Seasons: 2 seasons, 14 episodes. Starring: Will Arnett, David Sullivan, Heather Graham, Kirstie Alley, and Ruth Kearney. Description: Flaked is about a guy called Chip, who is a recovering alcoholic and, supposedly, a self-help guru. Trying to stay one step ahead of the game, Chip gets himself into all kinds of situations, including falling for a girl. The catch here is that someone is already in love with her, and he happens to be Chip’s best friend.
Why it’s a stinker: Flaked was produced by Will Arnett, who created the series alongside Mitch Hurwitz, best known for his hit show Arrested Development. However, Flaked did not receive the same reception, despite the collective genius of these two minds. Flaked benefits from an all-star cast, but this didn’t rescue it from being a complete flop. Something doesn’t translate onto the screen and, unfortunately, we have to agree with the critic who called it “dull and pointless.”
Between (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 12 episodes. Starring: Jennette McCurdy, Jesse Carere, and Jim Watson. Description: Between is set in a town called Pretty Lake, where a deadly disease kills anyone older than 22. This strange phenomenon causes the city to be quarantined, and so the inhabitants are left to their own devices. The show brings up a number of themes, including the desire for trapped people to escape, social power vacuums when a town is left to its own devices, and what happens when you leave young people in charge of a community.
Why it’s a stinker: Between received pretty lukewarm reviews, with critics describing it as “lacking depth and tension.” The acting is sub-par, except for McCurdy, and the character development is poor. You do not feel connected to the story, and it lacks that hook that will make you want to watch the next episode.
Real Rob (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 16 episodes. Starring: Rob Schneider, Jamie Lissow, and Miranda Scarlett Schneider. Description: The Real Rob is somewhere between a sitcom and a reality show, where all the cast plays themselves, but the script is written by Rob Schneider and follows the everyday happenings in his professional and personal life.
Why it’s a stinker: We are not sure how this series survived its first season, let alone its third. If you love Rob Schneider, then you’ll probably enjoy this for what it is. So, unless you have an unusual interest in his life, we suggest watching something else.
The Rain (WORST)
Seasons: 2 seasons, 14 episodes. Starring: Alba August, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Mikkel Følsgaard, Jessica Dinnage, and Angela Bundalovic Description:The Rain is about a brother and sister who emerge out of a bunker six years after apocalyptic rains, which carry a deadly virus, cause most of the population of Scandinavia to be wiped out. The siblings leave the bunker in search of their father, who was a scientist, and left the bunker but never came back. Along the way, they meet other survivors, and together they go in search of a safe place as well as the sibling's father, who they hope has found a cure to the virus.
Why it’s a stinker: A post-apocalyptic drama is not an original concept, and although the barren wastelands of Scandinavia provide a beautiful backdrop for the series, the storyline itself is severely lacking. There are convoluted plot twists which are hard to believe, and there is weak character development. All in all, The Rain is rather forgettable, so we say, don’t waste your time on it.
Anne with an E (WORST)
Seasons: 3 seasons, 27 episodes. Starring: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, R.H. Thomson, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, and Aymeric Jett Montaz Description: Based on the book, Anne of Green Gables, written in 1908, Anne with an E tells the story of a young girl who is adopted by brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. They had thought they were adopting a boy, but upon arrival at the train station, they are presented with Anne, who is full of personality and boundless energy. After some initial problems, including the disappearance of Marilla’s brooch and Anne running away, they decide to reconcile, and Anne begins to settle into life with the Cuthberts.
Why it’s a stinker: Anne of Green Gables is a children’s classic, and unfortunately, this series does not do it justice. There is some lovely cinematography and staging, but the script doesn’t do anything to enhance the show, and is, in fact, quite dull. This show is more likely to put you to sleep than keep you on the edge of your seat, so sadly it’s a thumbs down. You’re better off reading the book!