Everyone talks about Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, Money Heist. But there are so many underrated series that never get the hype they deserve. These shows have strong stories, solid performances, and unique concepts – yet most people don’t even know about them.
I’ve picked 7 underrated series that deserve way more hype. Along with IMDB rating, OTT platforms, release year, and star cast, I’ll also explain what makes them worth watching.
And if you want to check out more hidden gems later, I’ve also linked to my guide on 10 Hidden Gem Shows You Probably Missed .
Kaleidoscope
Image : Netflix
IMDb Rating : 7.4/10
Star Cast :
Giancarlo Esposito, Paz Vega, Rufus Sewell
Release Year : 2023
OTT Platform : Netflix
This Netflix heist show lets you watch episodes in any order, which makes it different from the usual linear thrillers. Each episode has its own color and perspective, but together they form a bigger picture.
Why Watch :
If you’re bored of formula crime dramas, Kaleidoscope is one of those underrated series that flips storytelling rules
The OA
Image : Netflix
IMDb Rating : 7.8/10
Star Cast :
Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, Phyllis Smith
Release Year : 2016-2019
OTT Platform : Netflix
The OA is not a show for everyone. It’s weird, emotional, spiritual, and mysterious. It mixes sci-fi, fantasy, and deep philosophical themes.
Why Watch :
If you’re tired of safe content and want something bold, The OA is the definition of a must-watch underrated series.
Patriot
Image : Pinterest
IMDb Rating : 8.3/10
Star Cast :
Michael Dorman, Kurtwood Smith
Release Year : 2015-2018
OTT Platform : Amazon Prime Video
Patriot is about an intelligence officer who has to balance family issues with his spy life. It has dry humor, dark comedy, and some surprisingly heavy emotional scenes.
Why Watch :
If you liked Fargo or dark comedy thrillers, this is one of the best underrated series on Prime.
Counterpart
Image : Pinterest
IMDb Rating : 8.1/10
Star Cast :
J.K. Simmons, Olivia Williams
Release Year : 2017-2019
OTT Platform : Starz
Counterpart explores parallel worlds, espionage, and identity. The best part is J.K. Simmons playing two versions of the same man, and both feel real.
Why Watch :
If you love sci-fi mixed with grounded storytelling, Counterpart is an underrated series that deserves to be in your watchlist.
Utopia
Image : Pinterest
IMDb Rating : 8.5/10
Star Cast :
Fiona O’Shaughnessy, Adeel Akhtar
Release Year : 2013-2014
OTT Platform : Amazon Prime Video
Utopia is one of the boldest thrillers ever made. It’s colorful, violent, eerie, and the soundtrack is unforgettable. Sadly, it got cancelled too early.
Why Watch :
If you enjoy conspiracy thrillers with unique style, Utopia is an underrated series that will blow your mind.
Deutschland Trilogy
Image : Pinterest
IMDb Rating : 8.3/10
Star Cast :
Jonas Nay, Maria Schrader
Release Year : 2015-2020
OTT Platform : Hulu
This German spy drama shows Cold War politics through the life of a young East German officer. It’s tense, authentic, and highly underrated outside Europe.
Why Watch :
If you love shows like The Americans, this trilogy is a top-tier underrated series.
Kingdom
Image : Pinterest
IMDb Rating : 8.4/10
Star Cast :
Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong
Release Year : 2019-present
OTT Platform : Netflix
Kingdom combines historical drama with zombies. Imagine Game of Thrones-style politics with terrifying horror-it’s that good.
Why Watch :
If you’re done with cliché zombie stories, Kingdom is one of the most exciting underrated series from Korea.
Conclusion
All these shows have strong stories and unique approaches but never got the hype they should. Whether it’s the experimental format of Kaleidoscope, the deep mystery of The OA, or the world-building of Kingdom, these are truly the underrated series you shouldn’t skip.