CBS Cancels Fish Police Series After Negative Response: Is it Really That Bad?

Title: Fish Police: The Short-Lived Animated Series That Divided Audiences

Introduction

In the early 1990s, CBS took a bold step and ordered a new animated series called Fish Police. However, the show’s fate was sealed after just three episodes due to an overwhelmingly negative response from viewers. Despite this, there were some who found humor in the show’s unique concept and quirky characters. Let’s delve into the rise and fall of Fish Police, exploring why it failed to make a splash with audiences.

The Premise of Fish Police

Fish Police was an animated series produced by Hanna-Barbera that aired on CBS in the early 1990s. The show was set in a fictional underwater city populated by anthropomorphic fish and other marine creatures. It followed the adventures of Inspector Gil, a detective fish, as he solved crimes and navigated the complex underwater world.

Initial Reception and Backlash

Although Fish Police initially generated some intrigue, the series quickly faced a wave of negative criticism. CBS had only ordered six episodes of the show, but due to its poorly received debut, they made the unprecedented decision to halt its airing after just three episodes. The negative response was so strong that Fish Police became a topic of ridicule, with even newspapers weighing in on the controversy.

The Infamous “You Know, It’s Not That Bad If You Tried Laughing” Guy

One memorable aspect of the Fish Police backlash was the emergence of a particular type of critic, often referred to as the “You know, it’s not that bad if you tried laughing” guy. This individual, found both in newspapers and among viewers, defended the show’s humor and argued that it deserved a chance. While Fish Police may not have resonated with the majority, these advocates found enjoyment in its offbeat comedy and unique premise.

Analyzing the Possible Flaws

Despite the show’s vocal defenders, it is important to recognize the criticisms that led to its untimely demise. One common complaint was the show’s inconsistent writing, which failed to strike a balance between comedy and crime-solving. Additionally, some viewers felt that the characters lacked depth and development, making it challenging to form a strong emotional connection with them.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

While Fish Police may not have achieved longevity or commercial success, it still holds a place in television history. Its short-lived run serves as a cautionary tale for producers and networks, highlighting the importance of capturing the interest and enthusiasm of audiences right from the start. The show also demonstrated the power of online discourse, as the backlash against it was amplified by the emergence of the internet.

Conclusion

Fish Police, the ill-fated animated series that aired briefly in the early 1990s, faced significant backlash and was ultimately canceled after just three episodes. Despite its failure to captivate a wide audience, Fish Police did manage to find a small group of fans who appreciated its unique humor and premise. The show’s short-lived run serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by television producers and the importance of creating content that resonates with viewers..

CBS only ordered Fish Police for 6 episodes, but it was reacted to so badly, that they stopped airing the series after episode 3. Even in a newspaper back then, there was the “You know, it’s not that bad if you tried laughing” kind of guy. And maybe it isn’t bad, if you like it.

— Hanna-Barbera Wiki (@HBGrifkuba) February 11, 2024

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@HBGrifkuba said CBS only ordered Fish Police for 6 episodes, but it was reacted to so badly, that they stopped airing the series after episode 3. Even in a newspaper back then, there was the "You know, it's not that bad if you tried laughing" kind of guy. And maybe it isn't bad, if you like it.

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