Content Warning: This article mentions suicide, addiction, and mental illness.
Every day a new series is added to a streaming site in the hope to engage with viewers before creating a large fanbase and whilst many shows do that, some slip under the radar. There are several TV series that are simply underrated and there are others that are known to be great shows but have a depleting viewer count due to scandals or controversy surrounding its material.
Reddit user ewokspeak12 noticed the gap between viewers and producers and sought the help of other users to bridge this gap. The user asked for others to post their favorite shows that they believed deserved a bigger audience. From controversial series to eccentric storylines, here are just 10 series that Reddit users think deserve to be watched more.
13 Reasons Why (2017 – 2020)
The release of 13 Reasons Why continues to be met with controversial opinions about whether the show is appropriate or whether it goes too far in its representation of mental health. However other viewers believe that the series has an open and honest approach to representing a true depiction of mental health.
Reddit user hashtagsugary was quick to explain that the show isn’t just “purely for teenagers but parents, want to be parents, teachers, counselors and other people who work with teenagers”. It gives an insight into the world of high school and the very real issues that can happen within it, the show may have received criticism but many people could learn from this show which is evitable why it deserves a higher viewer count.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a sitcom based within a police precinct of hilariously outspoken and wacky cops who battle crime whilst teasing each other continuously. The show’s ability to make viewers laugh does not substitute its need for a plot with each episode having different storylines and ongoing plots running throughout each season.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine was increasingly popular at one point but despite its popularity, it still isn’t as well known as many fans hoped it would be when comparing it to shows like The Office. However, many fans like IamThatduck420 advocate for the show due to it being “so hilarious” yet engaging, Brooklyn Nine-Nine created many fan-favorite storylines whilst simultaneously being an utterly hilarious watch that fans are soon enticed by.
A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017 – 2019)
A Series Of Unfortunate Events was adapted from the children’s book series, however, the show didn’t quite hit the number of views fans expected. The show includes some of the most eccentric characters and storylines which is all part of its charm, it strays away from the norm in a bid to scare viewers whilst simultaneously entertaining them, and that it did.
Jim Carey made the perfect Count Olaf but the show wasn’t quite as popular as hardcore fans had hoped it would be due to many dismissing the show as one aimed at children. Reddit user hardcase501 was among those to share that the show “could have done much better critically, but luckily it will be getting a second and third season”.
The Middle (2009 – 2018)
The Middle was a long-running sitcom that followed mother Frances Heck and her dysfunctional family in their everyday lives. The show was particularly good as it was relatable for many families across the world but especially American families, the series managed to capture family life perfectly through cleverly written comedic scenes that proved popular with those that did watch it.
The Middle contained some of the funniest running gags seen in the world of television and whilst the show was outrageously funny it also had some heartwarming moments. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the show’s low viewer count with many like good1br0 explaining that it “doesn’t get enough recognition like Modern Family’s overrated ensemble”.
The Fall (2013 – 2016)
The Fall is a perfect crime drama to binge-watch that follows a female detective in her bid to catch a serial killer. It is a well-written drama that sees the predominantly male role of detective occupied by fan-favorite Gillian Anderson. Her performance alongside Jamie Dornan kept the suspense and in the end, left viewers feeling completely satisfied.
The show strays away from the normal conventions of a crime drama as recognized by TheEdgiestMirror who explained that “unlike other crime shows [..] you are introduced to the killer in the first few minutes of the show”. This gave an interesting side-by-side representation of the killer and the woman trying to catch him, making it a compelling and highly underrated watch.
Fawlty Towers (1975 – 1979)
Fawlty Towers earned its place as one TV show that never dropped in quality, the show may have run for 4 years but within those 4 years, only 12 episodes were created. Fawlty Towers was so well written that its short span resulted in it being iconic with each episode being as funny, wacky, and interesting characters.
The series was released in the 70s, therefore, people tend to favor more recent shows especially ones that don’t look as dated. However, if viewers can get past the grainy image, then it’s safe to say that Fawlty Towers is a great watch. The_Buttslammer was one fan that stated that the show is “leagues ahead of most television comedies and yet very underrated”.
Mr. Robot (2015 – 2019)
Mr. Robot is a severely underrated series that follows Elliot as he balances his corporate job, his side hustle of hacking, and his struggles with mental health. The series is highly complex with multiple genres and storylines but despite being thoroughly well-written, it has failed to grab the attention of some fans.
Ewanbb was one fan that explained that although “Mr. Robot is somewhat unknown, especially in the U.K [it contains some] amazing acting and [a great] story” which is why it requires a larger following than it currently has. Mr.Robot is an intricate show that pays close attention to detail in its action-packed storylines that leave viewers wide-eyed and wanting more.
iZombie(2015 – 2019)
When IZombie first hit Netflix in 2015, it didn’t garner a lot of attention however as more seasons were added, the show began to see a steady rise in viewers. This sci-fi drama is both innovative and complex but combines humor and drama to showcase a normal woman turned zombie and the problems she faces when navigating her new taste for the human brain.
The show sees Liv eat human brains to satisfy her cravings but with each brain comes a new life, personality, and stories, the series created some seriously wacky but intricate storylines with fans of IZombie rating Liv’s 5 best and worst brains. Many fans loved the show but it never quite got the recognition it deserved, Reddit user luispg34 was quick to advocate for the show by stating that it “is a pretty good show” that just gets overlooked.
Shameless (2011 – 2021)
Shameless follows the Gallaghers who are one of the most dysfunctional families but also one of the most entertaining. From drugs to teen pregnancies, the show employs dark comedy to tackle some sensitive subjects like addiction and suicide, but ultimately the show grips its viewers with each character being both likable and unlikable.
It’s not just the characters that entice viewers in but also the show’s ability to fulfill different genres. Reddit user gayslugmaster69 noticed this and explained that “if you like comedy you’ll love it if you like drama you’ll love it if you like tragedy or romance you’ll love it”. It truly is a show that caters to all, which is why viewers are shocked it hasn’t quite achieved its deserved recognition.
Black Mirror (2011 – 2019)
Black Mirror is another sci-fi series where each episode is set within a different dystopian world, the series found fame due to its complex ideas that were delivered perfectly due to the show’s clever and intricate writing. The show promoted questions around the future quality of living and even posed some questions about the role of social media and technology.
Whilst the show was liked by many viewers, others couldn’t quite understand its dystopian nature. Reddit user enormous-radio explained that they knew “a lot of people gave up after the first episode but it seriously just gets better and better from there. It’s great Syfy and the cinematic quality is fantastic”.
