Think You're TV Buff? Not Unless You've Seen These 5 Underrated Shows

written by Samantha Hayes

August 15, 2023 6:20 pm

Think You're TV Buff? Not Unless You've Seen These 5 Underrated Shows — Image credit: FX

Not every great show is a hit.

In today's competitive scene of prestige streaming series and old-fashioned network crime procedurals, everyone is trying to create a show that will become a massive hit. However, some producers are not that interested in making tons of money with their projects, instead aiming to create something great without chasing trends or trying to generate some kind of impact.

So if you consider yourself a TV buff, you must watch these five great but really underrated TV series.

5. How To with John Wilson

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In HBO's ongoing documentary show, John Wilson tackles such oddball topics as how to remember your dreams and how to find a parking space in New York City — but don't expect the creator to give you definitive answers. Each episode feels like a bit of a mystery, and Wilson's offbeat sense of humor will surely compel you to binge-watch the entire series.

4. Mrs. Davis

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Damon Lindelof's latest project may be one of the most unusual TV shows to premiere this year, as the story of a nun trying to single-handedly kill an all-powerful AI is just as weird as the synopsis sounds. Though it's only one-season long, the amount of ideas Lindelof has put into Mrs. Davis will surely make a lot of TV creators blush.

3. Mr. Inbetween

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This Australian show, created, produced and led by Scott Ryan, is one of the best-kept secrets of modern television. The hilarious tale of a fixer trying to balance his work and family commitments resulted in one of the most compelling crime stories of the last decade.

2. Devs

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Though Alex Garland's offbeat mystery sci-fi show only has one season, Devs still managed to surprise anyone willing to watch it in 2020. Starring Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, and Jin Ha, the series was quickly forgotten just months after its release, and we see this as a huge insult to the entire television industry.

1. Better Things

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Pamela Adlon's iconic show looked like a pastiche of Louis C. K.'s Louie in its early seasons, but the creator managed to turn it into something truly exciting in the following years. Telling Adlon's autobiographical story with cozy humor, the series will certainly appeal to any fan of unique television.