Greatest TV Shows You Forgot About (& It’s Time for a Rewatch)

Some series slip out of the spotlight even though they still deliver great stories, rich characters, and unforgettable moments. If you have been wondering what to queue up next, here are shows that quietly set the bar and deserve another run from start to finish. You will find clever premises, bold creative choices, and standout performances that hold up beautifully today. A quick reminder of where they originally aired is included so you can place them in their proper TV home.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

An FBI unit investigates strange phenomena that tie into a larger mystery about identity and choice. Created by J J Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, it blends case of the week investigations with an evolving mythology. Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, and John Noble anchor the ensemble with emotionally precise work. It originally aired on Fox.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

This character driven drama follows a ragtag team chasing the personal computer boom and the early internet. Created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C Rogers, it tracks shifting alliances across startups and big tech. Lee Pace, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Kerry Bishé bring layered arcs that reward patient viewing. It originally aired on AMC.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

A global event leaves a fraction of the population gone without explanation and the world struggles to make sense of the loss. Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta adapt the novel into a meditative series about grief, faith, and renewal. Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Regina King headline a cast that delivers quietly devastating work. It originally aired on HBO.

‘Terriers’ (2010)

Two unlicensed private investigators take on small cases that spiral into a larger conspiracy in a coastal town. Created by Ted Griffin with Shawn Ryan producing, it mixes sharp humor with grounded crime storytelling. Donal Logue and Michael Raymond James build a lived in partnership that feels instantly real. It originally aired on FX.

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

A pie maker can bring the dead back to life with a touch which complicates his love life and a quirky detective business. Bryan Fuller’s playful storytelling blends romance, mystery, and fairy tale visuals with precision. Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, and Kristin Chenoweth keep the tone buoyant and heartfelt. It originally aired on ABC.

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

A reclusive billionaire builds a surveillance system that flags violent crimes before they happen and recruits an ex operative to intervene. Jonathan Nolan steers the show from procedural roots into thoughtful science fiction about AI and privacy. Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, and Amy Acker lead a rotating team that evolves across the run. It originally aired on CBS.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

A gifted profiler forms a dangerous bond with a brilliant psychiatrist who hides a monstrous secret. Bryan Fuller reimagines the novels with operatic visuals and a focus on psychological tension. Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy deliver a mesmerizing cat and mouse dynamic. It originally aired on NBC.

‘Rectify’ (2013–2016)

After many years on death row, a man returns to his small town and tries to rebuild his life while doubts and resentments linger. Created by Ray McKinnon, the series studies trauma, forgiveness, and family with quiet intensity. Aden Young, Abigail Spencer, and Adelaide Clemens carry scenes that breathe and unfold with patience. It originally aired on SundanceTV.

‘Banshee’ (2013–2016)

An ex con assumes a false identity to become the sheriff of a small town where he has unfinished business. Created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler, it blends propulsive action with noir storytelling. Antony Starr, Ivana Miličević, and Ulrich Thomsen keep the stakes high across tight arcs. It originally aired on Cinemax.

‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

A streetwise survivor discovers she is one of many genetically identical women caught in a secretive experiment. Created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett, it spins a thriller that doubles as a study of identity and autonomy. Tatiana Maslany’s multi role performance remains a benchmark for television acting. It originally aired on BBC America.

‘Patriot’ (2017–2018)

A melancholy intelligence officer uses a cover job at an industrial piping firm while juggling a risky mission and a complicated family. Steven Conrad crafts a dry, offbeat spy tale with original songs and meticulous detail. Michael Dorman, Terry O’Quinn, and Kurtwood Smith shape a world where every choice has weight. It originally streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Firefly’ (2002)

A crew of smugglers and outcasts crisscrosses the frontier of space while trying to stay one step ahead of the law. Joss Whedon blends western vibes with science fiction world building to create a found family adventure. Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, and Morena Baccarin lead a tight ensemble that clicks immediately. It originally aired on Fox.

‘The Knick’ (2014–2015)

Set at a bustling hospital, a pioneering surgeon pushes medical innovation while struggling with personal demons. Steven Soderbergh directs every episode with a crisp, immersive approach that heightens tension. Clive Owen heads a cast that explores ethics, class, and ambition inside the operating theater. It originally aired on Cinemax.

‘Utopia’ (2013–2014)

A group of strangers uncovers a cult conspiracy tied to a mysterious graphic novel and a shadowy organization. Dennis Kelly’s thriller balances grim intrigue with bold visual choices and memorable characters. The story moves with relentless momentum as the pieces lock into place. It originally aired on Channel 4.

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

A missing woman returns with new sight and a strange mission that draws in a circle of unlikely allies. Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, it blends mystery, science fiction, and spiritual searching with confidence. The show builds a unique language of storytelling that invites close attention. It originally streamed on Netflix.

