Every streaming service pours millions into their originals, but some of the best underrated streaming originals get completely overlooked while mediocre ones get all the marketing. I'm always amazed at how some streaming service hidden treasures in the originals category just disappear without a trace.
I'm talking about those hidden gem TV series that streaming services produce but then barely promote. Or those overlooked streaming movies that have incredible performances and writing but get lost in the shuffle. Some of these streaming service sleeper hits actually have better quality than the heavily advertised shows.
What are your favorite underrated streaming dramas or hidden gem comedy series among the originals? I'm particularly interested in Apple TV+ underrated shows since they have a smaller catalog, and HBO Max hidden gems that aren't the big prestige dramas everyone talks about.
Apple TV+ has some incredible underrated streaming originals that nobody talks about. The Mosquito Coast with Justin Theroux is a fantastic thriller based on the novel (not the movie). Great performances and tension throughout. Definitely Apple TV+ underrated shows material.
Another is Lisey's Story on Apple TV+. Stephen King adaptation with Julianne Moore that's visually stunning and deeply psychological. It got mixed reviews but I thought it was beautiful and haunting.
For HBO Max hidden gems among originals, The Other Two is hilarious satire about the entertainment industry that's way smarter than it gets credit for. And Sort Of which I mentioned earlier is just perfect television that should be way more popular.
Netflix has so many underrated streaming originals that get lost in their massive output. Maid with Margaret Qualley was critically acclaimed but I feel like normal viewers missed it. Incredible performance and important story about poverty.
Another is Unbelievable - limited series about a rape investigation that's one of the best things Netflix has ever made. But it came and went without the buzz of other prestige shows.
For hidden gem comedy series on Netflix, American Vandal is genius satire of true crime documentaries. The first season about who drew the dicks is hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt. And I Am Not Okay With This was canceled after one season but was such a great coming-of-age story with superpowers.
Amazon Prime has some streaming service sleeper hits in their originals. The Underground Railroad by Barry Jenkins is a masterpiece - visually stunning adaptation of the novel that reimagines the railroad as an actual railroad. But it's challenging and didn't get mainstream attention.
Another is Small Axe by Steve McQueen - anthology series about West Indian community in London. Each film is feature length and incredible, but it feels like nobody watched it. Exactly the kind of overlooked streaming series that deserves more viewers.
For something completely different, Tales from the Loop on Amazon Prime is sci-fi based on Simon Stålenhag's art. Slow, atmospheric, and beautiful. Not for everyone but perfect for those who like thoughtful sci-fi. Definitely streaming service hidden treasures material.
Hulu has some amazing underrated streaming dramas in their originals. The Great is getting more attention now, but when it first came out it was definitely a hidden gem. Historical satire that's hilarious and smart.
Another is Ramy which I mentioned earlier - while it gets critical praise, it's still underrated compared to other comedy-dramas. The second season especially has some of the best television episodes I've seen recently.
For Disney+ hidden treasures in originals, The Beatles: Get Back documentary is incredible but I feel like only Beatles fans watched it. Even if you're not a fan, it's fascinating filmmaking - 8 hours of footage edited down to show the creative process. Peter Jackson did amazing work restoring and presenting it.
I want to mention some Paramount+ lesser-known content in their originals. The Good Fight spin-off is fantastic political drama that continues the quality of The Good Wife. But being on Paramount+ means it doesn't get the audience it deserves.
Also, Evil moved from CBS to Paramount+ and got even better. Supernatural procedural about a psychologist, priest, and contractor investigating miracles. Smart, creepy, and often funny. Perfect example of streaming service deep cuts that develop devoted followings.
For Peacock hidden finds in originals, Dr. Death based on the podcast about a neurosurgeon who maims patients is gripping true crime drama. Great performances and disturbing story. And Rutherford Falls is comedy about a small town that's funny and has great Native American representation.