With streaming platforms, there's always plenty of content to binge watch for even the pickiest TV fans. Netflix in particular has a lot of great programming across many different genres. The only problem is, of course, the massive amount of shows Netflix (and other streaming sites) has to offer.
With so much content, there are a ton of underrated gems just waiting to be binged on the streaming giant. Plenty of shows get overlooked as the buzz surrounding more popular fare, like Stranger Things or Bridgerton, can overshadow them.
Updated on April 7th, 2022 by Amanda Bruce: The downside to streaming services is that content doesn't stay on them forever. As contracts expire, television shows and movies can be moved to new platforms, or removed from streaming services altogether, leaving physical copies the only way to watch. With that in mind, the most underrated of shows on a platform like Netflix is often in flux as new shows are added and older shows are removed.
Everything Sucks (2018)
Everything Sucks falls into Netflix's pile of series that were canceled after just one season on the streaming service. Set in the 1990s, the show focused on groups of teens in their school's drama and audio-visual clubs as they navigated their social circles. Critics didn't love the show, but it has developed a cult following who are still advocating for another season.
The series is very much a coming of age story as both groups of teenagers are considered outcasts in their high school. It has a heavy reliance on '90s nostalgia that might have hit the streaming service just a little too soon.
Good Girls (2018-2021)
Originally airing on NBC, Good Girls got three seasons before it was canceled just as its devoted fan base was ready for more storylines. The move to streaming has allowed it to garner a few more loyal fans, but the buzz just never built to a bigger audience for the series, making it one of the many underrated gems available now.
The show follows sisters Beth and Annie, and their friend Ruby, as they decide to take control back in their lives that rapidly feel like they're spinning out of their control. Unfortunately, they do that by robbing a grocery store and ending up in way over their heads. It's a crime show and a family drama all in one.
Raising Dion (2019-)
Raising Dion might not be underrated for long. Its second season dropped in February 2022, and word of mouth has been slowly building for the series thanks to its stunning special effects and fantastic dramatic performances.
The series takes the idea of superpowers in everyday lives, but doesn't make a show about superheroes; instead, the focus is on a little boy as his powers manifest, and the mother who tries to protect him from the people who would come after him as a result.
Derry Girls (2018-2022)
Set in Ireland during the 1990s, Derry Girls is like watching history come to life. Though it takes place during The Troubles, a time of turmoil and unrest in Ireland, the focus is on a group of teenage girls (and James) attending a private school and getting into all kinds of trouble without delving into the drama of The Troubles.
The show is wickedly funny and features a stellar cast of talent, including Nicola Coughlin, who brings Penelope Featherington to life in Netflix's hit Bridgerton, in a very different role.
Julie And The Phantoms (2020)
Though Julie And The Phantoms is listed as a children's program, it is truly for all ages. The titular Julie is grieving after the loss of her mother, and finds her way back to music with the help of a trio of ghosts that had their own dreams of rockstardom before they died.
The show is equal parts comedy, drama, and musical. It's got something for everyone to enjoy, and at a single season, it's a quick binge... that will likely make the viewer want to start it over again to enjoy the music one more time. Despite its small audience, the series even won three Emmys.
Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018)
Ash vs Evil Dead is a direct follow up to Sam Raimi's Evil Dead movies. The goofy, action-packed horror show expertly adapts the franchise for the small screen, keeping in line with the movies' humor, gore, and visual effects.
But don't for a second think that Ash vs. Evil Dead doesn't stand on its own. Even if a horror fan has never seen one of Raimi's classics, this show is a perfect watch for those who love their horror with a healthy dose of comedy.
The Curious Creations Of Christine McConnell (2018)
If someone has ever had to make the tough choice between watching a horror show or a baking series, they are just the type of audience member who would love The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell. McConnell is a talented confectionist who creates beautiful works of edible delights. However, unlike other cookie-cutter cookie cutters (baking jokes!), McConnell uses her skill to make macabre and spooky creations.
With items like bread skulls and clawed whoopie pies, McConnell's show is perfect for anyone who puts the "dark" in dark chocolate. Just be careful following her recipes, there's no guarantee that every item she makes is un-cursed.
Dirty Money (2018-2020)
Netflix, like any other streaming service, has its fair share of true crime documentaries. However, where most true crime docs focus on serial killers and shoddy murder trials, Dirty Money focuses on crimes of a different nature. White Collar crime is the show’s focus; crimes like massive tax evasion or billion-dollar, nation-wide insurance scams.
But don’t for a second believe that just because there’s no blood, Dirty Money isn’t exactly as tense and engrossing as any other true murder story. In fact, some of the tales of greed on this show are somewhat scarier. There’s way more to evil than just the act of killing another person, and each episode of Dirty Money proves that.
Hilda (2018-)
Most animation fans have likely heard of Steven Universe. But since Steven Universe isn’t one of the shows featured, Netflix offers a different (arguably better) alternative. Hilda is a little Scottish girl who feels deeply connected to the magical creatures that live in her city. The show that shares her name is deeply lovely, as imaginative as it is heart-warming.
It’s a feel-good, everything-will-be-alright message of hope and positivity for even the most cynical watcher. Just watching one of the short episodes, it can make any bad day just a little bit brighter. Plus, the original creature design and quietly clever humor makes the show watchable over and over again.
Dark (2017-2020)
At first glance, this surrealist horror mystery might just look like a German Twin Peaks. Possibly even a German Stranger Things. Though the show does revolve around supernatural events and small-town drama, Dark is a unique and terrifying case of suburban unease.
Even without the supernatural element, the show is an excellent "whodunit" series. However, the fact that there's some kind of incomprehensible darkness behind every character's action keeps the audience even more rooted to the screen.