Binge-Worthy: 15 Lesser-Known TV Shows to Watch in One Sitting

1. "Detectorists" (2014-2017)

Don't let the seemingly dull premise of "Detectorists" – two friends in the English countryside who are amateur metal detectorists – fool you. This British comedy-drama is a goldmine of humor, charm, and heartwarming moments. It stars Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones as Andy and Lance, whose dreams of finding Saxon treasure often lead them to nothing more exciting than ring pulls and buttons.

Still, it's the subtle humor, rich characters, and soothing backdrop of the English countryside that keeps you hooked. Not to mention, this BAFTA-winning series has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

2. "Rectify" (2013-2016)

A gripping drama that explores the life of Daniel Holden, who returns to his small hometown in Georgia after spending 19 years on death row. The catch? His conviction for the rape and murder of his girlfriend has been vacated due to new DNA evidence, but the community (and even his family) are divided on his innocence.

"Rectify" is a thought-provoking exploration of life after incarceration, the struggle for redemption, and the quest for truth. The series features a standout performance by Aden Young as Daniel and maintains a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. "The Leftovers" (2014-2017)

Brought to you by Damon Lindelof, one of the co-creators of "Lost," "The Leftovers" is a deep dive into the realm of the inexplicable. Imagine 2% of the world's population disappearing without a trace. No explanations, no clues, just poof! This isn't a series about solving the mystery, but rather, it examines the emotional aftermath and the human struggle to cope with inexplicable loss. With stellar performances from Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon, "The Leftovers" is a hauntingly beautiful series that pulls at your heartstrings.

4. "Halt and Catch Fire" (2014-2017)

The '80s was the wild west of the tech industry, and that's exactly what "Halt and Catch Fire" throws you into. This underappreciated series follows a renegade trio – a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy – as they navigate the rise of the PC era and later, the birth of the internet.

Though it might not be as well-known as other tech-centered shows, its thoughtful character development and gripping storylines make it a hidden gem in television. Fun fact: the title "Halt and Catch Fire" is actually a computer machine code instruction that causes the computer's central processing unit to cease meaningful operation.

5. "Lodge 49" (2018-2019)

"Lodge 49" is one of those shows that's hard to describe but is a joy to watch. It's a comedy. It's a drama. It's a modern fable. It follows the story of a laid-back ex-surfer named Dud (played by Wyatt Russell) who joins a fraternal order in the hopes of recapturing the simple, happy lifestyle he lost when his father died.

Amidst the quirky characters and strange happenings in the lodge, the show is a heartening exploration of community, purpose, and the quest for a life worth living. Despite its brief run of just two seasons, the show was loved by critics, scoring an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

6. "Fleabag" (2016-2019)

If you've somehow managed to miss "Fleabag," now is the time to rectify that. This British comedy-drama, written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is a raw and brutally honest depiction of a young woman navigating life and love in London, all while dealing with personal tragedy. The titular character, Fleabag, breaks the fourth wall to provide commentary, resulting in an intimate and humorous viewing experience.

Despite the dark undertones, this show is an absolute delight, and Waller-Bridge's performance is simply spectacular. This critically acclaimed series has an almost perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

7. "Party Down" (2009-2010)

"Party Down" is a cult favorite comedy about a Los Angeles catering team, made up of wannabe actors and writers who are waiting for their big break. With a cast that includes Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, and Jane Lynch, the show hilariously captures the transient nature of Hollywood ambition, with each episode set at a different catering event.

It's a delightful blend of humor and heartbreak, as dreams and realities collide over hors d'oeuvres. Despite being canceled after two seasons, the show has a dedicated fan base and an impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes (and you can also check out that 6-episode revival).

8. "Terriers" (2010)

This short-lived but exceptional series is a must-watch for fans of detective dramas with a side of humor. "Terriers" follows ex-cop Hank Dolworth (Donal Logue) and his best friend Britt Pollack (Michael Raymond-James) as they start an unlicensed private investigation business in sunny Ocean Beach, San Diego.

The duo's chemistry, combined with complex characters and engaging mysteries, makes for an addictive viewing experience. Sadly, the show was canceled after one season due to low ratings, but it still managed to achieve a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

9. "Better Off Ted" (2009-2010)

Imagine working at a soulless, absurdly bureaucratic high-tech company. Now, make it funny. That's "Better Off Ted." This satirical workplace comedy revolves around Ted Crisp (Jay Harrington), the head of a research and development department at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. The show excels in its witty dialogues, eccentric characters, and social commentaries. Although it only ran for two seasons, "Better Off Ted" is well-regarded for its clever humor and unique take on corporate culture.

10. "Slings and Arrows" (2003-2006)

A Canadian gem, "Slings and Arrows" takes you behind the scenes of a fictional Shakespeare festival. When the festival's artistic director dies, he haunts his successor while they stage productions of Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear. Despite the ghostly premise, it's not a horror series. Instead, it's a brilliant comedy-drama that explores the insanity of producing Shakespeare.

It offers an insider's look into theatre life, complete with the backstage antics and ego clashes, while also providing insightful interpretations of Shakespeare's works. Rachel McAdams starred in the first season, before her breakout role in "The Notebook."

11. "The Knick" (2014-2015)

Helmed by director Steven Soderbergh and starring Clive Owen, "The Knick" is a gritty medical drama set in New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early 20th century. The series offers an unflinching look at the brutal realities of medical practices of the time, along with the personal and professional lives of the staff.

This isn't your typical medical drama; it's raw, real, and beautifully crafted, with a hauntingly mesmerizing performance by Owen. Plus, the electrifying modern score by Cliff Martinez sets it apart from other period dramas.

12. "Review" (2014-2017)

A dark comedy that flew under the radar, "Review" stars Andy Daly as Forrest MacNeil, a critic who reviews life experiences on a scale of one to five stars. From stealing to leading a cult, Forrest is hilariously committed to his job, no matter the cost to his health, sanity, or family life. It's an absurd and unique premise that pays off, with Forrest's descent into chaos making for some truly memorable TV moments. Though it may not have been a ratings giant, it has an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

13. "The Returned" (2012-2015)

No, not the American remake, but the original French series "Les Revenants." In this eerie drama, the dead return to their Alpine village in exactly the state they were in when they died. They're not zombies but people trying to resume their lives. The catch? They're not supposed to be alive. This slow-burn series expertly blends mystery, horror, and emotional drama, resulting in an unsettling and mesmerizing viewing experience. Plus, the haunting score by Scottish post-rock band Mogwai adds an extra layer of atmospheric tension.

14. "Happy Valley" (2014-present)

Set in the bleak landscape of West Yorkshire, "Happy Valley" is far from happy. This British crime drama revolves around Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire), a strong-willed police sergeant grappling with a personal tragedy while hunting down criminals. It's a show that doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of crime and its aftermath, with a powerhouse performance by Lancashire.

Despite its grimness, the compelling storylines and well-drawn characters make it a must-watch. In case you're wondering about the title, 'Happy Valley' is used ironically – it's local police slang for the drug-affected area the show is set in.

15. "Manhattan" (2014-2015)

"Manhattan" is a historical drama set in Los Alamos, New Mexico, during the development of the atomic bomb. The series takes a fictionalized look at the brilliant but flawed people involved in the Manhattan Project, their secrets, and the immense pressure they faced. While it may not be 100% historically accurate, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a critical period of history.