Netflix is filled with a variety of TV shows with different levels of quality, but there are some that are so perfect that there’s very little or nothing to complain about — yet they remain underrated. The largest streaming platform in the world, Netflix it offers both original shows and licensed material ranging from horror to comedies and everything in between.
While Netflix is famous for producing TV shows that have become global sensations like Stranger Things and Squid Game, other series like Suits and Animal Kingdom have seen a resurgence in popularity since being added to the streaming platform. However, there are some instances where a good, but underrated TV show on Netflix flies under the radar.
10
M’entends-tu? (2018)
Starring: Mélissa Bédard, Ève Landry, & Florence Longpré
TV shows about friendship have become popular over the years, but the Canadian series, M’entends-tu? offers a fresh take on the subgenre. Centering on Ada, Fabiola, and Carolanne, three friends from a low-income background, the series explores how they deal with the various challenges that life throws at them.
M’entends-tu?, which is also known as Can You Hear Me?, is the perfect example of a show with great characters. Each of the women’s personalities adds a compelling layer to the overall narrative, particularly Ada’s anger management issues, which are leveled out by Fabiola’s kindness, resulting in a hilarious show full of heart.
9
Lockwood & Co. (2023)
Starring: Ruby Stokes, Cameron Chapman, & Ali Hadji-Heshmati
Detective shows are a dime a dozen, so any new entry to the genre has to find a way to stand out and offer a fresh spin. Lockwood & Co. did that as it chronicled the adventures of teenagers who are tasked with hunting ghosts. The Netflix original series is action-packed from start to finish and includes some spooky scenes.
Lockwood & Co. was based on Jonathan Stroud’s two novels, The Screaming Staircase and The Whispering Skull.
Unfortunately, Lockwood & Co. was canceled by Netflix after only airing for one season due to low ratings. Although Lockwood and Co. didn’t get a chance to flourish, it was a hit with critics and received favorable reviews. The show’s cancellation is a shame because its premise of ghost-hunting teenagers and hints of mystery is a concept that deserved to be explored further.
8
The Get Down (2016)
Starring: Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, & Herizen F. Guardiola
Set in New York City in the 1979s, The Get Down chronicles the rise of hip-hop and disco through the lens of teenagers who want to make it big in the music industry. The Netflix original series is divided into two parts, with part one taking place in 1977, and part two in 1978.
The Get Down was canceled after one season.
Despite the series not getting the attention it deserved, The Get Down ended up becoming a hit with audiences and critics and won several awards, including Best Music Supervision for Television Comedy or Musical at the 2017 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards.
The Get Down’s biggest strength is that it places music at its center. It has an upbeat and memorable soundtrack that captures the era the show is set in. While The Get Down has great characters, it’s ultimately the music featured in the show that makes it stand out.
7
Doctor Slump (2024)
Starring: Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye
Romantic Korean dramas are some of the most popular shows on Netflix. However, some, like Doctor Slump, slip through the cracks. Starring Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye, Doctor Slump chronicles the love-hate relationship between Yeo Jeong-woo and Nam Ha-neul. The romantic series boasts the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope, a favorite of K-dramas.
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However, Doctor Slump has a refreshing story because it mixes romance with medical drama. What makes it special is that it touches on an issue that many medical professionals face — burnout. The K-drama is fun to watch but is also inspiring in several ways because of how Jeong-woo and Ha-neu navigate their new normal after their lives are turned upside down.
6
The OA (2016)
Starring: Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, & Scott Wilson
The OA
- Release Date
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2016 – 2019-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Andrew Haigh
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Brit Marling
OA / Nina Azarova
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Getting a sci-fi TV show right is a monumental undertaking that often doesn’t end well. The OA, though it had a brilliant story, unfortunately had the same fate as several other sci-fi series because it was canceled after two seasons. Starring Brit Marling as Prairie Johnson, The OA centers around her intriguing journey following her return from another dimension after she went missing.
