Underrated/Under-watched/Overlooked TV shows
by rseyoum | created - 27 Mar 2018 | updated - 30 Jul 2021 | PublicIn no particular order
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1. Utopia (I) (2013–2014)
TV-MA | 50 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
After a group of people, who meet online, discover a bizarre graphic novel which seems to hold mysterious answers, they find themselves being tracked down by a merciless organization known merely as 'The Network'.
Stars: Adeel Akhtar, Paul Higgins, Neil Maskell, Fiona O'Shaughnessy
Votes: 51,130
BEST. SHOW. EVER.
2. The Thick of It (2005–2012)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
The Minister for Social Affairs is continually harassed by Number 10's policy enforcer and dependent on his not-so-reliable team of civil servants.
Stars: Chris Addison, James Smith, Peter Capaldi, Joanna Scanlan
Votes: 26,119
My favourite comedy.
3. Luther (2010–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
John Luther is a brilliant homicide detective with a knack for getting inside the minds of murderers. Unfortunately, his unconventional methods and personal demons put him at odds with his team.
Stars: Idris Elba, Dermot Crowley, Michael Smiley, Warren Brown
Votes: 154,309
4. Inside No. 9 (2014– )
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Genre-mixing anthology series, inviting viewers into some very different and enigmatic No. 9s.
Stars: Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Derek Jacobi, Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Votes: 19,626
5. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Holistic detective Dirk Gently investigates cases involving the supernatural.
Stars: Samuel Barnett, Elijah Wood, Hannah Marks, Jade Eshete
Votes: 57,323
6. The Leftovers (2014–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Three years after the disappearance of 2% of the global human population, a group of people in a small New York community try to continue their lives while coping with the tragedy of the unexplained nature of the event.
Stars: Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler
Votes: 112,302
7. Spaced (1999–2001)
TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy
Friends Tim and Daisy, 20-something North Londoners with uncertain futures, must pretend to be a couple to live in the only apartment they can afford.
Stars: Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes, Julia Deakin, Nick Frost
Votes: 57,660
8. Brass Eye (1997–2001)
TV-MA | 25 min | Comedy
Controversial spoof of current affairs television, and the role of celebrity in the UK.
Stars: Christopher Morris, Mark Heap, Kevin Eldon, Doon Mackichan
Votes: 11,555
9. Atlanta (2016–2022)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Music
Earn and his cousin, Alfred, try to make their way in the world through Atlanta's rap scene. Along the way they come face-to-face with social and economic issues touching on race, relationships, poverty, status and parenthood.
Stars: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz
Votes: 88,004
10. Peep Show (2003–2015)
TV-MA | 25 min | Comedy
Mark and Jez are a couple of twenty-something roommates who have nothing in common - except for the fact that their lives are anything but normal. Mayhem ensues as the pair strive to cope with day-to-day life.
Stars: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Matt King, Olivia Colman
Votes: 66,582
11. The League of Gentlemen (1999–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, Horror
An interweaving narrative chronicling the antics of such diverse characters as: a transgender taxi driver, a family obsessed with hygiene and toads, a fiery reverend, a carnival owner who kidnaps women into marriage, and a xenophobic couple who run a local shop for local people.
Stars: Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Jeremy Dyson
Votes: 12,217
12. Life on Mars (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 959 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
After a near-fatal car accident, smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam is mysteriously transported back to 1973. Confused by his new surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present, but the police force of long ago needs his help.
Stars: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews
Votes: 32,386
13. Lilyhammer (2012–2014)
TV-MA | 45 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A New York mobster goes into hiding in rural Lillehammer in Norway after testifying against his former associates.
Stars: Steven Van Zandt, Trond Fausa, Steinar Sagen, Marian Saastad Ottesen
Votes: 32,316
14. Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)
TV-MA | 1,320 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
After being shot in 2008 while investigating DCI Sam Tyler, DI Alex Drake wakes up in 1981.
