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.’
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.
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 Manhunter
This detective drama aired on CBS in 1974 and managed to survive a whole seven months and 22 episodes. 'The Manhunter' starred the famous Ken Howard as the show's protagonist - an ex-marine named Dave Barrett, whose best friend dies during a bank robbery.
The series was set in the 1930s Depression era, and viewers saw the heroic Dave Barrett give up his quiet farm life to become a private detective that wants to arrest as many criminals as possible. He travels across the country and only goes back home to visit family. Despite a great cast, a good plot, and star guests, such as Sam Elliot, Mark Hamill, Claudia Jennings, and more, the show was canceled after just one season.
The Ropers
Another show created as a spin-off of a previous, highly popular show was 'The Ropers'. ABC created the series as a spin-off to 'Three's Company,' but the new show just didn't cut it; the characters weren't interesting enough, and the production was lacking.
The plot was about two landlords, played by Norman Fell and Audra Lindley, who sold their building (which appeared on 'Three's Company'), and bought a new one. Unfortunately, after two short seasons, the show got pulled off the air.