While mainstream shows often dominate the spotlight, there are many underrated gems that have received critical acclaim and prestigious awards. These shows might not have garnered massive fan bases or widespread recognition, but they have earned accolades for their exceptional storytelling, innovative concepts, and compelling performances. Discovering these hidden treasures can be a rewarding experience for TV enthusiasts looking for something off the beaten path. Here are 12 underrated shows that have won awards, showcasing the talent and creativity that sometimes flies under the radar.
1. “The Leftovers”
- Awards: Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Drama Series
- Overview: This HBO series, created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, explores the aftermath of a mysterious global event where 2% of the world’s population vanishes. Despite its complex themes and emotional depth, “The Leftovers” did not receive mainstream acclaim but was lauded by critics for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances.
2. “The Knick”
- Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama (nomination)
- Overview: Steven Soderbergh’s period drama, set in early 20th-century New York, follows the lives of doctors at a hospital grappling with medical advancements and personal demons. While it flew under the radar for many viewers, “The Knick” was praised for its meticulous historical detail and outstanding performances.
3. “Halt and Catch Fire”
- Awards: Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Drama Series (nomination)
- Overview: This AMC drama focuses on the rise of the personal computer industry in the 1980s and 1990s. The series, which explores the intersection of technology and personal relationships, earned critical praise for its character development and storytelling but remained relatively underrated compared to its peers.
4. “Rectify”
- Awards: Peabody Award
- Overview: “Rectify” tells the story of a man released from death row after 19 years and his struggle to reintegrate into society while uncovering the truth about his past. The show was celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of its protagonist and its sensitive exploration of themes related to justice and redemption.
5. “Banshee”
- Awards: Saturn Award for Best Streaming, Cable or Satellite Television Series
- Overview: Set in the small town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, this series follows an ex-con who assumes the identity of the town’s murdered sheriff. Known for its intense action sequences and gripping narrative, “Banshee” received accolades for its originality and performances despite not being widely recognized.
6. “The Americans”
- Awards: Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Matthew Rhys)
- Overview: This FX series centers on two KGB spies living undercover as a married couple in 1980s America. While it enjoyed critical success and numerous awards, including an Emmy, it often flew under the radar compared to more mainstream dramas.
7. “Hannibal”
- Awards: Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Mads Mikkelsen)
- Overview: Bryan Fuller’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’s novels follows the complex relationship between FBI agent Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Despite its unique visual style and psychological depth, “Hannibal” remained a cult favorite rather than a mainstream hit.
8. “The Fall”
- Awards: British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series
- Overview: This British-Irish crime drama stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer in Belfast. The show was praised for its suspenseful storytelling and Anderson’s standout performance, gaining recognition and awards despite its relatively low profile.
9. “The Bridge” (Bron/Broen)
- Awards: International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress (Sofia Helin)
- Overview: This Swedish-Danish crime series starts with a murder on the Øresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark, leading to a complex investigation. The series was lauded for its gripping plot and character development, earning international acclaim.
10. “The Terror”
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie
- Overview: Based on a real-life Arctic expedition gone awry, this anthology series delves into horror and historical drama. “The Terror” received praise for its chilling atmosphere and meticulous production design, earning accolades for its craftsmanship.
11. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
- Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
- Overview: This Amazon Prime series, set in the 1950s, follows a housewife who pursues a career in stand-up comedy. Although it received significant critical acclaim and multiple awards, its distinctive blend of humor and drama remains somewhat underrated in broader discussions.
12. “The Good Place”
- Awards: Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Series
- Overview: This innovative NBC series explores the afterlife with a comedic twist, following a woman who finds herself in a Heaven-like afterlife by mistake. Known for its clever writing and philosophical underpinnings, “The Good Place” was celebrated by critics for its originality and humor.