Underrated Netflix Series You Should Discover

Netflix is packed with hidden gems beyond the big hits. Below are underrated series—across comedy, drama, sci-fi, thriller, international, and documentary genres—that deliver strong storytelling or have cult followings despite flying under most viewers’ radar. Each entry includes a brief description and why it’s worth watching (all remain available on Netflix as of 2025).

Comedy & Dramedy Gems

• Derek (UK, Comedy-Drama): Created by and starring Ricky Gervais, Derek follows a sweet-natured caregiver in a nursing home. What starts as an offbeat workplace comedy soon reveals surprising depth: it’s “much more than that,” using gentle humor to explore empathy, aging, and how society treats its most vulnerable. Fans praise Derek for its warmth and heart—each episode balances the laughs with truly emotional moments, making this underrated series both touching and memorable.

• Feel Good (UK, Comedy-Drama): This semi-autobiographical series from Mae Martin (with Lisa Kudrow) follows a Canadian comedian navigating love and identity in London. Feel Good is lauded for its sharp wit and raw honesty: though often compared to Fleabag, it stands out by tackling LGBTQ+ issues and addiction with genuine heart. Reviewers describe it as “sweet” and “heartbreaking,” with comedy that turns suddenly serious. Its blend of humor and vulnerability has earned critical acclaim despite being little-known, making it a compelling binge for fans of character-driven stories.

• Dead to Me (US, Dark Comedy-Drama): Starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, Dead to Me is a twisty buddy comedy about two women bonded by grief after a tragic hit-and-run. The show’s greatest strength is its leads: Applegate and Cardellini have “magnetic” chemistry and deliver comedic moments alongside genuine heartbreak. Viewers love that Dead to Me never goes where you expect – its darkly funny mystery keeps you guessing while exploring themes of loss and forgiveness. Even the predictable twists feel forgivable thanks to the strong performances and emotional resonance.

• Santa Clarita Diet (US, Comedy/Horror): This cult-favorite series stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as a suburban couple turned zombies, blending gore with offbeat comedy. Though campy on the surface, Santa Clarita Diet earned praise as “fun, light-hearted but bloody comedy” that ran for three seasons. It never quite hit mainstream pop, but its unique premise and sharp jokes make it worth watching. The show playfully subverts the zombie genre (and suburban stereotypes) – as one review notes, when Barrymore’s character turns undead, her pragmatic husband just finds a way to “make that work”. This bizarre pairing and witty execution have won it a devoted fanbase.

• Derry Girls (UK, Comedy): A critically acclaimed Irish comedy set during the 1990s Troubles. This laugh-out-loud series follows a group of Catholic school teens and their families, blending adolescent hijinks with a vivid sense of place. Reviewers call Derry Girls a “belly-laugh kind of show,” thanks to its cheeky humor and heartwarming portrayal of friendship during unrest. It’s earned a cult following (and Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton fame among its cast), yet never became a global blockbuster. For viewers who love witty teen comedies (think Freaks and Geeks with a Northern Irish twist), Derry Girls is a delightful hidden gem.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Finds

• 3% (Brazil, Sci-Fi/Dystopia): A Brazilian series set in a grim future where only 3% of candidates can pass a brutal selection process to join the elite. While 3% uses familiar sci-fi tropes (think social-class allegory), its strength lies in interesting characters and social themes. Viewers appreciate the tense, competitive premise and the way the show humanizes each contestant. Over four seasons, 3% builds a distinct world and raises thought-provoking questions about inequality. It’s an accessible foreign-language sci-fi that has earned critical praise but surprisingly little mainstream attention — a true Netflix hidden gem.

• Travelers (US/Canada, Sci-Fi): In this intelligent sci-fi series, thousands of “travelers” from a dystopian future send their consciousnesses back into present-day people’s bodies to prevent civilization’s collapse. The premise mixes action with moral dilemmas. Despite positive reviews, Travelers flew under many viewers’ radar; critics note it’s “absolutely worth a watch” for its creative story. The show balances future-past mysteries with the travelers’ relatable modern-day struggles. It ran three seasons (before an untimely cancellation), but its thoughtful plotting and strong ensemble make it a cult favorite among genre fans.

• The OA (US, Sci-Fi/Mystery): A mind-bending mystery about a woman who reappears after being missing seven years – now with her sight restored and some strange new abilities. The OA is often called “mesmerizing to watch,” thanks to its unconventional narrative and emotional depth. Its genre-blending story (part science fiction, part spiritual drama) drew a devoted cult audience despite being cancelled after two seasons. Fans love The OA for its ambition and unique vision; it’s the kind of show you’re unlikely to have seen but will remember once you do.

• Locke & Key (US, Fantasy/Horror): Based on Joe Hill’s graphic novels, Locke & Key follows three siblings who move into their ancestral home and discover magical keys, each with its own mystical power. It’s a well-crafted fantasy-horror series with a strong appeal to genre fans. Reviewers describe it as a “unique” and imaginative show, a “must-watch for fantasy fans”. The mix of supernatural mystery, family drama, and teenage adventure makes it engaging (though it only ran three seasons). Despite moderate mainstream buzz, Locke & Key has garnered a loyal fanbase for its clever worldbuilding and heart – a hidden gem for those who enjoy fantasy thrillers.

• Blood of Zeus (US, Animated Fantasy): An animated Netflix series inspired by Greek mythology. It centers on Heron, a demigod son of Zeus, on a quest to save Olympus from demonic forces. With production by the creators of Castlevania, Blood of Zeus has high-quality animation and epic storytelling. The series “takes familiar strands of Greek mythos” (gods, monsters, hero’s quest) and weaves them into a fresh, original tale. Critics note its blend of Western heroic themes and animesque style as innovative. For viewers craving something like Avatar: The Last Airbender meets mythology, this under-the-radar anime series is highly recommended.

