K-9 and Company may have failed, but the execs at BBC were determined to bring Elizabeth Sladen back on the network. Many had grown up watching her play the role of Sarah Jane Smith – one of the Doctor's most popular companions. Her immense popularity with television audiences landed her a lead role in The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Much like K-9, this show was geared towards kids. It followed the adventures of freelance journalist, Sarah Jane, her son, her friends and the robot dog, K-9. Unlike K-9 and Co., however, the show took off. It ran for five seasons, ending abruptly with Elizabeth Sladen's untimely passing. Despite this unfortunate ending, novels, comics and audio-dramas that chronicle Sarah Jane's adventures continue to be released.
