Most Overrated TV Shows Everyone Seems to Like

These shows drew massive audiences, inspired nonstop conversation, and racked up headlines, merch, and memes. Below you’ll find quick snapshots covering what each series is about, who made it, how long it ran, and the milestones it hit along the way. To keep things clear, each entry notes where it originally aired so you can place it in TV history at a glance.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novels, this fantasy epic followed rival houses vying for power across Westeros. It became a global phenomenon with record viewership and dozens of Emmy wins. The series introduced sprawling ensembles and complex political arcs led by showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It premiered on HBO, which invested heavily in large-scale production values.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic, the show tracks survivors navigating a zombie-ravaged America. It sparked a franchise with multiple spin-offs and event seasons. The series became known for extended arcs, practical effects, and an evolving roster of leads. It aired on AMC, which positioned it as a flagship drama.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016– )

Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, the story blends sci-fi horror with 1980s nostalgia and a young ensemble cast. Created by the Duffer Brothers, it leans into government labs, alternate dimensions, and creature mysteries. The show helped fuel synth-heavy soundtracks and retro aesthetics in mainstream TV. It streams as a Netflix original, which released seasons in binge-ready batches.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

This ensemble sitcom follows six friends living in Manhattan with storylines centered on relationships and careers. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, it became a cornerstone of syndicated television worldwide. The series produced highly rated finales and enduring catchphrases. It originally aired on NBC as part of its comedy lineup.

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

Focused on scientists and their social lives, the sitcom mixes workplace and apartment settings with recurring comic book and sci-fi references. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, it ran for twelve seasons and generated a successful prequel. The show frequently topped weekly ratings and sold extensive merchandise. It aired on CBS in prime time.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

A plane crash strands passengers on a mysterious island where time, memory, and fate intertwine. Created by J. J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, it popularized puzzle-box storytelling and sprawling mythology. The series used flashbacks and flash-forwards to reveal character histories. It aired on ABC and anchored its drama slate for years.

‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005–2014)

Told through a future father’s narration, this sitcom chronicles a New York friend group and the long path to meeting the title character. Created by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, it employed running gags and time jumps across nine seasons. The show produced a spin-off and maintained strong rerun performance. It aired on CBS alongside other multi-camera comedies.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

This musical dramedy follows a high school glee club balancing competitions with personal challenges. The series delivered charting soundtrack albums and elaborate performance numbers. It tackled topical issues through themed episodes and guest stars. It aired on Fox and became a tentpole for its music-driven programming.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Inspired by Archie Comics, the series reimagines familiar characters in a darker, mystery-driven setting. Storylines ranged from small-town conspiracies to ambitious genre twists. The show built a dedicated online following and frequent social media trends. It aired on The CW, which targeted a teen and young adult audience.

‘Euphoria’ (2019– )

This high school drama explores identity, addiction, and relationships with stylized cinematography and original music. Created by Sam Levinson, it features standout performances and a distinctive visual approach. Episodes often focus on character-centric arcs with experimental structure. It airs on HBO and became a centerpiece for prestige teen drama.

‘Squid Game’ (2021– )

Contestants in debt compete in deadly versions of children’s games for a massive cash prize. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series drew worldwide attention and inspired extensive cultural discourse and costumes. It led to global awards recognition and a competitive reality spin-off. It is a Netflix original and part of the streamer’s international hits strategy.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A mastermind known as the Professor leads meticulously planned heists with codenamed thieves. The series gained momentum after international distribution, expanding into multiple parts and a related spin-off. Iconic red jumpsuits and a signature anthem became part of its brand. It began on Spain’s Antena 3 before reaching a wider audience via Netflix.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018– )

Centered on the Dutton family, the series depicts land conflicts, ranch operations, and political maneuvering in Montana. Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, it spurred several prequels and a connected universe. Strong ratings helped shape modern Western drama on cable. It airs on Paramount Network as a flagship scripted title.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

Based on Jay Asher’s novel, the show examines a community after a teenager’s death and the tapes she left behind. The series prompted widespread discussion and updates to content advisories. Over multiple seasons it expanded to legal and restorative themes. It is a Netflix original produced with a focus on teen and young adult viewers.

