In part, this one-hour drama tops my list thanks to its perfect time capsule of early-'90s style and angst. (Think crochet vests, flannel shirts, and a soundtrack with R.E.M., Sonic Youth, and the Ramones). Nostalgia aside, the show’s 19-episode lifespan proves tragically short. Fifteen-year-old Claire Danes’ authentic portrayal of the conflicted Angela Chase provided a gripping anchor for a series that pushed beyond the “very special episodes” of the era to more fully address issues such as homophobia and school violence. And let’s not forget the smoldering Jared Leto as the rebel without a cause boyfriend. Sadly, MSCL suffered from a fragmented marketing campaign; to the confusion of viewers, executives targeted the series at both teens and adults with the idea a female teen fan base couldn’t exclusively support programming. Oh, how Dawson's Creek would prove them wrong a few years later.

2. Arrested Development | FOX | November 2, 2003 – February 10, 2006

Sure, it lasted three seasons—an eternity compared to others on this list—but this quirky, innovative comedy had the goods to go the distance. With its ridiculously talented cast (almost unbelievable that Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia DiRossi and Jeffrey Tambor shared scenes on a weekly basis) and elaborate plots the eccentric Bluth family could have churned out quality television for years to come. Alas, a small cult following and six Emmy’s couldn’t keep Fox from forcing this gem to a fate befitting its title. (Now we're waiting to see what happens with the movie.)

3. Freaks and Geeks | NBC | September 25, 1999 – July 8, 2000

The saga of mathlete-turned-freak Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) and her geek brother Sam (John Francis Daley) perfected the dramedy genre with equal parts humor and seriousness. Set in 1981, the sitcom boasted a sophisticated look and feel with then sorely underused on-location shots and no laugh track. Written, produced, and directed by comedy extraordinaire Judd Apatow, the program also featured fresh, funny performances from Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jason Segel. Though network execs nixed the series 12 episodes in, Apatow and crew’s slew of hit films—Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, to name a few—have given these outcasts the last laugh.

4. Pushing Daisies | ABC | October 3, 2007 – June 13, 2009

This show had it all: forensics, true love, and pie. Created by Bryan Fuller, whose other short-lived series Dead Like Me deserves an honorable mention in the Canceled Too Soon Hall of Fame, the series followed Ned the pie-maker, played by Lee Pace, as he solved murder cases using his ability to temporarily bring folks back to life. In addition to its out-there plots, Pushing Daisies had a distinctive fairytale-esque look with bright colors and whimsical scenery. Arguably one of the most original series ever produced by a big-three network, its 22 episodes only leave you hungry for more.

5. The Ben Stiller Show | MTV & FOX | September 27, 1992 – January 17, 1993

With starring roles in comedy classics There’s Something About Mary and Zoolander it’s easy to forget that, back in the day, Ben Stiller had a little TV show. In a mere 13 episodes the show-within-a-show sketch comedy series supplied unforgettable scenes and characters, such as "Tito Gallegas: The Pig Latin Lover," "Grown Up Eddie Munster," and oodles of dead-on Tom Cruise, Bono, and Springsteen impersonations. The series also showcased some of the best comedians of the decade, including Andy Dick and Janeane Garofalo (plus, Apatow was behind this one, too). Despite its sizzling critique of pop culture, The BSS failed to connect with viewers. A shame, especially when compared with MTV's current reality-drenched lineup.