Hidden Gems: 10 Overlooked TV Shows That Deserve Your Attention

Rotten Tomatoes, although generally reliable for determining which TV shows are worth watching, does not always accurately represent the opinions of all viewers. The assessment of quality in film and television is subjective, so while platforms like Rotten Tomatoes provide an overall consensus, there will inevitably be exceptions. Furthermore, the worthiness of a show does not always rely on high quality or prestige; sometimes, audiences simply seek easy and enjoyable entertainment, even if it was not well received by critics or general audiences.

While some shows are universally adored and have a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score for every season, it can be challenging for smaller, niche projects to thrive on this platform. These projects are constantly competing with high-profile shows that pride themselves on their objective quality. However, many of these less popular, less dramatic shows still offer compelling stories that are perfect for a more lighthearted viewing experience. Here are ten shows that Rotten Tomatoes did not accurately evaluate.

10 The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window (2022)

9 The Watcher (2022)

Released on the Netflix platform in 2022, this miniseries faced an unfortunate fate of being overshadowed by the vast array of similar projects. However, it would be a mistake to overlook its captivating premise and delightfully humorous characters. The Woman In The House, led by Kirsten Bell, revolves around a woman who becomes an eyewitness to a brutal murder outside her window, prompting her to dive deep into an investigation to uncover the truth. While it follows a formula commonly seen in other mystery miniseries, which initially deterred critics, Bell's compelling performance and the writers' expert grasp of the genre, combined with a cleverly written script, make it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Although The Watcher, a Netflix original production, presents a wealth of imaginative concepts and innovative storytelling, its predictable approach to the horror genre was unremarkable, resulting in a lack of engagement from most viewers. However, this does not imply that the show is subpar; on the contrary, The Watcher is just as chilling and gripping as some of Netflix's finest projects. The narrative gradually reveals itself through masterfully crafted clues and shocking plot twists. It may not be the most inventive or groundbreaking series available, but it sets forth a clear vision from the outset and effectively executes it.

8 Riverdale (2017-2023)

Riverdale has carved out a distinct niche in the television industry, establishing itself as a captivating yet unconventional drama that has often puzzled viewers with its identity. Initially a straightforward murder mystery, the show underwent dramatic changes over time, introducing elements of magic, time travel, and alternate dimensions into its storyline. These shifts alienated many of its original fans, but surprisingly garnered a devoted following who appreciated its fantastical plotlines and exaggerated style, despite the unfavorable opinions of critics. The show possesses a certain allure that has captivated many until its conclusion, even though it is widely regarded as 'flawed' by the general audience.

7 Pieces Of Her (2022)

Joining the Netflix lineup in 2022, Pieces of Her stands out among other mystery miniseries. Toni Colette delivers a captivating performance, while the show goes beyond a simple whodunit plot. The exploration of family dynamics and motherhood adds depth and an emotional twist to the series. Although the mystery may not meet everyone's expectations, thriller enthusiasts looking for a mature twist will find Pieces of Her worth watching.

6 Kaleidoscope (2023)

5 What/If (2019)

The fact that Kaleidoscope has received a surprisingly negative score on Rotten Tomatoes is truly astounding. It is not only because of its initial popularity upon release but also due to the exceptionally innovative and unique concept it presents. This limited series offered audiences the freedom to choose the order in which they watched the episodes, promising a personalized viewing experience, even though the ultimate conclusion remained unchanged. While some may have viewed this as a mere gimmick without any significant purpose, the truth is that Kaleidoscope's storyline captivated viewers far beyond their expectations. Through its well-crafted narrative, the miniseries successfully intertwined complex characters, resulting in a thrilling heist that played out brilliantly on screen.

What/If caters to a specific audience, while others may not find much enjoyment in the series. It is melodramatic and often excessive, but the show fully embraces these qualities, presenting itself as a contemporary twist on the noir thriller. Renée Zellweger leads a stellar cast that comprehends the intended tone of What/If, capitalizing on its strengths and setting it apart from other Netflix originals. While not universally appealing, What/If is a confident and genre-bending thriller that offers a fresh experience.

4 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)

13 Reasons Why, with its complicated reputation, gained immense popularity when it initially aired. Its first season delivered a thought-provoking and mature portrayal of teenage life, delving into mental health in a way few dramas had explored before. Although subsequent seasons led to a decline in audience satisfaction and tarnished the show's image, it remains undeniable that 13 Reasons Why was once culturally influential and widely discussed. As a result, it is undoubtedly worth watching for anyone intrigued by the genre.

3 Firefly Lane (2021-2023)

Firefly Lane is not as adored as other similar projects in its genre due to its low-scale storyline and slow-paced narrative, which fails to match the intensity and engagement of competing shows. The series revolves around the intertwined lives of two female friends, as they navigate through life together, exploring self-discovery and the complexities of the world. While its narrative remains simplistic, the core essence of the story lies in the struggles these two women face and how they manage to overcome the challenges thrown at them. Although it may not possess the same memorability as Netflix's high-budget productions, Firefly Lane is an enjoyable drama that caters to a specific niche audience.

2 The Politician (2020)

Ryan Murphy has had an extensive career creating iconic TV shows. However, his work at Netflix has been controversial. While projects like Hollywood and Halston suffered from poor writing, excessive stylization, and unimportant characters, The Politician stands out. It embraces its own campy style and melodramatic storytelling with a unique charm that many audiences will find endearing.

1 FUBAR (2023)

FUBAR is an entertaining film that brings together a talented cast for a captivating and hilarious story. Mixing action, drama, and comedy, it quickly captivates audiences, despite the flawed writing and underdeveloped characters that contribute to its disappointing Rotten Tomatoes rating. Schwarzenegger shines in his role as Luke, infusing the character with his trademark charm and charisma, delivering a memorable performance in every scene.