Stars: Philip Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster
Votes: 11,068
15. The Mighty Boosh (2003–2007)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
Surreal British comedy in which Vince Noir and Howard Moon have adventures filled with oddball characters while working as Zoo Keepers, before pursuing a musical career and running a second-hand shop.
Stars: Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Michael Fielding, Rich Fulcher
Votes: 24,036
16. Patriot (2015–2018)
TV-MA | 50 min | Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Follows the complicated life of intelligence officer John Tavner, whose latest assignment--to prevent Iran from going nuclear--requires him to forgo all safety nets and assume a perilous, non-official cover.
Stars: Michael Dorman, Kurtwood Smith, Michael Chernus, Kathleen Munroe
Votes: 18,042
17. Jam (2000)
24 min | Comedy
A surreal, ambient mix of bleak comedy sketches.
Stars: Christopher Morris, Amelia Bullmore, David Cann, Julia Davis
Votes: 2,657
18. The Day Today (1994)
30 min | Comedy
A spoof of the British style of news broadcasting - including ridiculous stories, patronising vox pops, offensively hard-hitting research and a sports presenter clearly struggling for metaphors.
Stars: Christopher Morris, Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber, Doon Mackichan
Votes: 5,547
19. Father Ted (1995–1998)
TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy
Three misfit priests and their housekeeper live on Craggy Island, not the peaceful and quiet part of Ireland that it seems to be.
Stars: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn
Votes: 43,785
20. I'm Alan Partridge (1997–2002)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
A failed television presenter, now presenting a programme on local desperately tries to revive his broadcasting career.
Stars: Steve Coogan, Simon Greenall, Felicity Montagu, Phil Cornwell
Votes: 21,968
21. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004)
TV-MA | 24 min | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
This parody series is an unearthed 80s horror/drama, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.
Stars: Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Matthew Holness, Alice Lowe
Votes: 20,142
22. Bruiser (2000)
29 min | Comedy
A series of short sketches from some of Britain's comedy kings including David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Olivia Coleman and Martin Freeman.
Stars: Olivia Colman, Matthew Holness, Charlotte Hudson, Martin Freeman
Votes: 642
23. PhoneShop (2009–2013)
30 min | Comedy
The antics of the dysfunctional staff of Sutton branch of a mobile phone retailer.
Stars: Emma Fryer, Tom Bennett, Andrew Brooke, Javone Prince
Votes: 2,845
24. Happy! (2017–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
An injured hitman befriends his kidnapped daughter's imaginary friend; a perky blue flying unicorn.
Stars: Christopher Meloni, Ritchie Coster, Lili Mirojnick, Patton Oswalt
Votes: 42,930
25. Barry (2018–2023)
TV-MA | 30 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A hit man from the Midwest moves to Los Angeles and gets caught up in the city's theatre arts scene.
Stars: Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan
Votes: 122,431
26. The Armando Iannucci Shows (2001)
26 min | Comedy
Observations of society and life by Armando Iannucci in comedy sketches and narration.
Stars: Armando Iannucci, Hugh Cecil, Karen Ascoe, Melanie Hudson
Votes: 1,025
27. Monkey Dust (2003–2005)
TV-MA | 29 min | Animation, Comedy, Horror
A definitely-not-for-children animated series with each episode made up of an array of perverse skits.
Stars: Morwenna Banks, Brian Bowles, Simon Greenall, Enn Reitel
Votes: 2,282
28. Xavier: Renegade Angel (2007–2009)
TV-MA | 12 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Xavier is a faun-like wanderer/seeker who is traveling across the land to find out the truth about his mysterious origin. Facing rednecks, inflicting righteousness and preaching about the 'strong, silent types' and morality, this hero has his work cut out for him.
Stars: Vernon Chatman, John Lee, Alyson Levy, Jim Tozzi
Votes: 4,992
29. Nathan for You (2013–2017)
TV-14 | 30 min | Documentary, Comedy
Nathan Fielder uses his business degree and life experiences to help real small businesses turn a profit. But because of his unorthodox approach, Nathan's genuine efforts to do good often draw real people into an experience far beyond what they signed up for.
