25 Netflix Series That Should Be Getting a Lot More Attention
Netflix has a huge library of shows. While some series become massive hits, others don’t get the same level of buzz. Many of these overlooked shows are high-quality productions with compelling stories and strong performances. They cover various genres, from comedy-drama to crime thrillers, and offer something for every type of viewer.
Exploring these less-talked-about series can lead to discovering a new favorite. These shows might not be trending, but they often feature unique plots and well-developed characters. Giving a lesser-known show a chance can be a rewarding experience for those looking for something different from the mainstream.
Atypical (2017)
This coming-of-age story follows Sam Gardner, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he navigates high school, dating, and his family’s dynamics. The show provides a heartfelt and humorous look at his journey toward independence. It also explores the lives of his family members as they adjust to his growing autonomy.
“Atypical” is praised for its authentic portrayal of a protagonist with autism, with Keir Gilchrist delivering a nuanced performance as Sam. The series balances comedic moments with genuine emotional depth, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a show about self-discovery, love, and the challenges of family life.
Crashing (2016)
Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Crashing” is a comedy that revolves around a group of twenty-somethings living together as property guardians in a disused hospital. The close quarters and blurred lines between friendship and romance lead to a series of chaotic and funny situations.
The show is known for its sharp wit and awkward humor, which would later become a hallmark of Waller-Bridge’s hit series “Fleabag.” With only six episodes, it’s a quick and enjoyable watch that offers a glimpse into the creator’s early work. The ensemble cast has great chemistry, making their messy lives and relationships feel both hilarious and relatable.
The End of the F***ing World (2017)
Based on a graphic novel, this dark comedy-drama follows two teenage outsiders, James and Alyssa, on a road trip across England. James is convinced he’s a psychopath and plans to make Alyssa his first human victim, while Alyssa is looking for an escape from her chaotic home life.
The series is a blend of dark humor, teenage angst, and unexpected romance. As their journey unfolds, the two characters develop a deep and complicated bond. The show’s distinctive visual style and sharp, concise dialogue have earned it critical acclaim for its originality and emotional depth.
Gentefied (2020)
Set in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, “Gentefied” follows three Mexican-American cousins as they try to save their grandfather’s taco shop while dealing with the effects of gentrification in their community. The show explores themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
“Gentefied” offers a vibrant and authentic portrayal of a multigenerational family and their cultural heritage. The series balances humor and drama, tackling serious issues with a light touch. It’s a heartfelt story about community, resilience, and the complexities of cultural identity in a changing world.
Ozark (2017)
This crime drama stars Jason Bateman as a financial advisor who moves his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. The Byrde family must navigate a dangerous new world of local criminals and federal agents while trying to stay alive.
“Ozark” is a suspenseful and gritty thriller with a complex plot and compelling characters. Bateman and Laura Linney deliver powerful performances as the central couple, whose relationship is tested by their criminal activities. The show’s dark tone and high-stakes narrative have drawn comparisons to other acclaimed crime dramas.
Sense8 (2015)
Created by the Wachowskis, “Sense8” is a science fiction series about eight strangers from different parts of the world who become mentally and emotionally linked. They can share their knowledge, skills, and feelings, which they must use to survive as they are hunted by a mysterious organization.
The show is celebrated for its ambitious scope, diverse cast, and exploration of themes like identity, empathy, and human connection. Though it was canceled after two seasons, a feature-length finale was released to give the story a proper conclusion. “Sense8” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking series with a dedicated fanbase.
Crazyhead (2016)
This British comedy-horror series follows two young women who discover they are “seers,” able to see demons hiding among humans. They team up to fight the forces of evil while navigating their own personal problems and the challenges of being in their twenties.
“Crazyhead” is a fast-paced and witty show that blends horror and comedy. The chemistry between the two leads, Cara Theobold and Susan Wokoma, is a highlight of the series. It’s a fun and action-packed take on the supernatural genre, with a distinctly British sense of humor.
