9 Great 2000s TV Shows That No One Remembers

The 2000s was a fun generation for TV. This is when reality TV started to take shape with shows like Survivor and Big Brother, both of which continue to this day. It's the decade when Real Time with Bill Maher came out, Arrested Development, Smallville, and Prison Break graced the small screen, and Grey's Anatomy started its domination as the now longest-running scripted primetime show on ABC.

Some of the most iconic shows of the 21st century debuting that decade. Many are still on the air today or have returned in some capacity with remakes, sequels, or spin-offs, like Veronica Mars and Party Down. But there are also shows that we've already forgotten even existed, some more obscure and forgotten than others.

1 'Everwood' (2002–2006)

Airing on The WB, Everwood is a Greg Berlanti (Riverdale, You) drama about Dr. Andy Brown (Treat Williams), who moves with his kids to a small Colorado town following the death of his wife. While he was a respected neurosurgeon in Manhattan, becoming a widower has driven him to focus on what's most important: his kids. The show navigates Andy's acclimation to this small town and the changing relationship with his kids, particularly his 15-year-old son Ephram (Gregory Smith) now that he's not so focused on his demanding job.

Airing for four seasons, Everwood notably starred Chris Pratt, Scott Wolf, the late Anne Heche, and Justin Baldoni. It's one of those shows people have completely forgotten about. It was believed to be an attempt at a companion show for the network alongside the highly successful series 7th Heaven, which aired from 1996 through 2006 and is one of the greatest '90s shows nobody talks about anymore. But Everwood didn't quite receive the same positive reception. It did, however, receive Emmy nods and in 2003, TV Guide named the series among the "best shows you may not be watching."

2 'Brotherhood' (2006–2008)

If you've seen Jason Clarke recently in Oppenheimer and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty and Jason Isaacs in shows like The White Lotus, you might remember that these two once upon a time appeared together in a fantastic crime drama that aired for three seasons on Showtime. Set in Rhode Island, they play Irish American brothers on either side of the law in Brotherhood. Tommy (Clarke) is a local politician and Michael (Isaacs) is his troublemaking Irish gangster brother who constantly tests his brother's patience and threatens to sully his reputation.

Not only that, but Tommy is constantly having to get his brother out of jams. Michael is, at times, more fearless and brazen than he should be because of the perceived unspoken protection by his powerful, suited-up brother. Brotherhood tackles the moral dilemma of duty to a city, state, government, and the people versus obligation and loyalty to family. Also starring Ethan Embry, Kevin Chapman, and Annabeth Gish, Brotherhood is one of those long-forgotten crime dramas that's just as good as any show of the same genre today.

3 'Southland' (2009–2013)

Before he was Abraham on The Walking Dead, Michael Cudlitz starred in this NBC — then later TNT — crime drama about LAPD officers and their work in the busy city. Designed as more of a character-driven drama than a traditional procedural, Southland features officer John Cooper (Cudlitz) working alongside rookie cop and trainee Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie). All the characters face their own personal challenges, including Ben trying to hide his sexuality from his co-workers. They must balance their personal issues, however, with the grueling demands of the job that doesn't leave room for wallowing and distraction.

Airing for five seasons, Southland was positively reviewed throughout its run, but it was one of those shows that didn't get especially glowing reviews to make it stand out. It was, by all intents and purposes, a cookie cutter procedural with its own twist, but it was cut from the same cloth as others like The Shield and Rescue Me. In the 12+ years since it ended, fans have all but forgotten about this entry into the crowded genre.

4 'Rome' (2005–2007)

An American British historical drama that aired on both BBC Two and HBO, Rome was set in the 1st Century BC at a time when Ancient Rome was transitioning from a Republic to an Empire. While it was fiction, the series, one of the best shows about ancient Rome, depicted real people from historical times, with two fictional soldiers at the center of the story: Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (the late Ray Stevenson).

