10 80s/90s TV Pilots That Should Have Stayed Unreleased

The 1980s and 1990s were times of creative exploration in television. Many shows became hits, but some pilots missed the mark. Here are ten TV pilots from that era that, perhaps, should have remained unseen.

1. “Poochinski” (1990)

“Poochinski” featured a detective who, after dying, returns as a talking bulldog to solve crimes. The odd mix of crime drama and talking dog comedy didn’t appeal to audiences. The pilot aired once but wasn’t picked up for a full series.

2. “Heil Honey I’m Home!” (1990)

This British sitcom portrayed the Axis Leader and Eva Braun as a couple living next to Jewish neighbors. The attempt to create humor from such sensitive subjects was widely criticized. After the pilot aired, the show was immediately canceled.

3. “The Omen” (1995)

Based on the horror film, this pilot followed an adult Damien Thorn unaware of his dark destiny. The show failed to capture the original’s suspense and was not developed into a series. It remains an obscure piece of television history.

4. “Steel Justice” (1992)

In “Steel Justice,” a cop’s son’s toy dinosaur transforms into a real, crime-fighting robot. The bizarre premise and special effects didn’t resonate with viewers. The pilot didn’t lead to a series, and it’s largely forgotten today.

5. “The Elvira Show” (1993)

Cassandra Peterson reprised her role as Elvira in this sitcom pilot about a witch living with her aunt and niece. Despite her cult following, the show’s humor and concept didn’t attract network interest. The pilot wasn’t picked up for a full season.

6. “Lookwell” (1991)

“Lookwell” starred Adam West as a washed-up actor who thinks he can solve crimes. Despite being co-created by Conan O’Brien and Robert Smigel, the show’s satire was ahead of its time. The pilot didn’t lead to a series but has since gained a cult following.

7. “Justice League of America” (1997)

This pilot attempted to bring the DC superhero team to television. Critics panned its low-budget effects and weak script. The negative reception ensured it never became a full series, and it’s often cited as a misstep in superhero adaptations.

Though slightly outside the 80s/90s timeframe, “Aquaman” deserves mention. The pilot featured a young Arthur Curry discovering his powers. Despite interest, the WB network’s merger into the CW led to the show’s cancellation before airing. The pilot is available online and offers a glimpse into what might have been.

8. “Fuzzbucket” (1986)

A Disney pilot about an invisible creature named Fuzzbucket who befriends a young boy. The mix of live-action and fantasy didn’t captivate audiences. The pilot aired as a TV movie but wasn’t developed into a series.