TIME Magazine has compiled a list of 50 of the 21st century's most underappreciated television shows, featuring a diverse range of genres and creators. The selection highlights series that may not have achieved widespread commercial success but garnered critical praise for their originality, storytelling, and cultural impact.
The list includes shows like "Made for Love," a sci-fi black comedy co-created by Alissa Nutting, which explores themes of technology, control, and relationships through the story of a woman escaping a tech mogul husband who implanted a device in her brain. The series, starring Cristin Milioti and Billy Magnussen, evolved into a profound satire by its second season before its premature cancellation and removal from HBO Max.
Another notable inclusion is "Corporate," a Comedy Central series created by Matt Ingebretson and Jake Weisman. Set in the offices of a fictional megacorp, the show satirizes corporate culture through the eyes of two junior executives. The series is noted for its cynical humor, sharp observations about corporate contempt for consumers, and a cast including Lance Reddick and Aparna Nancherla.
Historical dramas are represented by "Underground," a WGN America series set in the antebellum South. Co-created by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, the show follows enslaved people planning an escape while examining the complexities of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Featuring a cast including Jurnee Smollett and Aldis Hodge, the series is described as a fast-paced, plot-driven thriller with perceptive commentary on the moral implications of slavery.
"The Bisexual," a Channel 4-Hulu co-production created by Desiree Akhavan and Rowan Riley, tackles the complexities of female sexual fluidity and identity. Akhavan stars as Leila, who explores her curiosity about men after a long-term lesbian relationship. The series is noted for its self-aware script and comedic approach to late-stage coming-of-age.
Showtime's "On Becoming a God in Central Florida," starring Kirsten Dunst, is recognized for its exploration of the American Dream through the lens of a pyramid scheme in 1990s Orlando. The dramedy, co-created by Robert Funke and Matt Lusky, is praised for its character-driven mayhem and its relatable portrayal of ambition and desperation.
Comedy Central's "Sherman's Showcase," created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, is described as an affectionate, weirdly specific pop-culture parody in the vein of "Soul Train." The variety show format allows episodes to explore various aspects of Black culture, featuring imaginative storytelling and a notable roster of guest stars.
"My Mad Fat Diary," a 2013 British drama based on Rae Earl's memoir, follows a teenage girl navigating mental health, friendship, and romance in mid-1990s England. Starring Sharon Rooney as Rae, the series is noted for its emotional intensity and its soundtrack of Britpop-era music.
"Lenox Hill," a documentary series, offers an intimate look at the lives of four physicians at Manhattan's Lenox Hill Hospital. Directed by Ruthie Shatz and Adi Barash, the series captures the intensity of hospital work, including the challenges faced during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.
Bryan Fuller's "Dead Like Me," a supernatural Showtime dramedy from 2003, is highlighted for its unique premise about an undead "reaper" collecting souls. Starring Ellen Muth, the series blends workplace comedy with an undead coming-of-age narrative.
Cartoon Network's Adult Swim gem "China, IL," created by Brad Neely, is an adult animated series set at a state university. Known for its rude, lewd, and referential humor, the show features fantastical scenarios and a unique visual style.
"Betty," an expansion of Crystal Moselle's feature film "Skate Kitchen," fictionalizes the adventures of an all-female New York City skateboard crew. The series explores themes of friendship, race, class, and sexual assault with a dreamy, fluid style.
"Downward Dog," a network sitcom from the 2010s, features Allison Tolman as Nan and uses narration from her dog, Martin, voiced by co-creator Samm Hodges, to offer a unique perspective on their relationship. The show is noted for its laid-back, gentle tone.
"Crashing," Phoebe Waller-Bridge's comedy series that debuted the same year as "Fleabag," centers on six young adults living as property guardians in a disused hospital. The show blends madcap antics with frank sexuality and tangled romantic relationships.
"Bupkis," a 2023 Peacock comedy starring and co-created by Pete Davidson, offers a semi-autobiographical look at 21st-century infamy. The series features guest appearances by John Mulaney and Brad Pitt and explores themes of substance abuse, persona, and family.
"This Fool," a Hulu comedy created by Chris Estrada and Frankie Quiñones, follows two cousins in South Central Los Angeles. The series satirizes the criminal justice system and explores neighborhood tensions with humor and sharp characterizations.
"We Are Lady Parts," a British comedy co-produced by Channel 4 and Peacock, centers on a Muslim punk band in London. Creator Nida Manzoor crafts richly written characters who defy stereotypes, blending humor with subversive original songs.
"Rain Dogs," a 2023 British dramedy, examines the codependent relationship between Costello, a destitute single mother, and her manipulative best friend, Selby. The series is noted for its tart dialogue and the genuine longing of its characters to form a family.
"Penelope," a 2024 independent drama, stars Megan Stott as a young woman who runs away from home to live a Thoreauvian existence in Cascade National Forest. The lyrical series explores themes of freedom, environmentalism, and a desire to escape the digital age.
"Slip," a romantic comedy from creator Zoe Lister-Jones, explores infidelity and alternate realities. The series, which moved from Roku to Peacock, follows a woman who finds herself in different parallel lives after acts of infidelity.
"It's a Sin," a five-part drama from Russell T Davies, chronicles the lives of a group of young queer men in London during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and early 1990s. The miniseries is noted for its intimacy and vivid portrayal of characters facing prejudice and tragedy.
These selections collectively represent a wide spectrum of television's underappreciated artistic achievements, offering viewers a chance to discover compelling narratives and unique voices that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.