If you’re looking for new shows to watch but are tired of mainstream titles, you’ve come to the right place. Many TV series don’t get the attention they deserve, despite being much better than some of the popular ones we see today.
Whether you’re in the mood for gripping thrillers, quirky comedies, or mind-bending sci-fi, there are plenty of hidden TV gems waiting to be discovered. Onto the list!
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
When it comes to TV shows, blending comedy and drama can be challenging, often resulting in one overshadowing the other. However, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend defies this trend by seamlessly integrating these contrasting elements through clever storytelling and humor. The series features dramatic scenes that feel authentic and raw, complemented by catchy musical numbers. It also addresses often taboo subjects.
Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including several Primetime Emmys, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend remains one of the lowest-rated shows in television history, contributing to its status as an underrated gem that deserves more attention.
Patriot (2015-2018)
Patriot is a comedy-drama series created by Steven Conrad and follows John Tavner (Michael Dorman), an undercover agent grappling with PTSD who uses songwriting as a coping mechanism. Despite his personal struggles, he weaves his psychological battles into his missions with absurd humor and intricate plotting.
Patriot distinguishes itself from conventional series with its unique combination of dark comedy and espionage. Its offbeat storytelling, strong character development, and poignant musical elements are also something fans of the show appreciate. While Patriot earned critical acclaim for the aforementioned reasons, it remains relatively unknown due to insufficient marketing.
Evil (2019-2024)
Evil is reminiscent of The X-Files (1993-2002), with a modern twist that incorporates religious trauma and demons. Instead of Agent Mulder trying to convince Agent Scully about UFOs, the series features priest-in-training David Acosta (Mike Colter) persuading therapist Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers) about the existence of devils.
The show skillfully incorporates supernatural horror with dark comedy and thought-provoking social commentary, an unlikely combination, but it works. Beyond its eerie twists, Evil addresses real-world issues such as racism and capitalism, making it entertaining and relevant. The positive reviews and impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 96% by critics notwithstanding, the supernatural thriller has struggled with visibility, leaving many potential viewers unaware of its brilliance.
Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)
Halt and Catch Fire is often regarded as the “best show that nobody watched“. The show’s low ratings did not stop AMC from continuing to support the series throughout its four-season run possibly because they recognized its critical value and potential future significance.
The period drama delves into the personal and professional challenges of tech pioneers and entrepreneurs during the rise of personal computing and the early internet era of the 1980s and 1990s.
Despite its technical themes, the show avoids overwhelming viewers with excessive details. It remains grounded in reality, delivering a captivating narrative. With complex, well-written female leads in Cameron (Mackenzie Davis) and Donna (Kerry Bishé), who navigate a male-dominated world, Halt and Catch Fire resonates with viewers seeking both nostalgia and relevance.
This is Going to Hurt (2022)
This Is Going to Hurt offers a poignant glimpse into the challenging realities of being a junior doctor in a National Health Service hospital. Rather than portraying doctors as real-life superheroes, it reveals their struggles, including long hours, low pay, and the emotional toll of dealing with life-and-death situations.
Despite running for only seven episodes, the series manages to capture the absurdity and gravity of medical life which fans resonate with. The black comedy medical drama also manages to maintain a comedic tone while addressing serious themes, allowing audiences to laugh while becoming aware of the systemic issues within the healthcare system.
The Leftovers (2014-2017)
In a sea of popular series like Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders, and Breaking Bad, HBO’s The Leftovers stands out as a top-tier show that often goes unnoticed. The show offers a profound exploration of grief, loss, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the mysterious “Sudden Departure,” an event in which 2% of the world’s population inexplicably disappears.
Rather than focusing solely on the mystery, the series delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by those left behind, portraying their raw and honest reactions to unexpected loss. While the supernatural fiction drama does tackle familiar themes, it steers clear of conventional storytelling tropes that could leave viewers unsatisfied.
Despite receiving critical acclaim and an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many potential viewers overlooked it, with some citing unappealing promotional images as a factor in its lack of visibility.
Bates Motel (2013-2017)
Bates Motel masterfully reimagines Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1960 film Psycho, chronicling the formative years of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore), and his complex relationship with his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga). The series creates a rich tapestry of suspense and emotional depth, anchored by outstanding performances from Freddie and Vera, who bring remarkable nuance to their characters as they explore themes of mental illness, obsession, and familial loyalty.
