Shows That Get Better After Season 1

Yes, many television series improve significantly after their first season, often because the writers find their footing, the characters settle into their rhythms, and the budget or creative ambition expands. This article explains why that happens, lists notable examples across genres, and helps you decide which shows are worth pushing through a shaky debut season.

Why First Seasons Are Often Weak

The first season of a show is essentially a pilot stretched across ten or more episodes. Networks and streaming platforms often order a season before the writers fully know what the show is about. Characters are still being discovered, the tone may swing between drama and comedy, and the plot often recycles familiar tropes while testing what works. Showrunners frequently admit that the first season was a “learning experience” — the actors are still finding their characters, and the writing staff hasn’t yet developed the shorthand that makes later seasons feel effortless.

There is also a practical reason: early seasons are made on smaller budgets. A sci-fi show might rely on cheap sets and limited effects in season one, then get a bigger effects budget once it proves popular. The same goes for guest stars, location shoots, and musical scores. When a show is renewed, the network invests more because it now has data showing an audience exists.

How a Show Can Improve

Improvement usually comes from one of several changes:

• Character focus shifts: A minor character in season one becomes the emotional core by season two (e.g., Parks and Recreation).
• Serialized plotting replaces monster-of-the-week: Shows like The 100 and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. dropped standalone episodes for longer arcs.
• Tone adjustment: Buffy the Vampire Slayer leaned harder into its mythology after a more episodic first season.
• Cast changes: Adding a new regular or replacing a weak link can revitalize the ensemble.
• Budget increase: More locations, better effects, and a fuller score make the world feel more real.

None of these happen automatically. The writers have to identify what isn’t working and be willing to change it. That willingness is what separates shows that improve from those that stay mediocre.

Notable Examples That Got Better

Here are some of the most frequently cited shows that improved after season one, with a brief note on why:

• Parks and Recreation: Season one is a direct The Office clone with a grating lead. In season two, Leslie Knope becomes competent and lovable, and the supporting cast (Ron, April, Andy) gets more screen time.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation: The first season is notoriously uneven, with a stiff Picard and recycled plots. By season three, the show found its philosophical voice and became the benchmark for the franchise.
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season one is fun but campy, with low-budget effects and a villain-of-the-week format. Season two introduces Angel’s curse, Spike, and a serialized arc that raised the stakes.
• The Office (US): The first season tries to replicate the UK version’s cringe humor. It works, but season two makes Michael Scott more human and the romance between Jim and Pam the central draw.
• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The first half of season one is procedural and disconnected from the MCU. After the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the show becomes a serialized spy thriller.
• The 100: A teen drama with shaky acting and CW tropes in season one. By season two, it becomes a dark, morally complex survival story.
• Seinfeld: The first season is short (5 episodes) and feels like a standard sitcom. From season two onward, the show develops its signature “show about nothing” structure.

These examples span decades and genres, which suggests the phenomenon is not limited to one type of show. The common thread is that the creative team was given time to iterate.

How to Decide If You Should Skip Season One

If you’re considering starting a show that’s known for a weak first season, here are some practical ways to decide:

1. Check if the first season is short. Many shows have 6-10 episode first seasons. Skipping or skimming through them is low-cost.
2. Read a season-one recap. A 5-minute recap can give you the essential plot points without suffering through the bad episodes.
3. Ask fans where to start. For shows like Star Trek: TNG, many fans recommend starting at season two or three and going back later if you like it.
4. Consider whether the show is serialized or episodic. If it’s mostly episodic, you can jump in at any season. If it’s serialized, you might miss character development by skipping.
5. Watch the season finale of season one. If the finale hooks you, the show probably found its footing by the end.

For a show like Parks and Recreation, you could genuinely start at season two and not miss much. For a show like Buffy, season one introduces key characters but the mythology doesn’t kick in until season two. In both cases, going back to season one later is a better experience than forcing yourself through it first.

Common Problems That Persist

Even shows that improve after season one often retain some early-season flaws. These can include:

• Continuity errors: Early episodes may contradict later canon. For example, The 100 retcons several season-one plot points.
• Character regression: A character who grew in season two may act like their season-one self in a later episode for plot convenience.
• Pacing issues: Even good shows have filler episodes. The improvement is usually in the average quality, not every single episode.
• Cast departures: Shows that improve often lose actors who were signed only for one season, which can feel jarring.

Understanding these persistent issues helps set expectations. A show that “gets better” doesn’t mean it becomes flawless — it means the good episodes outnumber the bad ones.

Comparisons: Shows That Got Worse

For contrast, some shows start strong and then decline. Heroes had a brilliant first season but fell apart in season two due to the writers’ strike and a lost plot. Westworld is often cited as a show that peaked in season one and became convoluted later. Game of Thrones declined in its final seasons due to rushed pacing, though it remained popular throughout.

The difference between shows that improve and those that decline often comes down to planning. Shows that improve usually have a long-term arc in mind but need time to execute it. Shows that decline often had a strong initial concept but no idea where to go next. If a show’s first season is a complete story, it may be harder to extend it without losing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip season one entirely?

Yes, for most shows. If you’re watching Parks and Recreation, start at season two. For Buffy, you can start at season two and read a summary of season one. The only risk is missing character introductions, but most recaps cover that. For highly serialized shows like The 100, you might be confused about the world-building, but a recap solves that too.

Why do so many shows improve in season two?

Because season two is the first season where the writers know what the show actually is. They have feedback from the network, the audience, and their own experience. They can also plan a full season arc from the start, rather than making it up as they go. Budget and trust from the network also increase after a successful first season.

Are there shows that improve in season three or later?

Yes. Star Trek: TNG is the classic example — it improved markedly in season three. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. got better in season two and continued to improve. BoJack Horseman is often cited as improving in season two, but some say season three is where it truly peaked. Improvement can happen at any point, but it’s most common between seasons one and two.

How do I know if a show is worth pushing through?

Look for signs that the show has a strong premise but weak execution. If the concept is interesting but the dialogue is clunky, it might improve. If the premise itself is boring, it’s less likely to get better. Also, check if the show was renewed for multiple seasons — that suggests the network saw potential. Fan communities are a good resource: if long-time fans say “it gets good in season two,” they’re usually right.

Does skipping seasons affect my enjoyment of later seasons?

Not much, if you read a recap. Most shows are designed to be accessible to new viewers each season, so you won’t be completely lost. You might miss callbacks to earlier episodes, but the main plot will still make sense. For shows like Buffy, the season one finale is worth watching because it sets up the season two arc.

Are there any shows that got worse after season one?

Yes. Heroes, Westworld, and The Walking Dead are commonly cited. In these cases, the first season had a clear vision that was lost as the show expanded. The opposite problem — starting strong and losing focus — is also common. The key is to research a show’s trajectory before committing to a binge.

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