Insane 2010s TV Shows You Forgot About (& Need to Rewatch Again)

The last decade provided an explosion of content that critics often refer to as the era of Peak TV. Networks and streaming services took massive risks on high-concept science fiction and bizarre comedies that pushed the boundaries of storytelling. Many of these series burned bright and fast or developed cult followings that persist long after their cancellation. This list revisits the wildest and most unique shows from the 2010s that deserve a second look today.

‘Happy Endings’ (2011–2013)

This fast-paced ensemble comedy follows six best friends in Chicago after a wedding altar breakup shakes their dynamic. The group refuses to split up and instead navigates the awkwardness with rapid-fire jokes and bizarre slang. Each character brings a distinct eccentric energy that makes the group chemistry undeniable. Critics and fans continue to praise the show for its joke density and refusal to take itself seriously.

‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23’ (2012–2013)

A wide-eyed girl from the Midwest moves to New York City and ends up with a sociopathic roommate named Chloe. Krysten Ritter plays the titular character who constantly drags her neighbors into chaotic schemes. James Van Der Beek stars as a heightened version of himself trying to revive his acting career. The series garnered a cult following for its sharp wit and darker approach to the traditional sitcom format.

‘Man Seeking Woman’ (2015–2017)

This surreal comedy takes a literal approach to the nightmares of modern dating. A young man named Josh navigates relationships where blind dates are actual trolls and ex-girlfriends date Adolf Hitler. The show uses absurd visual metaphors to explore feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. It stands out as one of the most creative and visually inventive comedies of the decade.

‘Wilfred’ (2011–2014)

A depressed man forms a unique bond with his neighbor’s dog who he perceives as a man in a cheap dog suit. Elijah Wood and Jason Gann star in this dark comedy about mental health and friendship. The dog smokes cigarettes and manipulates his human companion into awkward social situations. The series blends crude humor with surprising psychological depth throughout its four seasons.

‘The Last Man on Earth’ (2015–2018)

Will Forte created and stars in this post-apocalyptic comedy about a man who believes he is the sole survivor of a virus. He travels the country leaving signs for other survivors while indulging in destructive behavior. The cast grows over time to include a quirky group of survivors who struggle to coexist. It maintained a unique balance of existential dread and silly humor until its abrupt cancellation.

‘Galavant’ (2015–2016)

A dashing knight goes on a musical quest to reclaim his reputation and rescue his lost love from an evil king. The series parodies medieval fantasy tropes with catchy original songs and meta-humor. Timothy Omundson steals the show as the effeminate and insecure King Richard. It remains a rare example of a network musical comedy that fully embraced its own absurdity.

‘Suburgatory’ (2011–2014)

A single father moves his teenage daughter from New York City to the suburbs to give her a better life. They soon discover that their new community is filled with plastic people and bizarre social rituals. The show uses heightened satire to poke fun at suburban excess and teenage angst. Jane Levy delivers a standout performance as the cynical outsider observing the madness around her.

‘Selfie’ (2014)

Karen Gillan stars as a social media obsessed woman who hires a marketing expert to rebrand her real-life image. John Cho plays the uptight professional who tries to teach her about genuine human connection. The show suffered from a misleading title but offered a charming modern retelling of Pygmalion. Fans rallied to save the series after its cancellation due to the incredible chemistry between the two leads.

‘The Grinder’ (2015–2016)

Rob Lowe plays a famous TV lawyer who returns home to join his family’s actual law firm despite having no legal degree. Fred Savage plays his brother who is a real lawyer and finds himself overshadowed by the celebrity charisma. The show brilliantly satirizes legal procedurals and the nature of fame. It remains one of the most acclaimed single-season comedies for its smart writing and meta-commentary.

‘Better Off Ted’ (2009–2010)

This corporate satire focuses on the head of research at a soulless mega-corporation called Veridian Dynamics. The company creates morally questionable products like motion sensors that do not see black people. Portia de Rossi shines as the cold and calculating boss who values profit over human life. Although it started just before the decade began, it found its true audience via streaming in the 2010s.

‘Raising Hope’ (2010–2014)

A young man becomes a single father after a one-night stand with a serial killer who is subsequently executed. He raises the baby with the help of his eccentric and impoverished family. The show balances gross-out humor with genuinely sweet moments about family loyalty. It features a stellar cast including Cloris Leachman as the bewildered great-grandmother.

‘Cougar Town’ (2009–2015)

Courteney Cox stars as a recently divorced woman navigating life and dating in Florida. The show quickly abandoned its initial premise to focus on the wine-drinking camaraderie of a tight-knit friend group. The characters created their own vocabulary and engaged in recurring gags like the Penny Can game. It evolved into a comforting hangout comedy about friendship and adult life.

