Weekly Poll: Which axed BBC show would you save?

This week we are asking you which recently axed BBC series would you ‘save’ and give another series to. There was outcry when Danny Cohen announced the demise of Zen and Lark Rise to Candleford so would you opt to save either of those series’ or perhaps comedy My Family or spy drama Spooks which returns on Sunday for its final series?

There’s been a cull, over recent months, of shows on BBC One and in actuality it isn’t limited to the flagship channel of the corporation – new BBC Three controller Zai Bennett has swung the axe over the comedies he inherited. However, it is Danny Cohen, BBC One’s controller, who has attracted more publicity – and not off the good kind – with his decisions to cancel a string of dramas.

He axed Italian drama Zen because he felt there were too many detectives on television – fair enough. But Inspector George Gently has been re-commissioned as has Luther – so too many detectives? The stylish drama performed well for BBC One so it came as a surprise to many when it wasn’t given a second season.

The biggest outcry though came over the demise of period drama Lark Rise to Candleford – to be fair to Cohen it’s ‘axing’ was actually of mutual consent and was going to happen whoever was the BBC One controller. Those involved in the series felt it had come to a natural end but the fans – around the world – want to see it return. In fact months after its cancellation ATV Today still gets emails and comments from angry Lark Rise fans across the world criticising the BBC’s decision not to order a fifth season.

Bonkers but compelling murder drama Waking the Dead was also cancelled – it ended after nine seasons earlier this year. A spin-off, The Body Farm, launches this week on BBC One but it isn’t quite the same as having Boyd (Trevor Eve) shout at his team and bully suspects. Waking the Dead often featured complex and far-fetched storylines but it was always realistically played and the chemistry between Trevor Eve and Sue Johnston made it must see television.

Dramas Hustle and Spooks were also given final season orders – Spooks returns on Sunday for its last series. Can a drama based on MI5 and spies keeping the country safe really out of steam? Surely there are plenty of tales still to tell about the spies of MI5 even if the series does have a habit of killing its stars off. The end of Spooks is surprising given its continual strong performance, critical acclaim and relevance. And then there is comedy My Family which ended after 11 seasons and over 100 episodes earlier this year. Last weeks’ poll asked if the BBC should have axed it – 55% of you said no. But does that mean you would opt to ‘save’ My Family over Spooks or Zen?

Voting is simple! Our poll is located on the left side of the site. Select your choice and click vote. If we’ve missed a BBC One comedy/drama axed in the past year that you think should be saved then post the name below – we will still count it in the final tally of votes. You can also post your comments below at those programmes axed by the BBC.