With the sheer avalanche of new shows dropping in an era overflowing with new television projects, it’s easy for the most original and entertaining series to get lost in the shuffle. While the 2020s have delivered headline-grabbing hits, some of the decade’s most brilliant series have quietly just flown under the radar. So what unsung masterpieces are quietly redefining what TV can be?
For those craving something fresh that will make them laugh, gasp, or maybe even shed a tear, look no further—we gather some of the treasures that slipped under most radars; the hidden gems are the shows that critics rave about but haven’t gotten the push they deserve to reach a mainstream audience. From The Resort to Somebody Somewhere, these great 2020 shows are more than worth your time.
12
‘Trying’ (2020–2024)
Created by Andy Wolton
Making audiences laugh, cry, and reflect all in the space of a 30-minute episode, Andry Wolton’s Trying has frequently flown under the radar despite its glowing reviews. With an honest portrayal of adoption at its center, the show follows Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall), a couple from North London who are desperate to become parents. The two embark on the daunting journey of adoption over four seasons.
With the perfect balance of comedy and heart, Trying never shies away from illustrating both the tough and the genuinely funny moments; it’s even compared to hit shows like Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek in the kindness and warmth of its writing, which finds the sweet spot between laugh-out-loud comedy and touching drama. Additionally, the chemistry and casting are top-notch in this feel-good gem.
11
‘Breeders’ (2020–2023)
Created by Chris Addison, Simon Blackwell, and Martin Freeman
Inspired, in part, by Martin Freeman’s own parenting experiences, Breeders centers on Paul (Freeman) and Ally (Daisy Haggard), a couple navigating the chaos, frustrations, and joys of raising two kids. Rather than sugarcoating the realities of life and parenthood, Breeders does not hold back from diving headfirst into the messy and hilarious truth of what it means to be a parent, especially these days.
Much like Trying, Breeders is renowned for its warts-and-all portrayal of parenthood, tackling everything that comes with it and never shying away from depicting the darker sides of family life. In addition to its bold and undeniably entertaining storytelling, Breeders counts on three-dimensional, well-written characters and sharp performances to match, boasting high scores on review websites like Rotten Tomatoes.
10
‘The Resort’ (2022–)
Created by Andy Siara
Starring Cristin Milioti and William Jackson Harper, this dark comedy miniseries follows a married couple celebrating their 10th anniversary at a luxury resort in the Yucatán. Their vacation takes a sharp turn, however, when they stumble upon clues to a 15-year-old case involving two missing teenagers. As they delve deeper into the case, the genre-blending story gets even more entertaining.
For audiences looking for a series that throws mystery, comedy, drama, and even elements of sci-fi into the mix, The Resort may very well be the perfect pick. On top of its undeniable originality, The Resort’s narrative structure, which gradually reveals how the past and present connect, is part of what makes it intriguing, naturally keeping audiences hooked. Despite critical praise, this Peacock series never broke into mainstream popularity, perhaps because of its unconventional style.
9
‘Mythic Quest’ (2020–2025)
Created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney
Another hidden gem of the 2020s, Mythic Quest is equally heartfelt and sharp, delivering an interesting take on the workplace comedy. Set uniquely in a video game development studio, Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, and Megan Ganz‘s show illustrates the eccentric team behind the titular hit MMORPG as they navigate creative clashes, office politics, and personal ambitions.
While it never reached mainstream status, Mythic Quest earned critical acclaim throughout its four seasons, with the amazing performances, especially from Charlotte Nicdao and Rob McElhenney, standing out. Despite delivering a solid story that balances comedy and genuine industry satire with genuine heartfelt moments and layered characters, Mythic Quest was canceled after Season 4.
8
‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ (2020)
Created by Jason Segel
Following four ordinary people—Peter (Jason Segel), Simone (Eve Lindley), Janice (Sally Field), and Fredwynn (André Benjamin)—who stumble onto a mysterious scavenger hunt in Philadelphia, Dispatches from Elsewhere sees its protagonists following bizarre clues and unravel cryptic puzzles as they are drawn into a surreal adventure that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
Dispatches from Elsewhere is a solid pick for those who value inventive storytelling, with each episode often told from a different character’s perspective. Beyond the whim of it all lies a heartfelt exploration of loneliness, identity, and the search for meaning, featuring emotional arcs at its center. The Segel series, which was inspired by a real-life alternate reality game (“The Jejune Institute”), is unlike anything else seen on TV, and that alone may very well be enough to give it a try.