‘The Witcher’ (2019– )

Adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, the fantasy series follows Geralt of Rivia through monster contracts and political intrigue. It uses interwoven timelines, sword choreography, and continent-spanning lore. The show broadened its universe with spin-offs and animated specials. It is a Netflix original positioned as a major genre franchise.

‘True Detective’ (2014– )

This anthology crime series presents self-contained investigations with shifting casts and time frames. It became known for cinematic directors, long takes, and nonlinear storytelling across its seasons. The show has earned multiple awards and drew high-profile leads. It airs on HBO as part of its prestige drama slate.

‘The Mandalorian’ (2019– )

Set in the ‘Star Wars’ universe, the series follows a bounty hunter and a mysterious child through frontier-style adventures. It popularized virtual production techniques using large LED stages. The show expanded the franchise with recurring characters and connected spin-offs. It streams on Disney Plus as one of the platform’s flagship originals.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023– )

Adapted from the video game, the series traces a cross-country journey through a post-outbreak America. The production features practical sets, large-scale location shoots, and original music cues tied to the game. Episodes highlight standalone character chapters alongside the central duo. It airs on HBO with simultaneous streaming on Max.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Inspired by Michael Crichton’s concept, the series explores artificial consciousness and themed parks. It employed puzzle-box timelines, high-end visual effects, and frequent cast reshuffles. The show received numerous technical awards and soundtrack recognition. It aired on HBO as a major science fiction production.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020– )

This comedy-drama follows a marketing executive who relocates to Paris for a career opportunity. It features fashion-forward wardrobes, location-heavy shoots, and episodic workplace storylines. The series has been nominated for awards in comedy categories and costumes. It streams on Netflix as part of its international originals lineup.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017– )

Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, the series portrays a theocratic society and the women living under it. Seasons expanded the narrative beyond the original book with new arcs and locations. The production is noted for its visual motifs and recurring color palettes. It streams on Hulu and has been a centerpiece of the service’s drama offerings.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Modernizing Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective, the series presents feature-length cases across four series and specials. It uses stylized on-screen text and rapid visual deduction sequences. The show received international broadcasts and strong awards attention. It aired on BBC One in the UK with co-production support for U.S. distribution on PBS.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011– )

This anthology presents new horror settings each season with a rotating ensemble cast. It blends original concepts with historical references and recurring performers. The franchise has expanded into companion series and themed spin-offs. It airs on FX with next-day streaming on Hulu.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

Adapted from the British miniseries, the political drama follows a congressman and his partner navigating Washington. It helped define the early era of binge releases with full-season drops. The production received awards for direction, cinematography, and performances. It streams on Netflix as one of the service’s earliest high-profile dramas.

‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–2023)

The series follows an American coach hired to lead a Premier League club with an emphasis on locker room dynamics. It incorporates single-camera comedy, ensemble arcs, and football choreography on large fields. The show earned multiple awards in comedy categories and spawned companion documentaries. It streams on Apple TV Plus as a cornerstone of its comedy slate.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021– )

Three neighbors create a true-crime podcast while investigating deaths in their Manhattan building. The series features seasonal mysteries, guest star cameos, and New York location work. It integrates podcast episodes and in-world media as story devices. It streams on Hulu and releases new seasons with weekly drops.

‘The Boys’ (2019– )

Set in a world where superheroes are corporate assets, the show follows a vigilante team confronting a powerful league. It is known for practical effects, stylized action, and satirical media interludes. The franchise has expanded into spin-offs and animated shorts. It streams on Amazon Prime Video as a marquee genre title.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

A chemistry teacher turns to manufacturing methamphetamine, drawing his family and associates into escalating conflicts. The series is noted for careful visual symbolism, time-lapse montages, and location shooting in Albuquerque. It led to a prequel and an epilogue film. It aired on AMC and built a strong following through cable and streaming.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

This drama follows a media dynasty through boardroom battles, family politics, and corporate intrigue. The show uses on-location shooting, handheld camerawork, and rapid dialogue rhythms. It received numerous awards across writing, acting, and directing. It aired on HBO with concurrent availability on Max.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This historical drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II with cast changes across eras. The production is known for elaborate sets, period costumes, and large ensemble storytelling. Seasons focus on key decades and headline events with parallel personal arcs. It streams on Netflix as one of the platform’s signature prestige dramas.

