15 Most Underrated TV Shows of the Year So Far

Since the actors’ strike concluded at the end of 2023, there has been an influx of new shows and seasons.

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch, and many series that deserve our attention can easily fly under the radar. 

So, we compiled a list of underrated shows that have premiered in the 2023/2024 TV season so far — from supernatural dramas to comedies to limited series. From TV series with a couple of years under their belt to brand-new shows, this list has something for everyone. 

In no particular order, here are 15 underrated TV shows you should check out:

1. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video) 

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a must-watch for those who love romance and spies.

This show is an adaptation of the 2005 film, with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine starring as John and Jane Smith. The two characters work as secret agents for an unknown organization and are forced to be in an arranged marriage as they complete their assigned missions. 

Glover and Erksine do an incredible job of portraying these characters and their tumultuous, chemistry-filled relationship.

Additionally, each episode is more engaging than the last, with viewers always kept on their toes and wondering what new obstacle the couple will face. There’s action packed into every second that’ll make you want to binge-watch the entire season in one sitting. 

Mr. & Mrs. Smith Season 1 is available to stream on Prime Video. 

2. The Brothers Sun (Netflix)

Speaking of action series, The Brothers Sun is another thrilling watch that premiered at the start of this year.

Even though the show is about underground Chinese criminal organizations, at its heart, it is about family — specifically, the Suns, who run one of the largest factions. The main character, Bruce (Sam Song Li) Sun, has to navigate his “normal” life while grappling with what it means to be a part of his family.

The most appealing part of the premise is Bruce’s relationship with his mother (Michelle Yeoh) and brother, Charles (Justin Chien).

Even though Bruce is driven by a desire to keep his hands clean of illegal activities, he’s willing to go to great lengths to protect his family. Along the way, he learns about what it means to have a duty to his family and helps them realize violence isn’t the only option.

Unfortunately, the show was axed after one season, proving it deserves much more appreciation. The Brothers Sun is available to stream on Netflix.

3. Young Royals (Netflix) 

Young Royals is a delightful watch if you’re looking for something lighter.

The series is about Swedish Crown Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) and his relationship with his classmate, Simon (Omar Rudberg). Throughout the episodes, Wilhelm struggles to understand his sexuality and obligations to the royal family.

Season 3, the final season of the series, premiered in March 2024, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story.

This season is every bit as intense and riveting as the previous ones. All the characters grapple with the consequences of Wilhelm’s speech. The school the students attend is being investigated for misconduct, which causes all the characters to worry about the future.

Fortunately, by the end, we also know whether Wilhelm chooses to stay with the royal family and what Wilhelm and Simon’s relationship will be like. 

Season 3 of Young Royals is available to stream on Netflix.

4. Invincible (Prime Video) 

Invincible has earned a reputation as one of the best comic-book adaptations, and Season 2 definitely proves it.

The show is about Mark (Steven Yeun), a superhero who tries to have a life outside his duties as he grapples with his complicated relationship with his father (J.K. Simmons). 

This season picks up where Season 1 ended, with Mark and Debbie (Sandra Oh) figuring out how to live without Nolan. To make matters more complicated, Mark’s half-brother enters their lives. Mark has difficulty juggling college and superhero work, and Season 2 follows along as his relationships with his friends change with him. 

Invincible Season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video. 

5. Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show (Max)

The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is genre-bending TV.

The show offers insight into comedian Jerrod Carmichael’s life and exposes every aspect, including the not-so-pretty aspects. It mixes moments from Jerrod’s life intercut with snippets from his stand-up sets. 

One of the most poignant moments is when Jerrod confronts his father about his affair. His father points out the cameras, stating that he knows Jerrod only feels comfortable talking to him in front of them. This scene points out how the show itself is a method for Carmichael to work through the complex weavings of his life.

However, for the viewers, watching a show is a way to better understand that the comedians we enjoy watching have an inner life much more complex than we realize. 

