While we all know about big-name shows likeGame of ThronesandBreaking Bad, there are plenty of hidden gems that deserve your time too.
I’ve rounded up a list of shows that I thoroughly enjoyed, but which people often haven’t heard of when I recommend them. They are all available for streaming, so you can jump in immediately.
2015 - 2016
2
18
Status
Canceled
Long before thegreat exclusive Disney+ showsin the Marvel universe likeLokiandHawkeye, ABC produced a handful of live-action shows, one of which was the excellentAgent Carter. Hayley Atwell reprises the role of Peggy Carter from 2011’sCaptain Americamovie—while familiarity with the character helps, it’s not essential.
Set in 1940s America, Carter is constantly underestimated by her male colleagues, so she is regularly forced to take matters into her own hands to investigate threats against the world.
Agent Carterstrikes a good tone, with exciting action and high stakes, all the while maintaining a sense of humor. I live in hope that it’s resurrected for a third season.
Disney+
Agent Carteris sparky and good fun, even if you’re not deep in the Marvel universe.
2024 - present
1
13
Ongoing
You may know Kaitlin Olson from her chaotic role inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but here she’s on more likeable form as a cleaning lady for the LAPD. After using her high IQ to help solve a murder case, she’s enlisted as a consultant.
High Potentialis a blend of light drama and comedy, with a supporting cast that nicely support Olson’s charm. The different crime each episode keeps things fresh—though there is, of course, an overarching mystery.
Hulu
It’s great to see Kaitlin Olson knock it out of the park inHigh Potential, in a show that hopefully has many more seasons to come.
2019 - 2021
3
30
Ended
One ofApple TV+’s best showsisDickinson, which debuted with the streaming service and lasted for three brilliant seasons. It’s a comedy-drama about the young poet Emily Dickinson, played by Hailee Steinfeld.
Dickinsonis an odd show, at times knowingly silly and at others poignant, but it works well. It uses the American poet’s work as a jumping off point to reimagine her life and society, told with amusing anachronisms.
Apple TV+
Don’t let this Apple TV+ launch show disappear into the history books—there isn’t anything quite likeDickinson.
2019 - 2022
15
Unconfirmed
Played superbly by Natasha Lyonne, Nadia is a New York game developer who finds herself stuck in a time loop celebrating her 36th birthday. She encounters a stranger experiencing the same loop, so the two of them team up to uncover what’s happening to them and escape.
Even if you think you’ve seen enough time travel stories to last a lifetime, I urge you to watchRussian Doll. It goes to unexpected places and pulls off different tones with panache.
Netflix
Russian Dollis far more than aGroundhog Dayrip-off, and Natasha Lyonne is an outstanding lead.
2014 - 2022
20
You wouldn’t think that a comedy about metal detecting in a small English town would work, but it succeeds wonderfully in the bingeableDetectorists, starring Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.
It’s a very gentle sitcom that follows the character’s lives, relationships, and their unique hobby. Not a lot happens, but that’s part of what makes it so wholesome, and it’s a great show if you’re looking for something to cheer you up.
Amazon Prime Video
Detectoristsis an endearing half-hour British comedy—a perfect accompaniment on a rainy day.
2018
10
Everything Sucks!is a sweet coming-of-age comedy-drama set in the late 90s in a real town called Boring. It’s about a group of kids at a local high school who are filming a movie for their A/V club. The production serves as a nice backdrop to explore the group’s friendships, families, and identities.
The performances are great, especially Peyton Kennedy and Jahi Di’Allo Winston as Kate and Luke respectively.Everything Sucks!also features a pre-breakout Sydney Sweeney as Emaline, a junior with a flair for the dramatics.
Despite its name,Everything Sucks!certainly doesn’t suck. It’s a shame the show only lasted for one season.
2016 - 2018
34
The suitably titledLoveis a Netflix comedy-drama that explores dating and relationships, primarily between Paul Rust’s Gus and Gillian Jacobs' Mickey, two very different characters who are both difficult in their own ways—much to the frustration of each other and their friends.
Loveis funny, but it’s also heartfelt and sincere. It was co-created by Judd Apatow, director of movies likeThe 40-Year-Old VirginandKnocked Up, alongside Rust and Lesley Arfin.
Dating is confusing and messy, especially in the modern world. It’s portrayed perfectly in Netflix’sLove.
2018 - 2022
19
Derry in Ireland is the setting for this hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a group of teenagers at a Catholic girls' school and their everyday lives after the Northern Ireland conflict.
The show was watched by millions in the United Kingdom when it first aired, so it’s not so much a hidden gem in its native country, but it definitely deserves more appreciation globally.
Derry Girlsis both sweet and silly, refusing to outstay its welcome with three high-quality seasons.
2015 - 2019
Sneaky Peteis an Amazon Prime Video exclusive that has a glorious premise. Marius is a conman locked up in prison with a man called Pete. When Marius is released, he quickly finds himself in trouble, so he assumes Pete’s identity and then integrates with his former cellmate’s estranged family in a bid to lie low.
Pete’s family are by no means angels, so the dynamics between them and Marius make for good viewing, and the show maintains a strong pace throughout, with plenty of twists and capers to keep you hooked.
With a strong cast and an inviting premise that is a thrill to see play out,Sneaky Peteis a hit.
2014 - 2017
4
38
Black Sailsis one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It’s an incredibly enjoyable action-adventure, set in the 18th century as pirates hunt for treasure and vie for power. It’s visually stunning—you can almost smell the blood and sweat—and well acted, especially Toby Stephens as Captain Flint.
The final season actually sticks the landing, which is rare for a show of this scale. Plus, for the pirate fans out there,Black Sailsacts as a prequel to the bookTreasure Island, and features depictions of real pirates like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Jack Rackham.
Black Sailsis a thrilling, epic tale of swashbuckling set during the Golden Age of Piracy.
I wish I could rediscover these shows for the first time, so consider yourself lucky if you’ve never seen some of them because you have hours of quality entertainment ahead. In the meantime, I’ll keepstreaming my favorite comfort shows.
