David Cassidy: Man Undercover
‘The Partridge Family’ star, David Cassidy, became so famous back in the ’70s that he even starred in his own spin-off series: ‘David Cassidy: Man Undercover.’ In the show, Cassidy played a police officer who was sent to investigate a high school drug ring. Other famous actors in the show included Simon Oakland and Ed Harris.
Aired in 1978, the series was canceled after only 10 episodes, with many viewers and critics considering the show a cheap attempt to jumpstart Cassidy’s career.
Chopper One
Back in the 1970s, there was an NBC hit show called 'Emergency!', and it didn't take long for producers to try and write an equally popular spin-off. After several attempts, 'Chopper One' was born in January of 1974. The show was about a police helicopter team in California, focusing on two chopper pilots called Don Burdick (Jim McMullan) and Gil Foley (Dirk Benefict).
Even though producers and network execs spent about $140,000 to film each episode, the show tanked and was pulled off the air after 13 episodes in April of 1974.
Carter Country
ABC's 1977 sitcom, 'Carter Country,' lasted for an impressive two years and 44 episodes. However, it's still not a success story since audiences still had their issues with the culturally sensitive show.
Starring Victor French, Kene Holliday, Vernee Watson, Richard Paul, Harvey Vernon, and Barbara Cason, 'Carter Country' followed the lives of different police officers that came from different backgrounds and cultures and how they overcame their differences. Although it sounded great on paper, the show eventually got canceled due to low ratings.
Sword of Justice
'Sword of Justice' followed the story of a man that led the life of a playboy by day and turned into a ruthless mercenary by night. But, contrary to Batman or other superheroes of the ilk, Jack Cole let his enemies know he was coming for them by sending them three cards.
Audiences didn't love the show and found the fact that this mercenary warned his victims just a little over-the-top. Producers only released nine episodes, and NBC decided to cancel it altogether.
The American Girls
Released by CBS in 1978, 'The American Girls' lasted for about six days, and it was basically another series in a long list of 'Charlie's Angels' copy TV shows. Many producers tried to come up with a hit TV show like the 70's 'Charlie's Angels,' but none made the cut.
Lead actresses Priscilla Barnes and Debra Clinger played two beautiful investigative reporters that worked on a news show called 'The American Report.' While it was an entertaining adventure drama, these girls never had a chance since their show was aired on the 9-10 pm time slot, the same as ABC's 'The Love Boat.'