7
‘High Potential’ (2024–)
Created by Drew Goddard
Created by Drew Goddard for ABC and based on the French and French-Belgian hit HPI, the series follows Kaitlin Olson’s Morgan, a single mother of three with an 160 IQ, who works as a cleaning lady for the LAPD. After she solves one of the cases using her intellect, she is recruited as a consultant for the Major Crimes division, leading her to partner with Detective Adam (Daniel Sunjata).
While police procedurals are a TV staple, High Potential stands out by centering on a non-cop and working-class single mom with an unconventional and endearing perspective; anchored by Olson’s amazing comedic and dramatic performance, Morgan is a memorable protagonist who plays a huge role in the show’s greatness, particularly in the way it reinvents the network crime drama with its quirky lead.
6
‘Archive 81’ (2022)
Created by Rebecca Sonnenshine
This Rebecca Sonneshine supernatural horror TV series follows Mamodou Athie‘s protagonist Dan Turner, an archivist hired to restore a set of damaged videotapes. As he works, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the tapes’ creator (Dina Shihabi), who investigates a mysterious cult in a 1990s New York apartment building. In the meantime, the line between past and present blurs, and he finds himself drawn into a chilling conspiracy.
Praised for its hooking and atmospheric storytelling, this slow-burning must-see horror series offers a mind-bending puzzle audiences can’t wait to piece together. With a unique blend of psychological thriller and noir, Archive 81 is a genuinely disturbing and unpredictable series with a palpable sense of unease throughout. While it did get initial strong viewership, the series was canceled after one season.
5
‘Devs’ (2020)
Created by Alex Garland
For science fiction enthusiasts, Alex Garland‘s Devs might just be the most solid pick out of all these. The eight-episode thriller miniseries follows Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno), a software engineer at the enigmatic Silicon Valley company Amaya, as she investigates the mysterious death of her boyfriend Sergei, who disappeared shortly after the company’s secretive division. As she digs deeper, Lily uncovers a mind-bending conspiracy.
Perfect for Severance and Black Mirror enthusiasts, Devs stands out for ambition and intellect, as it never shies away from exploring philosophical questions about determinism, free will, and the implications of advanced tech. Furthermore, Garland’s signature atmospheric and visually pleasing style is on full display here; the cinematography and strong performances are a big part of what makes this overlooked sci-fi essential so great.
4
‘Deadloch’ (2023–)
Created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan
Set in the titular fictional town, the binge-watchable Deadloch blends dark crime mystery with sharp and irreverent comedy, flipping the traditional Nordic noir formula on its head by transplanting it to Tasmania and infusing it with Australian wit. The story begins when a local man’s body washes up on the beach, prompting the reluctant partnership of two very different detectives: meticulous Senior Sergeant Dulcie (Kate Box), and the chaotic Eddie (Madaleine Sami).
Deadloch shines through its social commentary that challenges genre conventions and satirizes and subverts the gender politics of classic crime dramas. In addition to its entertaining and gripping narrative, the visuals are also quite strong; the show is filmed on location, featuring beautiful and immersive cinematography that is as memorable as its characters.
3
‘We Are Lady Parts’ (2021–)
Created by Nida Manzoor
The British sitcom We Are Lady Parts, created by Nida Manzoor, provides a refreshing plot as it follows an all-female (Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Juliette Motamed, Faith Omole, Lucie Shorthouse), an all-Muslim punk band in London while they chase their musical dreams. In the meantime, they also navigate fame, family, faith, and cultural expectations.
Audiences are invited to delve into the hilarious and heartfelt world of Lady Parts in this delightful yet underrated sitcom that subverts stereotypes. It is a vibrant, infectiously positive, and undeniably great time in front of the screen, especially for those who enjoy the genre. Beyond its valuable message on music as a vehicle for self-expression and cultural commentary, this overlooked gem also features absorbing visuals to fully immerse audiences.