
Amid the deluge of TV shows that defined 2024, several gems were easily overlooked, overshadowed by high-profile premieres and established franchises. These series, unfairly neglected despite compelling plots, strong performances, and innovative approaches to their genres, deserve a second look. This selection highlights ten underrated shows from 2024, perfect for your 2025 viewing pleasure. From intimate dramas to daring sci-fi, there's something for everyone.
Table of Contents
- The Eight Show
- Shoresy
- Under the Bridge
- Thunderous Applause
- The Brothers Sun
- Somebody Somewhere
- Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
- Say Nothing
- The Fake
- High Potential
The Eight Show
This Korean thriller-drama, overshadowed by 2024's blockbusters, is a hidden gem for 2025. Its psychological depth and social commentary make it truly compelling. Eight participants compete in a confined space, not just for money, but for their dignity, forcing difficult moral choices. The reality show becomes a metaphor for capitalism, exposing social inequality and the fragility of human values. Participants can order food and furniture at exorbitant prices and meet in a shared room daily.
Why Watch It in 2025?
"The Eight Show" offers intelligent, tense storytelling with sharp social commentary. Inspired by Squid Game, but with a more intimate and nuanced approach, it prompts reflection on human relationships and the impact of materialism. Its unique atmosphere, excellent acting, and bold critique of consumerism make it a standout drama.
Shoresy
This Canadian comedy-drama might seem unconventional, but beneath its lighthearted and slightly crude exterior lies surprising depth. The story of a cheeky hockey player transforming a terrible team into a force to be reckoned with is captivating. The creators of Letterkenny infused this spinoff with their signature fast-paced humor, adding unexpected sincerity.
Why Watch It in 2025?
Shoresy is more than just hockey; it's a story of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery, appealing to fans of dramas like Friday Night Lights. Its heartfelt moments and character growth make it surprisingly endearing.
Under the Bridge
This Hulu crime drama, unfairly overshadowed in 2024, is a powerful and deeply emotional series based on true events surrounding the tragic death of 14-year-old Reena Virk in 1997. A writer with a traumatic past returns to her hometown and becomes involved in investigating a teenager's disappearance, intertwining her investigation with the ongoing police inquiry and growing closer to a group of young people under suspicion. Meticulously crafted flashbacks illuminate Reena's life and raise questions about trauma, bias, and justice.
Why Watch It in 2025?
Under the Bridge uniquely focuses on the victim, not just the crime, setting it apart from other true-crime narratives. It masterfully blends intense intrigue with psychological insight. A talented cast, including Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone, delivers an emotional journey.
Thunderous Applause
This Turkish series subverts expectations, offering an absurdist take on human emotions. The protagonist dreams of becoming an orange, and the imagery, while grotesque (smoking fetuses!), lays bare serious themes like childhood trauma, loneliness, and dysfunctional families. Director Berkun Oya's unconventional approach blends drama and comedy into a subtle metaphor for human existence.
Why Watch It in 2025?
Thunderous Applause is a unique experiment in storytelling. Its comedic moments serve the deeper narrative. Its unusual plot, visual style, and original presentation will captivate cinephiles.
The Brothers Sun
This action dramedy blends crime, drama, and family comedy. After an attack on his father, Charles Sun, head of a criminal empire, flees Taiwan for Los Angeles to live with his mother and brother. Their contrasting personalities create conflict and strength. The dynamic plot blends Eastern martial arts and American family drama.
Why Watch It in 2025?
The Brothers Sun is about family bonds, generational divides, and understanding. It offers a fresh perspective on genre blending, addressing important themes without sacrificing dynamism and humor.
Somebody Somewhere
This heartwarming HBO comedy-drama, concluding its run in 2024, remains underrated. Sam returns to her hometown after her sister's death, rebuilding her life with the support of friends and family. Music and laughter help her rediscover herself.
Why Watch It in 2025?
Somebody Somewhere is a deeply human story about loss, self-acceptance, and community. Its satisfying finale offers emotional catharsis.
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
This animated Netflix series continues to delight dinosaur fans. Set after Camp Cretaceous, it features more mature characters and themes. While the Jurassic World films sometimes miss the mark, Chaos Theory restores the sense of wonder, adding drama and thrills.
Why Watch It in 2025?
For gripping dinosaur stories blending tension, humor, and visual splendor, this is an excellent choice. It offers impressive animation and explores human-dinosaur relationships.
Say Nothing
This historical miniseries transports viewers to Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Based on a bestselling book, it tells tragic stories of Belfast residents from the 1970s to 1990s, including the kidnapping and murder of Jean McConville. It shows how hatred and division can lead to bloody conflict.
Why Watch It in 2025?
Say Nothing profoundly explores violence and political division. It offers a gripping narrative and reflections on human morality in wartime.
The Fake
This Australian series explores the dark side of online dating and manipulation. Birdie, a writer, meets a man who seems perfect, but his inconsistencies awaken her suspicions. A pathological liar exploits people's emotions.
Why Watch It in 2025?
The Fake is a tense psychological drama tackling trust, manipulation, and self-preservation in the digital age.
High Potential
This American series offers a fresh take on detective stories, blending investigations with comedy. Morgan, a single mother working as a janitor at a police station, uses her intellect and photographic memory to help solve cases.
Why Watch It in 2025?
High Potential combines sharp humor with intriguing plots. It features a strong female lead balancing family and personal growth.
From global hits to lesser-known gems, 2024 offered many overlooked masterpieces. These ten underrated series, spanning various genres, are waiting to be discovered in 2025.