New episodes of the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show drop Fridays on Max. 

6. Loot (Apple TV+)

While everyone eagerly awaits news about Ted Lasso’s future, there’s another comedy on Apple TV+ that people should check out: Loot.

The series follows Molly Wells (Maya Rudolph), a wealthy woman who gained a fortune from her divorce. With the help of an ensemble of quirky supporting characters, she tries to find a way to use her money for charitable purposes. 

Season 2 has been a delight so far. We follow Molly as she attempts to spend most of her fortune to improve the world. We also look at the inner lives of characters like Nicholas (Joel Kim Booster), who has a problematic relationship with his white adoptee parents, and Sofía (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), secretly a Swiftie.

The better character development and exciting new plotlines make the second season just as enjoyable to watch as the first. 

Loot Season 2 is streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays.

7. Abbott Elementary (ABC) 

If you want a feel-good comedy, you should watch Abbott Elementary.

This workplace mockumentary is an iconic sitcom that matches the ranks of The Office and Parks and Recreation. Creator Quinta Brunson stars as Janine, a teacher at Abbott Elementary who navigates a lack of funding and resources alongside her fellow teachers. 

Season 3 of Abbott Elementary matches the quality of the previous two seasons.

Janine’s character arc working at the district is excellent, and her slow realization that she truly loves working at Abbott is heartwarming. The new season also gives us unexpected but iconic dynamics, like the friendship between Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) and Jacob (Chris Perfetti) that develops when they move in together.

New episodes of Abbott Elementary air Wednesdays on ABC. 

8. Dead Boy Detectives (Netflix) 

Set in The Sandman universe, Dead Boy Detectives is a fantastic show combining supernatural and mystery genres with a sprinkle of comedy.

Edwin Paine (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) are ghosts who have their detective agency where they solve unsolved supernatural cases with the help of Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) and Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura). Each episode follows a different case that the detectives have to tackle. 

Not only is each mystery more riveting than the next, but the friendship between the main characters ties the whole series together.

No matter how difficult the challenge is, the core four always support each other through hard times, especially Edwin and Charles. It’s a beautiful show for those seeking found family tropes with an otherworldly twist. 

Season 1 of the Dead Boy Detectives is available to stream on Netflix, and you can read our review here.

9. Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Disney+) 

Many fans of the Percy Jackson books had high expectations for the series adaptation, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians did not disappoint.

Faithful to the books, the series follows Percy’s (Walker Scobell) journey from discovering his half-blood ancestry to joining Camp Half-Blood to confronting the gods of Olympus. 

The heart of the series lies in the central friendship between Percy, Grover (Aryan Simhadri), and Annabeth (Leah Jeffries). Despite all the terrifying monsters they face, the three stick together through thick and thin, and their bravery is admirable. Also, the special effects are incredible, which helps breathe life into the fantastical story. 

With a promising start, fans are eager to see more of what’s in store for these demigods in the future, so make sure you catch up on the series before Season 2 comes out!

Season 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is available to stream on Disney+. 

10. The Curse (Paramount+) 

The Curse is a dramedy that is sure to make your jaw drop.

The series follows Whitney (Emma Stone) and Asher (Nathan Fielder), a high-income couple with a house-remodeling show in their new neighborhood. There’s tons of commentary about indigenous rights, gentrification, white liberalism, and sustainability skillfully woven into the series. 

While the show’s ending is shocking, its mundane parts make it stand out, precisely the little moments between Whitney and Asher’s rocky marriage. Although Whitney’s actions become progressively more unjustified, Asher continues to make compromises, not understanding he could never make her happy.

This is shown often through Whitney’s backhanded remarks about Asher or Asher’s desperate attempts to save their marriage. Yes, The Curse is about the consequences of the housing crisis and greed, but it’s also about the shortcomings of love and unfair expectations in relationships. 

