Hidden Netflix Gems: 15 Underrated Shows Worth Watching

Netflix didn’t become the world’s leading streaming service by accident. To stay on top, the company invests billions annually in original content. Still, like cable networks, Netflix cancels shows after one season and lets some promising series fade away despite loyal audiences.

Every so often, though, Netflix quietly hosts exceptional shows that deserve more attention. These hidden gems sit among the platform’s vast library of movies and series. Because Netflix can be hard to navigate, here’s a curated list to save you the trouble of sifting through years of releases and mediocre options.

Below are some of the most underrated and overlooked Netflix shows you should consider watching.

30. Longmire

Year: 2012–2017

Genre: Western / crime drama

Starring: Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Adam Bartley, Cassidy Freeman

“Longmire” follows Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire as he copes with the death of his wife while investigating major crimes in fictional Absaroka County. The show combines strong performances, moral complexity, and steady plot twists. Initially aired on A&E before Netflix revived it, the series runs six seasons and rewards viewers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven Western crime drama.

29. The OA

Year: 2016–2019

Genre: Mystery / drama / science fiction

Starring: Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, Scott Wilson, Phyllis Smith, Patrick Gibson

“The OA” is an enigmatic, original series centered on Prairie Johnson, a young woman who vanishes and returns seven years later with her sight restored and a new identity. Strange rituals, parallel experiences, and cosmic mysteries drive the story. The show’s ambition and emotional core make it a compelling two-season experience despite its unresolved ending after cancellation.

28. Travelers

Year: 2016–2018

Genre: Science fiction

Starring: Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, Patrick Gilmore

Set centuries in the future, “Travelers” follows operatives who send their consciousnesses back to the 21st century to inhabit the bodies of people moments before natural death. Their mission: prevent the events that lead to humanity’s collapse. The series balances the ethical dilemmas of identity transfer with tense, mission-driven storytelling across three seasons.

27. A Series of Unfortunate Events

Year: 2017–2019

Genre: Comedy / drama

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Daniel Handler, Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, Presley Smith

Adapted from the bestselling children’s books, this darkly comic series tracks the Baudelaire orphans as they evade the scheming Count Olaf, who seeks their family fortune. The show blends whimsical production design with sharp performances—Neil Patrick Harris’s Olaf is a standout—and completes its story across three seasons.

26. The Last Kingdom

Year: 2015–present

Genre: Historical fiction

Starring: Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Emily Cox, Ian Hart, Tobias Santlemann

Set in ninth-century England during Viking invasions, “The Last Kingdom” follows Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Danes, as he wrestles with loyalty and identity. The series offers meticulous world-building, battle-driven drama, and complex characters—an underappreciated pick for fans of historical epics and political intrigue.

25. 3%

Year: 2016–2020

Genre: Science fiction

Starring: João Miguel, Bianca Comparato, Michel Gomes

Brazil’s “3%” imagines a divided society where only a small elite can join a prosperous offshore enclave after surviving a brutal selection process called “the Process.” The show combines dystopian world-building with morally ambiguous characters and tense interpersonal drama across four seasons.

24. Kingdom

Year: 2019–present

Genre: Thriller / horror

Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doona

“Kingdom” reinvents the zombie genre by setting a fast-moving outbreak in 17th-century Korea. With striking production design and political intrigue at its core, the series explores class, power, and survival while delivering tense action and a fresh take on the undead.

23. Friends From College

Year: 2017–2019

Genre: Comedy / drama

Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Fred Savage, Annie Parisse, Nat Faxon, Cobie Smulders

This ensemble comedy follows a circle of Harvard alumni in their 40s as they navigate marriage, infidelity, and nostalgia. Though the characters are often flawed, the series balances cringe humor with moments of emotional honesty and relatability.

22. Santa Clarita Diet

Year: 2017–2019

Genre: Horror / comedy

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Liv Hewson, Skyler Gisondo

Suburban real estate agents Sheila and Joel discover their marriage takes a dark turn when Sheila develops a hunger for human flesh. “Santa Clarita Diet” blends gore with warm domestic comedy, anchored by Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant’s chemistry across three seasons.

21. Lovesick

Year: 2014–2018

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas, Daniel Ings, Claudia Jessie

Originally titled “Scrotal Recall,” this British rom-com follows Dylan after a diagnosis that prompts him to contact past partners. With short, 25-minute episodes and heartfelt humor, “Lovesick” is an easy, charming binge with relatable characters and warm performances.

20. Godless

Year: 2017

Genre: Western drama

Starring: Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Jeff Daniels, Sam Waterston

This seven-episode miniseries subverts Western tropes by centering a New Mexico mining town nearly run by women after a tragic mining accident. Tense showdowns, rich character work, and cinematic craftsmanship make “Godless” a standout modern Western.

19. The End of the F***ing World

Year: 2017

Genre: Dark comedy

Starring: Alex Lawther, Jessica Barden, Naomi Ackie

Dark, witty, and unforgettable, this series follows James, a teenager who believes he’s a budding psychopath, and Alyssa, a rebellious peer who persuades him to run away. Their road-trip misadventures blend bleak humor and raw emotion in a compact, striking package.

18. Sense8

Year: 2015

Genre: Science fiction

Starring: Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Brian J. Smith

“Sense8” brings together eight strangers around the world who become psychically linked and must navigate identity, love, and danger. The series asks bold questions about identity and connection. Canceled due to high costs, it received a special finale after fans rallied for closure.