Feel Good (2020)
Co-created by and starring comedian Mae Martin, “Feel Good” is a semi-autobiographical series about a stand-up comic who begins a new relationship while dealing with addiction. The show explores the complexities of love, dependency, and identity with humor and honesty.
“Feel Good” has been praised for its raw and heartfelt portrayal of a modern romance. Martin’s performance is both funny and vulnerable, and the show has been lauded for its realistic depiction of addiction and recovery. It’s a deeply personal and relatable series that resonates with audiences.
Delhi Crime (2019)
This Indian crime drama is based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The first season follows the police investigation as they race against time to find the perpetrators. The series offers a detailed and unflinching look at the procedural aspects of the case and the societal impact of the crime.
“Delhi Crime” is a powerful and gripping series that has been praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of a traumatic event. The show’s strong performances and tight scripting create a tense and compelling narrative. It’s a sober and thought-provoking drama that sheds light on a significant moment in Indian history.
Giri/Haji (2019)
This thriller follows a Tokyo detective who travels to London in search of his presumed-dead brother, who is now involved with the Yakuza. The story unfolds across two cities, exploring themes of duty, family, and the clash of cultures between Japanese and British society.
“Giri/Haji,” which translates to “Duty/Shame,” is a stylish and complex crime drama with a unique narrative structure. It blends suspenseful action with moments of dark humor and emotional depth. The series received critical acclaim for its cinematography, writing, and compelling performances.
American Vandal (2017)
This satirical true-crime documentary series investigates outrageous high school pranks with extreme seriousness. The first season explores who drew phallic images on 27 cars in the school parking lot, while the second season tackles a case of contaminated lemonade that causes a “brownout.”
“American Vandal” is a clever and hilarious parody of the true-crime genre. Despite its absurd premises, the show offers a surprisingly insightful look into teenage life and the nature of truth in the social media age. It’s a binge-worthy mystery that is both funny and unexpectedly compelling.
The OA (2016)
A young woman named Prairie Johnson, who was blind when she disappeared seven years earlier, returns to her hometown with her sight restored. Calling herself “The OA,” she assembles a group of locals and tells them her incredible, mysterious story, which involves captivity and interdimensional travel.
“The OA” is a mind-bending series that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. It is known for its ambitious and unconventional storytelling, which has captivated and puzzled audiences. Though canceled after two seasons, the show has a passionate following due to its unique premise and emotional depth.
Godless (2017)
In this Western miniseries, a notorious outlaw is on the run from his former mentor and ends up in La Belle, New Mexico, a town populated almost entirely by women after a mining disaster. The town’s residents must band together to defend themselves when the outlaw’s gang comes seeking revenge.
“Godless” is a visually stunning series that revitalizes the Western genre. It features a strong ensemble cast, including Jeff Daniels and Michelle Dockery, and has been praised for its beautiful cinematography and character-driven story. It’s a classic Western tale with a fresh perspective.
Kingdom (2019)
Set in Korea’s medieval Joseon period, this series follows a crown prince who is sent to investigate a mysterious plague spreading across his country. He discovers that the disease is a form of zombism, and he must fight to protect his people while navigating political conspiracies.
“Kingdom” is a thrilling blend of historical drama and zombie horror. The series is praised for its fast-paced action, stunning set pieces, and political intrigue. It offers a unique and suspenseful take on the zombie genre that has been well-received by critics and audiences worldwide.
On My Block (2018)
This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a group of four street-savvy friends navigating their way through high school in a rough inner-city neighborhood of Los Angeles. The series tackles issues of friendship, romance, and gang violence with a mix of humor and heart.
“On My Block” has been praised for its diverse cast and its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with serious, dramatic moments. The characters are relatable and their adventures are both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the teen genre.
Dear White People (2017)
Based on the 2014 film of the same name, this series follows a group of Black students at a predominantly white Ivy League university. Through a satirical lens, the show explores issues of race, identity, and social justice as the characters navigate campus life.
“Dear White People” is a sharp, witty, and timely series that tackles complex social issues with intelligence and humor. Each episode focuses on a different character’s perspective, providing a nuanced look at the various challenges and experiences of students of color in a modern academic setting.
