In 2004, NBC produced six episodes of the sitcom 'The Men's Room' featuring John Cho but never aired them due to dissatisfaction with the creative direction. The show, centered on three friends at life's crossroads, was halted before release. Cho's career later flourished through other projects like the 'Star Trek' films.
The sitcom 'The Men's Room,' starring John Cho—who later gained fame as Hikaru Sulu in the Kelvin timeline 'Star Trek' films—faced an abrupt end in 2004. According to reports, the series explored "the friendship of three guys who are at crossroads in their lives" and also featured Scott Cohen and Brian Skala. Production advanced to the point where six full episodes were completed, but NBC executives, unhappy with the show's direction, decided to pull the plug entirely.
Unlike many short-lived series that at least reach the airwaves, 'The Men's Room' was buried without ever being broadcast. This decision allowed the network to cut losses early, sparing it from the fate of quick cancellations or late-night burn-offs.
Fortunately for Cho, this setback coincided with the release of his breakthrough film 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' in July 2004, which became a cult hit and propelled him into the spotlight. By 2009, he landed the role of Sulu in J.J. Abrams' 'Star Trek' reboot, reprising it in the subsequent sequels.
Cho's television career continued with lead roles in ABC's 'Selfie' and Netflix's live-action 'Cowboy Bebop' adaptation, both of which ended after their first seasons. Despite these cancellations, he has sustained a steady presence in film and television, avoiding the obscurity that might have followed a prolonged involvement in 'The Men's Room.'
This incident highlights a long-standing practice in network television of shelving projects before they debut, predating modern streaming cancellations.