Rome was popular when it was on the air, but viewership started to taper off in the second season. After that, the show ended, despite plans for a five-season run. This was reportedly due to its high production cost. Other interesting characters included Atia of the Julii (Polly Walker), Julius Caesar's niece, and Marcus Junius Brutus (Tobias Menzies), based on the man of the same name. The series still streams on HBO Max, but it remains one of those shows that eludes potential fans.

5 'Jericho' (2006–2008)

Running for two seasons and starring Skeet Ulrich, Ashley Scott, and Lennie James, Jericho is a post-apocalyptic action drama that got overshadowed by so many others in the genre that have come since. Set in a fictional city of the same name in Kansas, a nuclear attack hit 23 major cities across the U.S., isolating the city as a result. The survivors must try and restore some semblance of society and life, but they face challenges when meeting with other nearby towns, communities, and people.

The show was cancelled after its first season, but the small group of fans who watched were so passionate, they lobbied for its return via a fan campaign. It worked, albeit the show was cancelled again after Season 2. Achieving cult status after being re-aired on The CW, Jericho has since completely fallen off the radar.

6 'Dead Like Me' (2003–2004)

Airing for just two seasons on Showtime, Dead Like Me initially hails from Bryan Fuller (Hannibal, Star Trek: Discovery), though he left the show after the first five episodes. It centers around two grim reapers, played by Ellen Muth and Mandy Patinkin, who live in Seattle. They are tasked with removing the souls of people right before they pass on, then walk them towards the afterlife.

The show has an interesting premise and presents a clever origin of death story that explains why such a final term is part of life and existence. The show was praised for the witty writing, and its second season was much more well received than the first. But Dead Like Me isn't really a show anyone remembers.

7 'Cold Case' (2003–2010)

We're spoiled for choice when it comes to police procedurals, so it's easy to forget about some of the older ones. Was Cold Case real or did I imagine watching it way back when? Indeed, this was a very real show with a compelling angle and a fantastic cast. Set in Philadelphia, the main characters work in a special unit that investigates only cold case homicides. Years, often decades, have passed since the crime was committed or a person went missing. But surviving family members and friends deserve answers, and the dearly departed deserves closure. This team is dedicated to finding this for them.

Kathryn Morris is the main character as Lilly Rush, a homicide detective who feels deeply about her job and bringing justice, no matter how much time has passed. Others who appeared include Justin Chambers and Danny Pino. Airing for seven seasons and offering compelling and unique stories with an angle not seen on other shows, Cold Case became its own cold case when short-lived rumors about a reboot came to life. But it was confirmed in 2024 that a reboot would not be moving forward. So now, the procedural has just become another show fallen into the TV graveyard.

8 'Marple' (2004–2013)

Also known as Agatha Christie's Marple, this British series is loosely based on the writings of the iconic author. Miss Jane Marple, first played by Geraldine McEwan then later by Julia McKenzie, is an elderly single woman living in a quiet village who seems to always happen upon murders, using her skills and intuition to help solve them. Though she isn't a detective, much like Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote, Jane's reputation precedes her, and the authorities can't help but accept her assistance. The proof is in the pudding.

Airing on ITV for six seasons, albeit each with only four episodes, three for the final season, Marple flew under the radar. But it was yet another wonderful adaptation of Christie's work with a strong female at the center. The show was made available in the U.S. through PBS and Masterpiece Theatre, and it remains available to stream on Britbox and Acorn TV. Also worth noting: Benedict Cumberbatch appeared in one episode of the show.

9 'Californication' (2007–2014)

One of the funniest, edgiest comedy dramas of the 2000s, Californication has an incredible cast led by David Duchovny as Hank Moody, a talented novelist whose surname is perfectly descriptive of his personality. He's suffering from a severe case of writer's block. But his rebellious, self-sabotaging behavior — including drinking too much, abusing drugs, and taking up with random women — isn't helping inspire him to come up with his next prose.

Natascha McElhone, Madeleine Martin, Evan Handler, and Pamela Adlon round out the main cast of characters, each a unique personality who plays a role in Hank's orbit. The show is so funny, no surprise given the tremendous comedic cast. For Californication, "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" are the spices of life.