Aging Disgracefully: 10 TV Shows That Went on for Too Long

1. The X-Files (1993-2018)

Nothing says '90s quite like The X-Files. The groundbreaking sci-fi series told us to 'trust no one' and 'the truth is out there', but by the end of its original 11-season run, the truth was, it overstayed its welcome. The charm of Mulder's (David Duchovny) relentless belief in extraterrestrial life and Scully's (Gillian Anderson) rational skepticism captivated audiences in the beginning. However, the once-fresh alien conspiracy plot became entangled in a labyrinth of its own making. Anderson herself expressed disinterest in returning after season 11.

Rotten Tomatoes rates the final season at a disappointing 70%, quite a dip from its glory days. Despite its decline, the series garnered 16 Emmy awards, showing it wasn't all UFO crashes and government conspiracies.

2. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Once a sparkling gem of sitcom TV, How I Met Your Mother began as a fresh take on the genre. It had an innovative narrative style, loveable characters, and a tantalizing mystery – who was the mother? As seasons passed, the central premise turned into a frustrating wait. A good majority of fans even expressed disappointment with the final reveal of the mother, feeling cheated by the writers' decision.

The show's last season sits at a pitiful 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, a sign that the prolonging of the mystery worked against its favor. Behind the scenes, Jason Segel was reportedly eager to leave the show long before its conclusion, hinting at the fatigue seeping into the cast as well. Despite the tumble, the show snagged 28 Emmy nominations over its run.

3. Dexter (2006-2013)

Dexter – a show about a likable serial killer who lives by a code. In its early seasons, the series was a riveting exploration of morality and the human capacity for evil. But as it neared its final seasons, Dexter seemed to have lost its sharp edge. The plotlines felt increasingly ludicrous, characters acted out of character, and the narrative veered away from the show's original premise. By the time the finale aired, audiences were met with one of the most universally reviled conclusions in television history.

Rotten Tomatoes agrees, with the final season's 33% approval rating (and don't even get us started on that attempt at revival). Despite Dexter's disappointing end, Michael C. Hall's performance throughout the series earned him a Golden Globe and five consecutive Emmy nominations.

4. True Blood (2008-2014)

When True Blood first premiered, it was a refreshing blend of horror, humor, and Southern Gothic charm. It had vampires, werewolves, and fairies, all set in the humid, spooky atmosphere of small-town Louisiana. But by the time it reached its seventh season, the show felt like a parody of itself, introducing bizarre plotlines and inexplicable character changes.

The behind-the-scenes drama, including Alan Ball stepping down as showrunner after season 5, didn't help the series either. The audience echoed these sentiments, with the final season getting a dismal 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the series did earn an impressive collection of awards, including a Golden Globe for Anna Paquin.

5. Grey's Anatomy (2005-Present)

Grey's Anatomy has been a staple of American television for so long that it's hard to remember a time when it wasn't on. Initially, the show was lauded for its unique blend of medical drama and soapy romance. It gave us unforgettable moments, from the bomb in the body cavity to the plane crash. However, 19 seasons in, it has had more character deaths than a Shakespearean tragedy, with only three of the original cast members remaining.

Despite the loss of main characters like Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), the series continues, much to the bemusement of fans who, frankly, are eager to find out how exactly Grey's Anatomy will be struggling to exist without its main star, Ellen Pompeo. Grey's holds a score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, surprisingly high considering its age and fluctuating quality.

6. Weeds (2005-2012)

Initially, Weeds was a unique, dark comedy about a widowed suburban mother, Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), turned pot dealer to maintain her lifestyle. The early seasons were sharp, funny, and edgy, providing a fresh take on the idiosyncrasies of suburban life.

However, after the third season, the plot began to spiral into a frenzy of drug lords, tunnels to Mexico, and an alarming number of dangerous predicaments. Even Parker admitted in an interview that the show should have ended sooner. The final season holds a dismal 60% on Rotten Tomatoes.

7. Prison Break (2005-2017)

Prison Break started with a bang – a thrilling plot, high-stakes drama, and a daring escape plan tattooed on the body of the protagonist, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller). But how many times can a man break out of prison before it becomes redundant? Apparently, five seasons' worth.

The convoluted plots of subsequent seasons felt forced, and the novelty of the original concept quickly wore thin. The final season sits at a not-so-impressive 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its decline, the series snagged a Golden Globe nomination for Miller's captivating performance.

8. Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)

Nip/Tuck, a show about two plastic surgeons in Miami, originally captivated audiences with its blend of melodrama, moral ambiguity, and commentary on beauty standards. However, as the show progressed, it fell victim to its desire to shock viewers with increasingly outrageous storylines involving organ theft, serial killers, and even a face transplant.

Joely Richardson, who played Julia McNamara, admitted in an interview that the show had become excessively dark. The final season ended with a meager 60% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its descent into the absurd, the series did win a Golden Globe for Best Television Drama.

9. Heroes (2006-2010)

Heroes debuted with an intriguing premise: ordinary people discovering they have superhuman abilities. The first season was met with critical acclaim, lauded for its character development and plot. However, the series suffered a quality nosedive in subsequent seasons with convoluted storylines and an overload of new characters. Even the cast was reportedly frustrated, with Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli) expressing disappointment about his character's arc. The show's final season sits at a lowly 40% on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Two and a Half Men (2003-2015)

Initially, Two and a Half Men was a hit, generating laughs with its playboy Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and uptight brother Alan (Jon Cryer) dynamic. However, when Sheen departed the show due to well-publicized behind-the-scenes drama, Ashton Kutcher was brought in as a replacement. Despite Kutcher's charm, the show lost its essence.

The plotlines felt repetitive, and it became a classic case of a sitcom stretching beyond its sell-by date. Rotten Tomatoes shows a modest 60% for the final season. The silver lining? Jon Cryer earned two Emmy awards for his performance.