The world of television is constantly evolving, with new shows popping up every year vying for our attention. With so many options available, it can be easy for some truly exceptional shows to slip through the cracks and fail to receive the recognition they deserve. While there are plenty of popular shows that have received widespread acclaim, there are also many underrated gems that have gone unnoticed by the masses.
These shows may not have the biggest budgets, the most famous actors, or the flashiest marketing campaigns, but they still manage to capture the hearts and minds of those who do discover them. Whether it's because they tackle tough topics in a thoughtful and nuanced way, feature relatable characters, or offer a unique and refreshing perspective, these shows deserve more love and attention from audiences.
In this blog post, we'll be highlighting the 10 most underrated TV shows that deserve more attention. From hidden gems that were canceled too soon to lesser-known shows that are still flying under the radar, these series have all been overlooked in some way, but have so much to offer viewers. We'll dive into what makes each show special, explore the themes and issues they tackle, and highlight the standout performances and moments that make them must-see TV.
So, whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, or something in between, we're confident that there's at least one show on this list that will capture your interest and leave you wondering why it isn't more widely recognized. Without further ado, let's dive into the top 10 most underrated TV shows that deserve more love and attention.
- Sweet Tooth
- The Chair
- Search Party
- The Good Place
- Lodge 49
- Forever
- Love, Victor
- Halt and Catch Fire
- The Expanse
- Dark Matter
Sweet Tooth:
Sweet Tooth is a post-apocalyptic drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. Based on the comic book series of the same name by Jeff Lemire, the show follows the adventures of a young boy named Gus who is half-human and half-deer. Together with a gruff loner named Jepperd, Gus sets out on a journey across a dangerous world in search of answers about his origins and his place in the world.
What makes Sweet Tooth so special is its ability to balance heartwarming moments with gut-wrenching ones, creating a unique viewing experience that is both uplifting and tragic. The show features standout performances from its cast, including Christian Convery as Gus, Nonso Anozie as Jepperd, and Will Forte as Gus's father. The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography, excellent world-building, and emotional storytelling.
Additional information:
- The show was produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.
- The show was renewed for a second season in 2021.
The Chair:
The Chair is a comedy-drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2021. The show stars Sandra Oh as Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, the first woman of color to become the chair of the English department at the fictional Pembroke University. The show explores the challenges that come with being a woman of color in a leadership position, as well as the struggles faced by academia in the modern era.
What makes The Chair so unique is its ability to blend humor and heart in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The show is a biting commentary on the state of higher education, as well as a celebration of the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. The show has been praised for its excellent writing, sharp performances, and timely themes.
Additional information:
- The show was created by Amanda Peet and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
- The show has not yet been renewed for a second season.
Search Party:
Search Party is a dark comedy series that premiered on TBS in 2016. The show stars Alia Shawkat as Dory Sief, a young woman who becomes obsessed with solving the disappearance of a former college acquaintance. Along the way, Dory and her friends get caught up in a web of lies, deception, and murder.
What makes Search Party so compelling is its ability to subvert expectations and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show is a masterclass in tone, seamlessly blending humor and suspense in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The show has been praised for its excellent writing, standout performances, and sharp social commentary.
Additional information:
- The show was created by Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, and Michael Showalter.
- The show was renewed for a fifth season in 2021, which will be its final season.
The Good Place:
The Good Place is a fantasy-comedy series that premiered on NBC in 2016. The show stars Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who finds herself in the afterlife and must navigate a complex system of rewards and punishments based on her actions during her life. Along the way, she meets a colorful cast of characters and discovers that the afterlife is not what it seems.
What makes The Good Place so special is its ability to tackle big philosophical concepts in a way that feels accessible and entertaining. The show is a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of what it means to be a good person, and the power of redemption and forgiveness. The show has been praised for its excellent writing, standout performances, and clever use of humor.
Additional information:
- The show was created by Michael Schur.
- The show ended after four seasons in 2020, with a satisfying and emotional finale that tied up all loose ends.
Lodge 49:
Lodge 49 is a comedy-drama series that premiered on AMC in 2018. The show stars Wyatt Russell as Sean "Dud" Dudley, a struggling surfer who joins a fraternal order called the Order of the Lynx. The show explores themes of friendship, community, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
What makes Lodge 49 so unique is its ability to create a rich and immersive world that feels both familiar and strange. The show is a thoughtful and introspective exploration of the human condition, and the ways in which we can find solace and purpose in unexpected places. The show has been praised for its excellent writing, standout performances, and charming and quirky characters.
Additional information:
- The show was created by Jim Gavin.
- The show was cancelled after two seasons in 2019, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fanbase.
Forever:
Additional information:
- The show was created by Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard.
- The show was cancelled after one season in 2018, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fanbase.
Love, Victor:
Additional information:
Halt and Catch Fire:
Additional information:
- The show was created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers.
- The show ended after four seasons in 2017, with a satisfying and emotional finale that tied up all loose ends.
The Expanse:
Additional information:
- The show was created by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, based on a series of novels by James S. A. Corey.
- The show has been renewed for a sixth season in 2021, which will be its final season.
Dark Matter:
Additional information:
- The show was created by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie.
- The show was cancelled after three seasons in 2017, leaving fans with an unresolved cliffhanger ending.