If your favorite network or cable program is cancelled, don’t expect it to get a new lease on life from DirecTV. The satellite savior for cancelled TV shows, like our beloved Friday Night Lights and (upcoming) Damages says no more.

Variety reports that the satcaster has decided to focus on new programming not seen in the United States for its 101 Network. The company’s TV show rescue business is officially going out of business.

When NBC wanted to cancel the acclaimed Friday Night Lights series, shot in Austin and starring Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, despite a huge outcry from fans and reviewers alike, DirecTV made history with a groundbreaking deal to continue the show’s production, keeping a lot of Texans employed and those dollars rolling in during tough times.

After first airing new episodes on the satellite channel, the series was carried again on NBC (the final season just aired on DirectTV and will air on NBC next year). This arrangement kept Lights alive for another three seasons and allowed its two stars to shine with much-deserved Emmy nominations.

Despite it being a successful endeavor, DirecTV’s powers-that-be now feel compelled to head in another direction and are more interested in original series from other countries, “such as BBC programs or Canadian comedy Trailer Park Boys, as well as airing episodes of programs from other outlets like HBO or Showtime.”

Damages, cancelled in April by FX, is reportedly the last show DirecTV plans to resurrect. Fans of the Glenn Close vehicle will find new episodes on the 101 Network exclusively beginning next year. It’s a shame that the new model for saving good shows is gone almost as soon as it started. In this business, however, it is always a safe bet to “never say never.”

As for Kyle Chandler, he’s in good company, trading football players for aliens in his next role, this time on the big screen. The super secret Super 8, exec produced by Steven Spielberg and written and directed by J.J. Abrams of Lost fame will creep us out in 2011.

One look at the trailer and you’ll see — our “coach” ain’t in high school any more.