Most Underrated Streaming Series
One of the most underrated streaming series is "Patriot," available on Amazon Prime Video. Despite its critical acclaim and unique storytelling, it hasn't garnered the widespread attention it deserves. The show blends dark comedy, espionage, and family drama in a way that's both captivating and refreshingly different from typical spy thrillers.
Advertisement
Patriot centers on intelligence officer John Tavner, played by Michael Dorman, who is tasked with preventing Iran from going nuclear. To do this, he must assume an unassuming cover as an industrial piping company employee. The series stands out with its intricate plotting, offbeat humor, and deep character development. The show's creator, Steven Conrad, has crafted a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The characters are complex, each grappling with their own personal demons, which adds layers of depth to the story. The show's distinct visual style and clever use of music further enhance its unique charm. Despite its brilliance, "Patriot" remains underappreciated, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
"Patriot"View All"Patriot" - a loyal defender of their country.
"Counterpart"View All"Counterpart" - Spy thriller with parallel universe espionage and intrigue.
"Terriers"View All"Terriers" - Crime drama with witty private investigators in Ocean Beach.
"Dark"View All"Dark" - A mind-bending, time-travel German thriller series.
"The Expanse"View All"The Expanse" - Epic space opera with politics, mystery, and interstellar conflict.
"Kingdom"View All"Kingdom" - Medieval Korean zombie horror series.
"Halt and Catch Fire"View All"Halt and Catch Fire" - Tech entrepreneurs navigate 1980s computing industry challenges.
"Rectify"View All"Rectify" - a series about correcting wrongful convictions.
"Banshee"View All"Banshee" - Mythical spirit with a wailing cry signaling impending death.
"The Leftovers"View All"The Leftovers" - Survivors grapple with mysterious disappearance of 2% of population.
Most Underrated Streaming Series
1.
"Patriot"
"Patriot" is a dark comedy-drama television series created by Steven Conrad that premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The show follows John Tavner, an intelligence officer tasked with preventing Iran from going nuclear. To do so, he assumes a cover as an industrial piping firm employee, leading to a bizarre and often humorous blend of espionage and mundane corporate life. The series is notable for its dry wit, intricate plotting, and deep character development, exploring themes of duty, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of modern espionage.
Pros
Reliable- powerful
- advanced targeting
- versatile
- proven in combat.
Cons
Invasive surveillance- privacy concerns
- potential abuse
- costly
- undermines trust.
2.
"Counterpart"
"Counterpart" is a gripping science fiction thriller TV series that aired from 2017 to 2019. Starring J.K. Simmons, the show centers on Howard Silk, a mild-mannered UN employee who discovers that his organization is guarding a portal to a parallel universe. As he meets his doppelgänger from this alternate reality, Howard becomes embroiled in a complex web of espionage, intrigue, and identity. The series skillfully blends elements of spy drama with existential questions about destiny and self, delivering intense performances and a uniquely compelling narrative.
Pros
- Intriguing plot
- stellar acting
- complex characters
- and thought-provoking themes.
Cons
- Complex plot
- slow pacing
- demanding attention
- niche appeal.
3.
"Terriers"
Terriers are a diverse group of feisty, energetic dogs originally bred for hunting and pest control. Known for their bold and spirited nature, they exhibit a strong prey drive and tenacious personality. Terriers vary widely in size and appearance, from the small Yorkshire Terrier to the larger Airedale Terrier. They are highly intelligent, making them quick learners but also somewhat stubborn. Terriers require regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved. Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for active families.
Pros
- Loyal
- intelligent
- energetic
- low-shedding
- compact
- great watchdogs
- easy to train.
Cons
- High energy
- prone to barking
- stubborn
- requires constant mental stimulation.
4.
"Dark"
"Dark" is a German science fiction thriller series created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. It revolves around the small town of Winden, where the disappearance of two children exposes the secrets of four interconnected families. The show intricately explores themes of time travel, fate, and the cyclical nature of history. With a complex narrative structure that spans multiple timelines and generations, "Dark" delves into the profound impact of past actions on the present and future, challenging viewers to piece together its elaborate puzzle.
