The 2010s were a defining decade for TV, with more great shows than ever before and more ways for them to slip through the cracks. While some series became immediate cultural touchstones, others dazzled audiences and built passionate fanbases, though still not enough to gather mainstream audiences and earn the love they deserved.
It’s not surprising, then, thatmany remarkable series have flown under the radar, overshadowed by bigger projectsand lost in the endless scroll of streaming platforms; there are plenty of gems that deserve a second look, whether for the creative risks, unforgettable performances, or memorable narratives. So, if you’re on the lookout for your next binge, these are 2010s shows you probably haven’t seen but definitely should.
10’Underground' (2016–2017)
Created by Misha Green and Joe Pokasi
Thanks to its gripping narrative centering on the Underground Railroad in antebellum Georgia,Underground, starringJurnee Smollett,Aldis Hodge, andAlano Milleramong others, follows a group of enslaved people in 1850s Georgia as they plan a daring escape from a plantation.
Those who enjoy high-stakes and thought-provoking thrillers that throw history into the mix will probably want to watch this high-quality historical TV series. Instead of gratuitous violence,Undergroundoffers a deeply moving and three-dimensional portrayal of the emotional and psychological realitiesthat many have gone through, delivering an absorbing, even if disturbing, narrative. Elevated by the amazing central performances,Undergroundundoubtedly remains one of the hidden gems of the decade despite its lamentably brief run.
Underground
9’Counterpart' (2017–2019)
Created by Justin Marks
For sci-fi fans, especially those hooked by Apple TV+‘sSeveranceand its high-concept exploration of identity,Justin Marks’Counterpartmay be the right pick. StarringJ.K. Simmonsas mild-mannered office worker Howard Silk, it illustrates the character’s journey as he uncovers that his agency secretly manages a crossing point between two parallel Earths.
Masterfully blending the spy thriller and science fiction genres,Counterpartoffers the perfect cerebral viewing experience that stands apart from the most formulaic TV of its time. Its high-quality production and storytelling, combined with top-notch character development, an awesome dual centralperformance by the talented Simmons, and a highly immersive atmospheric setting. Still, it flew under the radar for many, and its cancellation was disappointing for many viewers.
Counterpart
8’Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)
Created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers
Showcasing the messy and uncertain reality of innovation,Halt and Catch Firefollows visionary salesman Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace), engineer Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy), and programming prodigy Cameron Howe (MackenzieDavis) as they join forces at a Texas electronics company to build a revolutionary personal computer.
With a unique tone and style, this nostalgia-infused, 1990s and 1980s-set series has captured the attention of a few TV enthusiasts thanks to its depiction of the tech revolution. Add to that its exploration of human connection, andChristopher CantwellandChristopher C. Rogers' show is certainly an intriguing one. While overlooked during its original run, starting with mixed reviews and low ratings,Halt and Catch Firegrew in acclaim with each season and was recognized as one ofthe best shows of the 2010s.
Halt and Catch Fire
7’The Little Drummer Girl' (2018)
Created by Michael Lesslie and Claire Wilson
Based on theJohn le Carrénovel of the same name and set in 1979,The Little Drummer Girlfollows a young and idealistic English actress (Florence Pugh) recruited by the Israeli intelligence agency to infiltrate a dangerous Palestinian cell responsible for bombing targets in Europe.
Although it earned widespread acclaim for its acting and stylish direction from theever-iconic filmmaker Park Chan-wook, the six-episodeThe Little Drummer Girldid not receive a lot of mainstream attention compared to other adaptations. Unlike the media that decides to take a stand,the show stands out for its refusal to take sides, offering a narrative that presents arguments and perspectives from both Israeli and Palestinian characters. On top of its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the overlooked spy thriller features an intricate plot filled with psychological tension.
The Little Drummer Girl
6’Show Me a Hero' (2015)
Created by David Simon
This six-part miniseries from 2015, created byDavid Simonand directed byPaul Haggis, dramatizes the true story ofNick Wasicsko, played byOscar Isaac, who became the youngest big-city mayor in America when elected to Yonkers in 1987. Wasicsko is thrust into the center of a racially charged political firestorm and finds himself facing the issues of building public housing in the white, middle-class side of town.
