By The Bukit List

Just about every devoted couch potato knows Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, Succession, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, etc. They’re great shows, no doubt, and there’s a reason why people love them so much (including us), but they’re also on every stinkin’ ‘Best TV Shows’ list. 

What happens when we burn through those lists, or when we’re craving shows with more unconventional narratives? At The Bukit List, we’re always on the hunt for the underdogs—whether it be people, places, or things (or, in this case, TV shows). 

Here are 9 underrated shows we legitimately love and think are worth every binge-worthy minute of your time if you haven’t seen them yet…

  1. Fleabag. The dark comedy takes you on a journey through the mind of a quirky female protagonist who’s unapologetically flawed and equally endearing. We were already in love with her character by the end of the first show. Created and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge who plays Fleabag, the British TV series originally premiered in 2016 as a one-woman show before being adapted into a two-season television series. It’s sharp, witty, refreshingly honest, and a really fun watch. 
  2. Good Omens. Good Omens cleverly makes the apocalypse seem way more entertaining and hilarious than catastrophic. It’s also got the coolest angel and demon bromance we never knew we were missing out on. David Tennant and Michael Sheen’s performances alone are reason enough to watch the show, but the unorthodox plot, creative imagery, fantastical settings, and visual style that aligns so well with the novel (“Good Omens,” written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett) will keep you entertained throughout the series. 
  3. Clark. Loosely based on the story of Sweden’s most notorious “celebrity gangster,” Clark is a detailed glimpse into the life of the man behind the term, “Stockholm Syndrome.” Its off-color humor, slick cinematography, and eccentric cast of characters (namely, Bill Skarsgård as Clark) make for a really entertaining show. It’s stylish, well-executed, dark, and funny—we highly recommend the show. 
  4. Halston. Bringing 70s and 80s glam in New York City to life, Halston chronicles the rise and fall of iconic American fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick (played by Ewan McGregor), known professionally as Halston. The visually compelling biopic is a limited series which we tend to love because they’re not laden with excessive fluff—it tells the story it’s supposed to tell in five entertaining, visually-compelling episodes. You’ll learn all about Halston, including his triumphs and his struggles, you’ll watch some inspiring performances, and you’ll get to see some really great fashion. We think it’s five hours well spent. 
  5. High Maintenance. High Maintenance also takes place in the Big Apple. It’s a series of vignettes that are all loosely interconnected by one low-key but charismatic weed dealer (played by the show’s co-creator, Ben Sinclair). It’s a beautiful exploration of human connections that offers a witty and heartwarming look at the lives of ordinary people. It’s fresh, stylish, and the writing and performances are relatable. There are four seasons in total and we were really bummed when the show ended. 
  6. I Hate Suzie.  I Hate Suzie is a British dark comedy-drama that follows the life of former child star turned adult actress, Suzie Pickles, who’s portrayed by the show’s co-creator, Billie Piper. It’s an unfiltered look at the unraveling life of a celebrity who, in the very beginning, is on the verge of a career comeback before things go south due to some leaked explicit photos. The show explores themes of identity, fame, relationships, infidelity, and the toll that social media and modern technology can take on a person’s life. And Piper’s performance is an absolute knockout.
  7. Kleo. The German action-thriller takes place after the fall of the Berlin Wall and centers around a former East German spy killer who goes on a revenge spree after a series of betrayals. Never a dull moment, the German series puts a humorous and colorful spin on the collapse of communist regimes. It’s another well-executed series that gets major style points and is full of brilliant performances. 
  8. Red Oaks. Set in the 80s, Red Oaks is a heartwarming and fun coming-of-age story that captures the essence of youth and self-discovery in three entertaining seasons. The show delivers quite a few stand-out performances, great outfits and hairstyles (including lots of leg warmers and crimped hair), and some timeless life lessons. And the soundtrack is awesome—if you don’t believe us, go ahead and Spotify it now. 
  9.  Mo. This one’s had a fair amount of (well-deserved) critical acclaim, so to call it a show that not everyone is talking about might be slightly off-base. Nevertheless, it’s one we didn’t know anything about before we watched it, and we couldn’t help but binge it because it was that good. It’s a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama about a Palestinian refugee called Mo who seeks asylum in Houston, Texas, with his family. The protagonist is portrayed by the show’s co-creator, comedian Mohammed Amer, who’s comedy style coupled with his ability to weave in an engaging, relatable, and authentic narrative are what really make the show. 

A lot of the shows on this list are creator-driven or led, which generally lends itself to a lot of creative freedom and more passionate performances. We think they all deliver really innovative and stand-out narratives, but we’re kinda biased since it’s our own list. What do you guys think? Drop us a message or leave a comment on our Instagram post for this list!