The Most Underrated TV Shows You Need to Add to Your Watchlist

Dark (2017-2020)

This German sci-fi thriller takes place in a small town where children mysteriously disappear. The plot weaves through multiple timelines and explores how four families are connected across generations. The show requires your full attention due to its complex narrative. Most viewers praise its intricate storyline and philosophical themes about time, fate, and free will. Netflix released all three seasons, and the creators wrapped up the story exactly as they intended.

Fleabag (2016-2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge created and starred in this British comedy-drama about a witty, sexually active woman coping with modern life in London. The series breaks the fourth wall as Fleabag shares her innermost thoughts directly with viewers. Her relationship with a priest in season two received particular acclaim from critics. The show tackles grief, guilt, and family dynamics with both humor and heartbreak, making it uniquely captivating.

The Leftovers (2014-2017)

Set in a world where 2% of the global population suddenly vanishes, this HBO drama focuses on the psychological impact on those left behind. The characters struggle to make sense of the inexplicable event while dealing with their personal traumas. Creator Damon Lindelof crafted a story less about solving the mystery and more about human resilience. Few shows have captured existential dread and faith so powerfully or with such stunning performances.

Patriot (2015-2018)

This quirky espionage series follows John Tavner, an intelligence officer who must pose as a mid-level employee at an industrial piping firm. His assignments repeatedly go wrong in darkly comic ways. The show combines deadpan humor with genuine pathos as John writes folk songs about his classified missions. Amazon canceled it after two seasons despite its cult following. Steve Conrad’s unique vision makes this unlike any other spy show.

Better Off Ted (2009-2010)

This satirical workplace comedy centers on Ted Crisp, who manages the R&D department at the soulless conglomerate Veridian Dynamics. The company creates bizarre products like weaponized pumpkins and artificial meat grown in labs. Ted constantly navigates corporate insanity while raising his daughter as a single father. ABC canceled the show after just two seasons. Its sharp critique of corporate culture and ethical dilemmas remains relevant years later.

Lodge 49 (2018-2019)

This AMC dramedy follows Dud, an optimistic ex-surfer who joins a fraternal order after finding a ring on the beach. The lodge members search for meaning through ancient alchemical mysteries. Wyatt Russell portrays Dud with charming sincerity as he finds community after personal losses. The show blends magical realism with working-class struggles in Long Beach, California. Its unique tone balances melancholy with whimsy, creating something truly special.

Banshee (2013-2016)

Set in Pennsylvania Amish country, this adrenaline-fueled thriller follows an ex-con’s audacious decision to impersonate a murdered sheriff, creating a perfect dramatic pressure cooker. Before donning Homelander’s cape in “The Boys,” Antony Starr established his dramatic credentials as the nameless protagonist navigating a precarious double life. Banshee distinguished itself with cinematically choreographed action sequences that rivaled major motion pictures, yet the series never sacrificed emotional substance for spectacle.

Rectify (2013-2016)

This Southern Gothic drama tells the story of Daniel Holden, who returns to his small Georgia hometown after spending 19 years on death row. His release causes tension in the community as he adjusts to modern life. The series moves at a deliberately slow pace, focusing on atmospheric moments and character development. Creator Ray McKinnon explores themes of justice, redemption, and identity throughout its four-season run on Sundance TV. Each frame feels meticulously crafted.

Detectorists (2014-2017)

This gentle British comedy follows Andy and Lance, two friends who spend their free time metal detecting in the Essex countryside. They dream of finding historic treasures while discussing life’s small disappointments. Mackenzie Crook wrote and directed this BAFTA-winning series. The show celebrates friendship and the joy of pursuing passions regardless of success. Its pastoral setting and quiet humor offer a refreshing alternative to louder comedies.

Mr. Robot (2015-2019)

This psychological thriller stars Rami Malek as Elliot, a cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker with social anxiety disorder. He joins a hacktivist group aiming to cancel global debt by attacking a major corporation. The show features innovative visual storytelling and unreliable narration. Creator Sam Esmail completed his vision over four seasons on USA Network. The series examines capitalism, mental health, and technology with remarkable technical accuracy.

Fringe (2008-2013)

J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi series about the FBI’s Fringe Division investigating unexplained phenomena became a meaningful journey for many viewers who followed it from beginning to end. While the series reportedly stumbled a bit in season 4, most appreciated how the writers ultimately landed the complex storyline. John Noble’s performance as Walter Bishop particularly stood out, balancing scientific genius with childlike wonder. The show’s perfect blend of procedural mystery-solving and ongoing mythology created an experience that continues to resonate with sci-fi fans.

Russian Doll (2019-2022)

Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, a woman who repeatedly dies and relives the same night in an endless time loop. She eventually discovers another person experiencing the same phenomenon. The series uses this sci-fi premise to explore trauma, mortality, and personal growth. Netflix released two seasons that tackle completely different storylines. The show’s authentic New York setting and Lyonne’s razor-sharp performance make this much more than just another time-loop story.

