Some series shine brightly but fail to get the attention they deserve. These are the hidden gems of the television world, productions that, despite their narrative quality, complex characters and impeccable production, have been unfairly overlooked or underrated.

From intense psychological dramas to sci-fi thrillers that challenge the boundaries of imagination, these series offer unique and memorable experiences. While many of them have received critical acclaim and garnered awards, they have failed to capture a mass audience. However, it is precisely their distinctive and sometimes bold approach that makes them a must-watch for any viewer looking for something more than just conventional content.

We’ve rounded up what we consider to be the 10 best and most underrated series of recent years that you should watch, and we’ve also ranked them from worst to best according to the IMDb index .

1. ‘Patriot’
2. ‘Penny Dreadful’
3. ‘The Leftovers’
4. ‘Rectify’
5. ‘Banshee’
6. ‘Halt and Catch Fire’
7. ‘The Americans’
8. ‘The Knick’
9. ‘The Expanse’
10. ‘Hannibal’

‘Patriot’

• Platform: Amazon Prime Video
• Duration: 46 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 2
• Year: 2015
• IMDb Score: 8.2

This dark comedy series follows an intelligence agent who struggles to maintain his mental health while fulfilling his mission. With a unique tone and a focus on the absurdity of spy life, ‘ Patriot ‘ has been praised for its originality and humor, but failed to find and consolidate a wide audience.

‘Penny Dreadful’

• Platform: SkyShowtime and Movistar+
• Duration: 54 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 3
• Year 2014
• IMDb Score: 8.2

This series fuses characters from gothic literature such as Dracula , Frankenstein and Dorian Gray , creating a dark and fascinating narrative. With Eva Green and Josh Hartnett in the lead roles, ‘ Penny Dreadful ‘ stands out for its gloomy atmosphere and intertwined narrative. The series has been nominated for several awards, including the BAFTAs , but has not received the widespread recognition that we believe it deserves.

‘The Leftovers’

• Platform: Movistar+ and Max
• Duration: 58 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 3
• Year 2014
• IMDb Score: 8.3

In a world where 2% of the population mysteriously disappears, ‘ The Leftovers ‘ explores the psychological and emotional impact on those left behind. Featuring deep and emotional storytelling, the series has been hailed for its direction and performances, particularly that of Justin Theroux . Despite its lack of major awards, it has been considered an underrated gem of modern television.

‘Rectify’

• Platform: No streaming offers at this time
• Duration: 47 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 4
• Year 2013
• IMDb Score: 8.3

‘ Rectify ‘ follows Daniel Holden , a man who is released after spending 19 years on death row. The series focuses on his struggle to reintegrate into society and the effects of wrongful incarceration. Featuring an introspective narrative and powerful performances, it has received critical praise but has largely gone unnoticed by mainstream audiences.

‘Banshee’

• Platform: Max
• Duration: 51 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 4
• Year 2013
• IMDb Score: 8.4

An ex-convict takes on the identity of a sheriff in a small Pennsylvania town . ‘ Banshee ‘ combines intense action with a plot full of twists and complex characters. Although it hasn’t won many major awards, the series is praised for its frenetic pace and unique approach to the action genre.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’

• Platform: No streaming offers at this time
• Duration: 45 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 4
• Year 2014
• IMDb Score: 8.4

Set in the 1980s and 1990s, this series chronicles the computer revolution through the lives of engineers and entrepreneurs. With well-developed characters and an accurate depiction of technological history, ‘ Halt and Catch Fire ‘ has been critically acclaimed, but it’s another series that we feel hasn’t received and reached the audience it deserves.

‘The Americans’

• Platform: Disney+
• Duration: 48 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 6
• Year 2013
• IMDb Score: 8.4

This spy series follows two KGB agents posing as an American couple during the Cold War . Featuring a tense narrative and stellar performances by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys , ‘ The Americans ‘ has won several awards, including Emmys , but remains underrated by a wider audience.

‘The Knick’

• Platform: Movistar+ and Max
• Duration: 54 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 2
• Year 2014
• IMDb Score: 8.5

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Clive Owen , this series is set in a New York hospital at the beginning of the 20th century. ‘ The Knick ‘ explores the medical advances of the time and the personal struggles of its characters. Despite its cinematic and critical quality, it has not achieved general recognition.

‘The Expanse’

• Platform: Movistar+ and Max
• Duration: 54 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 2
• Year 2014
• IMDb Score: 8.5

Set in a future where the solar system is colonized, ‘ The Expanse ‘ addresses themes of politics, intrigue, and space exploration. The series is praised for its scientific realism and expansive narrative. Despite its quality and faithfulness to James S.A. Corey ‘s novels , it has not reached the level of fame of other science fiction series.

‘Hannibal’

• Platform: No streaming offers at this time
• Duration: 43 minutes per episode
• Seasons: 3
• Year 2013
• IMDb Score: 8.5

Based on the characters of Thomas Harris , ‘ Hannibal ‘ follows the relationship between talented psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and FBI agent Will Graham . Featuring a mix of psychological horror and exquisite cinematography, the series has been praised for its aesthetics and performances, especially from Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy . Despite its premature cancellation, it has a loyal fan base.