Despite strong initial viewership, a dedicated fan base, and consistent critical acclaim—particularly in its later seasons where it achieved perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes—the show never quite reached the mainstream recognition it deserved. While it did get some industry acknowledgment, including an Emmy nomination for Vera Farmiga, the series’ artistic achievements and psychological complexity often went underappreciated compared to contemporaries like Peaky Blinders (2013-2022) or House of Cards (2013-2018).
Barry (2018 – 2023)
Barry stands as one of television’s most critically acclaimed series, yet it hasn’t reached the cultural phenomenon status it deserves. While the show has garnered significant praise and numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy wins for Bill Hader, it hasn’t quite achieved the widespread cultural impact of other HBO juggernauts.
The series, centered around Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), a hitman who unexpectedly joins an acting class, features a unique blend of dark comedy and a thorough exploration of identity, morality, and the consequences of violence.
With its detailed storytelling and perfect balance of humor and seriousness, Barry delves effortlessly into the complexities of its characters, particularly Barry’s struggle for redemption and self-identity in light of his violent past.
Terriers (2010)
Albeit a one-season wonder, Terriers is considered a breath of fresh air in the detective genre, following the misadventures of two unlicensed private investigators, Hank (Donal Logue) and Britt (Michael Raymond-James), as they navigate the seedy underbelly of Ocean Beach, California.
While its writing may not reach the heights of Fargo or True Detective, it excels in strong character development and features excellent chemistry between Logue and Raymond-James as they explore complex themes of morality and friendship while maintaining a comedic tone. Although Terriers received rave reviews and built a cult following, many viewers overlooked it, likely due to its confusing title.
Banshee (2013-2016)
With its gritty storytelling, high-octane action, and complex characters, Cinemax’s original series, Banshee is far from your typical crime drama. It uniquely blends intimacy and violence, showcasing a gory action style, intense sequences, and numerous steamy moments.
However, beyond the explicit content and graphic violence, the show features a rich narrative that delves into themes of trauma, morality, and identity as it follows an unnamed protagonist (Antony Starr), who takes on the identity of a murdered sheriff in a little town known as Banshee, Pennsylvania’s Amish country. The series excels in character development and boasts well-choreographed action sequences that elevate it beyond mere entertainment.
Although Banshee was popular on Cinemax during its run and achieved critical acclaim, it remained relatively unknown to mainstream audiences likely because Cinemax is a premium cable channel that not many could afford, or perhaps its uncompromisingly brutal approach to storytelling had something to do with it — which not many can stomach.
11. Somebody Somewhere (2022-2024)
Somebody Somewhere is arguably one of the most authentic shows on television, featuring relatable characters and stories that deeply resonate with us. Set in a small Kansas town, the comedy-drama explores the nuances of friendship, self-acceptance, and complex personal relationships through Sam (Bridget Everett), who returns home to navigate her grief after losing her sister.
Thanks to Everett’s compelling performance and the sharp writing of creators Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, the series captures the humor and struggles of daily life, making it both poignant and relatable. Its focus on mental health and familial dynamics further enhances its appeal.
The positive reviews notwithstanding, Somebody Somewhere, which concluded its third and final season this October, is yet to receive the attention it deserves as it often gets overshadowed by more prominent shows. Perhaps only time will tell.
12. Hannibal (2013-2015)
Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal may be disturbing, but it is undeniably beautifully crafted. Alongside Mads Mikkelsen’s incredible portrayal of Hannibal Lecter—arguably one of his best roles—the series is celebrated for its exquisite blend of psychological horror and artistic storytelling. The thriller series manages to create a haunting atmosphere through stunning cinematography and meticulously crafted plots, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the minds of its main characters, especially the complicated relationship between Hannibal and Will Graham (Hugh Dancy).
Hugh Dancy’s portrayal of Will Graham, an FBI profiler with a unique gift of pure empathy, adds another layer of complexity to the series. His ability to understand and visualize the mindset of killers makes him both brilliant at his job and psychologically vulnerable, particularly to Hannibal’s manipulation. The evolution of their relationship—from psychiatrist and patient to something far more complex and intimate—forms the compelling backbone of the series.
Surprisingly, despite receiving critical acclaim and numerous accolades and often being hailed as one of the best series in the horror genre, the series only ran for three seasons on NBC suggesting it may have been somewhat underappreciated during its original run. Fans of the show still wonder about the dramatic cliffhanger that was the last scene.