Well, to be fair, Boston Legal went out on its own terms. I thought it was a production company decision.
Life on Mars was never meant to be more than a limited run series, based on the BBC series.
That said, I mostly agree. I watched Grey's Anatomy this year, but probably won't be back. Nothing else I am interested in.
tptb at boston legal had to beg abc to give them a 5th season even with 13 episodes. life on mars might have been destined to be a couple of seasons but more than 17 episodes since they had permission to change the ending and other parts of the original series. it was cancelled before may so the producers had an opportunity to have an appropriate ending other than waiting in may for a second season p/u.