The Most Underrated TV Shows You Need to Watch

Television today is filled with hundreds of shows competing for viewers’ attention across cable networks, streaming platforms, and more. While many popular shows like Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and The Crown dominate the cultural conversation, there are countless underrated gems that fly under the radar. These overlooked shows may not have massive marketing budgets or star power behind them, but their clever writing, nuanced characters, and unique perspectives make them must-see TV.

Why You Should Branch Out Beyond Mainstream Shows

Mainstream shows like The Walking Dead and This Is Us certainly have their merits and wide fanbases. However, focusing solely on the most popular or buzzed-about series means missing out on hidden talents and fresh, outside-the-box storytelling. Television is undergoing a renaissance, with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon supporting riskier, unconventional projects.

Venturing beyond the usual suspects of prestige TV expands your horizons as a viewer. Underrated shows allow you to discover rising talents, new genres, and stories that resonate deeply but lack promotion. Audiences sleep on these hidden gems, leaving their ratings lower and renewals uncertain. By checking out underrated series, you support hard-working creatives and compelling art that enriches the television landscape.

Qualities of Underrated Shows Worth Your Time

So how can you identify a show that’s underrated versus simply mediocre? Here are some hallmarks of overlooked series that are worth investing your viewing hours:

• Complex characters. Rather than stereotypes, the show depicts nuanced, fully realized characters whose choices drive the narrative forward. Even side characters feel three-dimensional.
• Innovative storytelling. The show finds fresh angles on common tropes or features structured, inventive plotting full of surprises. It keeps you guessing.
• Outside perspectives. The show focuses on diverse experiences or marginalized groups outside the mainstream, putting you in someone else’s shoes.
• Critically acclaimed. While lacking in viewership, the show earns high praise from critics and passionate fans for its execution.
• Better with time. As the show progresses, the storytelling becomes more confident, taking greater creative risks.

Keeping these markers in mind while browsing under-the-radar series can help you determine which deserve more attention. Now let’s explore some of the most underrated shows that you should absolutely make time for.

1. The Wire (2002–2008)

Set in Baltimore, The Wire offers an unflinching look at the city’s drug trade through the perspectives of both police and dealers. With each season, the show widens its focus to critique different institutions like politics, the media, and public schools. Often called one of the greatest shows of all time, the complex drama especially shines in its fully realized characters and realistic dialogue. Even small-time drug dealers and beat cops feel like real people negotiating social systems bigger than themselves. The Wire challenges you to see all sides of Baltimore’s struggles.

Why It’s Underrated

Airing before the rise of streaming and prestige TV, The Wire struggled to find an audience during its initial run on HBO. Viewers at the time expected lighter fare from the network behind Sex and the City. But for those willing to immerse themselves in the show’s intricate world, The Wire offers an unparalleled examination of contemporary urban life in America. Its social commentary is more timely than ever.

2. Mr. Robot (2015–2019)

Mr. Robot follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity engineer by day and vigilante hacker by night who gets swept up in a revolution against corporate power and greed. Elliot struggles with social anxiety disorder, clinical depression, and morphine addiction, making him an unreliable narrator. The trippy psychological thriller features twist after twist, keeping you guessing about what’s real.

Why It’s Underrated

Despite critical acclaim and cult fandom, Mr. Robot never caught on with mainstream audiences. Its cerebral, surreal storytelling doesn’t lend itself to casual viewing. Yet for those willing to puzzle out the show’s challenging vision, Mr. Robot offers one of the most gripping, mind-bending viewing experiences on TV. Rami Malek’s intense performance earned him his breakout role.

3. Black Mirror (2011–)

This British anthology series tells dark, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia and possible future horrors from our modern world. Each episode works as a standalone film with different characters, settings, and premises, using thought-provoking sci-fi allegories to comment on modern society. Favorites like “San Junipero” and “USS Callister” will move and haunt you.

Why It’s Underrated

Despite a zealous cult following, Black Mirror struggles to compete in the American market outside tech-savvy spaces like Reddit. Its bleak, cynical perspective turns some viewers off. But sticking with the sometimes disturbing journeys of each episode offers a can’t-look-away examination of human nature through a technological lens. Even when terrifying, Black Mirror is exquisitely made.

4. Atlanta (2016–2022)

Set in the eponymous city, Atlanta focuses on rising rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) and his cousin Earn (Donald Glover) as they navigate the Southern hip hop scene and have run-ins with shady music industry types. The music-centered dramedy features absurdist humor and experimental storytelling that touches on issues of race, masculinity, and economic struggles.

