The year 2024 has brought a surge of television shows, making the competition for standout series more intense than ever before.
Amid the buzz surrounding blockbuster hits and mainstream favorites, several underrated gems have emerged, offering captivating storylines, compelling characters, and fresh, unique premises.
From heartfelt comedies to gripping dramas, here are the 10 most underrated TV shows of 2024 that truly deserve more recognition.
1. The Sympathizer – HBO
Director and co-creator Park Chan-wook earned widespread acclaim for his masterful depiction of a North Vietnamese spy in the historical black comedy-drama The Sympathizer.
However, despite positive reviews, an impressive 89% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the star power of Robert Downey Jr. in multiple antagonistic roles, it’s surprising that The Sympathizer remains somewhat under the radar.
Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 novel, the story follows a North Vietnamese spy (Hoa Xuande) who becomes a refugee in America after the Vietnam War ends in 1975, all while continuing to pass information to the Viet Cong.
Although Downey earned an Emmy for his performances, many viewers were captivated by Xuande’s outstanding acting prowess.
While the narrative unfolds as a slow burn, it is deeply rewarding, making this series well worth your time. The Sympathizer is available to stream on HBO.
2. The Madness – Netflix
The Madness takes viewers on a wild ride as it follows Black media pundit Muncie Daniels (Colman Domingo), who is wrongfully accused of murdering the leader of a white supremacist group—a crime that makes him the prime suspect.
This action-packed conspiracy thriller limited series may have earned a modest 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but there’s no denying that Domingo’s exceptional performance elevates the show, even as it occasionally veers into political didacticism. His portrayal adds depth and nuance, making the series a mystery well worth unraveling.
With relatable characters and plot twists that keep viewers guessing, The Madness stands out as one of Netflix’s hidden gems of 2024—a gripping series that deserves more attention.
3. Presumed Innocent – Apple TV+
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and witness top-notch performances on Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocence.
While many TV shows have explored the intricacies of the legal system, none quite compare to David E. Kelley’s adaptation of Scott Turow’s 1987 novel, which was also the basis for the 1990 film starring Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy.
The series follows prosecutor Rusty Sabich, who becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague—a woman with whom he was having an affair.
Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a stellar performance as Rusty, supported by Ruth Negga as his wife Barbara and Renate Reinsve as his girlfriend Carolyn.
Although the show diverges from its source material, Kelley skillfully incorporates emotional themes such as race, adding depth to the narrative.
The shocking reveal of the killer left audiences stunned, cementing Presumed Innocent as a well-crafted adaptation. Sadly, despite its merits, it flies under the radar.
4. Killer Soup – Netflix
While expectations might be low for the Indian black comedy crime thriller Killer Soup, the show surprises with some of the sharpest and wittiest one-liners on TV, thanks to its clever writing.
Loosely inspired by a real-life 2017 incident in Telangana, South India, the series stars Konkona Sen Sharma as Swathi Shetty, a nurse-turned-housewife plotting to replace her husband, Prabhakar (Manoj Bajpayee), with her lover, Umesh Pillai—who also happens to be Prabhakar’s doppelgänger (played by Bajpayee in a dual role).
Though the show takes some time to pick up steam, its quirky characters, unexpected twists, and outstanding performances from the cast make it an underrated gem that’s well worth a watch.
5. The Day of the Jackal – Peacock
The Day of the Jackal is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling, bringing Frederick Forsyth’s novel to life with the gripping tale of a ruthless British assassin known as the "Jackal" and the intelligence officer determined to capture him.
Eddie Redmayne delivers a top-notch performance as the enigmatic Jackal. At the same time, Lashana Lynch shines as MI6 agent Bianca Pullman, providing a stunning portrayal that adds depth and intensity to the story.
Expertly blending tense, cinematic action sequences with surprising emotional depth, the series crafts a thrilling narrative that feels gripping and grounded.
The obsessive cat-and-mouse chase between the two leads comes with a very real human cost, making The Day of the Jackal a masterpiece, unfortunately, not many know about.
6. The Gentlemen – Netflix
Created by Guy Ritchie as a spin-off of his 2019 film of the same name, The Gentlemen is a slick and stylish series led by Theo James as Eddie Horniman, a man who unexpectedly inherits his late father’s fortune—only to find himself entangled in a web of eccentric and dangerous criminals.
The action-comedy has been praised for its seamless blend of humor and high-octane thrills.
However, despite boasting a fantastic ensemble cast and genuinely surprising plot twists, the series has been overshadowed by more prominent TV titles, leaving it underappreciated and deserving more recognition.
7. My Lady Jane – Prime Video
My Lady Jane is a fantasy reimagining of the life of Lady Jane Grey, the Queen of England for just nine days before her execution, with Emily Bader starring as the titular character.
Adapted from the novel by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand, this historical fantasy romance series features a delightfully offbeat and genre-defying storyline that sets it apart.
With its mix of unexpected twists, humor, and charm, the show offers a fresh and unique take on historical fiction.
The chemistry between the leads—Bader and Edward Bluemel, who plays Lady Jane’s love interest, Lord Guildford Dudley—is palpable, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
Unfortunately, despite its creativity and charm, My Lady Jane remains surprisingly underrated, leaving fans wondering why it hasn’t received the attention it deserves.
8. The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh – Prime Video
The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh is a heartwarming comedy about the Pradeep family, who move from India to the U.S. in hopes of starting fresh, only to find themselves in a series of chaotic misadventures—including a feud with their neighbors, a house fire, and a story unraveled through flashbacks.
The show masterfully captures family dynamics in a way that feels both relatable and universal, resonating deeply with audiences.
With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh is a gem that people need to see.
9. Sugar – Apple TV+
Colin Farrell serves as executive producer and stars as John Sugar, a private investigator hired by a wealthy movie producer to uncover the truth behind his granddaughter's disappearance in Apple TV+’s Sugar.
Behind its deceptively sweet title, the show offers a genre-bending, modern twist on the classic private detective story set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.
This mystery drama and tech-noir hybrid delivers one of the most shocking TV twists in recent years, transforming into something entirely unexpected midway through—a revelation that must be seen to be believed.
Compelling from start to finish, Sugar boasts sharp dialogue, stunning cinematography, an authentic portrayal of media, and a commanding performance from Farrell.
These elements come together to make Sugar an underrated gem that is well worth watching.
10. Under the Bridge – Hulu
Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough star in Hulu’s Under the Bridge, which delves into the real-life murder of Canadian teenager Reena Virk, portrayed by Vritika Gupta.
This true crime drama offers a profoundly moving exploration of the tragedy’s aftermath. Despite its raw emotion and Gladstone’s Emmy-nominated performance as local police officer Cam Bentland, the show largely went unnoticed.
Nevertheless, Under the Bridge excels in character development, prompting viewers to reflect on today’s societal issues.
The casting of age-appropriate teen actors adds a layer of authenticity to the story, with Archie Panjabi delivering a particularly impactful performance as Reena’s grief-stricken mother, Suman Virk.
With these powerful elements in place, it’s clear that Under the Bridge deserves far more attention than it’s received.
With so many titles available across different streaming platforms and networks today, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of new shows and gravitate toward the most popular ones. However, the underrated gems on this list prove they are just as worthy of attention, offering unique storylines and compelling narratives that stand out.