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Television is big business and it isn't always easy to know which shows are going to produce millions of dollars and prompt an action figure line, and which programs are going to be laughed at and thrown into a dumpster. With that being said, there have been numerous occasions where some pretty great shows that seemed destined for fame and glory got passed on in favor of more reality shows and detective dramas. Here's 7 shows that should have been picked up.

7- Gay Robot

In today's social climate, it isn't always easy to be gay. And as robots often attest, it isn't any easier existing in a man's world when your heart's built of metal. So can you imagine the hardships a gay robot must face? This touching drama means to illustrate those struggles as we follow the story of one gay robot named Gay Robot as he attempts to find himself in an unforgiving world. This forlorn program was originally intended to be picked up by Comedy Central; however, some cast members later revealed that Comedy Central thought it was too weird and eventually decided to can it. Such cast included comedian Nick Swardson, who played the dual role of a lifetime, portraying both average college student, Rick, and troubled gay robot, Gay Robot. Nick has recently been heard saying that there's a possibility Gay Robot could be turned into a motion picture, so you open-minded android fans should keep your fingers crossed.

6- Aquaman

If you're a fan of the CW's Smallville than you're probably shaking your fist at the powers that be who decided Aquaman wasn't TV ready. This pilot saw one-time soap star Justin Hartley don the costume of one of America's most ordinary super heroes: Aquaman. Said costume consisted of street clothes and swimsuits and said super hero powers consisted of the ability to communicate with sea life and being able to swim really well. Lou Diamond Phillips played the part of Aquaman's dad, and if you're scratching your head in regards to what seems to be glaring differences in their ethnicities, I should point out that he adopted the Aquaman when he was just an Aquababy. Ving Rhames also made appearances in the show playing that old cliche role of the lighthouse keeper who is really a long lost Atlantean. The pilot in its entirety can be downloaded at itunes or on the xbox live marketplace.

5- Stick Around

This is yet another entry on the list that revolves around the humorous exploits of an unorthodox and zany robot. And it again reminds us that if you want to be a successful robot in the entertainment biz, you better be able to transform into a car. Andy Kaufman plays the part of this unusual robot and, in doing so, he utilizes what would become a prominent feature in one of his most famous characters: the odd Foreign Man accent of Latka Gravas in Taxi. In Stick Around, the majority of the jokes revolve around the madcap and backwards society of the future, where robots are unhelpful and awkward and computers fall apart. Also, people apparently really embrace wearing tights. ABC decided not to purchase the rights in 1977, and a year later Mr. Kaufman struck it big on the aforementioned Taxi, a show that eventually ended up on NBC.

4- Lookwell

Conan O'Brien and Robert Smigel wrote this infamous pilot, and well-known Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels produced it. The story involves an ex-TV cop who now spends his copious amounts of free time attempting to solve real crimes and teaching acting workshops in the basement of a church. Adam West plays the part of that has-been performer and his acting chops haven't diminished a bit from his critically-praised days as Gotham Cities' vigilante protector. In fact, West's amazing dramatic range is truly on display in this pilot, where he conveys one deep emotion after another. The pilot actually aired on NBC in 1991, but--as the theme of this list continues to demonstrate--it was not picked up for regular airing. It has maintained a steady cult following, however, especially with the resurgence of Adam West's popularity. As a result, it continues to be sought out 17 years after originally airing.

3- The Amazing Screw On Head

The Amazing Screw On Head was originally a comic book written by Mike Mignola, better known for creating the comics/movie, Hellboy. The story follows the supposedly historical exploits of a robot head, who saves a young and susceptible America from evil by equipping different robot bodies. The occasionally bodiless head is voiced by Paul Giamatti who is known for being humorous in a sort of intellectual way, which seems a perfect fit for a robot who literally lives in his head. Other notable cast members, who possess significant comedic chops of their own, include: David Hyde Pierce, Patton Oswalt, and Molly Shannon. The show was at one time courted by the Sci-Fi channel, but apparently they didn't see its potential and after releasing it on DVD, they washed their hands of it. To this day both nerds and the people who have borrowed the nerds' DVDs agree that this show didn't get a fair shake.

2- Korgoth of Barbaria

Korgoth of Barbaria was an over-the-top Fantasy satire which documented the exploits of a huge barbarian not so different from another gentleman who also made his living in the barbarianism field: Conan. The show used hilarious violence--including the always-amusing knife to the crotch gag--in detailing its lampoonery, and awesome classic rock guitar licks further demonstrated those satirical overtones. Easy women with large sexual assets were also key in catering to the Sword and Sorcery fanboys, the demographic that was hurt the most when this show mysteriously disappeared. Korgoth of Barbaria, which saw its pilot air on June 3, 2006, was supposedly picked up by Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, who shortly thereafter promised new episodes. However, to this day those episodes have yet to surface. Currently, the only relevant evidence of this show's once-near production is a slighting message on the Adult Swim website stating: "you couldn't handle more than one anyway."

1- Heat Vision and Jack

When a show can boast having more quality talent than an episode of Hollywood Squares, you should find yourself questioning the existence of God when it doesn't get picked up. Such is the case of Heat Vision and Jack, a show that parodied many different television and film genres and, in doing so, utilized many hilarious thespians. Such talent included Ben Stiller, who saw no screen time but did sit in the director's chair and also managed to cast his wife, Christine Taylor, best known for her remarkable work on Nickelodeon's award-winning television program, Hey Dude. After watching the video clip, you might also recognize Vincent Schiavelli--the crazy-looking train-hopping specter from the movie Ghost. Besides those two massive stars, other lesser known actors filled out the show's leads, including some Jack Black guy and an Owen Wilson.

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