‘Review’ (2014–2017)

Andy Daly plays a critic who reviews life experiences rather than movies or food. He commits fully to requests such as divorce or addiction with disastrous consequences for his personal life. The mockumentary format highlights the protagonist’s descent into madness as he refuses to quit his job. It serves as a dark and hilarious examination of obsession and professional integrity.

‘Nathan For You’ (2013–2017)

Business school graduate Nathan Fielder offers struggling companies terrible advice that he pitches with a straight face. He convinces business owners to implement insane strategies like poop-flavored frozen yogurt or soundproof boxes for children. The show blurs the line between reality and performance art. It creates agonizingly awkward moments that are impossible to look away from.

‘The Eric Andre Show’ (2012–Present)

This public access talk show parody deconstructs the format with chaotic energy and physical comedy. Eric Andre torments his celebrity guests with bizarre questions and destruction of the set. Hannibal Buress serves as the deadpan sidekick who balances the manic behavior of the host. The show became a viral sensation for its surreal sketches and uncomfortable interviews.

‘Portlandia’ (2011–2018)

Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein created this sketch show that lovingly mocks the hipster culture of Portland. Recurring characters include feminist bookstore owners and militant bicyclists who terrorize the city. The series captures the specific quirks of the 2010s artisan obsessed culture. It popularized the phrase Put a bird on it and defined a specific era of alternative comedy.

‘HITOSHI MATSUMOTO Presents Documental’ (2016–Present)

Ten comedians are locked in a room and must try to make each other laugh while remaining stone-faced themselves. The Japanese series created by Hitoshi Matsumoto features extreme and often crude attempts at humor. Participants lose money every time they laugh until one winner remains. It offers a fascinating and hysterical look into the psychology of comedians under pressure.

‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ (2016–2017)

An eccentric detective and his reluctant assistant investigate supernatural mysteries where everything is connected. The plot involves time travel and body swapping alongside a holistic assassin. Elijah Wood and Samuel Barnett lead a cast that navigates increasingly complex and violent scenarios. The show is a colorful and chaotic adaptation of the Douglas Adams novels.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

A small-town pastor possessed by a powerful entity travels across the country to find God. He is joined by his volatile ex-girlfriend and an Irish vampire on a violent road trip. The series features explosive action sequences and dark humor that pushes the boundaries of basic cable. It adapts the acclaimed comic book with a unique visual style and memorable characters.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

David Haller is a mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia who discovers his mental illness may actually be a superpower. The show takes place in the X-Men universe but focuses on psychological horror and surreal imagery. Dan Stevens delivers a mesmerizing performance as the powerful yet unstable protagonist. It stands out as an art-house take on the superhero genre.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

An ex-convict becomes the bodyguard for a mysterious man named Mr. Wednesday who is actually the god Odin. They travel across America recruiting old gods to fight a war against the new gods of technology and media. The series is visually stunning and filled with mythical lore. It struggled with behind-the-scenes drama but offered a unique fantasy vision.

‘HAPPY!’ (2017–2019)

Christopher Meloni plays a disgraced detective turned hitman who begins hallucinating a blue flying unicorn. The imaginary friend named Happy tries to convince him to rescue a kidnapped girl. The show combines gritty crime drama with Looney Tunes logic and extreme violence. It is a wild ride that never lets up on the insanity.

‘Future Man’ (2017–2020)

A janitor beats an unbeatable video game and is recruited by soldiers from the future to save humanity. Josh Hutcherson stars in this sci-fi comedy that parodies time travel movies and pop culture. The show features crude humor and surprisingly well-choreographed action scenes. It explores the consequences of altering the timeline in hilarious ways.

‘Misfits’ (2009–2013)

Five young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning and develop superpowers. The British series focuses on their attempts to cover up an accidental murder while dealing with their new abilities. The cast features a breakout performance by Robert Sheehan as the immortal smart-talker Nathan. It remains a gritty and realistic take on the superhero genre.

‘Utopia’ (2013–2014)

A group of comic book fans finds a graphic novel that predicts future disasters. They are hunted by a shadowy organization that will stop at nothing to retrieve the manuscript. The British original is known for its vibrant color palette and shocking violence. It presents a terrifying conspiracy thriller that feels disturbingly plausible.

‘Humans’ (2015–2018)

Robotic servants known as Synths become a common household item in a parallel present. A group of conscious Synths fights for their freedom while a human family gets caught in the middle. The show explores themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be alive. It offers a grounded and emotional approach to the robot uprising narrative.

‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones who discover they are part of an illegal scientific experiment. The clones must work together to uncover the conspiracy and protect their loved ones. Maslany won an Emmy for her ability to play distinct characters often in the same scene. The show is a fast-paced thriller that explores identity and bodily autonomy.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

Eight strangers from around the world discover they are mentally and emotionally linked. The Wachowskis created this ambitious series that filmed on location in multiple countries. The characters share skills and knowledge to evade a global organization hunting them down. It is celebrated for its diverse cast and message of radical empathy.

