10 Underrated TV Shows That Deserved More Recognition

1. "Rectify" (2013-2016)

The SundanceTV original "Rectify" is a hidden gem that truly deserved more praise. It centers around Daniel Holden, who's released after 19 years on death row due to DNA evidence casting doubt on his guilt. The series dives deep into the emotional journey of Daniel trying to reintegrate into society and dealing with the aftermath of his release. Unlike your usual crime dramas, "Rectify" isn't concerned with solving the crime but focuses on its consequences and explores philosophical questions. The series is beautifully shot, exquisitely written, and features a knockout performance by Aden Young. Yet, it failed to gain traction due to its slow-burn narrative. Despite being critically acclaimed and boasting a high Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, it was criminally underwatched during its original run.

2. "Happy Valley" (2014-2023 )

Despite its misleading title, "Happy Valley" is anything but a cheerful romp. This British crime drama follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a strong-willed cop in West Yorkshire dealing with personal trauma while hunting down criminals. The show is known for its gritty realism, dark themes, and standout performances, especially from Sarah Lancashire. Despite winning the BAFTA award for Best Drama Series and a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Happy Valley" remains largely unnoticed outside the UK.

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

"Halt and Catch Fire" is a compelling exploration of the early days of personal computing in the 1980s. Despite being touted as AMC's successor to "Breaking Bad, " it never quite found its audience. Its early seasons received mixed reviews, but it dramatically improved, evolving into a profound examination of ambition, relationships, and the dawn of the digital age. With a talented ensemble cast including Lee Pace and Mackenzie Davis, "Halt and Catch Fire" is a deeply human tech drama that deserved more attention. While it finally gained critical acclaim in later seasons, the audience ratings remained modest, and it remained under-the-radar throughout its four-season run.

4. "The Leftovers" (2014-2017)

An HBO series co-created by "Lost" mastermind Damon Lindelof, "The Leftovers" revolves around the aftermath of a global event called "The Sudden Departure," where 2% of the world's population mysteriously disappears. Despite its intriguing premise, the series didn't garner much attention in its first season due to its emotionally heavy narrative. However, the show received critical acclaim in its subsequent seasons for its deep exploration of grief, loss, and the human quest for meaning, earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%. Despite this, it failed to gather a large audience. Notably, co-star Justin Theroux expressed his bafflement at the lack of Emmy recognition for the series.

5. "Enlightened" (2011-2013)

Created by Mike White and Laura Dern, "Enlightened" is a dark comedy-drama about Amy Jellicoe (Dern), a self-destructive executive who, after a very public breakdown and subsequent philosophical awakening in rehabilitation, tries to get her life back together. Despite its impressive pedigree, the show struggled with ratings throughout its run. Dern's performance won her a Golden Globe, and the series was critically acclaimed for its blend of humor and pathos, garnering a 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Nonetheless, low viewership led to its premature cancellation after two seasons.

6. "Terriers" (2010)

"Terriers" is a one-season wonder that was canceled far too soon. This criminally underrated series follows ex-cop Hank Dolworth and his best friend Britt Pollack as they run an unlicensed private investigation business in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Despite its misinterpreted title and misleading promotional campaigns (which left people thinking it was a show about dogs), "Terriers" is a smart, character-driven dramedy. It was lauded by critics, with an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, but low viewership led to its cancellation. In the years since, the cast and creators have lamented the show's early end and expressed interest in revisiting it.

7. "Fleabag" (2016-2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's "Fleabag" initially flew under the radar when it was first released on BBC Three. It explores the life of a young, free-spirited woman living in London, known only as Fleabag, who uses humor to cope with her tragic past. Despite low initial viewership, the show gained steam during its second season, largely thanks to word of mouth and Waller-Bridge's Emmy-winning performance. "Fleabag" also achieved a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its second season. Still, it remains underrated, especially in comparison to other mainstream comedies.

8. "Carnivàle" (2003-2005)

"Carnivàle" is an ambitious HBO series set during the Great Depression, following a traveling carnival as it navigates the Dust Bowl. Its magical realism, deep symbolism, and a battle between good and evil storyline captivated a small but devoted audience. However, its high production costs and complex narrative failed to attract a broad audience, leading to its cancellation after two seasons. Despite winning five Emmys and boasting a 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, "Carnivàle" remains a largely overlooked masterpiece.

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

An incisive satire of corporate America, "Better Off Ted" follows Ted Crisp, a single father working as the head of a research and development department at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. Despite its razor-sharp wit and solid performances, especially from Jay Harrington and Portia de Rossi, the series was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings. It holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its smart, quirky humor. However, it remains only a footnote in the history of workplace comedies, overshadowed by more successful shows like "The Office " and "Parks and Recreation. "

10. "The Knick" (2014-2015)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Clive Owen, "The Knick" is a medical drama set in New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century. The series was praised for its gritty portrayal of medical practices of the time and its exploration of social issues. Despite this, it struggled to find an audience and was canceled after two seasons. Owen and Soderbergh have both expressed their disappointment at the cancellation and the wish that it had reached a larger audience.