Beyond Netflix’s trending page of viral hits and blockbuster series lies an extraordinary collection of overlooked shows and films. These hidden masterpieces offer fresh perspectives, unconventional storytelling, and remarkable performances that deserve your attention.
To that effect, let’s explore 15 exceptional titles that might have slipped under your radar.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017)
Samuel Barnett stars as holistic detective Dirk Gently in the mystery-comedy series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, alongside Elijah Wood, who plays his reluctant assistant, Todd Brotzman. Inspired by Douglas Adams’s character, this reimagined Dirk investigates seemingly unrelated events that gradually interweave into complex mysteries, guided by his belief in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things.
The show is known for its unique blend of humor and eccentricity, appealing to fans of the author’s distinctive style. While drawing comparisons to Doctor Who (1963–1989, 2005-Present) for its science fiction elements, the series carves its own path without time travel being the focus. Despite passionate fan support for a potential third season, the show was ultimately canceled due to declining viewership.
Crashing (2016)
Before achieving fame in Fleabag (2016-2019) and Bridgerton (2020-Present), respectively, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Jonathan Bailey starred in the British comedy series Crashing. The show follows a group of twenty-somethings living as property guardians in a disused hospital. Often compared to Friends, (1994–2004) this contemporary British series offers a unique twist on the familiar premise of young people living together, thanks to its surreal setting.
Crashing earned critical acclaim for its relatable storytelling, with Waller-Bridge challenging stereotypes in her role as the free-spirited Lulu. Though praised for its satirical approach and entertaining blend of absurd and caricatured events, the series remains relatively unknown to wider audiences. Conceived and written as a single series by Waller-Bridge, this fantastic little gem consists of six episodes, developed from two of her original plays.
The OA (2016-2019)
Among Netflix’s vast library of content lies The OA, a mind-bending mystery series that has earned passionate devotion from those fortunate enough to discover it. The story follows Prairie Johnson, who reappears mysteriously after being missing for seven years, carrying extraordinary tales of her captivity and a burning mission to rescue others still trapped where she escaped.
This genre-defying series has earned its place among television’s finest, drawing comparisons to Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017) for its skillful blend of surreal and supernatural elements. Critics and audiences alike have embraced its bold storytelling, reflected in its impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores—77% for Part I and climbing to 92% for Part II. Major entertainment publications, including BBC, NME, and Wired, consistently rank it among television’s most innovative achievements.
Godless (2017)
Godless is a remarkable revival of the Western genre on Netflix, restoring many viewers’ faith in the format. Set in the 1880s American West, former outlaw Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell) seeks refuge in the predominantly female town of La Belle after betraying gang leader Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels), who relentlessly pursues him.
It is rare for a series to feature a female-centric Western narrative with a poignant commentary on father-son relationships, but this show artfully accomplishes both. The cast also includes Griffin’s nemesis Sheriff Bill McNue (Scoot McNairy) and Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), a resilient widow who runs her own ranch. With praise from critics and recognition by The Washington Post as among its best TV shows of 2017, Godless stands out as a must-watch find on Netflix.
The Keepers (2017)
Amid the endless scroll of true crime content on Netflix, The Keepers emerges as a masterpiece. This seven-part documentary series, released in 2017, transcends the typical conventions of the genre by exploring not just a murder mystery but a decades-long pursuit of justice.
The series follows the mysterious 1969 murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a beloved Baltimore nun and high school teacher whose death remained unsolved for nearly 50 years. What begins as an investigation into a single crime expands into a haunting exposé of institutional corruption as former students uncover disturbing allegations of widespread sexual abuse at Archbishop Keough High School, where Sister Cathy taught.
Though overshadowed by flashier true-crime offerings, The Keepers represents investigative filmmaking at its peak. The series serves not only as a gripping mystery but also as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of one teacher and her former students’ unwavering quest for truth.
Loudermilk (2017-2020)
From acting to references, Loudermilk has received praise for its portrayal of individuals recovering from alcoholism and substance abuse. Ron Livingston shines as Sam Loudermilk, a former music critic and recovering alcoholic whose wit and brutal honesty make him both an effective substance abuse counselor and a challenging presence in others’ lives.
While there are shows that share this premise, Loudermilk‘s brilliance lies in its delicate balance of dark humor and genuine empathy. Through Sam’s journey and his work with fellow recovering addicts, the series crafts a portrait of sobriety that avoids both saccharine sentimentality and grim despair. The clever writing captures the daily struggles, small victories, and occasional absurdities of recovery with remarkable accuracy.
GLOW (2017-2019)
Despite receiving several positive reviews, not many are familiar with GLOW, a series that is loosely based on the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. This sharp comedy-drama follows a diverse group of women who find themselves creating an unlikely television phenomenon, combining body slams with personal transformation.
Behind the neon spandex and theatrical personas, the show reveals the demanding physical and emotional work of professional wrestling. The series excels in balancing its colorful, over-the-top wrestling sequences with nuanced storytelling, as characters grapple with personal demons, professional ambitions, and complex relationships, making it an engaging watch whether you’re a fan of the sport or not.
Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Set in 1990s Northern Ireland, Derry Girls is a coming-of-age comedy that follows five teenagers through their hilarious misadventures. The series boasts a near-perfect 99% critic score and a 5/5 audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show’s brilliance lies in how it weaves together teenage shenanigans, sharp wit, and complex themes of friendship, sexuality, love, and political unrest with remarkable finesse. Its impact speaks for itself; Derry Girls stands as Channel 4’s biggest comedy hit since Father Ted in the 1990s.