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

A blind woman returns after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored and strange scars on her back. She recruits five locals to listen to her story and learn movements that can open interdimensional portals. The show features a complex narrative that demands the audience’s full attention. It gained a passionate following for its spiritual themes and emotional storytelling.

‘Awake’ (2012)

A detective lives in two parallel realities after a car accident involving his family. In one reality his wife survived and in the other his son survived. Jason Isaacs gives a powerful performance as a man refusing to choose between his loved ones. The procedural elements are elevated by the heartbreaking central mystery.

’12 Monkeys’ (2015–2018)

A time traveler from a dystopian future arrives in the present to stop a deadly plague. The series expands on the 1995 film with a complex mythology and changing timelines. It features intricate plotting that rewards close viewing and character development. The show is often cited as one of the best time travel series ever made.

‘Travelers’ (2016–2018)

Operatives from the future transfer their consciousness into the bodies of people moments before their death. They assume the lives of their hosts while working secretly to save the world from collapse. The show balances high-stakes missions with the domestic drama of maintaining a cover identity. It offers a smart and character-driven take on time travel.

‘Continuum’ (2012–2015)

A police officer from the year 2077 is trapped in present-day Vancouver along with a group of terrorists. She teams up with a young tech genius to stop the criminals from altering history. The series explores the ethics of corporate control and the consequences of technology. It delivers satisfying action and a thoughtful conclusion to its time loops.

‘Alphas’ (2011–2012)

A team of ordinary people with extraordinary neurological abilities solves crimes for the government. The powers come with physical and mental downsides that the characters must manage. David Strathairn leads the group as the compassionate doctor who guides them. The show was cancelled on a massive cliffhanger that still haunts fans.

‘Killjoys’ (2015–2019)

Three bounty hunters chase warrants across a four-planet system on the brink of class war. The team tries to remain neutral but eventually gets drawn into the political conflict. The show features great banter and a fun space opera atmosphere. It creates a rich world with its own slang and history.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Mads Mikkelsen stars as the iconic cannibal psychiatrist before his capture. He manipulates FBI profiler Will Graham into a dark psychological game. The series is known for its stunning visual style and grotesque yet artistic crime scenes. It pushes the boundaries of network television with its horror elements.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

This prequel to Psycho follows a young Norman Bates and his mother Norma as they open a motel. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga deliver intense performances as the co-dependent duo. The show explores Norman’s descent into madness and the tragic bond with his mother. It successfully modernizes the classic story while respecting the source material.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

Iconic characters from Victorian literature like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray converge in London. Eva Green gives a tour-de-force performance as a medium fighting for her soul against dark forces. The show features lush production design and poetic dialogue. It is a gothic horror masterpiece that treats its monsters with empathy.

‘The Strain’ (2014–2017)

Guillermo del Toro co-created this horror series about a viral outbreak that turns people into vampires. A team of unlikely heroes fights to save New York City from the ancient threat. The vampires are monstrous creatures with stinger tongues rather than romantic figures. It delivers gross-out horror and high-stakes action.

‘Channel Zero’ (2016–2018)

Each season of this anthology series adapts a different popular internet creepypasta. The stories range from a haunted children’s show to a house with endless rooms. It creates an unsettling atmosphere with surreal imagery and slow-building dread. The show offers some of the most unique horror storytelling on television.

‘Wayward Pines’ (2015–2016)

A secret service agent travels to a small Idaho town to find two missing agents. He discovers he cannot leave and the town operates under draconian rules. M. Night Shyamalan produced this mystery thriller that is filled with twists. The first season offers a complete and shocking story arc.

‘Zoo’ (2015–2017)

Animals around the world begin to coordinate attacks against humans due to a genetic mutation. A team of experts travels the globe to find a cure for the animal pandemic. The show is known for its increasingly wild plot points and lack of scientific logic. It is perfect for viewers who enjoy high-concept B-movie fun.

‘BrainDead’ (2016)

Alien bugs infect members of Congress and cause them to become political extremists. A documentary filmmaker discovers the conspiracy when heads literally start exploding. The show satirizes the polarized political climate of Washington through a sci-fi lens. It features musical recaps that became a trademark of its short run.

‘Limitless’ (2015–2016)

This sequel to the film follows a man who discovers the power of the drug NZT-48. He uses his enhanced cognitive abilities to solve cases for the FBI. The show creates a unique visual style to represent the protagonist’s thought process. It balances procedural elements with a fun and lighthearted tone.

‘Terra Nova’ (2011)

Humans from a dying Earth travel back 85 million years to establish a colony in the age of dinosaurs. The settlers face threats from the prehistoric wildlife and a splinter group of humans. The show featured high production values and ambitious special effects. It remains a fascinating example of a big-budget network swing that didn’t quite land.

Tell us which forgotten 2010s gem you are planning to binge next in the comments.