17. Dark

Year: 2017–2020

Genre: Science fiction / thriller

Starring: Louis Hofmann, Julika Jenkins, Andreas Pietschmann

This German time-travel thriller is atmospheric, complex, and haunting. Intricate plotting, multilayered family secrets, and existential stakes reward patient viewing. The show’s mood, visuals, and precise final season make it one of Netflix’s most satisfying sci-fi mysteries.

16. Love

Year: 2016–2018

Genre: Romantic comedy

Starring: Paul Rust, Gillian Jacobs, Mike Mitchell, Claudia O’Doherty

Produced by Judd Apatow, “Love” chronicles the messy relationship between Gus and Mickey, two emotionally complicated thirty-somethings. It unfolds slowly and honestly, trading big laugh beats for realistic, character-driven moments and a satisfying three-season arc.

15. Sex Education

Year: 2019–present

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Aimee Lou Wood

Smart, warm, and boundary-pushing, “Sex Education” centers on awkward teen Otis, whose mother is a sex therapist. Otis and friends launch an informal clinic to help classmates navigate sexual and emotional issues. The show balances humor, social awareness, and heartfelt character growth.

14. Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

Year: 2017–present

Genre: Road trip comedy / documentary

Starring: Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall

This travel series pairs comedian Jack Whitehall with his conservative, often exasperated father, Michael. Their cross-cultural trips produce awkward, hilarious moments and surprisingly candid father-son dynamics—equal parts comedy and genuine human connection.

13. Maniac

Year: 2018

Genre: Dark comedy / psychological drama

Starring: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill

“Maniac” is a surreal miniseries following two strangers who enroll in a secretive pharmaceutical trial. As the trial distorts reality, the show explores grief, memory, and mental health through inventive visuals and outstanding lead performances. Its complete, self-contained story makes it an ideal weekend watch.

12. Love, Death & Robots

Year: 2019–present

Genre: Adult animation

Starring: Various

An animated anthology, “Love, Death & Robots” presents short, self-contained episodes that range from sci-fi to horror to dark comedy. Each installment showcases different animation styles and bold storytelling—bite-sized pieces of inventive, adult-oriented animation.

11. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp

Year: 2015

Genre: Surreal comedy

Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Michael Ian Black, Bradley Cooper, Janeane Garofalo, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd

A prequel to the cult film, this absurd comedy reunites a large ensemble cast playing camp counselors reliving teenage antics. Its deliberately silly tone and mature cast playing youthful roles make it a surreal, affectionate tribute to summer-camp farce.

10. American Vandal

Year: 2017–2018

Genre: Satire / crime

Starring: Tyler Alvarez, Griffin Gluck, Jimmy Tatro

This mockumentary satirizes true-crime shows by investigating high-school pranks and petty scandals. Beneath its juvenile premise, “American Vandal” delivers sharp social commentary and surprising emotional beats across two tightly paced seasons.

9. Altered Carbon

Year: 2018–2020

Genre: Science fiction

Starring: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Dichen Lachman, Anthony Mackie

A glossy cyberpunk series set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, “Altered Carbon” blends noir mystery, philosophical questions about identity, and high-octane action. Its ambitious world-building and striking visuals make it a standout for sci-fi fans.

8. GLOW

Year: 2017–2019

Genre: Comedy / drama

Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron

Inspired by the real 1980s women’s wrestling show, “GLOW” explores performance, friendship, and ambition inside a chaotic TV production. Rich character work and sharp period details elevate the comedy-drama, which concluded after several acclaimed seasons.

7. Castlevania

Year: 2017–2021

Genre: Adult animation / anime

Starring: Richard Armitage, James Callis, Graham McTavish

Adapted from the classic video game, “Castlevania” is a dark, beautifully animated series that centers on Dracula’s war against humanity and the heroes who stand against the night. Strong voice work, mature themes, and intense action make it an excellent pick for adult animation fans.

6. F Is for Family

Year: 2015–present

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Bill Burr, Laura Dern, Justin Long, Sam Rockwell

Bill Burr’s animated series about a frustrated 1970s father blends crude humor with heartfelt family drama. Its raw honesty about working-class struggles and flawed characters gives the show surprising emotional resonance.

5. Living With Yourself

Year: 2019

Genre: Comedy / drama

Starring: Paul Rudd, Aisling Bea

Paul Rudd stars as a burned-out ad copywriter who undergoes an experimental spa treatment and wakes up replaced by a better version of himself. This quirky one-season series mixes dark comedy with thoughtful reflections on identity and marriage.

4. Derry Girls

Year: 2018–present

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn

Set amid The Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland, “Derry Girls” centers on a group of outspoken teenagers whose chaotic hijinks are both deeply funny and culturally resonant. Its sharp dialogue and warm camaraderie make it a delightful and distinctive sitcom.

3. Big Mouth

Year: 2017–present

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Maya Rudolph

“Big Mouth” is a raunchy animated coming-of-age comedy that tackles puberty, sexuality, and mental health with surreal humor and surprising empathy. Its bold approach and clever writing make it a standout adult animated series.

2. Peaky Blinders

Year: 2013–2019

Genre: Historical fiction / crime

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole

This stylish British drama follows Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders as they rise from post–World War I Birmingham to broader criminal ambition. Known for its strong performances, moody cinematography, and memorable soundtrack, the series earned critical acclaim and is a must-watch for crime drama fans.

1. The Umbrella Academy

Year: 2019–present

Genre: Superhero / drama

Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher

Based on the acclaimed comic, “The Umbrella Academy” follows a fractured family of adopted, superpowered siblings who reunite to stop an impending apocalypse. The show blends offbeat humor, emotional character arcs, time travel, and stylish action, offering a fresh, character-first take on the superhero genre.