In the golden age of television, it seems like there’s an endless stream of new series being released every week. From big-budget streaming originals to network dramas, viewers are spoiled for choice. Yet, with so much content flooding our screens, many exceptional shows go unnoticed or fail to get the recognition they deserve. Whether they were overshadowed by more popular series, released at a bad time, or simply didn’t receive the marketing push they needed, these underrated shows are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
If you’re looking for something fresh and binge-worthy, here’s a list of five underrated TV shows you should dive into right now. Each series offers unique storytelling, compelling characters, and captivating plotlines that will keep you hooked from episode one.
1. “Halt and Catch Fire” (2014–2017) – A Tech Revolution Drama
If you’re a fan of shows that explore the rise of technology and how it has shaped the modern world, “Halt and Catch Fire” is a must-watch. Set during the tech boom of the 1980s and early 1990s, this series follows a group of tech visionaries as they navigate the emerging computer industry and the rise of the internet.
Why It’s Underrated
Despite its critical acclaim and passionate fan base, Halt and Catch Fire never garnered the viewership numbers that its network, AMC, had hoped for. This is likely due to the fact that it debuted during a time when audiences were already hooked on Breaking Bad and Mad Men—two AMC juggernauts. Additionally, its slow-burn pacing and niche subject matter may have initially deterred mainstream viewers.
Why You Should Binge It
What makes Halt and Catch Fire stand out is its deep character development and the way it weaves together personal and professional struggles. The show focuses not only on technological innovation but also on the human stories behind it—friendships, rivalries, ambition, and failure. Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, and Mackenzie Davis deliver standout performances that evolve over the course of the series. The show’s final season is particularly emotional and satisfying, leaving viewers with a profound reflection on legacy and innovation. It’s a show that gets better with each season, making it a perfect choice for a binge-watch.
2. “Patriot” (2015–2018) – A Dark Comedy Spy Thriller
In the crowded world of spy thrillers, “Patriot” offers something refreshingly different. This Amazon Prime series follows intelligence officer John Tavner, who is assigned to prevent Iran from going nuclear. However, John isn’t your typical spy. He’s an emotionally fragile, folk-singing government operative whose mental state complicates his missions in hilariously dark ways.
Why It’s Underrated
Patriot is an odd mix of genres—it’s part dark comedy, part espionage thriller, and part surreal character study. This unique tone may have been difficult for some audiences to grasp, contributing to its relatively low profile. Despite this, it’s one of the most well-crafted shows out there, with a strong cult following.
Why You Should Binge It
The series is filled with sharp writing, witty dialogue, and quirky characters that you won’t find in traditional spy dramas. Patriot excels in blending absurdity with genuine emotional weight. The lead character’s melancholy and internal struggles make him one of the most fascinating protagonists on TV. Each episode features bizarre and unexpected scenarios that manage to be both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant. The show’s visual style, coupled with a darkly comedic tone, makes Patriot a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
3. “Rectify” (2013–2016) – A Deeply Emotional Southern Drama
If you’re in the mood for something slow-paced but deeply emotional, “Rectify” is the perfect show. The series, which aired on SundanceTV, follows Daniel Holden, a man released from death row after spending 19 years in prison for a crime he may or may not have committed. Upon returning to his small Georgia hometown, Daniel struggles to readjust to life outside of prison while dealing with the fallout from his past.
Why It’s Underrated
Rectify flew under the radar for most of its run, largely because it aired on a smaller network and had a quieter, more introspective tone compared to the high-octane dramas that dominate mainstream television. Its slow pace and philosophical nature may have made it less appealing to viewers seeking fast-moving plotlines.
Why You Should Binge It
The strength of Rectify lies in its character-driven storytelling and its meditative exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption. Every episode feels like a deep dive into the complexities of the human condition. The performances, especially from Aden Young (who plays Daniel), are nuanced and emotionally gripping. Rectify takes its time to unravel Daniel’s journey, allowing viewers to experience his internal struggles, relationships, and attempts to find peace in a world that no longer feels familiar. It’s an emotionally resonant series that offers a cathartic viewing experience, perfect for bingeing when you want something thought-provoking and moving.
4. “The Leftovers” (2014–2017) – A Mystical and Philosophical Journey
Created by Damon Lindelof (Lost) and Tom Perrotta, “The Leftovers” is one of the most ambitious and underappreciated shows of the last decade. Based on Perrotta’s novel, the series takes place three years after 2% of the world’s population mysteriously vanishes without explanation. It follows the lives of those left behind as they grapple with the aftermath of this unexplainable event.
Why It’s Underrated
The Leftovers struggled with ratings during its first season due to its bleak subject matter and heavy themes of loss, grief, and existentialism. While the series was praised by critics, it never reached the mainstream popularity of other HBO dramas like Game of Thrones or Westworld.
Why You Should Binge It
Despite its initial low viewership, The Leftovers is now considered one of the best shows of the 2010s, with each season building on the last to create a profound, moving, and often surreal exploration of human emotion. The show’s performances, particularly by Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Christopher Eccleston, are top-notch, and the writing is consistently sharp and thought-provoking.
The second and third seasons take bold creative leaps, with the series delving into questions of faith, purpose, and the nature of existence itself. It’s a show that isn’t afraid to ask big questions or leave viewers pondering long after the final credits roll. If you’re looking for a series that will challenge your perspective and leave you emotionally moved, The Leftovers is the perfect binge.
5. “Counterpart” (2017–2019) – A Sci-Fi Spy Thriller
For fans of science fiction and spy dramas, “Counterpart” is an underrated gem that deserves far more attention. Starring J.K. Simmons in a dual role, the show is set in a world where a secret parallel dimension exists, and the two realities have diverged since the Cold War. The series follows Howard Silk, a low-level bureaucrat who discovers that his other self from the parallel world is a highly skilled spy.
Why It’s Underrated
Despite a strong premise, brilliant acting from J.K. Simmons, and a fascinating storyline, Counterpart never gained the widespread popularity it deserved. Airing on Starz, a smaller premium network, the show struggled to find a large audience and was canceled after just two seasons, leaving many viewers unaware of its brilliance.
Why You Should Binge It
Counterpart masterfully blends sci-fi elements with espionage and political intrigue, creating a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The show explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of our choices. J.K. Simmons gives one of the best performances of his career, portraying two distinct versions of the same character—each with their own complexities and motivations. The world-building is meticulous, and the show’s pacing and tension make it a perfect choice for binge-watching. If you’re a fan of mind-bending narratives and character-driven stories, Counterpart is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss.
Conclusion
In today’s crowded television landscape, it’s easy for great shows to slip through the cracks, overshadowed by more popular series or hidden on smaller networks. However, these underrated TV shows are proof that some of the best storytelling is happening just out of the spotlight. Whether you’re in the mood for an emotional drama like Rectify, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller like Counterpart, or something entirely unique like Patriot, these hidden gems deserve a place on your binge-watch list.
So, next time you find yourself scrolling endlessly through streaming services looking for something new, consider diving into one of these underrated series. You may just discover your next favorite show.