10 Underrated Netflix TV Shows You Need to Add to Your Queue

1. The OA (2016-2019)

The OA is a mysterious, mind-bending series that can really mess with your head – in a good way. Brit Marling, who also co-created the show with Zal Batmanglij, stars as Prairie Johnson, a woman who resurfaces after seven years missing and can mysteriously see, despite being blind before her disappearance. The show dives headfirst into alternate realities, near-death experiences, and complex choreographed movements that can supposedly open a portal to another dimension.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the show a respectable 77% score. Despite an avid fanbase, Netflix canceled the show after two seasons, causing an uproar on social media. Marling herself was notably disappointed, penning a heartfelt letter to fans explaining the high costs of creating original content.

2. Russian Doll (2019-present)

Russian Doll is a clever, quirky series that takes the Groundhog Day concept and twists it into an entirely fresh premise. Natasha Lyonne stars as Nadia, a woman who finds herself repeatedly dying and reliving her 36th birthday party. It's funny, it's dark, it's strange, it's everything you didn't know you needed in a TV show.

The series, co-created by Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland, earned critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and outstanding lead performance, holding a whopping 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show's success extended to a multitude of award nominations, including a Golden Globe nod for Lyonne. Despite the accolades, it remains a relatively unsung hero in Netflix's catalog.

3. The Midnight Gospel (2020-present)

The Midnight Gospel is an adult animated series from the mind of Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward and comedian Duncan Trussell. This is no regular animated series. It's essentially a deeply philosophical podcast conversation set against the backdrop of bizarrely animated worlds. The series, despite its quirky appeal, has remained largely under the radar. Yet, critics have praised it for its unique blend of existential conversation and psychedelic animation, resulting in an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. Daybreak (2019)

Imagine if Mad Max and The Breakfast Club had a baby, and that baby was really into pop culture references. You'd get Daybreak, a post-apocalyptic, genre-bending series that follows a group of teenagers navigating a world where adults have turned into ghoul-like creatures. Though it was canceled after one season, Daybreak developed a loyal fanbase that appreciated its witty humor and tongue-in-cheek take on the apocalypse.

The Rotten Tomatoes critics score sits at 70%, with audiences rating it a slightly higher 72%. The creators of the show were blindsided by the cancellation, expressing their disappointment on Twitter and leaving a rabid fanbase to petition Netflix for a revival.

5. Lovesick (2014-2018)

You may not expect a show about a man contacting all his previous sexual partners to tell them he has chlamydia to be a warm, charming comedy, but Lovesick manages just that. Originally titled Scrotal Recall (yes, really), this British sitcom is a hidden gem in the Netflix arsenal. While the premise is somewhat offbeat, the series cleverly uses it as a jumping-off point to explore friendship, love, and the hilarity of life's awkward moments. The Rotten Tomatoes critics seem to agree, awarding the series a 98% rating.

6. Giri/Haji (2019-present)

Giri/Haji is a British-Japanese crime drama that masterfully blends two worlds: the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the rainy landscapes of London. It explores the life of Kenzo Mori, a Tokyo detective who travels to London in search of his yakuza-linked brother who's presumed dead. With an engrossing narrative, intense performances, and a surprising amount of humor, Giri/Haji stands as a unique entry in the crime drama genre.

Despite being a hit with critics, earning a phenomenal 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it hasn't found a large audience. The series ended with a cliffhanger, and fans were eagerly awaiting news of a second season, but in the end, Giri/Haji was cancelled for good.

7. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

Combining the awkwardness of teenage life with burgeoning superpowers, I Am Not Okay With This is a show that surprises at every turn. Sydney Novak, played brilliantly by Sophia Lillis, is a high schooler navigating family, sexuality, and unexplained telekinetic powers. A critical success, it holds a solid 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, but a larger audience has eluded it.

Fans were hit hard when Netflix announced the cancellation of the series due to COVID-19 related circumstances, despite the original plan for a second season. The cancellation was a blow to the cast and crew, who were excited to continue the story, leaving behind a small but dedicated fanbase mourning what could have been.

8. The Society (2019-2020)

The Society is a modern take on Lord of the Flies, centering on a group of teenagers who must establish order in their wealthy New England town when all the adults mysteriously vanish. The show had a promising start and was praised for its intriguing premise and strong performances, particularly Kathryn Newton's as the reluctant leader Allie.

With a respectable 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it managed to garner a loyal fanbase. Unfortunately, after initially being renewed for a second season, Netflix reversed its decision due to COVID-19 related production complications, leaving fans and cast members equally disappointed.

9. The Politician (2019-present)

The Politician, a satirical comedy-drama by Ryan Murphy, features an ambitious high school student, Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), who believes he's destined to be the President of the United States. But first, he needs to navigate the treacherous waters of his high school's politics. With an impressive ensemble cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange, and Zoey Deutch, the show delivers a mix of dark humor and dramatic moments.

Despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Platt's performance, The Politician has a polarizing reception, with a 59% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but a much higher audience score of 84%.

10. Rectify (2013-2016)

Rectify is a profound and contemplative drama that explores the life of Daniel Holden (Aden Young), a man released from death row after nearly 20 years when DNA evidence brings his conviction into question. The series is a slow burn that delves deeply into Daniel's struggle to reintegrate into society and his family's effort to reconnect with him.

Although Rectify is often cited as one of the best shows that no one watched, it has a strong critical reception with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a thoughtful, beautifully-acted series that didn't get the recognition it deserved during its original run, making it a must-add to your queue.