There are like a million TV shows coming out each year, right? (Seriously, it’s like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO just sneezing and bam—new show) It’s totally okay if you haven’t seen them all. With so many options, it’s hard to keep up but that’s what we’re here for—to find the gems among the sea of ‘meh.’ There are also some hidden gems out there that really deserve your attention. Just don’t overlook them because who knows? You might just find a new favourite that’s not on everyone’s radar. Grab your remote, and dive into some underrated gems that’ll make your binge-watching experience a little more un-conventional.
Hannibal (2013)
Hannibal is a psychological thriller TV show, aired from 2013 to 2015, focuses on the story of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. It explores the complex bond of Lecter, a clever yet dark psychiatrist, and Will Graham, a talented profiler who understands killers (a little too well). With great acting by Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy, stunning filming, and a suspenseful story, “Hannibal” is sure to keep you guessing until the very end. However, during its run, the show faced stiff competition from other crime dramas like True Detective, Breaking Bad, and the Walking Dead.
It also revived a Minal marketing and promotion compared to other NBC shows. Despite these factors, Hannibal remains a respected series among the true stans of crime thrillers. Watch the trailer here.
The Great (2020)
The Great is a TV series, which premiered in 2020. It’s a comedy-drama that tells the story of Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. Catherine, a young queen played by Elle Fanning, dreams of making Russia a better place. She’s clever and caring, but the people around her? Not so much. Catherine marries Peter, the king, played by Nicholas Hoult, but let’s just say he’s not exactly the “king” of kindness. While Catherine dreams of improving Russia, Peter seems to enjoy being a royal pain in the neck. She looks for ways to help her country, even if it means standing up to Peter.
The show features a super talented cast, with Elle and Nicholas bringing their A-game! Even though it didn’t get as much recognition as it deserves, it’s still an absolute gem to watch. Watch the trailer here.
Better Things (2016)
Better Things is a warm and funny look at single motherhood. The show follows actress Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon) as she raises her three headstrong daughters in Los Angeles. From middle school crushes to aging parents, Better Things deals with often messy realities with humor and heart. The show is about her struggles and triumphs as she navigates, being a good mom. Working and finding her identity. Dealing with her own mom’s quirks. Finding love and friendships. It’s a relatable and honest show that makes you feel good!
Its new seasons have been released with minimal fanfare, which made many easy to miss it. However, Better Things is a hidden gem, and sometimes, great shows need time to find their audience. Watch the trailer here.
Station Eleven (2021)
This post-apocalyptic drama miniseries beautifully shows a world hit by a severe flu pandemic. It follows Kirsten, a young actress who survives the pandemic and joins a traveling theater troupe called the Traveling Symphony. As Kirsten and her fellow survivors navigate the new world, they confront their pasts, form new relationships, and find ways to keep art and humanity alive. Station Eleven is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of what it means to be human in the face of catastrophic loss.
Station Eleven might start slow, but it rewards patience with stunning visuals, deep themes about art and human connection, and strong performances by Mackenzie Davis and Philippa Soo. If you liked The Last of Us, you’ll definitely love this one too. Watch the trailer here.
Dead Like Me (2003)
This dark comedy with a fantasy twist follows 18-year-old George Lass (Ellen Muth), who dies in a freak accident involving a falling toilet seat from space. Instead of moving on, she becomes a grim reaper, collecting souls of the soon-to-die. Dead Like Me dives into George’s adjustment to her new afterlife. It explores the ups and downs of relationships, whether you’re living or, well, a little less lively. This one sticks with you long after it wraps up, leaving you pondering the big questions. (Like, what would you do if you had a second chance to ‘live’ again?)
It has a stone female lead (Ellen Muth) who drives the story forward. The themes of this show are very unique and it doesn’t fit with the mold of a prestige drama. Its premiere date? 2003. That was a packed TV time, so it’s no wonder it might’ve gotten a bit lost in the shuffle. Watch the trailer here.
Banshee
Banshee is an exciting series set in a small town in Pennsylvania, known for its Amish community. The main character, Lucas Hood (played by Antony Starr), is an ex-con who takes over the identity of the town’s dead sheriff to dodge a crazy crime boss named Rabbit. The pilot features a thrilling chase that combines the high-stakes action of Mission: Impossible with the gritty realism of Heat. The fight scenes? Super raw and real—no fancy moves.
Hood uses his street smarts to outsmart an MMA fighter, making it feel authentic. Plus, you get these flashbacks from his prison days that tie everything together. If you can’t get over Starr’s Homelander, you got to check this one out. Watch the trailer here.
Pachinko (2022)
Based on the acclaimed novel, Pachinko is an epic historical drama that follows a Korean family moving to Japan in the early 20th century. The series explores themes of identity, displacement, and resilience, weaving a rich and emotional narrative.
The visuals are stunning, and the performances are so powerful, you might just need a tissue! And let’s not forget the music—those needle-drop moments are pure gold. From the epic opening credits to 1980s jams from bands like The Cure, it’s like a nostalgic playlist for your feels! Pachinko took home the Critics Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Series! (That’s some serious ‘critic-approval’ right there!) With accolades like such, Soo Hugh’s creation is definitely a must-watch. Watch the trailer here.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Last but not least is Baby Reindeer, a show that’s been at the center of controversy all year! It is a dark comedy-drama inspired by comedian Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences. The series follows Donny (played by Gadd) as he deals with a female stalker who completely flips his world upside down. It’s a brave and unsettling dive into trauma, obsession, and mental health. Gadd’s raw performance, along with the show’s honest take on tough themes, makes Baby Reindeer a thought-provoking watch that lingers long after you’re done.
Despite the controversy, this quirky gem scored big at Netflix awards this year! Richard Gadd snagged wins for best actor and best writing, while Jessica Gunning took home best supporting actress for her role as his tormentor. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re totally missing out. Watch the trailer here.
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