Kingdom (2019-2022)

This South Korean historical horror series takes place during the Joseon dynasty and follows a crown prince investigating a mysterious plague. The disease turns people into zombie-like creatures that terrorize the countryside. Political intrigue and class warfare themes run throughout the narrative. Netflix produced two seasons and a feature-length special. The show combines gorgeous period details with terrifying horror sequences for a truly unique viewing experience.

Hannibal (2013-2015)

Bryan Fuller transformed Thomas Harris’s familiar characters into a visually intoxicating psychological ballet between FBI profiler Will Graham and psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter. Mads Mikkelsen redefined the iconic villain with chilling sophistication and genuine emotional complexity, while Hugh Dancy portrayed Graham’s psychological deterioration with remarkable sensitivity. The series elevated television horror to high art through its distinctive visual language, murders staged as macabre tableaux, and culinary sequences rendered with mouthwatering precision (despite their disturbing implications).

Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)

Set during the 1980s personal computer revolution, this AMC drama follows visionaries trying to compete with tech giants IBM and Apple. The characters constantly reinvent themselves as technology evolves from PCs to online gaming and eventually the early internet. The series starts as a workplace drama but evolves into a poignant character study. AMC allowed the show to complete its story despite low ratings. The final season ranks among television’s most satisfying conclusions.

The OA (2016-2019)

This mind-bending Netflix series follows Prairie Johnson, a blind woman who returns home after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored. She recruits five strangers to help with a mysterious mission. The show embraces surreal elements, including near-death experiences and dimensional travel. Creators Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij planned a five-season arc. Netflix abruptly canceled it after two seasons, leaving devoted fans campaigning for its revival.

The Leftovers (2014-2017)

Few series have explored grief and faith with the profound depth found in HBO’s adaptation of Tom Perrotta’s novel about a world forever altered when 2% of the population inexplicably vanishes. Led by exceptional performances from Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon, the show transformed from a bleak examination of collective trauma in its first season to something increasingly transcendent and narratively daring. Damon Lindelof’s willingness to embrace ambiguity while still providing emotional resolution made The Leftovers particularly rewarding for patient viewers.

Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

This whimsical comedy-drama centers on Ned, a pie-maker with the ability to bring dead things back to life with a touch. He uses this power to solve murders with his private investigator partner. The show features vibrant production design and narrator Jim Dale’s storybook-like voiceover. ABC canceled it during the writers’ strike. Creator Bryan Fuller’s distinctive visual style and the charming cast make this short-lived series feel like a modern fairy tale.

The Knick (2014-2015)

Set in early 1900s New York, this medical drama follows Dr. John Thackery, a brilliant surgeon battling drug addiction while pioneering new procedures. The series doesn’t shy away from graphic surgical scenes filmed with historical accuracy. Director Steven Soderbergh shot and edited every episode himself. Cinemax canceled the show after two seasons despite critical acclaim. Clive Owen delivers a powerhouse performance in this unflinching look at medicine’s brutal evolution.

Terriers (2010)

This noir-influenced detective series follows ex-cop Hank Dolworth and his best friend Britt Pollack, who run an unlicensed private investigation business in San Diego. They tackle cases that grow increasingly dangerous and complex. The title confused viewers who thought it was about dog breeding. FX canceled it after one season despite passionate fan support. The chemistry between leads Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James creates an instantly likable duo worth spending time with.

Enlightened (2011-2013)

This HBO comedy-drama stars Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe, a corporate executive who has a nervous breakdown and returns from rehab with a new outlook on life. She becomes determined to expose the corruption at her company despite her diminished position. The show balances cringe comedy with genuine spiritual seeking. Mike White created this ahead-of-its-time series. Dern’s fearless performance captures a woman who is simultaneously insufferable and inspiring.

Happy Valley (2014-2023)

This British crime drama follows Catherine Cawood, a no-nonsense police sergeant still grieving her daughter’s suicide while raising her grandson. She becomes obsessed with the man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death. The series portrays rural Yorkshire with gritty realism. BBC produced three seasons with significant gaps between them. Sarah Lancashire delivers one of television’s greatest performances as a deeply complex protagonist facing personal and professional battles.

Station Eleven (2021)

Based on Emily St. John Mandel’s novel, this limited series follows survivors of a devastating pandemic that wipes out most of civilization. The story moves between timelines before, during, and 20 years after the collapse. The show focuses on how art sustains humanity through catastrophe. HBO Max released all episodes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The series transcends typical post-apocalyptic tropes to examine connection and meaning in a fractured world.

