15 Hollywood Rejection Stories That Prove Fate Is Real

Pushing Daisies was a whimsical TV series that premiered in 2007. The show followed Ned, a pie-maker with the unique ability to bring the dead back to life with a touch, but with a catch — a second touch would send them back to the afterlife permanently. Using this gift, he teams up with a private investigator to solve murder mysteries. Despite its critical acclaim and devoted fan base, Pushing Daisies was canceled after just two seasons due to low ratings. However, this cancelation marked a turning point for its creator, Bryan Fuller.

Freed from the constraints of Pushing Daisies, Bryan Fuller went on to create the psychological horror-thriller Hannibal, a reimagining of Thomas Harris’s iconic character Dr. Hannibal Lecter. “Fuller, whose credits on series like Pushing Daisies and Wonderfalls showed his gift for crafting strong, distinct characters and wildly imaginative scenarios to put them in,” IGN shared.

The series, known for its stunning visuals, complex character dynamics, and macabre storytelling, gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim during its three-season run. Following the success of Hannibal, Fuller then ventured into the realm of fantasy with American Gods, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel.