10 Underrated TV Gems Worth Binge-Watching

Summary

Some unfinished television series are just as entertaining, or even better than, completed shows, despite their open ends.

Hannibal and I Am Not Okay With This, despite their cliffhanger endings, are captivating and deserving of a watch because of their intriguing narratives and talented performances.

Even though My Name is Earl and Freaks and Geeks were cancelled and left unanswered questions, they provide distinct and nostalgic viewing experiences.

Endings can be quite challenging to nail down, and although some television series are known for their epic conclusions, there are others that lack a proper finale. Surprisingly, this does not diminish the quality of the show. In a world filled with an abundance of TV shows and movies, it's not uncommon for series to be canceled before they can reach a satisfying ending. However, this does not mean that these shows should fade into obscurity. In fact, some unfinished television series are just as enjoyable, if not better, than completed shows. Despite their open-endedness, they still deserve the same amount of recognition.

An incomplete television series is a show that ended before reaching a satisfying conclusion. Typically, this means that certain plotlines were left unresolved or questions remain unanswered. Most significantly, the final episodes of these shows leave an impression that there should be more, yet that never materializes. While incomplete series can be disappointing, there are many that are simply too good to pass up. Even with the most frustrating cliffhangers, these shows are thrilling and well worth watching. Additionally, there is always a slim chance that they could be revived, making them a must-see.

10 Hannibal

9 I Am Not Okay With This

Despite its reputation as one of the finest horror series on television, Hannibal lasted a mere three seasons, and to make matters worse, it concluded with an unsettling ambiguity. Hannibal, a psychological horror-thriller, follows the journey of FBI profiler Will Graham as he forms an unlikely partnership with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic pathologist harboring a secret life as a serial killer and cannibal. While the series leaves viewers on the edge of a cliff (quite literally), it undeniably deserves their time and attention. Besides its critical acclaim, Hannibal strikes a remarkable balance between grisly violence and intricate, emotional connections. The compelling narrative of Will and Hannibal alone makes this bone-chilling series an irresistible choice.

I Am Not Okay With This is an exceptional coming-of-age horror series that only lasted for one season, leaving viewers craving for more. This captivating show revolves around a teenage girl grappling with the loss of her father and experiencing bizarre and violent incidents that seem to have a connection to her. With elements reminiscent of Stephen King's Carrie and featuring actors from the renowned 2017 movie It, this series is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. While it delves into dark themes, I Am Not Okay With This also incorporates moments of vulnerability and hilarity. Ultimately, there are numerous unanswered questions surrounding the show, yet it undeniably stands as a remarkable teen drama.

8 My Name is Earl

Yet another critically acclaimed show that left viewers hanging in suspense is My Name Is Earl. This sitcom centers around the transformation of Earl Hickey, a petty criminal who undergoes a life-altering revelation about the concept of karma. Determined to make amends for his past misdeeds, Earl embarks on a mission to right each and every wrong he has committed. Despite the unexpected and frustrating conclusion in season 4, which concluded with a tantalizing "To Be Continued" title card, the series was unceremoniously canceled, leaving countless unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the show's exploration of morality and karma make it a compelling watch. With a lovable protagonist and a talented ensemble cast, My Name Is Earl delivers both hilarious moments and moments of introspection.

7 Freaks And Geeks

Freaks and Geeks, a cult classic from the 1990s, remains an unresolved gem. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Linda Cardellini and Jason Segel, this comedy-drama revolves around the lives of siblings navigating high school in the 1980s. Splitting into two distinct friend groups, the freaks and geeks, the series leaves viewers yearning for closure. Paradoxically, this open-endedness enhances the show's authenticity, providing a true slice of life experience. With its compelling visuals and unforgettable cast, Freaks and Geeks unquestionably warrants a watch. Despite its inconclusive finale, this show provides solace and a sense of familiarity to its audience.

6 Firefly

Despite its incomplete status, Firefly has managed to amass an impressive fan base, setting it apart from other shows. Serving as a space Western, the series revolves around a group of individuals living on the outer fringes of the galaxy. It underscores the universal nature of human experiences, even in an interstellar world. While Firefly's first season concludes with an open-ended storyline, no further episodes were produced. Nevertheless, this should not discourage viewers as the show effectively satisfies their cravings for space, adventure, and unconventional narratives. With its defiance of conventional norms, Firefly is undoubtedly a worthwhile watch.

5 Sense8

Sense8, created by the Wachowskis, is one of the most peculiar and intricate sci-fi series available for streaming. The show follows the journey of eight individuals spread across the globe who discover a profound connection between their minds, enabling them to inhabit each other's bodies. This extraordinary ability sets them on a perilous path embroiled in a treacherous conspiracy. With only two seasons, each episode of Sense8 teems with captivating narratives and distinct characters. Unlike any other series, Sense8 offers an immersive experience rather than a mere viewing. Thus, it absolutely deserves a spot on your watchlist, notwithstanding its premature conclusion.

4 Pushing Daisies

Another eccentric canceled show that deserves a second chance is Pushing Daisies. This quirky blend of comedy and drama revolves around a pie-maker with a peculiar gift: the ability to resurrect the dead with a touch. Consequently, he teams up with his childhood crush, who was previously deceased, as well as his coworker and a private detective to solve murder mysteries. It's truly unfortunate that Pushing Daisies never received the extended storytelling that its audience yearned for, but what does exist is simply too captivating to ignore. The series' magical undertones, combined with its dark and twisted plot, make for a truly one-of-a-kind show.

3 The OA

An unfinished series is disappointing enough, but when it involves a mysterious storyline, the frustration intensifies. The OA is a supernatural mystery that initially planned for five parts, but only two seasons have been produced so far. The narrative revolves around Prairie Johnson, a woman who reappears in her hometown following a long period of absence. Identifying herself as "the OA" or original angel, she bafflingly regains her sight despite being blind when she vanished. Although many mysteries and unanswered questions surround the series, The OA excels in creating an eerie atmosphere that captivates its audience. Its intricate enigmas remain open for the most dedicated viewers to unravel.

2 Pitch

A series with immense potential that never managed to extend beyond a single season, despite garnering exceptional reviews, is Pitch. The enthralling drama series chronicles the journey of the first female draftee in Major League Baseball. Despite its captivating premise and unforgettable performances, Pitch was unfortunately discontinued after just one season. However, this series is an absolute must-watch for audiences. It seamlessly blends sports drama both on and off the field and, moreover, serves as a remarkable source of inspiration. Among the numerous unfinished series on this list, Pitch unquestionably warrants a revival.

1 Mindhunter

Netflix's incredibly popular serial killer series, Mindhunter, has answered the prayers of its devoted fan base by delivering another highly anticipated season. Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s, this captivating series follows the journey of a determined and ambitious FBI agent, alongside his seasoned partner, as they strive to establish the bureau's groundbreaking unit dedicated to solving serial crimes. In their quest for knowledge, they delve deep into the minds of infamous serial killers through a series of chilling interviews before embarking on the treacherous mission of apprehending these heinous criminals. Mindhunter enthralls viewers with its gripping and dark storyline, making it a must-watch for aficionados of true crime. While the conclusion may leave some loose ends, the series ensures an engrossing and enjoyable experience. Not only does Mindhunter offer a thrilling narrative, but it also presents an educational and historical perspective, particularly concerning crime and law enforcement.