Underrated TV Shows You Should Have Watched by Now
In the world of TV, some shows are just impossible to miss. They dominate the headlines, win awards, and fill social media feeds with endless discussions. But for every mainstream hit, there’s a group of underrated shows quietly slipping under the radar, offering brilliant writing, unforgettable characters, and unique concepts that deserve far more recognition. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, here are a few underrated TV shows that you really should have watched by now. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
1. The Leftovers – HBO
One of the most poignant, thought-provoking series ever to grace TV, The Leftovers is often overlooked despite its critical acclaim. Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, this supernatural drama takes place in a world where 2% of the population mysteriously disappears without explanation. The show follows the lives of those left behind as they cope with the emotional aftermath of such an inexplicable event.
While the premise might sound like a traditional post-apocalyptic story, The Leftovers is far more than that. It’s an exploration of grief, faith, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. With stunning performances from Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Christopher Eccleston, the show offers an experience that’s emotional, surreal, and at times, utterly haunting. If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with loss, or simply enjoy emotionally complex dramas, this series is worth your time.
2. Halt and Catch Fire – AMC
Set against the backdrop of Silicon Valley in the 1980s and 1990s, Halt and Catch Fire tells the story of the early days of personal computing, focusing on a group of tech pioneers trying to create the next big thing. While the series was praised for its sharp writing, strong performances, and attention to detail, it struggled to find a large audience during its initial run.
The show is a slow burn, carefully examining ambition, failure, and innovation, while also diving deep into the personal lives of its central characters. With standout performances from Lee Pace, Mackenzie Davis, and Scoot McNairy, Halt and Catch Fire is an intelligent, well-crafted drama that captures the relentless pursuit of success in a rapidly changing world. If you enjoy stories about tech, entrepreneurship, or complex relationships, this one is a must-see.
3. Patriot – Amazon Prime Video
A perfect blend of dark humor, spy thriller, and family drama, Patriot is a quirky, offbeat series that somehow flew under the radar. The show follows John Tavner (Michael Dorman), a mild-mannered intelligence officer who’s tasked with preventing a potential nuclear catastrophe. However, things get complicated when his cover gets blown, and he must juggle espionage with a dysfunctional family dynamic.
What makes Patriot so compelling is its unique tone: it’s both absurd and grounded, funny and deeply emotional. It’s a show that asks a lot of questions about identity, loyalty, and the blurry line between duty and personal life. The mix of dry humor, unpredictable plot twists, and fantastic performances from Dorman and his co-stars makes Patriot one of the most criminally underrated shows on Amazon Prime.
4. The Fall – BBC Two
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, The Fall is a must-watch. This British crime drama centers on Detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) as she hunts down a serial killer in Belfast, played by a chillingly good Jamie Dornan. The twist? The show gives viewers an intimate look at both the detective and the killer, exploring the psychological cat-and-mouse game between them.
The Fall is a slow, methodical build, offering a detailed look at the process of investigating and understanding crime. While it didn’t receive as much attention as other crime thrillers, the show’s intense atmosphere, strong performances, and gripping storytelling make it a standout in the genre. Anderson and Dornan’s dynamic alone is worth the watch.
5. Banshee – Cinemax
A gritty, action-packed crime drama, Banshee takes place in the small, crime-ridden town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. The show follows Lucas Hood (Antony Starr), an ex-con who assumes the identity of the town’s murdered sheriff, and attempts to enforce justice while simultaneously hiding from his past.
What makes Banshee so addictive is its combination of high-octane action, dark humor, and complex character development. It’s violent, intense, and often outrageous, but at its core, it’s a character-driven story about redemption, loyalty, and the choices we make. If you enjoy fast-paced crime dramas with a mix of suspense and heart, Banshee will keep you hooked from start to finish.
6. Pushing Daisies – ABC
Whimsical, colorful, and delightfully odd, Pushing Daisies is one of those shows that left people asking, “Why didn’t this get more attention?” The series follows Ned (Lee Pace), a man who can bring the dead back to life with a touch—but there’s a catch. If he touches them a second time, they stay dead. He uses his powers to solve mysteries, all while navigating a complicated romance with his childhood love.
With its magical realism, vibrant visuals, and witty dialogue, Pushing Daisies is a modern fairy tale that mixes mystery, romance, and humor in a refreshingly unique way. Though it only lasted for two seasons, the show’s quirky charm and heart make it a cult classic worth discovering.
7. Terriers – FX
If you’re a fan of crime dramas with a twist of humor, Terriers is a hidden gem you need to watch. Starring Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James, the show follows two unlicensed private investigators in Ocean Beach, California, who become entangled in a web of crime and corruption.
Terriers is a show that blends noir-style storytelling with dry humor, creating a unique atmosphere. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but at the same time, it’s deeply invested in its characters’ journeys. Despite its critical acclaim, Terriers was cancelled after just one season, making it a tragic missed opportunity for fans of smart, character-driven crime dramas.
8. Kingdom – Netflix
Kingdom is a South Korean historical thriller with a unique twist: it combines the political intrigue of the Joseon Dynasty with the horror of a zombie apocalypse. Set during the 16th century, the series follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he tries to uncover the truth behind a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies.
The show’s rich production values, fantastic performances, and gripping plot make it one of the most underrated international series on Netflix. It’s an exhilarating mix of historical drama, political conspiracy, and zombie horror, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for a thrilling ride.
9. Fargo – FX
Fargo is based on the Coen Brothers’ classic film, but instead of a straight adaptation, the show takes on an anthology format, with each season telling a new story inspired by the film’s signature blend of dark humor, crime, and moral ambiguity. The first season, starring Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton, was especially praised for its exceptional writing, intricate plotting, and unforgettable characters.
Despite its critical acclaim, Fargo often flies under the radar, particularly for those who may have missed the initial buzz. With its unpredictable twists and razor-sharp wit, Fargo is an engrossing series that deserves far more attention.
10. Better Off Ted – ABC
A workplace comedy set in the absurd world of a fictional high-tech corporation, Better Off Ted is a hilarious and underappreciated gem. The show follows Ted Crisp (Jay Harrington), a manager at Veridian Dynamics, as he deals with eccentric coworkers, bizarre corporate policies, and often ridiculous inventions.
Though it lasted only two seasons, Better Off Ted is a clever and often absurd satire on the corporate world, packed with witty dialogue and quirky humor. If you’re a fan of offbeat comedies or enjoy shows that poke fun at corporate life, this show will have you laughing out loud.
Final Thoughts
The world of television is filled with hidden gems that often don’t get the recognition they deserve. From dark psychological thrillers like The Fall to quirky comedies like Better Off Ted, these underrated shows offer a refreshing break from mainstream hits and provide something unique for every viewer. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, dive into these shows—you won’t be disappointed.
So, grab your remote, settle in, and start binge-watching these underrated gems that are begging to be discovered!