'Batman'
When we think of the 1960s’ Batman TV series, it’s hard not to envision the ultra-campy costumes and fight scenes (“POW!” “Zing!“), but the show was so popular back in the day that it ran twice a week during its first two seasons. Such popularity makes it that much more surprising it was canceled just the next season.
Most people familiar with the history cite the third season’s shift toward bizarre ’60s surrealism that led to a steady ratings decline. ABC axed the show, but NBC decided to pick it up. However, during the negotiations, many of the sets were accidentally destroyed. Instead of ponying up more than $500,000 to rebuild the sets, NBC nixed its plans, and Batman was forced to hang up his cowl for good.
