JJ Abrams Released A Compelling Mystery Show That Could’ve Become A Proper Lost Replacement, But It Was Cancelled After One Season

In 2010, J.J. Abrams’ hit mystery series Lost finally came to an end, leaving audiences with a need for more mind-bending mystery series, but unfortunately, the perfect replacement was canceled after just 1 season. First released in 2004, Lost is a sci-fi show that follows the passengers on Flight 815, who become stranded on a deserted island after a crash. With the stakes already high as the strangers try to survive, their story becomes even more complicated as they reveal their darkest secrets and begin to uncover horrifying truths about their new island home.

Lost was a groundbreaking series at the time because of its shocking twists and unique sci-fi world. Audiences became deeply invested in the show, which spurred them to go online and discuss with other interested viewers. For one of the first times ever, a TV show became a common subject of discussion on the internet and among real life people. Ultimately, this got audiences hooked on this type of captivating on-screen entertainment, but unfortunately, few things have lived up to Lost. One series in particular never even got a real chance.

JJ Abrams’ Alcatraz Show Could Have Been A Thrilling Follow-Up To Lost

How Alcatraz Compared To Lost

In 2012, Abrams put out a new TV show called Alcatraz, and it had the potential to be the perfect Lost follow-up. The show focused on Rebecca Madsen, a detective who discovers the fingerprints of an Alcatraz inmate who was believed to be dead for decades. Harboring her own history with the iconic prison, Madsen teams up with an expert to try and figure out what is going on. Eventually, the pair discover that this inmate is not only alive, but he hasn’t aged a day, and more inmates may be following after him.

Based on the premise alone, Alcatraz has some strong ties to Lost. First and foremost, both series are concerned with mysteries of time. Just as Lost’s characters are trying to piece together where they are and why, Alcatraz’s cast have their own set of problems that should be impossible, but somehow aren’t. Furthermore, Alcatraz includes many actors who also appeared in Lost, such as Jorge Garcia. With Abrams behind both series, the pair definitely have similar atmospheres, regardless of their plot differences. Yet, Alcatraz never had the chance to prove itself, as it was canceled the same year it premiered.

Why Alcatraz Was Canceled After One Season

Alcatraz Should Have Been Given Another Chance

The main reason for Alcatraz’s cancelation was because of viewership. Although the show was considered to be one of the most exciting releases of the year, over the course of the season, fewer and fewer people were watching. Ratings went down so significantly that Fox eventually decided to cancel the series. It simply wasn’t worth spending more money on if audiences were not that interested. Of course, this meant that Alcatraz never really got the chance to prove its worth, or show how similar it would have been to Lost.

In some ways, it is surprising that Alcatraz was discarded so quickly by Fox. For six seasons, Lost was one of ABC’s biggest titles. With Abrams now behind Alcatraz, one would think that Fox would give it another chance. Perhaps it had something to do with Lost’s disappointing ending. Either way, Abrams’ past work should have convinced Fox to keep Alcatraz going, at least for one more season. Abrams may have been able to improve on the areas that were lacking, turning it into another raving success like Lost.

Alcatraz Season 1’s Cliffhanger Makes Its Early Cancelation Even Worse

What Other Shows Are Good Lost/Alcatraz Replacements

Aside from losing out on a Lost replacement, Alcatraz’s cancelation is a disappointment because the series ended on a massive cliffhanger. In the final episode of Alcatraz season 1, Rebecca is stabbed by Tommy. She is shown to be taken to the hospital where she flatlines and is pronounced dead. Considering that Rebecca was the protagonist of the series, season 2 definitely would have expanded into even more unique storylines, most likely revolving around resurrection and the afterlife. Yet, over a decade later, audiences will never got those answers.

Another Abrams show that could be good for Lost lovers is Fringe, which follows detectives investigating unusual crimes.

Luckily, Lost has not gone without a replacement for too long. Although Alcatraz didn’t quite work out, a number of new series premiered after Lost, trying to emulate the mysterious quality of the show. Another Abrams show that could be good for Lost lovers is Fringe, which follows detectives investigating unusual crimes. There are also shows like The Leftovers, which thrive on strange occurrences and big questions. Because of this, Lost and Alcatraz have not been entirely forgotten.