15 TV Shows Ruined by Babies [Photos]

Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina in 'The Mindy Project'
Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina in 'The Mindy Project'

In real life, the arrival of a baby is cause for joy and celebration. On a TV series, however, a birth marks not the beginning… but the beginning of the end.

In many cases, the addition of a new baby to the cast has been the show's "jump the shark" moment — the turning point after which the series begins to experience a noticeable decline. It can't be a coincidence that a number of once-popular shows left the air just a season or two after a baby's arrival.

There are any number of reasons for this: The newcomer altered the initial premise of the show, upset the chemistry of the existing cast, introduced less interesting storylines, or was a plot contrivance too ridiculous for the audience to accept (or all of the above).

The Mindy Project faces this crucial moment in series history now that Mindy has learned she's pregnant with Danny's baby. They haven't been a couple for very long and have faced numerous hurdles, but what will introducing a baby do to them and the show?

Click the image below or HERE to launch our gallery of shows that were ruined by the stork's special delivery:

Watch a preview of The Mindy Project:

The Mindy Project airs Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. on Fox.