15 TV Shows That Are So Underrated, They're Practically Criminal

These shows are so underrated, it's practically a crime they're not mainstream hits.

1. Better Off Ted (2009-2010)

You think your corporate job is bad? Try working at Veridian Dynamics. Better Off Ted follows Ted Crisp (Jay Harrington), a good-hearted guy stuck in a soulless megacorporation. Ted's team is responsible for developing absurd technologies, like "weaponized pumpkins" and "wheelchairs able to climb stairs and have brakes". Ted balances crazy tasks from his robotic-like boss, Veronica (Portia de Rossi), and relationship with co-workers like Linda (Andrea Anders), who questions Veridian's ethics.

2. Terriers (2010)

Terriers stars Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James as Hank and Britt, ex-cops turned unlicensed private investigators in sunny San Diego. They solve cases that often weave into their personal lives. For instance, Hank's alcoholism leads them into a case concerning his ex-wife's new husband. Meanwhile, Britt's criminal past catches up with him when an old buddy asks for an "unofficial" favor.

3. Party Down (2009-Present)

Party Down is all about a catering team comprised of wannabe Hollywood types: actors, writers, and comedians, each episode featuring a different party they're hired to serve. For instance, you've got Henry (Adam Scott), a failed actor who's most famous for a beer ad. Then there's Casey (Lizzy Caplan), an aspiring comedian stuck in a dead-end relationship. Let's not forget Ron (Ken Marino), the team leader who dreams of starting his own franchise but can't escape his partying habits.

4. The Riches (2007-2008)

The Riches stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as Wayne and Dahlia Malloy, Irish Travelers – basically, professional con artists. After stealing money from their clan, they assume the identity of a wealthy, deceased couple called the Riches. Suddenly, they're living in a swanky gated community and their kids are enrolled in posh schools. All the while, they have to maintain this facade while dodging suspicions from nosy neighbors and evading their vengeful clan.

5. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

Lee Pace plays Ned, a pie-maker who can bring dead people back to life with a touch. Another touch, though, and they're dead for good. Enter Chuck (Anna Friel), his childhood sweetheart who's murdered. He brings her back to life, but they can never touch again. They use his power to solve murder cases, but it's not all rosy. Ned's gift catches the attention of mysterious figures, and Chuck's aunts (Ellen Greene and Swoosie Kurtz) start asking questions about her sudden disappearance.

6. Dead Like Me (2003-2004)

George (Ellen Muth) is a young woman killed by a toilet seat falling from a space station. She becomes a Reaper, responsible for taking souls right before they die. She still has to hold down a day job and can't contact her grieving family. It's like 'The Office' meets the afterlife, complete with quirky characters like Rube (Mandy Patinkin), the wise yet sarcastic leader of her Reaper crew.

7. Utopia (2013-2014)

Utopia is a British thriller revolving around a graphic novel that seemingly predicts global catastrophes. A group of fans find themselves hunted by a shady organization called The Network, who will stop at nothing to keep the book's secrets. The show features intense, intricate plots and a host of morally grey characters, like Jessica Hyde (Fiona O'Shaughnessy), a woman raised to be a killer and whose father created the graphic novel.

8. Happy Endings (2011-2013)

Happy Endings kicks off with Alex (Elisha Cuthbert) leaving Dave (Zachary Knighton) at the altar. Their group of friends – Max, Penny, Brad, and Jane – struggle to keep the circle intact amidst this drama. From a hilariously disastrous Thanksgiving dinner to faux-couples therapy sessions, this show is chock-full of awkward yet endearing moments.

9. Humans (2015-2018)

Humans is a sci-fi drama set in a world where "synths", highly advanced robotic servants, are the latest must-have gadget. However, a small group of these synths are conscious, capable of feelings and thoughts, and are fighting for their freedom. The show brings us into the Hawkins family, who buy a synth named Anita (Gemma Chan) only to realize she's one of the sentient ones. Parallel to this is a detective (Tom Goodman-Hill) investigating synth-related crimes, increasingly suspicious of their human-like abilities.

10. Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012-2013)

Chloe (Krysten Ritter) is the roommate from hell who scams her overly naive roommate, June (Dreama Walker), by taking her rent money and trying to get her kicked out. But when June fights back, they form an unlikely friendship. James Van Der Beek plays a fictionalized version of himself, milking his Dawson's Creek fame.

11. Rectify (2013-2016)

Aden Young plays Daniel Holden, a man released from death row after 19 years thanks to new DNA evidence. But going home to his small Georgia town ain't all peaches and cream. The community still views him with suspicion, and readjusting to life outside is a maze. Like, the guy's amazed by the simple pleasure of a feather pillow.

12. Life (2007-2009)

Damian Lewis stars as Charlie Crews, a cop wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years, only to return to the force with a zen-like perspective on life and a $50 million settlement. Who needs mindfulness apps when you've got that kind of change, right? He uses his unique views and newly acquired wealth to solve crimes in unconventional ways, all while secretly hunting those who set him up.

13. Rubicon (2010)

Will Travers (James Badge Dale) works at an intelligence agency as an analyst, a real pencil-pusher role, right? Not exactly. He uncovers a pattern in crossword puzzles (of all things!) that may indicate a massive conspiracy. Cue paranoia and high stakes. Think John le Carré vibes with modern-day twists. The best part? His co-workers each have their unique quirks, like his boss, Kale Ingram (Arliss Howard), who's eerily calm even in crisis.

14. Awake (2012)

Jason Isaacs plays Michael Britten, a detective who survives a car accident only to find himself living in two realities. In one, his wife survived but his son died; in the other, it's vice versa. Every time he sleeps, he wakes up in the other reality. He uses information from both to solve crimes but also grapples with therapists in each realm who insist the other is a dream.

15. Man Seeking Woman (2015-2017)

The show stars Jay Baruchel as Josh, your typical awkward dude looking for love. Except his experiences are exaggerated to epic proportions. Like, he goes to war in one episode just to avoid an awkward text from a date. And his ex-girlfriend dating Hitler? Yup, that happens.