10 Underrated TV Shows Of The Last Decade You Need To Binge-Watch Now
It's a golden era of quality TV, and we're here to dig up something lesser-known but binge-worthy.
1. Counterpart (2017-2019)
You know those nights when you lie in bed and wonder what an alternate you might be up to in a parallel universe? Enter Counterpart. Howard Silk, a mild-mannered UN employee, discovers that his organization is hiding a gateway to a parallel dimension. But here's the rub – in that dimension, he's a spy. Two worlds with double the drama and espionage. As diplomatic tensions rise, both Howards must navigate a web of intrigue, but it's a narrative dance rather than a fistfight. It's a little bit 'Twilight Zone' with a side of le Carré.
2. Halt and Catch Fire (2014-2017)
Remember the dawn of the personal computer revolution? The dreamers, the rebels? Cue Halt and Catch Fire. Set in the 80s and 90s, this series dives headfirst into the lives of a visionary engineer, a prodigious programmer, and a seasoned sales executive. Their aim? Disrupting the technological landscape by building a revolutionary computer. Oh, and trust me, their journey isn't a walk in the park. Innovation clashes with ego, and personal ambitions add fuel to the fire. It's not about machines, folks; it's about the humans behind them.
3. Rectify (2013-2016)
Can you imagine? 19 years on death row, and then one day, you're free. Not because you're proven innocent, but thanks to DNA evidence throwing enough doubt on the case. Rectify paints a languid yet visceral portrait of Daniel Holden, freshly released but hardly free. As he tries to reintegrate into society, there's the looming question – did he, or did he not commit the crime? In this southern gothic narrative, small-town gossip isn't just idle chatter; it can be life-altering.
4. Search Party (2016-2022)
Dory, a disenchanted millennial in NYC, hears about the disappearance of a college acquaintance. Maybe she's just bored or maybe she's genuinely concerned, but suddenly, her life revolves around this mystery. With a band of quirky friends, she dives into an amateur investigation.
But guess what? The world of private detection isn't as glamorous as Sherlock Holmes made it seem. And sometimes, looking for others can lead you to dark truths about yourself. Remember the saying, "Curiosity killed the cat?" Well, Search Party is why.
5. The Leftovers (2014-2017)
Snap your fingers. In that brief moment, 2% of the world's population just… vanished. The Leftovers isn't a whodunit, but rather a what-the-hell-happened and how-do-we-move-on. It's three seasons of raw, sometimes surreal, always gripping drama. We follow a family in a small town – the police chief, his rebellious teen daughter, his departed wife who joined a mysterious cult. And then there's the enigmatic Nora, whose whole family disappeared. The show doesn't hand you answers, but it certainly makes you question everything.
6. Patriot (2015-2019)
Let's talk about John Tavner. Sounds like an average guy, right? But, boy, is he knee-deep in complications. An intelligence officer posing as an industrial engineer, John is tasked with preventing Iran from going nuclear. Sounds like any other spy thriller, doesn't it? But wait! This show serves up dark comedy, folk singing, and a dysfunctional workplace – all while tackling geopolitical issues. Also, bear in mind: balancing espionage and a corporate job is no picnic!
7. Fleabag (2016-2019)
When you meet Fleabag, she's lost and kind of a mess. Family drama? Check. Unfulfilling relationships? Double check. A guinea pig café? Okay, didn't see that coming. This British gem is a brutally honest exploration of grief, love, and self-acceptance. It's not just about the titular character's escapades, it's also about her journey to redemption. Plus, she frequently breaks the fourth wall – and who doesn't enjoy some conspiratorial asides?
8. Dark (2017-2020)
Germany's small town of Winden has secrets. When a child goes missing, it opens a Pandora's box of mysteries dating back several generations. It's not merely a missing-person case. We're talking time travel, nuclear power plant anomalies, and interconnected families. Time loops, you say? They're in vogue in Winden. Dark is a puzzle that demands your attention. Blink, and you might miss a crucial piece.
9. Killing Eve (2018-2022)
Ever heard the phrase, Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer? This cat-and-mouse thriller encapsulates that. Eve, an MI6 operative, becomes obsessed with capturing a talented assassin named Villanelle. The kicker? Villanelle is just as obsessed with Eve. It's a chase filled with fashion, flair, and fatalities. The dynamic between them isn't just professional; it's deeply personal. Who's hunting whom? The line keeps blurring.
10. The OA (2016-2019)
Once, there was a blind girl named Prairie who disappeared. When she returns seven years later with her sight restored, she's not Prairie anymore; she's The OA. Through intense storytelling sessions with a motley crew of locals, she unveils her time in captivity, near-death experiences, and her journey across dimensions. Sounds fantastical? That's because it is. But with every tale, you're left wondering: Is she a prophet, a storyteller, or merely deluded?