The OA received generally positive reviews with its blending of a supernatural storyline, mystery, and sci-fi being the show’s biggest selling points. Its unique premise meant that it delved into an uncharted territory that was fun to watch as more information was revealed. The cast of The OA, particularly Marling, nails her role and embodies her mysterious character extremely well.
5
3% (2016)
Starring: João Miguel, Bianca Comparato, Michel Gomes
3% takes place in a dystopian future where the world is divided into classes. Inland is made up of the impoverished class, while Offshore includes the privileged in society. Every year, young adults in their 20s get a chance to leave their poor living conditions and become part of the Offshore after completing a series of tasks called “The Process.”
Like most dystopian TV shows, 3% offers smart commentary on how class divisions affect society.
Like most dystopian TV shows, 3% offers smart commentary on how class divisions affect society. The Netflix original series raises several moral questions about how being poor determines the resources that one has access to and how it ultimately affects how a society functions and the resulting consequences of class divides.
4
Marianne (2019)
Starring: Victoire Du Bois, Lucie Boujenah, & Tiphaine Daviot
There is certainly no shortage of horror shows that are truly scary on Netflix, but Marianne is in a league of its own. Starring Victoire Du Boisas as Emma Larsimon, a horror writer whose book character comes to life, Marianne is the stuff of nightmares. The series stands out because it plays on the audience’s psyche instead of using cheap jump scares.
While it does include the blood and gore usually featured in shows of the genre, Marianne is memorable because of its chilling villain who remains with you long after the credits roll. With its combination of horror and mystery, Marianne is a type of show that’s so disturbing that you can only watch it once.
3
Sense8 (2015)
Starring: Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, & Jamie Clayton
Sense8
- Release Date
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2015 – 2018-00-00
- Showrunner
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Lilly Wachowski
- Directors
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Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Created by the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski, Sense8 focuses on eight characters: Capheus, Sun, Nomi, Kala, Riley, Wolfgang, Lito, and Will, a group of people who are emotionally and mentally linked to each other. Throughout its two seasons, the eight try to figure out the origin of their connection and begin to form a close relationship.
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Sense8 stands out in the sci-fi genre because of its concept of diverse characters from different walks of life who have to figure out something they don’t understand together. The series has stunning visuals and a compelling and highly addictive premise filled with cliffhangers that will have you going back for more.
2
Kingdom (2019)
Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, & Ryu Seung-ryong
The first K-drama to air on Netflix starring Ju Ji-hoon helped show that the streamer had what it took to bring a beloved genre to the masses in an authentic and entertaining way. However, Kingdom, despite being a masterpiece, is largely underrated. With its fresh take on the zombie genre, Kingdom‘s storyline of a prince trying to save his country from undead creatures is enthralling.
Kingdom blends horror, action, and political drama in a nuanced and cohesive way. Amidst the zombie plague are people who are trying to usurp the throne that the Crown Prince has to thwart. Ju Ji-hoon and the rest of the cast’s performance in the series makes it one of the best shows on Netflix that should have been bigger than it is.
1
Blood Of Zeus (2020)
Voiced By: Jason O’Mara, Derek Phillips, Jessica Henwick, & Mamie Gummer
Greek mythology has been at the center of many TV shows and is popular with audiences. Netflix’s animated TV show, Blood of Zeus, takes a beloved storyline and adds depth to it by offering a fresh take on the gods that the ancient Greeks used to worship. The fantasy series follows Heron, one of Zeus’ sons, who has the monumental task of saving Earth and Olympus.
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Blood Of Zeus‘ Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
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Critics’ Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Audience Rotten Tomatoes Score |
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100% |
93% |
Blood of Zeus is a beautifully animated series filled with nuanced characters who add richness to one of the best reimaginings of Greek mythology. Heron, in particular, is easy to root for, as despite his shortcomings, he has a kind and gentle heart. With its incredible voice acting and memorable action scenes, Blood of Zeus is undoubtedly one of the best shows on Netflix.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