‘Lodge 49’ (2018–2019)

A laid back ex surfer stumbles into a fraternal lodge that hints at secret histories and unexpected community. The story weaves blue collar struggles with gentle mysteries that gradually connect characters across the city. Wyatt Russell leads an ensemble that follows odd jobs, alchemy manuals, and small victories. It originally aired on AMC.

‘Counterpart’ (2017–2019)

A quiet Berlin office worker discovers a parallel world and a spy game that mirrors his own life. The narrative explores duplicate identities, long running covert programs, and a fragile diplomatic balance between two realities. J K Simmons plays both versions of the lead with sharply contrasted habits and goals. It originally aired on Starz.

‘Rubicon’ (2010)

An intelligence analyst uncovers patterns in crossword puzzles that point to a hidden organization influencing global events. The series focuses on research rooms, coded messages, and the politics inside a private think tank. Conspiracy threads unravel through meetings, file pulls, and careful observation rather than car chases. It originally aired on AMC.

‘Kings’ (2009)

A modern monarchy stands on shaky ground as a young soldier becomes a symbol for change. The show maps city power blocs, corporate interests, and military maneuvers inside a sleek contemporary setting. Symbolic gestures like public anointings and televised speeches shape the fate of the royal household. It originally aired on NBC.

‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)

A traveling carnival crosses Dust Bowl America while a preacher discovers abilities tied to an ancient struggle. Biblical motifs, dream sequences, and tarot imagery guide the movement of characters toward a prophesied clash. Historical detail grounds the route through small towns, revival tents, and migrant camps. It originally aired on HBO.

‘Enlightened’ (2011–2013)

After a personal crisis, a corporate employee returns determined to expose wrongdoing inside her own company. Office memos, data leaks, and compliance procedures become tools in a campaign for accountability. Interludes follow family dynamics and therapy sessions that influence choices on and off the job. It originally aired on HBO.

‘BrainDead’ (2016)

Staffers on Capitol Hill confront a strange infestation that changes behavior in surprising ways. Committee hearings, floor votes, and budget fights continue while the phenomenon spreads through back rooms and residences. The show tracks investigations using hard drives, security footage, and improvised lab work. It originally aired on CBS.

‘Travelers’ (2016–2018)

Operatives from the future inhabit present day bodies to alter key events with minimal disruption. Missions rely on strict protocols, case numbers, and a leader who coordinates updates through everyday devices. Personal lives complicate cover stories as teammates balance family obligations with directives. It originally streamed on Netflix.

‘The Middleman’ (2008)

A recent art school grad joins a secret agency that handles unusual threats using clean cut methods and specialized gadgets. Case files reference comic book style villains, dimensional rifts, and themed crime sprees. Training sequences stress discipline, euphemisms, and a code of conduct for hero work. It originally aired on ABC Family.

‘Wonderfalls’ (2004)

A souvenir shop clerk starts receiving cryptic instructions from inanimate objects that steer her into other people’s problems. Tasks lead through tourist spots, family dinners, and misadventures that resolve in unexpected ways. The format blends procedural objectives with a running thread about responsibility. It originally aired on Fox.

‘Almost Human’ (2013–2014)

A detective is partnered with a highly advanced android as they investigate crimes involving cutting edge tech. Episodes dive into black market implants, privacy breaches, and weapons sourced from experimental labs. Evidence gathering relies on biometric scans, encrypted chatter, and vault like warehouses. It originally aired on Fox.

‘Deutschland 83’ (2015)

An East German soldier is sent undercover to the West amid escalating Cold War tensions. Tradecraft involves dead drops, hotel meets, and radio intercepts alongside everyday duties on a NATO base. The soundtrack and uniforms trace the period’s military posture across both sides of the border. It originally aired on SundanceTV in the United States.

‘Men of a Certain Age’ (2009–2011)

Three longtime friends navigate family commitments, small business pressures, and health goals with regular meetups. Plots follow delivery routes, dealership sales targets, and overnight hikes that test resolve. Healthcare appointments and financial spreadsheets show how choices ripple through careers. It originally aired on TNT.

‘The 4400’ (2004–2007)

Thousands of people who vanished across decades suddenly return without aging and with unusual abilities. A federal task force catalogs cases, assigns handlers, and monitors how powers affect communities. Conflicts arise around quarantines, pharmaceutical interventions, and civil liberties. It originally aired on USA Network.

‘Dark Matter’ (2015–2017)

Six people wake up on a spaceship with no memories and must learn who they were before deciding who to become. Ship systems, cargo manifests, and criminal records gradually reveal past affiliations and enemies. Alliances shift as crews barter with corporations, stations, and mercenary outfits. It originally aired on Syfy.

‘Life’ (2007–2009)

A detective returns to the force after a wrongful conviction and uses Zen routines to navigate complex cases. The show tracks financial investigations, gang rivalries, and personal restitution claims tied to his past. Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi lead a team that maps evidence across whiteboards, crime scenes, and interrogation rooms. It originally aired on NBC.

