In 2025, we live in a golden age of television. With thousands of shows launching each year across Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video, there’s no shortage of content to watch. But the sheer abundance can also feel overwhelming. Major hits like Stranger Things, The Boys, and The Handmaid’s Tale dominate the spotlight, leaving dozens of equally brilliant but lesser-known series overlooked. That’s where hidden gems come in.

Hidden gems are shows that might not have global recognition or flashy marketing campaigns, but they deliver powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable characters. These underrated titles often become cult favorites, appreciated by dedicated fans who stumble upon them by accident—or through word of mouth.

This blog dives into the most underrated shows on Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that deserve a spot on your watchlist. Each section highlights one platform’s overlooked treasures, explaining what makes these shows unique, why they’ve flown under the radar, and why they’re worth your time. By the end, you’ll have a curated list of series that might just become your new favorites.
 

Hulu’s Hidden Gems: Stories That Push Boundaries
 

Hulu is often overshadowed by bigger players like Netflix and Prime Video, but its library is packed with bold, boundary-pushing series. While The Handmaid’s Tale may be the platform’s most famous title, some of its lesser-known originals deserve equal recognition.

Take Ramy, for example. This dramedy follows a first-generation Egyptian-American navigating faith, culture, and relationships in modern America. While it has received critical acclaim, it hasn’t reached the massive audiences of other shows. Yet, its honest exploration of identity, family dynamics, and spirituality makes it one of Hulu’s most original series. For viewers seeking representation and thought-provoking humor, Ramy is a must-watch.

Another underrated gem is The Great. Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, the show is a satirical take on Catherine the Great’s rise to power in Russia. Despite award nominations, it remains less mainstream compared to other period dramas like Bridgerton. Its mix of sharp wit, irreverence, and lavish production design makes it a unique alternative for those who enjoy historical fiction with a twist.

Hulu also shines in the mystery/thriller category with The Looming Tower. Based on real events leading up to 9/11, the series explores the tensions between the FBI and CIA. Though it earned critical praise, it never achieved blockbuster status. Its mix of suspense, history, and drama makes it an important yet underappreciated title.

The strength of Hulu’s hidden gems lies in their diversity. From comedy-dramas to political thrillers, these shows take risks and tell stories mainstream titles often avoid. If you’re tired of predictable formulas, exploring underrated shows on Hulu will give you a refreshing change of pace.
 

Netflix’s Overlooked Originals: Beyond the Global Hits
 

Netflix is the undisputed king of streaming, famous for mega-hits like Stranger Things and Squid Game. But its massive catalog also means countless great series get buried beneath the hype. Some of Netflix’s most intriguing storytelling lives in its underrated titles, waiting for audiences to discover them.

One example is Dark, a German sci-fi thriller that blends time travel with family drama. While it has a loyal international fanbase, it never reached the mainstream popularity of Stranger Things. Yet, for those who give it a chance, Dark offers a mind-bending narrative filled with twists, stunning cinematography, and emotional depth. It’s one of the most sophisticated series in Netflix’s library, perfect for fans of intelligent sci-fi.

Another overlooked gem is Mindhunter. Despite rave reviews and a passionate following, it was quietly shelved after two seasons. The series follows FBI agents in the 1970s as they develop criminal profiling techniques by interviewing serial killers. Its slow-burn storytelling and meticulous detail make it a standout in the crime genre, even if it never became a mainstream hit.

For those who love fantasy, Shadow and Bone is another underrated treasure. While it garnered attention among YA readers, it was overshadowed by bigger fantasy shows. Still, its rich world-building, diverse cast, and engaging storylines make it worth a binge.

The beauty of Netflix’s hidden gems lies in their willingness to experiment. Unlike heavily marketed blockbusters, these shows thrive on originality and depth. Viewers willing to step away from trending titles will find some of Netflix’s best storytelling in its underrated originals. If you’re looking for hidden gems on Netflix, dig past the top-10 list—you’ll be rewarded with shows that linger long after you’ve finished watching.
 

Prime Video’s Underrated Series: Bold, Quirky, and Surprising
 

Amazon Prime Video has built its reputation with juggernauts like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. But beyond these well-known hits lies a collection of underrated series that showcase the platform’s eclectic taste. Prime’s hidden gems often push creative boundaries, blending genres in ways that surprise and delight.

One standout is Patriot, a dark comedy-drama about an intelligence officer whose cover as a corporate employee forces him into absurd and dangerous situations. Despite its clever writing and unique tone, it flew under the radar and ended after two seasons. Fans often describe it as one of the smartest shows no one watched, with a perfect balance of humor, tension, and melancholy.

Another overlooked Prime series is Undone. This animated sci-fi drama uses rotoscope animation to tell the story of a young woman who discovers her ability to manipulate time after a near-death experience. It’s visually stunning and emotionally rich, tackling themes of grief, mental health, and identity. While it didn’t achieve the mainstream recognition of Invincible, it remains one of the most innovative shows in Prime’s catalog.

For fans of character-driven storytelling, ZeroZeroZero deserves attention. This crime drama explores the global cocaine trade through multiple perspectives, from Mexican cartels to Italian crime families to American brokers. Its cinematic scope and gripping performances make it comparable to Narcos, but it never gained the same recognition.

Prime Video’s underrated gems may not have the marketing push of The Boys, but they showcase creativity and risk-taking that set the platform apart. If you’re looking for underrated Prime Video shows that mix originality with depth, these titles are proof that Amazon’s best storytelling isn’t always its most famous.