These 10 Underrated TV Shows On Netflix Will Make You Want To Binge Them All Weekend

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2014 – Present)

Nestled in the bustling streets of Tokyo, there's a quaint eatery that only opens when the day ends. The show, "Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories", offers an engaging array of stories with our enigmatic master chef, only referred to as "Master", serving as the fulcrum. Each episode features a dish and a side of human drama, making it feel like an assortment of bite-sized narratives.

There's a certain charm about a place that serves both tanmen noodles and life wisdom in equal measures. Did you know the series is based on a popular manga "Shinya Shokudō"? So, if you can't get enough of the series, you can always turn to the source material for seconds.

Lovesick (2014 – 2018)

Here's a premise that might pique your interest: Dylan discovers he has an STD and must now contact all his previous sexual partners to inform them. Awkward? Absolutely. Hilarious? Surprisingly so. Welcome to "Lovesick", a British sitcom that offers a fresh take on the traditional rom-com.

The series weaves through time, jumping between past relationships and present predicaments, exploring love, friendship and the messiness that often comes with them. Despite its distinctive narrative style and a 98% Rotten Tomatoes rating, "Lovesick" remains one of Netflix's most underrated treasures.

Detectorists (2014-2017)

If you have a knack for the quaint, whimsical, and utterly British, "Detectorists" is your perfect binge-watch. Following the escapades of two eccentric friends Andy and Lance, played by Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, the show is a sweet and gentle exploration of their beloved hobby: metal detecting.

As they tread through the English countryside, they're less bothered about striking gold than enjoying the sheer tranquility of their quest. Despite being a BAFTA winner, this show somehow has flown under the radar of many Netflix subscribers, but totally deserves more spotlight.

The End of the F***ing World (2017-2019)

Dark humor? Check. Oddball characters? Check. A plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Double-check. "The End of the F***ing World" is a whirlwind tale of two teenagers – James, who believes he's a psychopath, and Alyssa, who's just really bored with her life.

Together, they embark on a chaotic road trip that spirals into anarchy, crime, and unexpected camaraderie. The show, based on a graphic novel by Charles Forsman, has garnered a solid 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating, but its peculiar narrative style often leads it to be overlooked.

Love, Death & Robots (2019 – Present)

Anthology series are like a box of chocolates, and "Love, Death & Robots" is the ultimate mixed assortment. Every episode is a unique, self-contained story, varying widely in animation style and genre – from sci-fi to horror to comedy. Despite being a Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program, it tends to slip off most viewers' radar. With episodes ranging from 6 to 17 minutes, it's the perfect show to slot into those short breaks during a weekend.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017)

Imagine a detective who doesn't rely on traditional methods but on the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Sounds peculiar, right? That's Dirk Gently for you! "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency", based on the novel series by Douglas Adams, is a unique blend of mystery, science fiction, and comedy.

Despite scoring a cult following, a (failed) campaign for the show's renewal and an 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency remains tucked away in the lesser-explored corners of Netflix.

Halt and Catch Fire (2014 – 2017)

Amidst the digital renaissance of the early '80s, "Halt and Catch Fire" takes us on a time machine, giving us front row seats to the silicon-powered evolution of personal computing. The series, which not only sparks nostalgia but also keeps you rooted with its character-driven narrative, revolves around a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy whose innovations directly confront the corporate behemoths of the time.

Despite it getting a little overshadowed by Netflix's more hyped up shows, it's a richly rewarding binge-watch that received an impressive 90% average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Happy Valley (2014 – 2023)

BAFTA-winning "Happy Valley", ironically named for its setting amidst drug-infested towns of West Yorkshire, is a crime drama that packs a serious punch. The plot orbits around the stoic yet compassionate Sergeant Catherine Cawood, played brilliantly by Sarah Lancashire, who juggles personal traumas while dealing with heinous crimes. With its tight-knit narrative, complex characters and gritty realism, this series is truly a hidden gem worth digging into this weekend.

The OA (2016 – 2019)

This show requires some serious dedication. "The OA" is a series that refuses to be boxed into just one genre. It weaves together elements of science fiction, supernatural, mystery, and fantasy into a tapestry of pure, unadulterated storytelling.

But don't worry, your patience will be rewarded with a mind-bending narrative experience that is rarely found on television. The narrative orbits Prairie Johnson, a blind woman who returns home after seven years with her sight mysteriously restored. This launches us into a story that folds and unfolds across multiple dimensions.

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)

In the post-apocalyptic world of "Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts", humans live underground while surface-dwelling animals, known as "mutes", rule the land. When Kipo, a 13-year-old girl, is forced onto the surface, she embarks on an epic adventure to find her way back home. What sets this animated series apart is its inclusive characters, inventive world-building, and a bop-filled soundtrack.

Despite its three Emmy nominations and an impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Kipo" remains largely undiscovered by many Netflix viewers. If you're a fan of adventurous tales brimming with heart and humor, make sure to add this to your weekend binge-watch list. Trust me, Kipo's vibrant surface world is worth every second you spend in it.