Those captivated by storytelling that does not shy away from tackling complex social, political, and racial issues may want to give David Simon’s series a go. Whether it’s the nuanced narrative or the exceptional performances—from Isaac in a career-defining role to the strong ensemble cast includingAlfred Molina,Winona Ryder, andCatherine Keener—or realism and authenticity,Show Me a Herois undeniably a must-seewhen it comes to 2010s hidden gems.
Show Me a Hero
5’Please Like Me' (2013–2016)
Created by Josh Thomas
For comedy-drama enthusiasts,Please Like Me, created by and starringJosh Thomas,is a worthwhile pick. Lauded for its realistic portrayal of young adulthood, mental health, and relationships, the series focuses on a twenty-something living in Melbourne who comes to terms with his sexuality after being dumped by his girlfriend.
Please Like Meoffers an authentic, unfiltered depiction of important issues like depressionwhile also navigating lighter themes, resorting to its offbeat humor and warmth in the meantime. Despite the show’s three-dimensional characters, beautiful visuals, and fun plot that provides a unique voice, the 2013 series has often been overshadowed. It’s safe to say that thisAustralian hidden gem deserves a watch, guaranteed to appeal particularly to those who can relate to its themes.
Please Like Me
4’Patriot' (2015–2018)
Created by Steve Conrad
WhilePatriotmay be a bit less overlooked than other shows on this list, theSteve Conradseries still deserves far more love. The darkly comic espionage drama follows John Tavner (Michael Dorman), a melancholy intelligence officer tasked with preventing Iran from going nuclear. To do so, he must assume a cover identity as a mid-level employee at an industrial piping firm.
Patriotis a delightful blend of absurdity and heart; it is a singular show that fully transforms the spy genre into something both personal and darkly funny. Anchored by beautiful, cinematic visuals and a three-dimensional protagonist who is deeply human and not without flaws, this well-worth-your-time series is guaranteed to appeal to those looking to watch a deadpan show with vulnerability thrown into the mix.
3’Lodge 49' (2018–2019)
Created by Jim Gavin
Following an eternally optimistic ex-surfer (Marvel’sWyatt Russell) from Long Beach whose life unravels after the death of his father and collapse of the family pool supply business,Jim Gavin’s showsees its protagonist stumbling into the rundown Lodge 49, a fraternal order reminiscent of the Elks or Freemasons. There, he ends up finding community and forms a close friendship with a middle-aged plumbing salesman (Brent Jennings).
Lodge 49weaves together everyday struggles like unemployment, debt, and grief,striking the perfect balancebetween realism and fantasy to keep things interesting. With rich and character-driven storytelling, this must-see series isa wonderful meditation on friendshipand the search for meaning, with its quirky and offbeat humor being one of the key reasons why many find themselves drawn to watching it. Despite strong acclaim, the series struggled with low ratings and was ultimately canceled after two seasons.
2’Enlightened' (2011–2013)
Created by Laura Dern and Mike White
Created byThe White Lotus’Mike White, who stars as Tyler, andLaura Dern, who stars as Amy Jellicoe,Enlightenedfollows Amy as she returns to her corporate job determined to live a more “enlightened” life and bring positive change to her workplace. Her initial idealism, however, ultimately crashes with reality as her attempts to become a corporate reformer are complicated by her own ego.
With a deeply flawed but never dull protagonist at its center,Enlightenedis a truly joyful watch that offers an entertaining ride and a razor-sharp blend of comedy and drama. Both earnest and cynical, it illustrates, through Amy’s messy journey, that self-discovery is rather flawed and far from perfect. Despite acclaim (and Dern’s Golden Globe win with what has become one of her most iconic roles),Enlightenedwas canceled after two seasons.
Enlightened
1’Rectify' (2013–2016)
Created by Ray McKinnon
The quintessential slow-burn masterpiece,Ray McKinnon’sRectifycenters on Daniel Holden (Aden Young), released from death row after 19 years when new DNA evidence overturns his conviction. Instead of focusing on the crime, though,Rectifyis all about what happens in the aftermath, ranging from Daniel’s struggle to adapt to a changed world and the ripple effects on his family.
Those who enjoycharacter-driven dramasshould be sure to give McKinnon’s series a watch. At its core,this deeply meditative story invites audiences to sit with the uncertainty, trauma, and hope that comes with a second chance. With Young’s haunting yet subtle performance as Daniel dominating the screen, this universally praised yet overlooked series is moving, challenging, and unique, rewarding audiences with some of the most satisfying character development.