‘Better Off Ted’ (2009–2010)

Set inside a hyper efficient conglomerate, a product development executive manages ethical puzzles and experimental rollouts. Scripts detail lab protocols, employee handbooks, and corporate memos that shape every project. Jay Harrington, Portia de Rossi, and Andrea Anders guide storylines through trials, marketing videos, and policy shifts. It originally aired on ABC.

‘Kingdom’ (2014–2017)

A family run mixed martial arts gym juggles training camps, contracts, and recovery plans for fighters. The narrative follows weigh ins, sponsorship deals, and commission hearings alongside personal setbacks and breakthroughs. Frank Grillo, Jonathan Tucker, and Nick Jonas anchor the gym’s schedule around bouts and sparring sessions. It originally aired on Audience Network.

‘Quarry’ (2016)

A Marine returns home and is pulled into a regional crime network that assigns contract work across the riverfront. The series charts payout ledgers, weapons drops, and cover identities with methodical detail. Logan Marshall Green leads operations that collide with local law enforcement and political stakeholders. It originally aired on Cinemax.

‘Boss’ (2011–2012)

A big city mayor manages alliances, public works, and campaign optics while concealing a serious medical diagnosis. The story shows how polling data, donor meetings, and city contracts influence strategy inside the administration. Kelsey Grammer, Connie Nielsen, and Hannah Ware portray shifting loyalties within staff and family circles. It originally aired on Starz.

‘Hap and Leonard’ (2016–2018)

Two friends in East Texas take on missing person cases and small time schemes that escalate into dangerous confrontations. Episodes trace back roads, pawn shops, and swampy hideouts while tracking clues and cash. James Purefoy and Michael K Williams front investigations that intersect with sheriffs, crooks, and drifters. It originally aired on SundanceTV.

‘Spaced’ (1999–2001)

Two strangers pose as a couple to secure a flat and then navigate London life with a rotating group of neighbors. References to comics, video games, and film genres structure many set pieces and gags. Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson, and Nick Frost drive stories around temp jobs, parties, and creative projects. It originally aired on Channel 4.

‘Misfits’ (2009–2013)

Young offenders on community service acquire abilities after an electrical storm and struggle to keep their lives intact. The show catalogs probation duties, secret meetings, and improvised fixes for accidents that follow. Iwan Rheon, Antonia Thomas, and Robert Sheehan headline arcs that move between estates, shelters, and safe houses. It originally aired on E4.

‘Continuum’ (2012–2015)

A detective from the future is stranded in the present and pursues a group of escapees tied to major corporations. Plotlines involve wearable tech, encrypted files, and venture capital ties that shape corporate influence. Rachel Nichols leads a unit that balances police procedures with emerging science. It originally aired on Showcase in Canada and on Syfy in the United States.

‘Berlin Station’ (2016–2019)

An American field office handles leaks, informants, and covert exchanges across embassies and safe flats in the German capital. Briefings cover burner phones, brush passes, and surveillance teams assigned to city districts. Richard Armitage, Rhys Ifans, and Michelle Forbes coordinate assets through overlapping operations. It originally aired on Epix.

‘Perpetual Grace, LTD’ (2019)

A drifter targets a pastor and his wife through a plan that hinges on identity theft and insurance plays. The plot tracks pawn tickets, bank authorizations, and remote motels while schemes shift and collide. Ben Kingsley, Jimmi Simpson, and Luis Guzmán move through a landscape of scams and counter moves. It originally aired on Epix.

‘The Get Down’ (2016–2017)

A group of teenagers in the South Bronx follows DJs, dancers, and graffiti crews as a new music scene forms. Production design maps clubs, rooftops, and train yards while recording sessions and block parties build momentum. Justice Smith, Herizen Guardiola, and Shameik Moore appear across performance showcases and neighborhood storylines. It originally streamed on Netflix.

‘Lilyhammer’ (2012–2014)

A mob figure relocates to a Norwegian town and starts fresh while juggling local business rules and old ties. The show follows immigration papers, storefront permits, and neighborhood committees that shape each venture. Steven Van Zandt leads negotiations with officials, rival crews, and new acquaintances. It originally streamed on Netflix.

‘The Good Guys’ (2010)

A veteran cop and a by the book partner chase small cases that morph into larger busts around Dallas. Case files move from pawn slips and storage lockers to kitchen supply trucks and suburban hideouts. Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks work stakeouts that unravel wider operations. It originally aired on Fox.

‘The River’ (2012)

A documentary crew searches for a missing explorer using GPS logs, found footage, and satellite calls deep in the rainforest. The investigation unpacks maps, talismans, and transmissions that point to a moving target. Bruce Greenwood, Joe Anderson, and Leslie Hope guide the expedition through checkpoints and camps. It originally aired on ABC.

Tell us which forgotten gem you are pressing play on next in the comments.