10 Hidden Gem TV Shows from 2025 You Should Be Watching
This past year was undeniably strong for television, marking the return of massive hits like Severance and Andor alongside buzzy new titles like The Pitt. While these blockbusters dominated the conversation, a significant number of high-quality series flew under the radar. Whether due to quiet marketing campaigns, bad time slots, or simply getting lost in the content flood, these shows didn’t get the audience they deserved.
Critics have highlighted the most underrated series of 2025, offering a mix of comedies, dramas, and thrillers that are worth your time. Here are ten excellent shows you might have missed.
The Paper
Fans of The Office should definitely check out this spin-off set in the same universe. The story follows the staff of The Toledo Truth Teller, a struggling mid-sized newspaper owned by a subsidiary of the company that bought Dunder Mifflin. Domhnall Gleeson stars as Ned Sampson, an enthusiastic editor trying to keep the publication alive. The show captures the mockumentary style of its predecessor while carving out its own identity with a mix of absurdity and genuine heart.
The Residence
This murder-mystery dramedy brings a fresh twist to the genre by setting a crime scene inside the White House. Uzo Aduba stars as an eccentric detective named Cordelia Cupp who must solve the murder of a staff member during a state dinner. It offers a Shonda Rhimes-style mix of scandal and suspense that keeps viewers guessing. Despite its high-stakes setting, it manages to balance tension with sharp humor.
North of North
Netflix’s first original series commissioned from the Arctic is a delightful comedy about starting over. The show follows Siaja, a young Inuk mother who leaves her marriage to build a new life in her small town. It is filmed in Nunavut and features a cast that brings authentic charm and biting wit to the screen. It is a visually stunning and culturally specific series that feels universally relatable.
St. Denis Medical
Set in an underfunded hospital in Oregon, this mockumentary captures the chaotic lives of doctors and nurses trying to do their best. It balances the high stress of the medical field with the mundane absurdity of workplace politics. The cast has great chemistry, delivering laughs even in the most frantic situations. If you enjoy workplace comedies like Abbott Elementary, this one strikes a similar chord.
Étoile
From the creator of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel comes a vibrant series set in the world of professional ballet. The show splits its time between companies in New York and Paris as they attempt a daring talent exchange to save their institutions. It features rapid-fire dialogue and complex characters who are as talented as they are messy. While it may not have reached a massive audience immediately, it is a visual and narrative treat.
Adults
This coming-of-age comedy focuses on a group of twenty-somethings living in Queens, attempting to navigate the transition into true adulthood. It avoids the usual clichés of the genre by offering grounded, realistic dialogue and characters who feel like real people. The chemistry between the friends drives the series, making it a comforting watch for anyone figuring out their own path. It has quietly built a loyal following for its honest portrayal of modern friendship.
The Rainmaker
Based on the John Grisham novel, this legal drama delivers old-school suspense with modern sensibilities. It follows a young, inexperienced lawyer who finds himself taking on a massive insurance company in a case that could define his career. The show is messy, thrilling, and packed with the kind of courtroom tension that genre fans love. Despite a difficult Friday night time slot, it earned a renewal thanks to its gripping storytelling.
Overcompensating
Comedian Benito Skinner stars in this semi-autobiographical comedy about a college football player struggling to accept his sexuality. He creates a chaotic alter ego to hide who he really is, leading to hilarious and cringeworthy situations. It is a unique exploration of masculinity and identity wrapped in a fast-paced humor. The show’s distinct voice makes it stand out in a crowded landscape of comedy series.
Long Story Short
Animation fans should look for this emotional and funny series from the creative team behind BoJack Horseman. It explores family dynamics and personal history through a unique visual style that sets it apart from typical adult cartoons. The storytelling is poignant, often blending laugh-out-loud moments with deep emotional punches. It is a rare animated gem that resonates deeply with adult audiences.
Mythic Quest
While this show has been around for a few seasons, its latest installment remains criminally underappreciated outside of its core fanbase. The workplace comedy set in a video game studio continues to deliver some of the smartest writing on TV. It perfectly satirizes the tech and gaming industries while developing surprisingly deep character arcs. It remains one of the most consistent comedies available to stream.
We would love to hear your recommendations, so tell us which underrated show you plan to binge-watch in the comments.
