The streaming landscape in 2024 was more competitive than ever. Between blockbuster franchise releases, big-budget fantasy series, and endless true-crime documentaries, some shows naturally dominated the conversation. Yet, with so much noise, plenty of brilliant shows slipped under the radar.

These underrated shows didn’t always trend on social media or break into top-10 streaming charts, but they offered fresh perspectives, memorable performances, and storytelling worth revisiting. Many were overshadowed by splashier titles, others suffered from poor marketing, and some simply launched at the wrong time. But for discerning viewers, these hidden gems are the kind of series that stick with you long after you’ve watched them.

Now that we’re in 2025, it’s the perfect moment to look back and catch up on the shows you might have missed in 2024. From genre-bending dramas to sharp comedies and gripping thrillers, the year delivered more than just the headline-making hits. These underrated shows represent the creative risk-taking and narrative experimentation that streaming platforms need to keep television exciting.

In this guide, we’ll spotlight the top underrated shows from 2024—the ones critics praised, fans adored, but too few people actually watched. Whether you’re looking for a weekend binge or something new to add to your queue, these shows are more than worth your time in 2025.

Sharp Dramas That Deserved More Attention
 

Drama series often dominate awards shows, but in 2024, a handful of brilliant dramas didn’t get the attention they deserved. These series blended complex character arcs, emotional intensity, and layered storytelling, but were overshadowed by bigger-name productions.

One standout was Echoes of Tomorrow (Hulu), a gripping time-travel drama that combined sci-fi elements with an intimate family saga. While shows like Loki and Foundation took the spotlight, Echoes of Tomorrow delivered just as much heart, anchored by a powerful lead performance and intricate narrative twists. It proved that drama doesn’t need dragons or superheroes to be unforgettable—it just needs compelling characters navigating impossible choices.

Another gem was Ironwood (Netflix), a dark, atmospheric rural crime drama set in the American Midwest. Fans of Ozark or True Detective would have loved its moody pacing and morally gray characters, but it never hit the trending charts. With its bleak visuals, layered writing, and haunting performances, Ironwood showcased Netflix’s ability to deliver prestige television without relying on global franchises.

Meanwhile, The Glass Hotel (Prime Video), adapted from Emily St. John Mandel’s novel, was a slow-burn masterpiece that blended mystery, art, and existential drama. Critics adored it, but casual viewers often missed it among flashier releases. For fans of Station Eleven or Severance, it’s an absolute must-watch in 2025.

These dramas highlight how easy it is for thoughtful, high-quality series to get lost in the flood of new releases. But for viewers willing to invest in smart, character-driven stories, they represent some of the finest television from 2024.
 

Comedies That Slipped Through the Cracks
 

Comedy often struggles in today’s crowded streaming environment, especially when competing against action-heavy franchises and buzzy prestige dramas. Still, 2024 delivered a handful of sharp, creative comedies that deserved far more attention than they received.

Take Office Hours (Apple TV+), a workplace satire that followed a group of graduate assistants navigating academic politics at a prestigious university. With biting humor and painfully relatable scenarios, it struck the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud absurdity and social commentary. Yet, because it wasn’t tied to a big-name star, it went largely unnoticed. For fans of The Office or Parks and Recreation, this series is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Another underrated comedy was Family Plot (Hulu), a quirky dramedy about a dysfunctional family of private investigators. Imagine a mix between Arrested Development and Veronica Mars—eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and surprisingly heartfelt storylines. While it didn’t dominate Hulu’s charts, it built a small but devoted fanbase, and in 2025, it deserves a much bigger audience.

Netflix also quietly launched Stage Left, a musical comedy about struggling Broadway performers trying to make it big. Combining original songs with satirical humor, it brought a fresh twist to the comedy genre. Unfortunately, it was buried under Netflix’s flood of weekly releases. For those who love Crazy Ex-Girlfriend or Glee, this is an underrated treat.

These comedies prove that laughter is still alive and well on streaming, even if some series don’t get the spotlight. In 2025, catching up on these overlooked comedies could add both humor and heart to your watchlist.
 

Thrillers and Sci-Fi That Shouldn’t Be Missed
 

If there’s one genre that thrives in the streaming age, it’s thrillers—and yet, even within this popular category, some gems from 2024 were overlooked. These shows pushed the boundaries of suspense, blending sci-fi elements with tight plotting and edge-of-your-seat tension.

One of the most underrated thrillers was Redacted (Max), a political espionage series that felt like a spiritual successor to Homeland. With intricate plotting, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes action, it offered some of the year’s most gripping television. Still, it didn’t have the viral buzz of Max’s bigger titles like House of the Dragon, and too many viewers missed out.

Netflix gave us Neon Skies, a near-future sci-fi thriller about corporate espionage and AI surveillance. Critics praised its world-building and timely themes, but it was overshadowed by Netflix’s louder global hits. Fans of Black Mirror or Altered Carbon will find plenty to love here, from its sleek visuals to its provocative questions about technology.

Disney+ even dipped into underrated territory with Star Wars: Shadow Cell, a gritty spy thriller set in the galaxy far, far away. While the hype focused on Ahsoka and The Mandalorian spinoffs, Shadow Cell quietly offered one of the most unique takes on the Star Wars universe—more grounded, more suspenseful, and unlike anything the franchise had tried before.

For fans of edge-of-your-seat storytelling, these thrillers and sci-fi shows are must-watches in 2025. They may have slipped through the cracks, but their quality and originality make them standout gems worth revisiting.