10 Forgotten TV Shows That Were Actually Brilliant

1. Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-1975)

Cue the haunting theme music. Kolchak: The Night Stalker was a horror show featuring Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, a reporter who ended up investigating supernatural cases. The show didn't last long, unfortunately, wrapping up after just one season.

But here's a bit of trivia for you: Chris Carter, the creator of The X-Files, has stated that Kolchak was a major influence on his creation of the character Fox Mulder. The 86% Rotten Tomatoes score attests to its enduring quality. So if you fancy something a bit spooky, dig up Kolchak: The Night Stalker from the TV graveyard.

2. Nowhere Man (1995-1996)

This series follows Thomas Veil, a photographer who discovers his life has been erased overnight, and he's being pursued by a shadowy organization. It's a psychological thriller of the highest order, one that taps into the fear of losing one's identity. A little-known fact is that J.J. Abrams was a writer on this show before moving on to create his own thrilling mysteries in Lost and Alias. Although it only lasted one season, its 87% Rotten Tomatoes score proves it was a forgotten gem.

3. Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002-2003)

The endlessly witty Andy Richter Controls the Universe provided an offbeat, satirical look at the mundanity of office life. This sitcom followed the character Andy, a technical manual writer, as he navigated the quirks of his colleagues and the absurdities of life, often breaking the fourth wall. Did you know that the series was so cherished by Conan O'Brien that he had several of the cast members appear on his late-night show? It's a shame this brilliant comedy series, with its 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, was axed after only two seasons.

4. Eerie, Indiana (1991-1992)

Eerie, Indiana was a show that fell between the cracks. A delicious mix of The Twilight Zone and The X-Files, it followed Marshall Teller, a teenager living in the titular town where strange happenings were the norm. Fun fact: One of the show's creators, Jose Rivera, went on to receive an Oscar nomination for his screenplay The Motorcycle Diaries. With a solid 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains an under-the-radar pick for lovers of the supernatural.

5. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004)

Rounding off our list is Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, a British horror parody that boasts some of the UK's finest comedic talent, including Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry. The show is set up as a lost classic from the 1980s, complete with grainy footage and poor acting, written by fictional horror author Garth Marenghi.

Here's a fun tidbit: The actors play both their character in the show and the actor who played the character in the '80s show. Despite only running for one season, it has a cult following and an impressive 96% Rotten Tomatoes score.

6. Sports Night (1998-2000)

Before Aaron Sorkin became a household name with The West Wing, he created Sports Night. A dramedy revolving around a sports news program, its rapid-fire dialogue, and compelling character dynamics are hallmarks of Sorkin's style. Despite it only lasting two seasons, it garnered critical acclaim and even bagged an Emmy. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%, it's one of those shows that you'll want to revisit or discover for the first time.

7. Wonderfalls (2004)

Wonderfalls is a whimsical show that can only be described as a blend of magical realism, comedy, and family drama. The show revolves around Jaye Tyler, an underachieving philosophy graduate working in a Niagara Falls gift shop, who starts hearing inanimate animal figurines advising her on helping people around her. Despite its unique premise, Wonderfalls got lost in the shuffle and was canceled after just one season.

8. Party Down (2009-2010)

Another show cut down in its prime (although it did get a 6-episode revival years later in 2023) was Party Down, a comedy about a group of Los Angeles caterers with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. As they navigate through various party scenarios, from sweet sixteens to adult film awards, the ensemble cast, including Adam Scott and Lizzy Caplan, shine with comedic brilliance.

While it may have been overlooked during its two-season run, it boasts an impressive 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its insightful look into the struggles of making it in Hollywood and the temporary nature of success was as hilarious as it was poignant.

9. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

Have you ever thought about the problems that might arise if you had the power to bring people back to life? No, I'm not talking about zombies. I'm talking about Pushing Daisies, a quirky, bright, and vibrant TV show that ran for two seasons before it was unfairly axed. The show revolves around Ned, a pie maker with the ability to resurrect the dead with a touch but send them back to the afterlife with a second one. It's a unique premise filled with clever writing and brilliant performances, particularly from Lee Pace as Ned. With a rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a crime that more people haven't discovered this fantastical treat.

10. Better Off Ted (2009-2010)

Slipping into obscurity despite its satirical brilliance is Better Off Ted, a corporate comedy that ran for two seasons on ABC. This gem revolves around Ted Crisp, an executive at Veridian Dynamics, a heartless conglomerate that puts profits over people. With its sharp, often absurd humor, Better Off Ted lambastes corporate culture and the often ridiculous jargon and policies that come with it. With its 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, this underappreciated series was a pioneer of its time, perfectly blending wit and satire with its charismatic characters.