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

This sitcom follows a stand-up comedian and his friends navigating everyday quirks in New York City. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, it popularized observational humor and self-referential storytelling. The series delivered many recurring bits and catchphrases that spread through syndication. It aired on NBC during a key era for its comedy block.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

This mockumentary charts the lives of employees at a paper company in Scranton with talking-head interviews and awkward office antics. Developed by Greg Daniels from the British original, it shifted from cringe humor to ensemble character arcs. The series helped launch several cast members to larger projects and spun off web content. It aired on NBC and became a staple of workplace sitcoms.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020)

Presented as a faux documentary, the series centers on an extended family across multiple households in Los Angeles. Created by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, it mixed domestic storylines with school and work subplots. The show earned numerous awards and ran for eleven seasons with holiday episodes as recurring highlights. It aired on ABC as a marquee family comedy.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005– )

This medical drama follows surgical interns and attendings at a Seattle hospital through rotating cases and long-running relationships. Created by Shonda Rhimes, it features narrations, music-driven finales, and crossover episodes. The series introduced spin-offs and sustained high episode counts across many seasons. It airs on ABC and anchors the network’s medical lineup.

‘House’ (2004–2012)

The series centers on a diagnostician who leads a team tackling rare medical cases with unconventional methods. Created by David Shore, it used mystery-of-the-week formats tied to character arcs. The show highlighted medical puzzles with whiteboard scenes and visualizations of symptoms. It aired on Fox and maintained strong ratings across its run.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

This crime drama follows a forensic blood spatter analyst who lives a secret life as a vigilante killer. Based on Jeff Lindsay’s novels, it combined procedural elements with season-long adversaries. The series earned awards and later returned with a limited follow-up. It aired on Showtime and became one of the channel’s signature titles.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

This thriller tracks intelligence operations through shifting allegiances and international settings. Developed by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, it adapted an Israeli series and expanded its scope each season. The show emphasized surveillance themes, field operations, and political repercussions. It aired on Showtime and frequently premiered new seasons in the fall.

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Set in a women’s prison, the series blends drama and comedy while tracing inmates’ backstories through flashbacks. Created by Jenji Kohan, it broadened the ensemble over time and addressed institutional policies. The show was an early driver of binge viewing and awards recognition for streaming originals. It streams on Netflix where it ran for seven seasons.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

This period crime saga follows a Birmingham gang and its leader as the group expands business and political influence. Created by Steven Knight, it features stylized production design and needle-drop music choices. The series moved across historical events while introducing rival factions and law enforcement antagonists. It aired on BBC Two in the UK before later seasons shifted to BBC One, with wider distribution via streaming.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

A financial advisor relocates his family to the Ozarks and becomes entangled in criminal enterprises. Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams, the series emphasizes money laundering logistics and shifting alliances. It used a multi-part final season to close character arcs and long-running conflicts. It streams on Netflix as a dark crime drama.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This crime series dramatizes the rise and pursuit of drug cartels with interwoven law enforcement perspectives. Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, it employed narration and archival-style footage. The franchise continued with a companion series set in Mexico under a new lead. It streams on Netflix and helped expand its international crime slate.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

The superhero series follows a forensic scientist who gains super speed and forms a team to confront metahuman threats. Developed by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Geoff Johns, it embraced crossover events and alternate timelines. The show became part of a larger connected universe with annual multi-part episodes. It aired on The CW and ran for nine seasons.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Two brothers hunt ghosts, demons, and other creatures while uncovering long-running myth arcs. Created by Eric Kripke, it shifted from road-motel cases to season-spanning battles with recurring allies and foes. The series became known for meta episodes and fan conventions. It aired on The WB for its first season and then on The CW for the remainder of its run.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Set in a world where synthetic blood allows vampires to live openly, the series explores small-town politics and supernatural factions. Created by Alan Ball from Charlaine Harris’s novels, it introduced multiple creature types and seasonal villains. The show leaned on ensemble storytelling with recurring bar and council settings. It aired on HBO during the peak of genre television.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

This historical drama follows Norse explorers and rulers through raids, alliances, and family power struggles. Created by Michael Hirst, it used on-location shoots and ship set pieces to stage battles and voyages. The series later spun off a companion continuation with new characters and time periods. It aired on History in North America and reached global audiences through streaming partners.

Share which shows you think get the most hype in the comments.