Why It’s Underrated

While earning impressive acclaim for Glover’s artistic vision, Atlanta has struggled to convert Emmy wins into high viewership. Its meandering pacing and surreal detours from plot require patience that general audiences may not offer. But allowing the show’s vignettes to wash over you provides an immersive experience in the eclectic city and its colorful characters. Atlanta captures the zeitgeist through a wholly original lens.

5. Master of None (2015–2021)

Comedian Aziz Ansari co-created and stars in this comedy-drama series focused on Dev Shah, an actor navigating life, love, careers, and friendships in New York City. Memorable episodes shine spotlights on Dev’s immigrant parents, online dating struggles, and casual racism in Hollywood.Its blend of humor and emotional storytelling brings a fresh perspective to the sitcom format.

Why It’s Underrated

Despite praise for humanizing diverse experiences, Master of None has struggled to build mainstream hype between seasons. The show offers a slice-of-life portrait absent typical hooks like high-stakes drama or edge-of-your-seat mystery. But diving into Dev’s world provides laughs and an achingly relatable look at millennials chasing fulfillment. Master of None finds wit, wisdom, and warmth in everyday life.

6. This Is Us (2016–2022)

This heartfelt family drama follows the Pearsons across multiple generations, splicing together the stories of two parents in the 1980s and their children in the present day. Flashbacks reveal how one couple’s lives connect in surprising ways. The ensemble cast shines with stellar performances that will make you laugh, cry, and call your parents.

Why It’s Underrated

Dismissed by some as cheesy or overly sentimental, This Is Us tells emotional stories that resonate deeply if you give yourself over to its cathartic allure. Unlike many jaded or cynical modern shows, it celebrates life’s special moments in an increasingly isolated world. Letting these flawed but loving characters into your heart pays dividends.

7. Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014)

Centered on a tight-knit California motorcycle club, Sons of Anarchy explores power, loyalty, and violence in the underworld of outlaw bikers. Jackson “Jax” Teller struggles to reconcile his role as a new father with his family ties to the club’s involvement in illegal guns and organized crime. The engrossing Shakespearean drama features complex characters, bloody conflicts, and constant betrayals.

Why It’s Underrated

While earning a loyal male audience for its gritty action, Sons of Anarchy failed to garner acclaim for elevated drama due to perceptions of pulpy excess or glorified violence. But its rich characters, surprising plot twists, and emotional stakes rival prestige dramas despite its niche setting. Those who get invested experience a thrillingly immersive saga compared to a great novel.

Hidden Gem Comedies

Beyond hard-hitting dramas, the TV landscape offers numerous overlooked comedies delivering clever humor, heartfelt moments, and offbeat concepts. Check out these underrated comedic gems when you need an uplifting break.

8. Acapulco (Apple TV+)

Set in 1984 with flashbacks to the 1960s, Acapulco follows 20-something Máximo Gallardo, whose dream comes true when he lands a job at the hottest resort in Acapulco. Charismatic lead Eugenio Derbez regales viewers with the story of his rise, fall, and lessons learned. The bilingual comedy combines a nostalgic setting, swoon-worthy romance, and laughs.

Why It’s Underrated

As an Apple TV+ original in Spanish and English, Acapulco has struggled to break through the noise of bigger platforms despite its crowd-pleasing story. But the show’s warmth and wit merit its place as a hidden gem. Its transportive setting and high-energy performances offer a delightfully engaging viewing experience.

9. Los Espookys (HBO Max)

This surreal Spanish-language comedy follows a group of horror fans who turn scaring people into a peculiar business in Mexico. With outlandish characters and scenarios, Los Espookys creates a quirky world that parody both horror conventions and telenovela traditions. Its commitment to strange, macabre details provides laughs while honoring the genre.

Why It’s Underrated

As predominantly Spanish-language programming, Los Espookys has struggled to grab English speakers’ attention despite glowing reviews. But great writing translates across languages, and the show’s ability to build strange premises into compelling characters is unique. For those who give it a chance, Los Espookys is a treat of oddball humor.

10. Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)

Set in Ireland, this darkly comedic thriller focuses on the Garvey sisters bound together by the premature death of their parents. When their sister Grace marries a cruel, controlling man, Ursula, Bibi, Eva, and Becka make a pact to rescue her in unconventional ways. The strong female ensemble cast shines with wit and passion.