The Curse is available to stream on Paramount+ through the Showtime add-on. 

11. Echo (Disney+) 

Echo is an action and drama-driven show you don’t want to miss!

Even though viewers have experienced “Marvel fatigue” due to the oversaturation of content, this show is worth checking out for its compelling character development. The lead is Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), a Native American superhero who returns to her hometown while pursued by a criminal organization. 

Admittedly, Echo has the usual superhero fight sequence-packed plot, but its uniqueness lies in its theme of culture and family.

Maya is a deaf antihero whose story is strongly tied to her indigenous and disabled identity. This unique representation is rare in superhero stories, and the show empowers those who share a marginalized identity by showing that someone like them can save the world. 

Echo is available to stream on Disney+. 

12. Baby Reindeer (Netflix) 

Baby Reindeer is a dark but thrilling addition to this year.

Based on the actor’s true experiences, Richard Gadd plays a fictionalized version of himself named Donny, who deals with a female stalker, Martha (Jessica Gunning). Throughout the series, Donny is forced to confront his trauma and come to terms with how abuse has affected his life as well as Martha’s behavior. 

The premise is dark; however, the show poignantly illustrates how cycles of abuse are perpetuated. It provides visibility into how deep-rooted trauma can affect a person’s life and actions, as well as the consequences.

Compared to other shows about mental health, Baby Reindeer presents complex topics in a candid way and helps viewers empathize with victims without glamorizing their trauma. 

Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix. 

13. Sort Of (Max) 

Sort Of is a beautiful celebration of queer and transgender people of color.

The creator of the show, Bilal Baig, plays Sabi, who struggles to figure out a career pathway for themself as a queer and genderfluid Pakistani Canadian. They have friends they can rely on, like 7even (Amanda Cordner), but they struggle with their relationships with unaccepting family members.

In this show’s third and final season, Sabi confronts fears and worries they’ve been putting off, such as dealing with the aftermath of their kiss with Bessy (Grace Kung).

To make matters even more complicated, they find themselves romantically entangled with a friend and dealing with a family death. In the process, Sabi works to repair their relationship with their sister and figure out what they want for their future. 

Sort Of Season 3 is available to stream on Max. 

14. Girls5Eva (Netflix) 

Returning with a third season on Netflix, Girls5Eva Season 3 has all the same elements viewers loved when it was on Peacock.

The series follows four women — Gloria (Paula Pell), Vickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry), Dawn (Sara Bareilles), and Summer (Busy Philipps) — who were part of a 90s girl group and want to try to become pop stars yet again.

However, they must deal with the responsibilities that come with adult life while chasing their adolescent dreams. This season takes things up a notch by addressing topics like nostalgia bait and the media’s obsession with women’s bodies.

The new plotlines help further humanize the characters and make viewers more sympathetic to the challenges pop stars deal with. All while invoking the show’s signature sharp, witty commentary. And there are plenty of songs for audiences to play on repeat after they finish binging the season. 

Season 3 of Girls5Eva is available to stream on Netflix.

15. 3 Body Problem (Netflix)

3 Body Problem is a brilliant adaptation of the iconic science fiction novel by Chinese author Liu Cixin.

The main character, Ye Wenjie (Rosalind Chao), is sent to a military base after losing her father during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. She then works with a group of scientists to respond to outreach from an alien planet and navigate contact with extraterrestrial entities. 

Compared to the novel, the series emphasizes character development and relationships more, focusing on the immersive, sci-fi-heavy plot. For example, Dr. Will Downing (Alex Sharp) becomes an emotional center during the middle of the series, as his heartbreaking and empathetic cancer storyline makes him a sympathetic character.

This adaptation also has a multiethnic cast, making the previously monoethnic-centric story more worldly. This helps the viewers connect with the characters and the story more easily. 

3 Body Problem is available to stream on Netflix.

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What new and returning TV shows are you planning on checking out? Let us know in the comments below! 

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