Bodyguard (2018)
This British political thriller stars Richard Madden as a war veteran with PTSD who is assigned to protect a controversial and powerful Home Secretary. He finds himself torn between his duty and his personal beliefs, all while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
“Bodyguard” is a tense and action-packed series that became a massive hit in the U.K. It features a gripping plot with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Madden’s performance as the volatile but dedicated bodyguard is a standout.
Travelers (2016)
This sci-fi series centers on a group of people from the future whose consciousnesses are sent back in time to the 21st century. Inhabiting the bodies of individuals who are about to die, they work in secret to prevent a series of disasters that will lead to a bleak future for humanity.
“Travelers” is an intelligent and character-driven science fiction show with a compelling premise. It focuses on the ethical and personal challenges the characters face as they assume new lives while carrying the weight of their missions. The series ran for three seasons, offering a complete and satisfying story arc.
Love, Death & Robots (2019)
This adult animated anthology series presents a collection of short stories that span various genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy. Each episode is created by a different team of animators and tells a standalone story with a unique visual style.
“Love, Death & Robots” is a visually inventive and narratively diverse series for mature audiences. The shorts range from thought-provoking to purely entertaining, showcasing a wide array of animation techniques and storytelling approaches. It’s a creative and often stunning showcase of the possibilities of animation.
Tuca & Bertie (2019)
This animated series follows the friendship between two 30-something bird-women who live in the same apartment building. Tuca is a carefree and impulsive toucan, while Bertie is an anxious and thoughtful song thrush. The show explores their adventures in life, love, and their careers.
“Tuca & Bertie” is a vibrant and surreal comedy that addresses adult themes with humor and heart. Though it was initially canceled by Netflix after one season, its unique voice and relatable portrayal of female friendship earned it a strong cult following and a revival on another network.
Anne with an E (2017)
Inspired by the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables,” this series reimagines the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with an aging brother and sister. The show takes a grittier and more realistic look at Anne’s difficult past and her life in Avonlea.
“Anne with an E” is a beautifully filmed and emotionally rich adaptation that expands on the world of the original books. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and prejudice with a depth that has resonated with fans. Despite its cancellation after three seasons, the show remains beloved for its passionate storytelling.
Alias Grace (2017)
Based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, this miniseries tells the story of Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and domestic servant in 19th-century Canada who was convicted of a brutal murder. A psychiatrist is hired to assess her mental state, and he becomes drawn into her complex and ambiguous story.
“Alias Grace” is a gripping and atmospheric psychological thriller with a stellar performance by Sarah Gadon as Grace. The series masterfully builds suspense and explores themes of class, gender, and memory. As a six-part miniseries, it offers a complete and thought-provoking narrative.
Unbelievable (2019)
This miniseries is based on the true story of a teenager who reports being raped but is later pressured to recant her story. Years later, two female detectives in another state connect a series of similar attacks and work together to uncover the truth and find the serial rapist.
“Unbelievable” is a powerful and important drama that highlights the experiences of sexual assault survivors and the detectives who fight for them. It has been widely praised for its sensitive storytelling and the outstanding performances of its cast, including Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, and Merritt Wever.
I Am Not Okay with This (2020)
This series follows a teenage girl who is navigating the complexities of high school, family, and her budding sexuality. At the same time, she begins to discover that she has mysterious superpowers that emerge when she feels intense emotions.
Based on a graphic novel, “I Am Not Okay with This” is a dark comedy with a unique blend of coming-of-age drama and supernatural thriller. With a short, binge-worthy season, the show quickly builds a compelling world and a complex central character before its surprising and explosive finale.
Dark (2017)
This German-language science fiction thriller is set in a small town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the fractured relationships and dark secrets of four families. The story takes a supernatural turn, involving time travel and a conspiracy that spans multiple generations.
“Dark” is a complex and intricately plotted series that demands the viewer’s full attention. It is known for its moody atmosphere, philosophical themes, and mind-bending twists. The show has been critically acclaimed for its ambitious narrative and satisfying three-season arc.
