In the relatively short time of the poker boom there have been a variety of poker shows that range from critically acclaimed programs like High Stakes Poker to cheap MTV-styled reality shows like King of Vegas and Best Damn Poker Show.

You might be surprised to learn that some of the truly great poker shows never even aired on TV despite their potential greatness.

Read on to learn the top five poker TV pilots that, for some reason, were never picked up by a major network:

Eat your heart out Helen Hunt.

5. Mad About Shak

This uproarious 30-minute sitcom detailed the early courtship of poker power couple Dan and Beth Shak. Early episodes included "I can't believe you missed a straight on the board" and "Dice! Dice!" Unfortunately Helen Hunt and Paul Riser had to be brought in to replace the Shaks when Dan's stock career took off. TV's loss was poker's gain.

Buy! Buy! Buy!.

4. Phil Hellmuth on Mad Money

Popular investment show Mad Money, which currently stars the irrepressible Jim Cramer, was originally hosted by the one and only "Poker Brat" - Phil Hellmuth. In the first episode Hellmuth suggested buying huge stakes of the Ultimate Blackjack Tour and Pro Player energy drink. In the second episode…. Oh, who are we kidding, there was no second episode.

A lifestyle is a terrible thing to waste.

3. Entourage starring Jamie Gold

It's a little known fact that Jamie Gold was originally set to play Ari Gold on the popular HBO TV series Entourage. Unfortunately Gold's refusal to remove his Buzz Nation hat ended up costing him the job. To this day people are wondering what Buzz Nation actually means.

Lord, Bring me a set.

2. 100 Huntley Street hosted by Jerry Yang

In this popular Christian talk show Jerry Yang preached on such issues as "Seeking God's Help When You Need to Hit a Set" and "How to Win a Poker Tournament While Maintaining Moral High Ground." All while singing beautiful songs like "Let my Big Blind Go" and "Amazing Ace, How Sweet the Sound." Unfortunately the "Shadow" disappeared when the show was about to air so it had to be canceled.

Here comes Blue Steel.

1. Patrik Antonius on the Bachelor

Long before Finnish phenomenon Patrik Antonius was married he was scheduled to appear in a season of the Bachelor. The popular American Reality show usually has a group of young women compete for the affection of the Bachelor but disaster struck in the pre-production stages of the Antonius helmed season.

Approximately two million women (and three million nerdy men) all applied to be on the show. Producers received death threats from women who said they had to be with "Mantonius."

Another problem was that all the previous Bachelors felt unworthy to precede Antonius and were borderline suicidal. Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Russel Crowe all threatened to sue the producers if Antonius was let on mainstream television therefore shattering their stranglehold on the female audience.

Eventually it was Antonius himself who decided to opt out of the show to pursue more challenging goals. That's how he got into poker.

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