"Fugitive Chef" was a casualty of the ever-fickle audience. A two-episode show with potential for so much more.

First screened: 2006-03-28 at Anthology Film Archives

Last screened: 2006-04-24 at Magnet Theater

Mike Leffingwell's "Exorcist" update had a promising start, but the onslaught of 7 new pilots in March stole too many votes from Sophie's second episode, and she fell off the charts.

First screened: 2006-02-27 at Anthology Film Archives

Last screened: 2006-03-28 at Anthology Film Archives

"Johnny Law" debuted at #1 but was never quite able to recapture his initial popularity, despite turning out consistently strong episodes. Some things just can't be explained. Maybe the audience was just eager for Johnny's obviously talented production team to dazzle them with their next concept.

First screened: 2005-11-08 at Anthology Film Archives

Last screened: 2006-03-28 at Anthology Film Archives

The audience loved the first episode of this prehistoric version of "The Office," only to snatch away their approval a month later. Popularity is a harsh mistress.

First screened: 2006-01-30 at Anthology Film Archives

Last screened: 2006-02-27 at Anthology Film Archives

"The Fun Squad" was Channel 102's first-ever #1 show, and remains first in the memories of all who've seen it. Ex-Squaddies Will Hines and Matt DeCoster returned with "The Block," whose low-budget, high-concept style borrowed equally from "The Fun Squad" and cult NYC movie "The Warriors." Audiences gobbled up the first two episodes and begged for more. But weather and deadlines finally conspired against "The Block," forcing an indoor change of pace for episode three, and the audience asked for the check.

First screened: 2005-11-08 at Anthology Film Archives

Last screened: 2006-02-27 at Anthology Film Archives

Just as "The Widower" looked like it might make a bid for the #1 spot, the audience cruelly cut it down. Hey, as Boyd Meso knows, you can't win 'em all.

First screened: 2005-09-26 at UCBT

Last screened: 2006-01-30 at Anthology Film Archives

187 on a brilliant show. The Wesleyan wunderkinder behind "Teen Homicide" charmed and entertained countless 102 fans, but fell to the onslaught of intense competition in the first screening of 2006.

First screened: 2005-07-25 at UCBT

Last screened: 2006-01-30 at Anthology Film Archives

Kevin Hines and Kevin Cragg ratchet up their visual style and show us more of the cold and terrible world of competitive notarizing. But despite a stellar cast and fun story, Notary bows out of Prime Time after two episodes. But fear this creative team! It is the only one which has gotten three pilots by the fickle, ever-changing 102 Prime Time Panel. They'll be back.

First screened: 2005-09-26 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-11-08 at Anthology Film Archives

For three episodes, it was a naturalistic, quiet show about a man who's brought back from the dead by Satan to seduce married women into a life of adultery. But after episode three brought the series to the brink of cancellation, creator Tony Carnevale made a gutsy choice to make a "mid-season" replacement with the decidely non-slow-paced Space Guidos. Which totally bombed.

First screened: 2005-06-27 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-11-08 at Anthology Film Archives

Ruthless, smooth-talking agents for child stars, the Shutterbugs were an enormous hit at 102 throughout their run. In the end, the only thing that could stop the 'Bugs was themselves. Their third "episode" was mostly an apology and doctored movie trailer, but was still entertaining enough to take second place. And their finale, a self-cancelling eight minute epic, blew audiences away at the November screening. It joins what's becoming a long list of breathtaking final bows at 102.

First screened: 2005-06-27 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-11-08 at Anthology Film Archives

Of all the shows in Channel 102's original prime time lineup, "Gemberling" lasted the longest -- a full eight episodes, the final one weighing in at over 17 minutes as a self-cancelling epilogue to the adventure series. A nerd-culture pastiche drawing heavily from "Tron," "Star Wars," and "Troll 2," it was the most dependably funny, best-paced show in 102 history when it ended. It will be fondly remembered by Channel 102's creators and fans. The good news is that there may be some feature-length action for Ken Gemberling in the very near future. "Gemberling" was produced by John Gemberling & Curtis Gwinn.

First screened: 2005-02-03 at Variety Underground

Last screened: 2005-09-26 at UCBT

A pitch-perfect early-'60s sitcom echoing such classics as "Bewitched," "My Wife, the Ghost" merged flawless production, smart writing, and right-on performances to create a product that is far beyond mere parody. It doesn't mock its subject; it is its subject. The show's life ended voluntarily, when its creators exceeded Channel 102's five-minute limit. "My Wife, the Ghost" was produced by Kirk Damato and Dyna Moe.

First screened: 2005-04-25 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-09-26 at UCBT

Month after month, "that Jesus-cop show" was a benchmark of quality writing, acting, and tech. It proved once and for all that Jesus doesn't have to be hack... as long as you're damn good at it. But when Washington, DC's Austin Bragg took a risk and slowed things down in the sixth episode, the audience turned its collective back on Christ. Woe betide them.

First screened: 2005-03-03 at Variety Underground

Last screened: 2005-07-25 at UCBT

This smart parody of VH1 style lasted three episodes before the audience ended it. Hmm... maybe it's time for "I Love the '40s?"

First screened: 2005-04-25 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-06-27 at UCBT

"Food" debuted at second place, but the audience chucked it in the garbage disposal after episode 2. Oh, that fickle audience.

First screened: 2005-05-30 at UCBT

Last screened: 2005-06-27 at UCBT