Baskets (2016-2019)

Imagine a Parisian-trained clown who ends up working at a small-town rodeo. Sounds weird, right? That’s Baskets. Louie Anderson stole the show as Christine Baskets, winning an Emmy for playing the mom with such heart that you forget it’s a man in the role. Zach Galifianakis plays twins Chip and Dale – one a failed clown, the other a smug success. What makes this show special isn’t the oddball premise but how it finds beauty in ordinary lives. The humor is dry, sometimes awkward, but always has an emotional undercurrent. Between the laughs, you’ll find yourself caring deeply about these flawed characters just trying to find meaning in their disappointments.

Maniac (2018)

This surreal limited series stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as two strangers who participate in a mysterious pharmaceutical trial. The experimental treatment transports them into various shared fantasy scenarios as they confront their traumas. Director Cary Joji Fukunaga creates distinct visual worlds for each episode. Netflix designed the show as a complete story with no plans for continuation. The series blends science fiction concepts with deeply personal character studies in unexpected ways.

Bates Motel (2013-2017)

We all know how Norman Bates ends up, but this show makes you care about how he got there. Set in modern times, Bates Motel follows teenage Norman and his very-much-alive mother Norma as they try to start fresh. Vera Farmiga is incredible as Norma, turning what could have been a villain into a complex woman fighting for her family. Freddie Highmore’s transformation from shy teenager to disturbed killer feels disturbingly real. The small coastal town setting adds rich atmosphere and interesting side characters.

Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

A pie-maker can bring the dead back to life with a touch. The catch? Touch them again and they die forever. When he revives his childhood crush, you get TV’s most heartbreaking romance. Pushing Daisies looks like nothing else on television – it’s a candy-colored storybook world with a narrator guiding you through each episode. Lee Pace and Anna Friel have amazing chemistry despite never being able to touch. The supporting cast, especially Kristin Chenoweth as a nosy waitress, brings perfect comic relief. The show solves murders while exploring deeper themes of loss and connection.

Last Man on Earth (2015-2018)

After a virus wipes out humanity, Phil “Tandy” Miller thinks he’s the last person alive. Then others show up and ruin his fun. Will Forte plays Tandy with no vanity. He’s selfish, needy, and lies constantly, yet somehow you still root for him. The show takes big swings, killing characters unexpectedly and constantly changing locations. Unlike most post-apocalyptic stories, this one cares more about petty arguments over the last bottle of wine than surviving zombies. Kristen Schaal is particularly great as the neurotic Carol, who becomes Tandy’s unlikely partner.

Party Down (2009-2010, 2023)

This comedy follows a catering team of Hollywood aspirants working events while pursuing their real dreams in the entertainment industry. Each episode takes place at a different catering gig where the staff encounters bizarre guests. The original run on Starz lasted just two seasons before cancellation. A revival season premiered in 2023 after finding a cult following. The show features a murderers’ row of comedy talent including Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, and Martin Starr.

Counterpart (2017-2019)

This sci-fi thriller stars J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk, a low-level employee at a UN agency that guards a crossing point to a parallel dimension. The two worlds diverged thirty years ago and developed in different directions. The show explores themes of identity through identical counterparts who made different life choices. Starz canceled it after two seasons despite critical praise. Simmons brilliantly portrays two versions of the same character with subtle yet clear distinctions.

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

This comedy-drama follows four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who dream of escaping to California. They commit petty crimes to fund their journey while dealing with rival gangs and community expectations. The show features an almost entirely Indigenous cast and crew. Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi created this groundbreaking FX series. Its authentic portrayal of reservation life blends surreal humor with heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling in a way rarely seen on television.

The Good Place (2016-2020)

This afterlife comedy stars Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop, a selfish woman who mistakenly ends up in “The Good Place” after her death. She tries to hide her past while becoming a better person with help from her soulmate. The show constantly reinvents itself with shocking twists each season. NBC allowed creator Mike Schur to complete his planned four-season arc. Few sitcoms have so successfully combined philosophical concepts with laugh-out-loud comedy.

Undone (2019-2022)

This rotoscope-animated series follows Alma, a young woman who discovers she can manipulate time after a near-fatal car accident. She uses this ability to investigate her father’s death and potentially change the past. The unique animation style blurs the line between reality and imagination. Amazon Prime produced two seasons of this visually stunning show. Rosa Salazar gives a captivating performance in this exploration of mental illness, family secrets, and quantum physics.

Severance (2022-Present)

This psychological thriller follows employees at Lumon Industries who undergo a surgical procedure that separates their work memories from their personal lives. Their “work selves” never leave the office while their “home selves” know nothing about their jobs. Apple TV+ has only released one season so far. Adam Scott leads an exceptional cast in this unsettling exploration of work-life balance taken to disturbing extremes. The show’s sterile aesthetics and mounting paranoia create constant tension.

Finding your next favorite show sometimes requires looking beyond the trending page. These underappreciated series offer unique storytelling, complex characters, and fresh perspectives you won’t find in mainstream hits. Many ended too soon, but their short runs mean you can enjoy them completely without a major time commitment. Which one will you watch first?