Ten highly underrated shows for the adventurous binge viewer

Braden Moss-Ennis, Opinions Columnist

If there’s one good thing that self-isolation can bring us, it’s time. This time could be used to complete tasks we have been slacking on, learn new skills, spend with our family, or simply time to relax. A common activity that more people are engaging in during self-isolation is binge-watching shows. Some of the more popular shows that people recommend for binging include “Breaking Bad,” “The Office,” and “Game of Thrones,” but those aren’t the only great shows for audiences to watch.

There are hundreds of great shows out there waiting to be discovered, but this also may mean exploring some less-often discussed options. After spending hours searching through shows available to stream, here’s the top ten you need to check out:

10. “Giri/Haji” (2019)

This crime drama follows a detective from Tokyo who must search for his criminal brother in London. The show is incredibly fast-paced, with film-like cinematography.

It has dialogue in both Japanese and English, so it’s a show that requires your full attention in order to keep up with the subtitles and what’s being said. It’s only one season long so it makes for a quick and enjoyable binge.

Where to watch: Netflix.

9. “Over the Garden Wall” (2014)

Source: Over the Garden Wall Wiki by Fandom TV.

This is an animated fantasy-adventure miniseries that follows two brothers; after getting lost in a mystical forest, they are trying to find their way home.

It is a family-friendly show that is really effective in drawing the audience in with its whimsical humor, unsettling scores, and short, episodic stories.

Where to watch: Hulu.

8. “Devs” (2020)

This limited series is a sci-fi thriller created by Alex Garland, the writer and director of films like “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation.”

The show follows a woman working at a tech company who believes her employer is responsible for her boyfriend’s disappearance. The show uses some technological terms and concepts that the average viewer may not be familiar with. While that may intimidate some, if you accept that things might be discussed that you won’t completely understand, the show wows with its visuals, sound design, and concept.

This series is currently still airing, with its finale landing on April 16.

Where to watch: FX and Hulu.

7. “Barry” (2018)

This is a dark comedy surrounding a contract killer who decides he wants to change career paths and become an actor.

The performances from the actors, including Bill Hader, Henry Winkler, and Sarah Goldberg, are great on their own. Aside from the comedy aspect, the show also offers a lot of tension. Where to watch: This is one of the many shows that HBO is now offering for viewers to stream for free on their HBO Go and HBO Now services, according to Variety reporter Todd Spangler.

6. “Succession” (2018)

It is a dramatic dark comedy that revolves around a family that owns a digital media company, and the power struggle that exists amongst the family and industry.

Source: GQ.com.

This show is more of a slow-burn than the previously mentioned shows, but it still has its fair share of twists. The show has a variety of characters that it focuses on, which allows for viewers to become attached to some more than others, and every cast member is fantastic in their role.

Where to watch: It is also currently free to watch on HBO Now and HBO Go.

5. “The Leftovers” (2014)

The unique drama follows the lives of individuals after a mysterious global phenomenon mysteriously causes two percent of the world’s population to suddenly disappear.

It is created by Damon Lindelof, co-creator of “Lost” and executive producer of “Watchmen.”

It’s not a show for everyone, but for those who love character-driven, weird, and atmospheric shows, this is one of the best available for streaming.

Where to watch: HBO Go and HBO Now with a paid subscription.

4. “Gravity Falls” (2012)

This is an animated comedic mystery that follows siblings as they spend their summer in the strange town of Gravity Falls with their great-uncle. They must assist him in running his tourist attraction, and accompany him on quirky adventures.

This show is simply a lot of fun to watch. It can get really weird and nonsensical very quickly, and can even be a bit creepy at times. In terms of the comedy and visuals, it feels a little bit like a family friendly version of “Rick and Morty.”

Where to watch: Hulu and Disney+.

3. “Hannibal” (2013)

This thrilling horror series is a reimaging of the story of Hannibal Lecter, which follows FBI investigator Will Graham.

The visuals in the show can be both beautiful and disturbing. It arguably has some of the best cinematography in television. Sometimes the show feels like it is more style over substance, but it still is one of the most thrilling watches I’ve had.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime.

2. “Fargo” (2012)

This is a black comedy and drama anthology series. Each season of the show focuses on a different set of characters, with different actors, in different time periods.

While it is not a small-screen version of the Coen Brothers’ film, if you’re a fan of the film, the show draws upon its best themes and characteristics to create something very entertaining. It consistently has stellar casts each season, and does a good job at maintaining quality throughout its three seasons.

Where to watch: Hulu.

1. “The Americans” (2013)

This spy thriller is set in the 1980s and focuses on two Soviet spies living in America during the Cold War.

While it is a fictional show, it also incorporates real historical events, and almost unintentionally informs viewers about real things that were occurring during the Cold War they might not know much about.

Source: FX Networks.

With six seasons, this is the longest running show out of all the recommendations, as well as the most consistent with its quality. Six seasons may seem like a lot to some people, but if there’s any time to commit to a longer series like this, the time is now.

The performances from the two leads, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, are some of my favorite television performances ever.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime.

 

No matter what series you choose to pass the time with, watching shows can serve as a nice escape from reality and a real luxury during these times. Sometimes, there are few things more satisfying than coming across a great show that you’ve never heard of or watched before. Hopefully at least one of these shows can offer a similar escape and enjoyment for new viewers.