Got some more to add. Some of this list I compiled after recalling films and TV programmes from the past that I enjoyed but haven’t seen in years and sadly in some cases, may never get to watch again. No wonder Bob Monkhouse recorded TV broadcasts so religiously…
Glory and Honor (1998) - Kevin Hooks directed TNT biopic starring Delroy Lindo and Henry Czerny as Matthew Henson and Robert Peary, it charts their rocky friendship over 20 years during their historic quest to reach the North Pole.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_%26_Honor
Was originally broadcast on TNT and I’ve seen it appear on UK TV a couple of times but despite winning several awards, home video availability is limited to a 90s Warner VHS issuing.
The CBS/Universal co-produced police drama, “The District” that ran from 2000 to 2004. It was nominated for 14 awards and continues to be shown internationally but there has never been any home video release, ever.
Valerie/Valerie’s Family/The Hogan Show 80s-90s Lorimar co-produced sitcom drama, originally starring Valerie Harper in the lead role. I used to watch this during the late 80s when the BBC had the rights for a while. If the story is correct, TV executives who co-own the rights are blocking a DVD release because of animosity towards Harper, who (has inoperable brain cancer!) would benefit financially from the sales.
Major Dad - Universal produced sitcom that racked up several awards and nominations during a four season run but there’s no DVD release.
South Central - satirical drama featuring Larenz Tate that was cancelled by Fox (along with an entire block of other programming) after the first season aired. I haven’t seen this since the original 1994 broadcast and it’s unavailable on home video.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Central_(TV_series)
The Bronx Zoo - late 80s drama centring around the staff and students of an unruly school that ran for two seasons. Features a lot of already well established actors and newcomers who went on to become stars, such as Cuba Gooding Jr. Again, I’ve not seen this rebroadcast since the original 80s UK airing and the best offerings are dark, muddy VHS TV-rips.
Nurses - 3 season spin-off from Empty Nest that originally aired on NBC in the US and Channel 4 in the UK (for which the cast recorded specific TV promos). No home video release, of any kind.
My World and Welcome to It - award winning, late 60s US sitcom starring William Windom that was based on the work of James Thurber. Totally ahead of its time and as such, despite the acclaim, it was cancelled by NBC after one season. Never been issued on home video but 16mm prints exist, apparently.
Pete Smith Specialties - a series of more than 150 short films, produced and narrated by Pete Smith that landed him over a dozen nominations and several awards. No DVD release, or anything else - as far as I can ascertain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Smith_(film_producer)#Pete_Smith_Specialties