Stars: Nathan Fielder, Anthony Filosa, Salomon Flores, William Heath
Votes: 38,445
30. Wonder Showzen (2005–2007)
TV-MA | 30 min | Animation, Comedy
An all-cynical, all-evil absurdist variety show that parodies the classic educational PBS shows of the 1970s, made up of old cartoons and educational films, children, and puppets from one's worst nightmares.
Stars: Vernon Chatman, John Lee, Alyson Levy, Evan Seligman
Votes: 4,877
31. Bodies (2004–2006)
60 min | Drama
Dark medical drama series following a junior doctor as he unearths the negligent practice of a senior obstetrician.
Stars: Tamzin Malleson, Max Beesley, Keith Allen, Patrick Baladi
Votes: 1,573
32. The Shield (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Drama series following the lives and cases of dirty cop Vic Mackey and the corrupt LAPD unit under his command.
Stars: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace
Votes: 88,089
33. Profit (1996–1997)
90 min | Crime, Drama
Jim Profit works for a multinational company and isn't above using any means necessary to get ahead, which includes bribery, blackmail, intimidation, extortion, and even murder. Everyone at... See full summary »
Stars: Adrian Pasdar, Lisa Darr, Lisa Blount, Jack Gwaltney
Votes: 2,152
34. Quarry (2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Quarry, a disillusioned Vietnam War vet, returns home to Memphis in 1972 only to find rejection and scrutiny at every step. A mysterious man known only as The Broker gives him an offer he can't refuse - to work for him as a hitman.
Stars: Logan Marshall-Green, Jodi Balfour, Damon Herriman, Edoardo Ballerini
Votes: 14,358
35. Perpetual Grace, LTD (2019)
TV-MA | 50 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
James, a young grifter, attempts to prey upon Pastor Byron Brown, who turns out to be far more dangerous than he suspects. A cast of Coen brothers-type characters complicate their plans to outplay each other.
Stars: Ben Kingsley, Jimmi Simpson, Luis Guzmán, Damon Herriman
Votes: 3,238
36. Mr Inbetween (2018–2021)
TV-MA | 30 min | Crime, Drama
Ray Shoesmith is a father, ex-husband, boyfriend, brother and best friend, tough roles to juggle in the modern age. Especially when you're also a criminal for hire.
Stars: Scott Ryan, Chika Yasumura, Justin Rosniak, Damon Herriman
Votes: 30,155
37. The Corner (2000)
TV-MA | 63 min | Crime, Drama
Chronicles a West Baltimore family living in poverty on the front lines of America's drug war.
Stars: T.K. Carter, Khandi Alexander, Sean Nelson, Clarke Peters
Votes: 5,504
38. Justified (2010–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Enforcing his own brand of justice, U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a strong-willed, quiet law-man haunted by his past, returns to his native town to see that justice is served to those in need.
Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts
Votes: 118,661
39. Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998)
TV-MA | 27 min | Comedy
This is a sketch-comedy show. The twist here is that all of the sketches (even the monologue) are connected in some strange way.
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Jay Johnston
Votes: 10,549
40. Ted Lasso (2020–2023)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Sport
American college football coach Ted Lasso heads to London to manage AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team.
Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster
Votes: 348,076
41. Nirvanna the Band the Show (2016– )
TV-MA | 22 min | Comedy
Through a series of misadventures, Matt and Jay try to inch ever closer to fulfilling their lifelong dream of playing a show at Toronto's Rivoli, a small concert space in Toronto's West End.
Stars: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol, Jared Raab, Ned Carlson
Votes: 2,051
42. Who Is America? (2018)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Sacha Baron Cohen offers his take on America's patriotism.
Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, Roy Elghanayan, Emanuela Postacchini, Gloria Sandoval
Votes: 20,391
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