Who Remembers These 15 Short-Lived UPN TV Shows [VIDEO]

UPN, the United Paramount Network, was a television network that made its mark on the late 90s and early 2000s. While it had its share of successes, such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” it also produced a number of short-lived series that have faded into obscurity.

These shows, often overshadowed by their longer-running counterparts, offered unique storylines, memorable characters, and sometimes even cult followings. From dramas to sitcoms and everything in between, UPN’s short-lived series showcased a diverse range of programming.

Keep scrolling for a trip down memory lane and revisit 12 of these forgotten gems. Some may be familiar to longtime fans, while others might be completely new to you. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of UPN’s short-lived television shows below.

 

 

Goode Behavior

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes
Willie Goode (Sherman Hemsley) is a newly paroled convicted con artist. He is also the father of Franklin Goode (Dorien Wilson), his estranged son. Franklin is a college professor and is in the process of being promoted to Dean of Humanities at Chapel Hill University in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The two must peacefully co-exist when Willie arrives at Franklin’s house unannounced to fulfill the conditions of his probation; he must live at his son’s house, under house arrest. Caught in the middle of the family feuding are Franklin’s wife Barbara (Alex Datcher), a local news anchor, and their teenage daughter Bianca (Bianca Lawson).

 

 

Mercy Point

Lasted: 1 season, 7 episodes (3 unaired)

The science fiction medical drama set in the 23rd century, where the crew of a deep-space medical station, Mercy Point, treats both human and alien patients. The series follows Dr. Haylen Breslauer (Joe Morton) and his team, including Dr. Batung (Maria del Mar) and Dr. Dru Breslauer (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), as they navigate the challenges of providing healthcare in a futuristic world while dealing with ethical dilemmas, personal conflicts, and the complexities of interspecies medicine.

 

Good News

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes

This comedy is set in a Black church and follows Pastor David Randolph (David Ramsey) as he navigates his new role as the head of a small congregation. The series blends humor and heartfelt moments as the pastor tries to inspire his quirky flock.

The series also starred Roz Ryan,Guy Torry, Jazsmin Lewis, Tracey Cherelle Jones and Alexia Robinson

Sparks

Lasted: 2 season, 40 episodes
This sitcom follows the Sparks family, who run a law firm in Los Angeles. The show highlights the comedic and dramatic elements of working in a family business. The series starred James Avery, Terrence Howard, Miguel A. Núñez , Robin Givens, Jr., Arif S. Kinchen, Kym Whitley

Kevin Hill

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes
The show follows Kevin Hill (Taye Diggs), a successful entertainment lawyer and bachelor who becomes the guardian of his cousin’s 10-month-old daughter. The series focuses on Kevin’s struggles to balance his high-powered career and newfound responsibilities as a single parent.

The series also starred Michael Michele, Christina Hendricks, Kate Levering, Meagan Good, Jon Seda, and Patrick Breen

Between Brothers

Lasted: 2 seasons, 17 episodes

This sitcom revolves around four Black men in their 20s—Charles, James, Mitchell, and Dusty—as they navigate friendship, work, and relationships while living in Chicago. The show blends comedy with the complexities of modern life as the men deal with their evolving lives.

Love Inc

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes

The series starred Busy Philipps, Holly Robinson Peete, Reagan Gomez-Preston, and Ion Overman. The series centered around a group of friends who run a matchmaking agency in Los Angeles. The show focused on their personal lives as well as their attempts to help clients find love.

Minor Adjustments

Lasted: 1 season, 20 episodes

This sitcom follows a child psychologist who juggles his work at a mental health clinic with his family life. The series starred Rondell Sheridan, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Camille Winbush, Bobby E. McAdams, Linda Kash, Sara Rue, and Mitchell Whitfield

The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer

Lasted: 1 season, 9 episodes (5 unaired)
A Black English nobleman named Desmond Pfeiffer (Chi McBride), chased out of the United Kingdom due to gambling debts, becomes President Abraham Lincoln’s (Dann Florek) valet. In the show, he serves as the intelligent and erudite backbone of a Civil War-era White House populated by louts and drunkards.

The series stars Jason George, Sticky Fingaz, Steven Pasquale

Homeboys in Outerspace

Lasted: 1 season, 21 episodes

This science fiction sitcom follows two astronauts, Tyberius Walker (Flex Alexander) and Morris Clay (Darryl M. Bell), who travel through the galaxy in their space hoopty. The show is a humorous take on space adventures with a unique cultural twist.

Rock Me Baby

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes

The series starred Dan Cortese, Bianca Kajlich, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Tammy Townsend. This comedy series centers on Jimmy Cox (Dan Cortese), a shock jock radio host who becomes a first-time dad. The show explores the challenges and humor of balancing a demanding career and fatherhood, with the help of his wife, Beth (Bianca Kajlich).

Second Time Around

Lasted: 1 season, 13 episodes

This sitcom centers around newlyweds Jackson (Boris Kodjoe) and Ryan Muse (Nicole Ari Parker), who try to make their second marriage work after their first one ended in divorce. The show explores the challenges and humor in rekindling love the second time around.

Shasta McNasty

Lasted: 1 season, 22 episodes
“Shasta McNasty” is a comedy about three slackers—Scott, Dennis, and Randy—who form a rap-rock band in Los Angeles. The show follows their wild and often absurd adventures as they pursue fame and navigate life in the city.

Cuts

Lasted: 2 seasons, 31 episodes

“Cuts” is a spin-off of the series “One on One,” and it follows Kevin Barnes (Marques Houston) as he inherits his father’s struggling barbershop. Along with his business partner Tiffany (Shannon Elizabeth), they work to turn the shop into a success while dealing with comedic misadventures.

Guys Like Us

Lasted: 1 season, 13 episodes

The sitcom that follows the lives of two young men, Sean Barker (Chris Hardwick) and Jared Harris (Bumper Robinson), who are enjoying their carefree bachelor lifestyles in New York City. Their dynamic takes an unexpected turn when Jared’s 6-year-old brother, Maestro (Maestro Harrell), comes to live with them. As they adjust to the new responsibilities of caring for a child, the show blends humor with the challenges of sudden parenthood, all while maintaining their youthful antics and friendship.

 

Platinum

Lasted: 1 season, 6 episodes

“Platinum” is a drama that follows two brothers, Jackson and Grady Rhames, who run a successful hip-hop label. The show delves into the challenges of the music industry, family dynamics, and the price of fame.