With so many streaming platforms now, there's bound to be tons of underrated streaming series that get lost in the shuffle. I'm specifically looking for shows that have great reviews from critics and audiences but somehow never became part of the mainstream conversation. What underrated streaming series have you found that deserve way more attention than they're getting? I'm interested in all genres and platforms.
For underrated streaming series, I have to mention Station Eleven on HBO Max. It came out during the pandemic and got overshadowed, but it's a masterpiece about art, memory, and survival after a pandemic. Beautifully adapted from the novel. Also The Bear on Hulu - yes it's getting more attention now but when it first dropped it was definitely an underrated streaming series. The intensity and character work is incredible.
I recently discovered Slow Horses on Apple TV+ and it's become one of my favorite underrated streaming series. Spy thriller about MI5 rejects with Gary Oldman being absolutely brilliant. Also Pachinko on Apple TV+ - epic family saga spanning generations between Korea and Japan. Gorgeous production and storytelling. And The Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime - Barry Jenkins' adaptation that's more like a tone poem than traditional TV.
The Great on Hulu is massively underrated streaming series. Historical comedy-drama about Catherine the Great that's hilarious, smart, and surprisingly emotional. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are perfect. Also What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu - I know it has fans but it deserves to be as big as The Office or Parks and Rec. Consistently brilliant comedy. And Reservation Dogs again because it really is that good.
For All Mankind on Apple TV+ is one of the most underrated streaming series out there. Alternate history where the space race never ended. Starts slow but builds into an incredible drama about ambition and legacy. Also The Expanse on Amazon Prime - yes it has a dedicated fanbase but it's still underrated compared to how good it is. Best sci-fi on TV. And Mr. Robot on Prime Video - psychological thriller that's a technical masterpiece.
The White Lotus season 1 was kind of an underrated streaming series when it first came out, though it blew up later. Mike White's social satire is brilliant. Also Maid on Netflix - limited series about a young mother escaping abuse that's devastating but hopeful. And Only Murders in the Building on Hulu - murder mystery comedy that's smarter and more emotional than it gets credit for.
Better Call Saul is arguably the most underrated streaming series ever. Yes it's critically acclaimed but it never got the audience Breaking Bad did, and it's just as good if not better in some ways. Character study masterpiece. Also Barry on HBO Max - hitman wants to be an actor comedy that gets darker and deeper each season. Bill Hader is incredible.