Pros
- Intriguing plot
- complex characters
- visually stunning
- thought-provoking themes.
Cons
- Complex plot
- slow pacing
- convoluted timelines
- demanding attention
- emotionally intense.
5.
"The Expanse"
"The Expanse" is a science fiction television series based on the novels by James S.A. Corey. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System, it follows a disparate group of characters including a police detective, a ship's officer, and a UN executive as they uncover a vast conspiracy threatening interplanetary peace. Known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and realistic depiction of space travel, the series explores themes of power, survival, and humanity's place in the cosmos. It has garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and visual effects.
Pros
- Complex characters
- gripping plot
- stunning visuals
- diverse representation
- hard science fiction.
Cons
- Uneven pacing
- complex plot
- some character development issues
- occasional CGI flaws.
6.
"Kingdom"
"Kingdom" is a South Korean historical horror-thriller series set during the Joseon Dynasty. It follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that resurrects the dead, threatening the kingdom's stability. Blending political intrigue with supernatural elements, the series explores themes of power, corruption, and survival. The visually stunning narrative is driven by intense action sequences and compelling character arcs. "Kingdom" has garnered acclaim for its unique fusion of genres, intricate storytelling, and high production values, making it a standout in both historical and horror television.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- strong characters
- historical elements
- intense zombie action.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- repetitive plot
- underdeveloped characters
- limited global appeal.
7.
"Halt and Catch Fire"
"Halt and Catch Fire" is a critically acclaimed American drama television series that aired from 2014 to 2017 on AMC. Set during the tech boom of the 1980s and early 1990s, the show follows a group of innovative engineers and entrepreneurs as they navigate the rapidly evolving computer industry. Key characters include visionary Joe MacMillan, computer prodigy Cameron Howe, and hardware genius Gordon Clark. The series explores themes of ambition, innovation, and personal sacrifice, offering a gripping portrayal of the challenges and triumphs in the race to revolutionize technology.
Pros
- Strong characters
- gripping storytelling
- 80s tech nostalgia
- excellent performances.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- unrealistic tech details
- underdeveloped side characters.
8.
"Rectify"
"Rectify" is an American television drama series created by Ray McKinnon that premiered in 2013. The show centers on Daniel Holden, who is released from death row after 19 years when DNA evidence casts doubt on his guilt. Set in a small Georgia town, the series explores Daniel's struggle to reintegrate into society and the impact of his imprisonment on his family and community. Notable for its deep character development, slow-burn narrative, and contemplative tone, "Rectify" has received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of redemption, justice, and human resilience.
Pros
- Innovative storytelling
- strong performances
- emotional depth
- and character development.
Cons
- Limited pacing
- complex plot
- niche appeal
- slow character development.
9.
"Banshee"
"Banshee" is an American action-drama television series created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler. It aired from 2013 to 2016 on Cinemax. The series is set in the fictional small town of Banshee in Pennsylvania Amish country and follows an ex-convict who assumes the identity of the town's murdered sheriff to impose his brand of justice. The show blends intense action sequences with complex character development, exploring themes of identity, redemption, and crime. It received praise for its bold storytelling, strong performances, particularly by Antony Starr, and its gritty, visceral style.
Pros
- Intense action
- strong characters
- gripping plot
- and unique storytelling.
Cons
- Inconsistent plot
- underdeveloped characters
- excessive violence
- unrealistic scenarios.
10.
"The Leftovers"
"The Leftovers" is an American television drama series that aired from 2014 to 2017 on HBO. Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, it's based on Perrotta's novel of the same name. The story unfolds in the wake of a global event called the "Sudden Departure," where 2% of the world's population inexplicably vanishes. The series focuses on the residents of Mapleton, New York, particularly the Garvey family, as they grapple with loss, existential questions, and search for meaning in a world changed forever. It's a profound exploration of grief, faith, and human resilience.
Pros
- Compelling narrative
- strong character development
- emotionally resonant
- thought-provoking themes.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- unresolved plot points
- polarizing character arcs.