Thrillers & Suspense

• Mindhunter (US, Crime Thriller): Directed by David Fincher, this series follows FBI agents in the 1970s developing criminal profiling techniques. Though well-reviewed, it didn’t become a “watercooler” hit. Many fans consider Mindhunter “one of the best Netflix shows of all time”, praising its intense, methodical storytelling and strong performances. The show is slow-burning and atmospheric, focusing on dialogue and psychology rather than action. Its careful study of infamous serial killers and empathetic characters makes it a standout for thriller aficionados, even if it’s been largely overlooked by casual audiences.

• Vis a Vis (Spain, Thriller): Also known as Locked Up, this Spanish prison thriller is often compared to Orange Is the New Black – but reviewers note it’s far more intense and fast-paced. The first scene famously opens with an inmate “being boiled alive,” immediately setting a ruthless tone. The show follows Macarena, an innocent cashier framed for fraud, as she adapts to life among dangerous criminals. Viewers love Vis a Vis for its nonstop suspense and strong character drama. Its gritty plots and twists (rarely seen by non-Spanish-speaking audiences) earned it a cult following – it’s a must-see for fans of taut, dramatic series.

• Dracula (UK, Horror): A three-part BBC miniseries reboot of Dracula (by the creators of Sherlock). It was “misunderstood” at release but is now appreciated for high production values and fresh takes on the classic lore. The series is short yet ambitious – critics note its stellar performances (Claes Bang as Dracula and Dolly Wells) and its explorations of fear and legend. Dracula subverts expectations with creative storytelling and a focus on psychological horror. Its limited length makes it easy to binge, and many re-watch it for its striking visual style and deeper themes, cementing its status as an underrated gem.

• Evil (US, Supernatural Thriller): (Honorable mention) While not originally Netflix, Evil found new viewers on the platform. It follows a skeptical psychologist and a Catholic priest-in-training investigating paranormal cases. The show is praised for clever writing and strong performances, blending procedural drama with supernatural mystery. Though it has a dedicated fan base, it remains less talked-about compared to other Netflix originals.

International Originals

• Hospital Playlist (South Korea, Drama): A heartwarming ensemble series about five doctors who have been friends since medical school. It balances medical cases with the doctors’ personal lives, delivering slice-of-life storytelling that many find deeply moving. Hospital Playlist has been praised for its endearing characters and warm humor: reviewers describe it as “heartwarming and engaging,” with beautifully developed characters. It’s one of Korea’s most beloved dramas of the 2020s, yet many international viewers have yet to discover it. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories (think Grey’s Anatomy meets friendship drama), this quietly acclaimed series is well worth your time.

• 100 Days My Prince (South Korea, Historical Romance): A romantic-period drama with a twist: a crown prince falls into a coma and wakes up amnesiac living as a commoner for 100 days. The series blends humor, romance, and palace intrigue. Critics note its “delightful blend of romance, humor, and intrigue” and its engaging “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic. Though Korean period dramas have many fans, 100 Days My Prince remained relatively under-marketed outside Asia. Its lavish production, charming leads, and adventurous plot make it an accessible introduction to K-drama for new viewers.

• M’entends-tu? (Can You Hear Me?) (Canada/France, Comedy-Drama): A French-language series from Quebec about three 20-something friends in Montreal who support each other through tough lives. Each 20-minute episode starts light but can turn unexpectedly serious, making the humor feel authentic and emotionally rich. Critics praise it as a portrayal of real people facing hardship – one review says it’s “funny until it’s not,” with quick turns into deep drama. For viewers looking for a short, poignant series that mixes comedy with social realism, M’entends-tu? is a hidden gem often missed by international audiences.

• Rita (Denmark, Comedy-Drama): A Danish series (5 seasons) centered on Rita, a brilliant yet rebellious elementary school teacher who is adored by students but often clashes with other adults. Netflix revived Rita for a final season in 2020. The show is described on Netflix as featuring a “independent, outspoken” teacher navigating life. Its candid humor and relatable family issues made it a hit in Scandinavia, yet it never broke out worldwide. Rita’s combination of wit, heart, and flawed but lovable protagonist makes it a smart and funny under-the-radar pick.

• Lupin (France, Crime): (Honorable mention) A modern Paris-set thriller inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin the gentleman thief. Lupin became a huge international hit, but it was largely a surprise phenomenon. Still, it’s worth noting: Omar Sy’s charm and the clever heists make it highly entertaining. (It may not be “underrated” now, but it grew largely through word-of-mouth).

Docuseries & Reality

• Lenox Hill (US, Docuseries): An emotionally powerful medical documentary series filmed in New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital. It follows four doctors (two neurosurgeons, an OB/GYN, and an ER physician) as they balance challenging cases with family life. Viewers describe Lenox Hill as a “tough watch” because it dives deep into real health crises and raw human emotion. Its honesty and compassion set it apart from dramatized medical shows. Each episode delivers moving, real-life stories; critics say it feels like the raw reality is “light years away” from TV depictions. For anyone interested in documentary storytelling and the behind-the-scenes of medicine, Lenox Hill is a must-see hidden gem.

Each of the above series offers strong storytelling or unique perspectives that earned critical praise or a dedicated fanbase, even if they didn’t become mainstream hits. They remain available on Netflix as of 2025 and are well worth adding to your watchlist.