Creator Lisa McGee’s brilliant writing delivers quotable and hilarious one-liners, delivering some of the funniest scenes on television with standout performances from the entire cast, particularly Kevin McAleer as the delightfully long-winded Uncle Colm. Backed by a nostalgia-inducing ’90s soundtrack and anchored by its dynamic female-led ensemble, Derry Girls represents comedy storytelling at its finest.
Black Summer (2019-2021)
The COVID-19 lockdowns led some viewers to discover the greatness of the horror drama Black Summer on Netflix. Although some dismissed it as just another zombie show about survivors trying to reunite with their loved ones amid an apocalypse, many viewers found its deeply cynical view of humanity refreshing in a genre that often recycles the same ideas.
The show’s experimental style, featuring vignettes that create the illusion of continuous shots, combined with innovative camera work and a nihilistic tone, distinguishes it from other post-apocalyptic zombie shows on television. Though not without flaws, its complex characters and unpredictable storyline—where no character is safe from death—make it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Fisk (2021-present)
For those seeking a fresh take on workplace comedy, specifically in the courtroom, Fisk delivers. Many fans enjoy the fun banter between the characters more than anything else. Co-created, co-written, and starring Kitty Flanagan herself, this clever series follows Helen Tudor-Fisk, a competent but socially maladroit lawyer who rebuilds her life in Melbourne after her marriage and career implode simultaneously.
While the show unfolds in a legal office, it deliberately avoids courtroom drama tropes, instead finding gold in the everyday absurdities of office life. Drawing subtle parallels to workplace classics like The Office (2005-2013) and Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), Fisk thrives on character-driven humor and office dynamics. The latest season expands its focus to include more ensemble content, developing richer storylines for supporting characters while maintaining its distinctly Australian sensibility: dry, sardonic, and delightfully uncomfortable.
Midnight Mass (2021)
If you’re a fan of horror, you’re probably familiar with Mike Flanagan’s repertoire of supernatural storytelling, but one of his most overlooked works is Midnight Mass. While some may not consider it the best from the Flanaverse, this haunting series achieves something remarkable—a horror story that’s as philosophically challenging as it is terrifying.
Set on an isolated island community, this sophisticated miniseries examines faith, fanaticism, and human nature when a charismatic young priest arrives, bringing with him a wave of apparent miracles that mask something far more sinister. The show transforms familiar Catholic imagery and rituals into elements of mounting dread, creating a uniquely unsettling atmosphere that distinguishes it from his other Netflix offerings.
The series boasts Flanagan’s usual ensemble cast, with several returning actors delivering career-defining performances. Through its exploration of religious fervor and communal manipulation, the show crafts a narrative that lingers in viewers’ minds long after the final credits roll.
The Harder They Fall (2021)
The Harder They Fall is another overlooked Western on Netflix featuring a star cast led by Jonathan Majors as Nat Love and his relentless pursuit of Rufus Buck (Idris Elba), the man who murdered his parents. It is one of the few Western films in which all major cast members are Black.
Director Jeymes Samuel crafts a visually stunning world where classic Western elements merge with modern sensibilities. The film boasts masterful cinematography, explosive action sequences, and a soundtrack that perfectly complements its bold vision.
To top it all off, a powerhouse ensemble cast breathes life into unforgettable characters, each adding nuance to this tale of vengeance and justice. While critics’ opinions vary, The Harder They Fall delivers an exhilarating experience that both honors and reinvents Western traditions.
Kevin Can F*** Himself (2021-2022)
After making viewers laugh as the quirky Alexis Rose in the hit sitcom Schitt’s Creek, Annie Murphy stuns fans again as Allison McRoberts in the dark comedy Kevin Can F*** Himself. The show’s single- and multi-camera setup expertly establishes the mood, featuring sitcom-style scenes that highlight Allison’s struggle to redefine her life amid an unhappy marriage to her narcissistic, man-child husband, Kevin (Eric Petersen).
While sometimes bland, viewers appreciate its comedy, strong character development, and brilliant storytelling that puts Murphy front and center. Despite only running for just two seasons, the show manages to provide fans with a satisfying ending and a sense of finality that many lesser-known shows rarely achieve.
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
Behind Her Eyes is one of the most frequently mentioned hidden gems on Netflix as it defies typical thriller conventions and weaves supernatural elements into a dark psychological tale that keeps viewers guessing until its final moments.
This mind-bending series follows Louise (Simona Brown), whose chance encounter with the mysterious David (Tom Bateman) spirals into a dangerous web of secrets when she discovers he’s her new boss – and married to the enigmatic Adele (Eve Hewson).
What begins as a seemingly familiar story of forbidden attraction transforms into something far more sinister. As Louise becomes increasingly entangled in David and Adele’s marriage, the show peels back layers of reality to reveal shocking truths beneath the surface.
Cunk on Earth (2022)
Cunk on Earth brilliantly reinvents the documentary format with its unique brand of deadpan absurdity. From Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker comes this ingenious mockumentary series, where comedian Diane Morgan embodies Philomena Cunk, a gloriously clueless host attempting to unravel the history of human civilization.
What makes the show exceptional is Morgan’s masterful performance. Her Cunk character, with perfectly timed blank stares and hilariously misguided questions, interviews real-world experts who maintain their composure while fielding increasingly absurd inquiries. The resulting interactions create a delicate balance of genuine historical insight and sublime comedy.
The series cleverly subverts traditional documentary conventions, delivering sharp social commentary while maintaining its facade of earnest investigation. Through Cunk’s deliberately distorted perspective, the show manages to both educate and entertain, making complex historical topics accessible through the lens of perfectly crafted comedy.