Since the domination of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, the definition of a "web series" has changed. Originally, it referred to any series that was on the internet instead of through a cable television network, like the first couple of seasons of Blue (2012-2015). But now that television networks have online subscription services, they’ve dominated the web show market in general.
Still, there are independent web shows that stand out like Blue. Debuting on YouTube through the WIGS channel, it’s about a mom who’s secretly a sex worker. Currently, it has three seasons and is available to stream online. With that said, here are some other underrated web series.
Til Death Do Us Part (2020-)
Despite the Hollywood productions coming to a halt for the time being, that hasn’t stopped web series from being produced. One such example is Til Death Do Us Part, which premiered on YouTube in April of last month.
Available through the channel Silk White, it’s about a married black man who’s secretly cheating on his wife. Unfortunately, his mistress happens to be his wife’s coworker. Thus, it leads to awkward situations and drama that makes up for the show’s low budget production-wise.
Common Ground (2015-)
Even though IMDb claims this series started in 2014, the web series Common Ground actually premiered in 2015 on YouTube. Story-wise, it’s about two young women with different lives and personalities who find themselves renting the same apartment due to a Craigslist scam.
Thus, the two are forced to learn to get along as they seek out the guy who scammed them. While the series has not finished, it shows a lot of promise.
Teenagers (2014-2017)
Amidst the tide of shows revolving around teens both online and on television, Teenagers has managed to stand on its own. Produced in Canada, it ran for a total of three seasons between 2014 and 2017.
It also had a few notable actors, including some from the teen drama franchise Degrassi. Story-wise, it focuses on several vignettes that involve the same group of friends. The topics that are tackled range from bullying to sexuality.
About Us (2014-2016)
As one grows older, life becomes more complicated and less certain. That is what web series like About Us, which premiered on YouTube from 2014 to 2016, try to capture.
Set in Los Angeles, this show revolves around three young college students who are also good friends. But things get muddy when an old acquaintance comes back in town, which stirs up romantic feelings that test friendships and leads to inevitable drama within the group.
Neverland (2019)
While the representation of the LGBTQ+ community in television has changed in America, it’s interesting to see how another country represents them. Enter Neverland, a short web series from India that focuses on a lesbian couple.
Particularly, it focuses on the obstacles they face to keep their relationship intact. These obstacles involve not just their families but also their individual lives. Thus, we get a sense of Indian culture in general and how it views the LGBTQ+ community.
First (2014-2015)
The phrase, "there’s a first time for everything" is simultaneously overused, yet also so universal. Anything related to love brings up a number of firsts, which the 2014 web series First showcases.
Produced by the company Issa Rae Presents, the series has two childhood friends who meet each other once again as adults. After going on one date together, sparks instantly fly and so the two go through all the motions of a typical relationship.
That’s My DJ (2014-2017)
Due to the current popularity of raves and EDM music, it seems like a no-brainer to do a web series about the DJs who play at the rave clubs. Yet there aren’t very many web series that do focus on this subject. Among the earliest that actually do, though, is That’s My DJ.
Available on Night is Y’s YouTube channel, this series focuses on the nightlife in Toronto, Canada. Particularly, it focuses on the DJs with each season focusing on a different one.
Total Eclipse (2018-)
As we may take our friendships for granted, they are subject to change. This particular aspect of high school is explored in the web series Total Eclipse, which debuted on YouTube in 2018.
Made by the digital network Brat, Total Eclipse is about a young girl named Cassie who finds herself cut off from her childhood friends. But when a new girl named Kate shows up, Cassie thinks that she’s her ticket to reconnecting with them.
Barbelle (2017-)
Because rise-to-stardom stories are practically a cliche at this point, some series try to get creative in order to put a fresh spin on them. One such example is Barbelle, which tells the story of a female pop-star duo who are also a couple.
Instead of showing their rise in popularity, Barbelle starts with them already being famous. So the series focuses on how they deal with their fame and their relationship.
Couple-Ish (2015-2016)
A common element that appears in most romantic comedies is convoluted situations that produce humorous misunderstandings. Such is the case for the web series Couple-ish, which was created by KindaTV.
The premise is about a Canadian non-binary person who’s looking for a new roommate since they can’t afford to cover the rent alone. But when a British immigrant talks them into being in a fake relationship in order to not get deported, things get complicated.