2024’s Underrated TV Gems You Missed

In a year packed with TV releases, some true gems got overshadowed by flashy premieres and big franchises. These overlooked shows—with their compelling narratives, stellar performances, and fresh takes on familiar genres—deserve more attention.

We've already covered the best TV shows of 2024. Now, here's a curated list of 2024's most underrated series you might have missed but should definitely add to your watchlist as 2025 begins. From intimate character studies to ambitious sci-fi, there's something here for every taste.

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 0 0 Join the conversation

The Eight Show

Overshadowed by 2024's blockbuster releases, this Korean psychological thriller remains one of the year's hidden gems. Eight contestants are confined together, forced to make increasingly difficult moral choices as they compete not just for money, but for their dignity. Participants can order overpriced luxuries and meet daily in a shared space—transforming what seems like a reality show into a biting critique of capitalism and social inequality.

Why Watch It in 2025?

Perfect for fans of socially conscious thrillers, "The Eight Show" delivers tension and psychological depth that lingers. While reminiscent of "Squid Game," it takes a more introspective approach, exploring how material desires shape human relationships. With masterful performances and a haunting atmosphere, this is essential viewing for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking drama.

Shoresy

Don't let this Canadian comedy's raunchy exterior fool you—there's surprising heart beneath the hockey jokes. Following a brash player determined to turn his laughable team into champions, the series balances rapid-fire humor with genuine emotional moments. From the creators of "Letterkenny," it delivers the same sharp wit while gradually revealing deeper layers.

Why Watch It in 2025?

"Shoresy" isn't just about sports—it's about redemption, teamwork, and purpose. The characters' unexpected growth might remind you of "Friday Night Lights," wrapped in hilarious locker-room banter. If you need a show that delivers both belly laughs and touching moments, add this to your queue.

Under the Bridge

This Hulu crime drama got lost in 2024's crowded market, despite its powerful storytelling. Based on a true case, it follows a writer investigating the 1997 murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk in British Columbia. As police pursue leads, the journalist forms unexpected connections with local teens—revealing biases, trauma, and the complex truth behind the tragedy.

Why Watch It in 2025?

What sets "Under the Bridge" apart is its focus on the victim rather than sensationalizing the crime. Stellar performances from Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone anchor this emotional exploration of grief and justice. For viewers who appreciate nuanced true-crime storytelling, this deserves your attention.

Thunderous Applause

This Turkish oddity breaks all conventions—its protagonist dreams of becoming an orange, while smoking fetuses represent childhood trauma. Director Berkun Oya crafts a surreal world where absurdity underscores real issues like loneliness and family dysfunction. Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, it defies categorization.

Why Watch It in 2025?

If you crave truly original storytelling, this series is unlike anything else. What begins as bizarre comedy gradually reveals profound observations about human nature. Visually stunning and thematically rich, it's a feast for cinephiles tired of predictable narratives.

The Brothers Sun

This genre-blending series follows Charles Sun, a crime boss's son who flees to Los Angeles after an attack on his father in Taiwan. Thrust into an unfamiliar world with his brother, Charles navigates cultural clashes and family secrets—all wrapped in slick action sequences and sharp humor.

Why Watch It in 2025?

Beyond its martial arts spectacle, "The Brothers Sun" offers a heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging. The chemistry between leads powers this unique mix of crime drama and family comedy. For those seeking something fresh with emotional depth, it delivers.

Somebody Somewhere

HBO's under-the-radar gem concluded its three-season run in 2024 with quiet brilliance. Following Sam as she returns to her Kansas hometown after her sister's death, the show finds beauty in small-town life and healing through friendship. What begins as a story of grief becomes a moving celebration of community.

Why Watch It in 2025?

Few shows capture human connection this authentically. With its satisfying conclusion and unforgettable characters, this bittersweet comedy leaves you feeling uplifted. If you love character-driven storytelling that feels real, don't miss it.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

This animated sequel to "Camp Cretaceous" outshines recent Jurassic films by recapturing the franchise's sense of wonder. Older characters face deadlier dinosaurs, delivering thrilling action alongside deeper emotional stakes. Against all odds, it makes prehistoric creatures feel magical again.

Why Watch It in 2025?

Whether you grew up with Jurassic Park or are new to dinosaur adventures, this series blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling. Stunning animation and character development make it more than just kids' programming—it's essential viewing for franchise fans.

Say Nothing

This powerful miniseries examines Northern Ireland's Troubles through the abduction of Jean McConville, a mother of ten accused of spying. By weaving activists' stories with IRA commanders' perspectives, it exposes how political divisions spiral into violence.

Why Watch It in 2025?

In an era of growing polarization, "Say Nothing" offers crucial lessons about the human cost of conflict. Meticulously researched and brilliantly acted, it transforms complex history into gripping drama that resonates today.

The Fake

This Australian thriller explores modern dating dangers through Birdie, a writer who suspects her charming new boyfriend isn't who he claims. As his lies unravel, the series becomes a tense examination of manipulation and self-deception in digital relationships.

Why Watch It in 2025?

With online dating more prevalent than ever, "The Fake" taps into timely anxieties about trust and identity. Smart writing and psychological depth elevate it beyond typical thrillers, making every twist feel earned.

High Potential

A single mom working as a police janitor becomes an unlikely crime-solving genius in this charming procedural. Think "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" meets "The Closer," with a lead whose photographic memory and quick wit make her indispensable to homicide detectives.

Why Watch It in 2025?

Balancing clever mysteries with workplace comedy, the show offers refreshing optimism in the crime genre. Its heartwarming take on second chances makes it perfect comfort viewing.

As we enter 2025, these overlooked 2024 releases prove there's still incredible television waiting to be discovered—whether you're in the mood for drama, comedy, or something entirely unexpected. The perfect next watch might be one you've never heard of.