing only eleven episodes, shelving the remaining two. Undercovers’ diversity in casting was notable for its time, and the leads’ chemistry elevates the material above typical procedural fare. While it does not reach the heights of Abrams’ bigger hits, the show offers enjoyable escapism with a lighthearted spirit that stands up better on a rewatch than initial ratings might suggest.
Undercovers
TV-14 Action Thriller Crime
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2 Believe is a Magical Drama That Stumbles but Still Shines
A Beautifully Made Show That Couldn't Quite Find Its Footing
Believe tells the story of Bo Adams (Johnny Sequoyah), a young girl with mysterious supernatural powers. She is assigned an ex-con, William Tate (Jake McLaughlin), to protect her from people who want to exploit her abilities. Created by Alfonso Cuarón and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, the show begins beautifully, with a pilot full of stunning visuals and genuine emotion. Bo and Tate’s bond is the heart of the show. Their journey blends magical realism with a road trip feel. The pilot’s promise of hope and connection is powerful.
However, Believe struggles with uneven writing and shifts in tone. This made it harder for viewers to stay fully engaged. NBC canceled Believe before all episodes aired, so many storylines feel unfinished. Despite its flaws, the show has a warmth and sincerity that make it worth watching. Believe is about trust, hope, and the magic of human connection, which resonates beyond the fantasy elements. For fans who enjoy shows with emotional depth wrapped in a supernatural mystery, Believe is an imperfect but heartfelt attempt that deserves a second look.
1 Almost Human Combines Gritty Sci-Fi Action with Deep Character Bonds
A Near-Future Cop Drama With Thoughtful World-Building
Set in 2048, Almost Human follows human cops with android partners. Detective John Kennex (Karl Urban), a hardened cop recovering from a traumatic, near-fatal injury, is paired with android Dorian (Michael Ealy). Dorian balances logic with surprisingly human empathy, often outshining his human counterparts in emotional intelligence. The dynamic between them is the emotional and comedic core of the show, creating a buddy-cop relationship that feels both fresh and heartfelt. Almost Human mixes gritty crime drama with sharp sci-fi world-building. It explores artificial intelligence, social inequality, and what it truly means to be human in a tech-dominated world. Besides starting important discussions, it delivers action-packed episodes and clever banter.
Almost Human’s vision of the future is detailed and grounded, with sleek tech and complex moral dilemmas. The series’ look and feel are sleek, and its philosophical undertones give it depth beyond a typical procedural. Unfortunately, FOX aired episodes out of order, making the story feel disjointed, hurting its chances with viewers. As a result, it was canceled after Season 1. This move disappointed many fans, who appreciated its thoughtful storytelling, sharp writing, and unique blend of genres. Almost Human still has a loyal cult following. Fans praised it for strong performances and the emotional resonance between its leads. For viewers interested in sci-fi that asks real questions and offers genuine laughs, this short-lived series is absolutely worth watching.
Almost Human
Sci-Fi
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