Game of Thrones is back. Mentioning underrated series and Game of Thrones in one article is unfair right? I am sure most of you are enjoying your leisure time sprawled in front of the preferred device you and watching the finale of what is one of the most iconic shows of our time. It truly is, isn’t it? Imagine a show that is literally playing everywhere that you go or can see. Even if you do not watch it, you cannot deny its nature. Nor, for that fact, the iconic nature of any such show, such as Stranger Things or Simpsons or The Handmaid’s Tale.
But what of the hidden gems? There are so many that fly under the radar, their existence acknowledged but not known by most. These shows do not make a splash, but they change the lives of the people who follow them, watch them and invest in them. Today, we bring to you a list of such criminally underrated shows. These are the ones nobody talks about, but you know that if they do, the culture is strong within them. Move over popular shows that everyone is talking about; because we bring to you 12 of the most underrated shows ever made.
1. Counterpart
A science fiction story that involves alternate universes, a Phillip K. Dick-like story setting, some excellent casting choices, such as J.K. Simmons and what you have is a series that is making waves all across the world of television. This show, apparently, is rated a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and if that does not give you reason enough, then watch its trailer and realise its greatness. Created by Justin Marks and picked up by Starz for two seasons now, this show is a must watch for science fiction fans.
Watch on: Starz (or through torrents which we wholeheartedly condemn)
2. American Vandal
On the outside, American Vandal does not really look like a very deep and thematically complex show but five episodes in and you may find yourself reeling at the not-so-subtle disguised commentary on the way the world is today and how much of it is reflected in high school. Tackling themes like bullying, the education system, the problems faced by students and so much more, American Vandal is a look at the American school system like no show before it. Also it is funny as hell, I swear. You may stream this masterpiece on Netflix right now.
Watch on: Netflix
3. Dark
A German show about time travel in a small little town that begins with a child’s disappearance but turns into one of the most brilliant mind-f***s I have ever seen. Dark is quintessential science fiction plus thriller story-telling and it is absolutely brilliant in its slow burn approach to its plot. You’ll not see any of the twists coming, I can promise you that, and once you finish the series, be prepared to languish in wait for the subsequent season. This too, is available on Netflix right now. Seriously, just watch it.
Watch on: Netflix
4. Sorry for Your Loss
This one you can quite literally find on Facebook. And no, I am not being sarcastic or kidding. You literally can search for it right now on your app and start watching this beautiful show about loss and grief, told from the perspective of multiple characters in heartbreaking and almost poetic fashion. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Sorry for Your Loss is not a show with twists or mind-f***s. It’s simple, character based and relies on its actors and writers more than anything else. If you enjoy such profound drama, this show is for you.
Watch on: Facebook Watch
5. Legion
We return to the mind blowing section of our list, guys, and oh boy is this a good one. Based in the X-Men universe, this show is about Legion, Charles Xavier’s son, who also happens to be a n extremely powerful mutant. This show revels in trippy imagery, fantastic visuals, some excellent story-telling and of course, the high standard that would be expected from the man who made Fargo – the tv show. Noah Hawley’s work speaks for itself and this show is just another example of how bonkers his imagination is and how far he can take it. Watch it for sheer creativity, if nothing else.
Watch on: FX (or, once again a completely unsupported-by-us avenue, torrents)
6. Legends of Tomorrow
All right, all right, I know what this sounds like. Legends of Tomorrow? That shit show? It’s not actually and there is no way you can change my mind. A group of unwanted, outcast superheroes on a time traveling spaceship that go around history and try to fix stuff only to mess it up even more – sounds like a good time to me and it truly is. After the lackluster first season, fans who remained with the show were rewarded immensely in terms of quality and overall direction. The second and subsequent seasons proved the show was not interested in taking itself seriously and has arguable become the best of the CW Arrowverse (not a high bar to beat though).
Watch on: CW (or, you know)
7. The End of the F***ing World
A 17 year old boy decides to go on a trip with a girl whom he wishes to murder because he feels that he is a psychopath. Yep, you read that right. However, the boy in question goes on an entirely different journey with this foul-mouthed girl and that, ladies and gentlemen, turns into a show that is just pure beauty. Romance, violence and the odd horrific image mixed with an appropriate dash of extremely dark humour, The End of The F***ing World is nothing like you’ll ever see in your life.
Watch on: Netflix
8. Easy
This show is a hard one to like, no doubt, but if you can get past its more realistic and truer to real world tone then you are in for quite a treat. A show about a variety of different characters, Easy speaks a lot about love, sex and relationships in the 21stcentury and could even be seen as a mediation on them. With stellar performances, magnificent direction and a different story every time, Easy is not like other shows that deal with similar subject matter – and that is what makes it stand out.
Watch on: Netflix
9. Mary Kills People
The name Caroline Dhavernas should be enough to warrant at least a casual watch from anyone who enjoys good television shows. However, if that doesn’t convince you then check this out. Mary Kills People is about (you guessed it!), Dr. Mary, who assists people in committing suicide. While that sounds like a bad and almost painful attempt at dark comedy, MKP is actually a nuanced and thoughtful look at the very heavy issues that it deals with. This isn’t a show for everyone but it needs to be seen and experienced. Sometimes, that is a reward unto its own.
Watch on: SBS On Demand
10. A Very English Scandal
Picture this. 1960s England. A politician has an affair with someone of the same sex. They break up and the other person decides to tell everyone about it. As the politician realises what is happening and how this could damage him, he decides to turn to murder. Also, the politician is played by Hugh Grant and the other guy is played by Ben Winshaw. That is all. Just watch it on Amazon Prime.
Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
11. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
Speaking completely personally, this one is my favourite in this list. Anything I tell you about this show would be a spoiler, so let’s just list the various genres it deals with. Examples being time travel, science fiction, fantasy, espionage thriller and batshit crazy comedy – a mixture which brings to you a show that is unique in everything it does and will make you question the quality of anything you’ve watched before it. Expect the unexpected, believe the unbelievable and accept what you can never hope to understand. Open Netflix and watch this. If you survive its awesomeness, we shall see each other again.
Watch on: Netflix
12. Schitt’s Creek
A show about a rich family that is suddenly relocated to a town in the middle of nowhere and is forced to re-evaluate everything it believes and takes for granted. This sounds like a made-for-television movie but is actually a very weird and genuinely likable comedy about some extremely unlikable people. With some fantastic performances, Schitt’s Creek is truly an underdog, because of the very small following it has. The show is fine comedy, however, and honestly, if you can stand the Good Place, then Schitt’s Creek should be right up your alley (YEAH, I SAID IT. THE GOOD PLACE IS GARBAGE!).
Watch on: Netflix
*
I believe that is our list for the day. We hope you find your eyes opened in pleasant surprise or at least a passable level of intrigue. Please check out these shows and we promise that you shall not be disappointed. Be the odd one out. Be the one who cares about the art, not with being popular, and you shall know pure bliss.