Seasons: 1
Starring: Genevieve Angelson, Anna Camp, Joy Bryant, Erin Darke, Hunter Parrish, Chris Diamantopoulos,
Description: The “Mad Men”-Esque series follows a group of young female researchers working at News of the Week magazine in 1969. Many of these researchers were more talented and better educated than their male counterparts, and yet, they were paid less. The women realized just how much lower their pay was, and though their writings were accepted, the stories were published only under the men’s names.
Why it’s a stinker: We were expecting a revolution, and we didn’t get one, which was a total bummer. The show may have managed to discover a stronger voice in the second season but never got the chance to, as it was canceled after one season.
The Last Tycoon (WORST)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer, Lily Collins, Dominique McElligott, Enzo Cilenti, Mark O'Brien, Rosemarie DeWitt
Description: The pre-World War II show takes place in 1936 Hollywood. "The Last Tycoon" follows studio exec Monroe Stahr, studio head Pat Brady, and Brady's daughter, Celia, a young woman trying to make her way into the industry.
Why it's a stinker: As you may have guessed, the glamorous "The Last Tycoon," based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's unfinished last novel, was an expensive production! While time, money, and a lot of attention went into production, the show's writing is not persuasive, and the final product is, how do we put this lightly... sort of substance.
Z: The Beginning of Everything (WORST)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Christina Ricci, David Hoflin, David Strathairn
Description: "Z: The Beginning of Everything" is a bite-sized adaptation of Therese Anne Fowler's "Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald." The show presents a fictionalized version of the life of American writer and socialite Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald in the 1920s. The show's first and only season follows her marriage to the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, who is not yet famous.
Why it's a stinker: The series suffers a formless storyline and over-the-top characterizations and failed to make a second season, which doesn't come as much of a surprise considering "The Last Tycoon's" failed attempt to succeed.
Doctor Thorne (WORST)
Seasons: 1
Starring: Tom Hollander, Stefanie Martini, Alison Brie, Harry Richardson
Description: This three-part television adaptation of the 1858 Anthony Trollope novel by the same name follows Mary Thorne, who grows up under the guardianship of her uncle, Dr. Thorne. Mary spends many of her formative years in the company of the Gresham family, a family that lives on a neighboring estate. Their lives seem fine until the Gresham family's financial woes disrupt Mary's peaceful life, and her past comes back to haunt her.
Why it's a stinker: Those who loved "Downton Abbey" were excited, to say the least, when its creators announced "Doctor Thorne.” Unfortunately, the show is a minor canvas compared with “Downton Abbey."
Hand of God (WORST)
Seasons: 2
Starring: Ron Perlman, Dana Delany, Garret Dillahunt, Alona Tal
Description: It's hard to describe the premise of "Hand of God" in short, but we're going to try anyway. The show follows Pernell Harris (Rob Perlman), a judge who is accused of murdering a police officer. Following his son's recent suicide, Harris suffers a breakdown and believes God is compelling him to follow a path of vigilante justice. The once-corrupt judge becomes a born-again Christian and joins the Hand of God, an evangelical church.
Why it's a stinker: Though "Hand of God" boasts a talented cast and fascinating premise, neither is enough to overcome the lack of worthwhile drama or impactful thrills.