Ten Underrated TV Gems of 2024 You Shouldn't Miss in 2025
2024 delivered a tidal wave of television, making it easy to miss some truly exceptional shows overshadowed by big-budget premieres and established franchises. This list highlights ten underrated series from 2024, each deserving a spot on your 2025 watchlist.
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
1. The Eight Show: This Korean thriller-drama, unjustly overlooked amidst 2024's blockbusters, offers a compelling psychological study within a confined setting. Eight contestants compete not just for prize money, but for their very dignity, forcing difficult moral choices. The show serves as a potent metaphor for capitalism, exposing societal inequalities and the fragility of human values.
Why Watch It Now? "The Eight Show" delivers intelligent, suspenseful storytelling with sharp social commentary. While reminiscent of Squid Game, it provides a more intimate and psychologically nuanced exploration of human relationships and the corrupting influence of materialism. Its unique atmosphere, strong performances, and bold critique of consumerism make it a standout drama.
2. Shoresy: This Canadian comedy-drama might seem unconventional, but beneath its crude humor lies surprising depth. Following a cocky hockey player striving to transform a losing team, the series masterfully blends sharp wit with unexpected sincerity. A Letterkenny spin-off, it retains the fast-paced humor while adding layers of character development that unfold organically.
Why Watch It Now? Shoresy transcends the hockey setting, offering a story of perseverance, teamwork, and self-discovery. Its heartfelt moments and character arcs are surprisingly moving, creating a show that's both hilarious and thought-provoking.
3. Under the Bridge: This Hulu crime drama, unfairly overshadowed in 2024, is a powerful and emotionally resonant series based on a true story. It recounts the tragic death of Reena Virk in 1997, focusing on the victim's perspective rather than the crime itself. A writer with a troubled past returns to her hometown and becomes entangled in the investigation of a teenage girl's disappearance.
Why Watch It Now? Under the Bridge distinguishes itself by centering on the victim, offering a unique perspective within the true-crime genre. The series expertly blends intense suspense with profound psychological insights. The talented cast, led by Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone, delivers an emotionally impactful narrative.
4. Thunderous Applause: This Turkish series defies expectations, presenting an absurdist yet poignant exploration of human emotions. The unconventional narrative, featuring a protagonist who dreams of becoming an orange and other surreal elements, tackles serious themes like childhood trauma, loneliness, and dysfunctional families.
Why Watch It Now? Thunderous Applause is a bold experiment in storytelling, seamlessly blending comedy and drama to create a nuanced metaphor for the human condition. Its unique visual style and unconventional approach will captivate cinephiles and those seeking thought-provoking entertainment.
5. The Brothers Sun: This action dramedy blends crime, drama, and family comedy. After an attack on his father, Charles Sun, the head of a criminal empire, flees to Los Angeles with his mother and brother. The brothers' contrasting personalities create both conflict and strength. The dynamic plot, blending Eastern martial arts and American family dynamics, keeps viewers engaged.
Why Watch It Now? The Brothers Sun is a compelling story about family bonds, generational differences, and finding common ground. It offers a fresh perspective on genre blending, addressing significant themes without sacrificing humor or action.
6. Somebody Somewhere: This heartwarming HBO comedy-drama, concluding its run in 2024, remains criminally underrated. Sam returns to her Kansas hometown after her sister's death, navigating grief and rebuilding her life. Through friendships and rediscovering her passions, she finds self-acceptance.
Why Watch It Now? Somebody Somewhere is a deeply human story about loss, self-acceptance, and community. The series concludes with a satisfying resolution, offering emotional catharsis and a sense of hope.
7. Jurassic World: Chaos Theory: This animated Netflix series continues to enthrall dinosaur enthusiasts. Following the events of Camp Cretaceous, it features more mature characters and themes. Unlike recent Jurassic World films, it successfully captures the sense of wonder and spectacle, adding thrilling moments and deeper emotional resonance.
Why Watch It Now? Chaos Theory delivers a captivating blend of adventure, humor, and visual splendor. It's a great choice for both longtime fans and newcomers, offering impressive animation and a deeper exploration of the human-dinosaur dynamic.
8. Say Nothing: This historical miniseries transports viewers to Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Based on a bestselling book, it tells the tragic stories of Belfast residents, including real events like the murder of Jean McConville. It explores the devastating impact of hatred and division.
Why Watch It Now? Say Nothing is a profound exploration of violence and political division, offering both a gripping narrative and crucial reflections on human morality in times of conflict.
9. The Fake: This Australian series delves into the dark side of online dating and manipulation. A writer encounters a man who seems perfect, but his inconsistencies raise suspicions. The story unfolds as a pathological liar exploits vulnerabilities for personal gain.
Why Watch It Now? The Fake is a tense psychological drama exploring trust, manipulation, and self-preservation in the digital age. The compelling plot and strong performances will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
10. High Potential: This American series offers a fresh take on the detective genre, blending captivating investigations with comedic elements. A single mother working as a janitor at a police station uses her intellect and photographic memory to assist in solving cases.
Why Watch It Now? High Potential combines sharp humor with intriguing mysteries, creating a light yet engaging series. It features a strong female lead and offers inspiring and heartwarming moments.
2024 offered a wealth of hidden television treasures. These ten underrated series are waiting to be discovered in 2025, offering captivating stories across a variety of genres.