Why It’s Underrated

As a newer entry amid heavy-hitting series on Apple TV+, Bad Sisters has yet to break into the cultural zeitgeist. But its blend of twisted humor and mystery makes for a wickedly fun ride. Sharpen your tastes for justice with this fresh take on siblinghood and spousal politics.

Compelling Sci-Fi Sleeper Hits

Beyond social commentary and comedy, intimate science fiction tales also frequently get overlooked despite captivating concepts. These underrated sci-fi journeys will take you to mind-bending settings and possibilities.

11. Counterpart (2017–2019)

J.K. Simmons stars in this encapsulating sci-fi espionage thriller centered on the existence of two parallel universes. At the center connecting these worlds sits a UN-style agency harboring intense secrets. Simmons essentially plays dual roles as versions of the same man living distinctly different lives, forced into an inter-dimensional Cold War. Philosophical ideas and mind games abound.

Why It’s Underrated

Airing on the niche network Starz, Counterpart failed to earn a mainstream following. But its usage of parallel worlds to examine identity and destiny offers some of the most absorbing sci-fi concepts on television. What would you do with a chance to communicate with your alternate self? Counterpart keeps you guessing.

12. Travelers (2016–2018)

This Canadian sci-fi drama sends teams of time travelers back from humanity’s dystopian future to our present day by taking control of the bodies of about-to-die citizens. They attempt to subtly alter events to prevent their bleak timeline. A compelling cast portrays essentially dual roles—both the time traveler and original person inhabiting each body. Thoughtful character study meets fast-paced plotting.

Why It’s Underrated

Distributed internationally through Netflix, Travelers garnered a cult following outside the U.S. But linear American ratings lagged despite winning writing and moral dilemmas. Give this clever Canadian import a chance for a mind-expanding look at fate and second chances.

Quirky Crime Stories that Deliver

Police procedurals and legal dramas crowd the TV landscape, but these creative crime-centered shows bring flair and humor to the genres. Their twisting plots will suck you in.

13. High Desert (Apple TV+)

In this darkly funny drama, a former addict named Peggy (Patricia Arquette) decides to become a private investigator after her mother’s death in the small desert town of Yucca Valley, California. Quirky cases and eccentric characters lead to plenty of misadventures, but Peggy’s determination shines through as she tries to do better despite her unconventional life.

Why It’s Underrated

Though Patricia Arquette’s performance earned raves, High Desert remains under most radars beyond Apple TV+ subscribers. But its flawed yet relatable characters confronting life’s messiness deserve more attention. This stylized twist on the PI show offers both poignant and hilarious moments.

14. Natasha Lyonne (Peacock)

Russian Doll breakout Natasha Lyonne writes, directs, and stars in this half-hour comedy playing a version of herself. When her character’s dog goes missing, Natasha ends up entangled with the criminal underworld of New York City. Her charm and deadpan humor balance the show’s absurd premise for an off-the-wall adventure.

Why It’s Underrated

Despite Lyonne’s cult status, her name recognition hasn’t yet attracted mainstream buzz to this unique vehicle for her talents. For those tired of the same old cop formulas, Natasha Lyonne’s blend of crime elements with cheeky humor and a mind-bending setting offers a quirky treat.

15. Minx (HBO Max)

This 70s-set series follows young feminist Joyce Prigger (Ophelia Lovibond), who joins forces with publisher Doug Renetti (Jake Johnson) to develop the first erotic magazine for women. Though initially at odds, their partnership shows personal growth while navigating challenging industry norms. The stories highlight uplifting women’s voices.

Why It’s Underrated

Marketing misjudged Minx’s insightful themes about feminism and sexuality, portraying it more as titillation than empowerment. But genuine characters and witty scripts elevate this story above stereotypes. Minx deserves applause for its sex-positive spirit and insights into an overlooked part of feminist history.

Conclusion

Great television continues expanding beyond the most popular, mainstream hits as studios take more creative risks. Venturing into these underrated shows opens you up to fresh storytelling styles, unique perspectives, and hidden talents carving out their place in the entertainment landscape.

Rather than sticking to buzzy titles and known quantities, take a chance on lesser-known series that display artistic ambition and passion. Follow complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and outside-the-box formats. You may just discover a new favorite that you can champion before it finds its wider audience. The television renaissance offers treasures for every taste—you just need to dig a little deeper for the underrated gems.