8 Greatest 2020s TV Shows Nobody Is Talking About (#1 Is a Hidden Gem)

When you’re out with friends for a meal, conversations often drift to topics like relationships, work, stress, family, and upcoming trips. Once the food starts arriving – maybe some sweet potato fries! – someone usually asks the important question: What are you watching right now?

With so many great TV shows released in the 2020s, it’s impossible to watch them all. For example, some people love shows like The Pitt but haven’t gotten around to Paradise, while others are still thinking about The Last of Us but are now enjoying the new Scrubs. So, let’s highlight some other fantastic series from the last five years that deserve more attention.

‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

Netflix

Compared to Mike Flanagan’s other popular horror series on Netflix, The Midnight Club doesn’t get as much attention. It lacks the big, emotional twists seen in shows like The Haunting of Hill House, and it’s not a story about a troubled family like his other work. Instead, the teenage patients at Brightcliffe Manor create a family of their own. While some fans might find Flanagan’s long speeches a bit much, most appreciate the heart he brings to his scary stories.

I recently finished Netflix’s The Midnight Club, the 10-episode series that dropped in October 2022, and it really stuck with me. It’s a story that blends spooky ghost stories with some really heavy themes – dealing with terminal illness and what happens after death. Honestly, it’s more heartwarming and character-driven than outright scary, but that’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from Mike Flanagan. Everyone raves about The Haunting of Hill House, and rightfully so, but don’t sleep on The Midnight Club – it’s absolutely worth your time.

‘Devs’ (2020)

Alex Garland, the filmmaker behind sci-fi hits like Annihilation and Ex Machina, also created the 2020 Hulu series Devs – a critically acclaimed but often overlooked sci-fi show that he wrote and directed entirely. The series follows Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno) as she investigates the mysterious death of her boyfriend, Sergei Pavlov (Karl Glusman), leading her down a unsettling path.

This show offers thoughtful commentary on work, life, death, and love, and with its setting at a software company called Amaya, it also provides an interesting look at the world of technology. Despite being a strong eight-episode series, it’s surprisingly often overlooked compared to popular sci-fi shows like Pluribus, Severance, and Silo (Apple TV+ clearly caters to sci-fi fans!). It really deserves more attention.

‘Girls5eva’ (2021-2024)

If you miss the ’90s and enjoy pop music, you’ll probably love Girls5Eva. It’s a funny and heartwarming comedy about chasing dreams, the bonds of friendship and family, and finding love along the way.

Girls5Eva is a comedy series that originally aired on Peacock and then moved to Netflix. It follows the story of a former hit girl group reuniting, and stars Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, and Sara Bareilles. With Tina Fey as one of its executive producers, the show is genuinely funny. It also features catchy and well-written songs, like “New York Lonely Boy,” a charming tune about the experience of growing up as an only child in New York City.

‘Hacks’ (2021-2025)

Max

The series Hacks, which began on HBO Max in 2021, follows Ava (Hannah Einbinder) as she starts working for veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart). Despite an initial clash, the two discover they have more in common than they thought. The show offers a compelling and often emotional look at the world of stand-up, exploring themes of fame, aging, and reinventing oneself – and it deserves a wider audience.

For years, Hacks has been a hidden gem on HBO Max, and truly one of the best comedies on television. While Ted Lasso gets a lot of attention, Hacks is another fantastic show that deserves to be watched. You can stream all four seasons now, and get ready for the fifth and final season!

‘From’ (2022-)

Besides the fact that Stephen King is a fan, the show From has a really intriguing idea: residents of a small town find themselves unable to leave. Though it’s still under the radar for many, those who have discovered it are completely hooked and eagerly awaiting Season 4, which is scheduled to premiere on MGM+ on April 19, 2026.

This unusual horror story blends supernatural elements with compelling characters, and it manages to stay engaging even when the plot gets complex. It’s true that things aren’t always clear, but if you enjoy mind-bending mysteries like Twin Peaks, you’ll appreciate that the confusion adds to the fun. Give From a watch and enjoy the journey.

‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ (2025)

Netflix

Netflix adds new shows every month, and it’s easy to overlook them, particularly limited series. If you’re interested in social media, wellness trends, celebrity culture, and the meaning of health, be sure to check out Apple Cider Vinegar, a Netflix miniseries that came out in February 2025. The series tells the story of Belle Gibson, a real-life blogger and app creator who admitted to falsely claiming she had brain cancer.

Kaitlyn Dever is a major reason to watch this show, delivering a performance that’s both moving and surprising. However, Aisha Dee and Alycia Debnam-Carey are just as impressive as her co-stars. The story follows Milla as she battles cancer and explores alternative treatments, while her friend Chanelle tries to uncover the truth about a mysterious figure named Belle. The show tackles difficult questions about how to help a friend who is self-destructive, and it also highlights the potentially dangerous influence of social media personalities. While Apple Cider Vinegar initially generated some excitement, it hasn’t maintained much attention over time.

‘Long Bright River’ (2025)

Amanda Seyfried has consistently delivered captivating performances in films such as Chloe, A Mouthful of Air, and The Housemaid, solidifying her status as a leading actress. She’s equally impressive on television, notably portraying Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s The Dropout and having a memorable part in Big Love. Most recently, Seyfried took on the lead role in Peacock’s 2025 adaptation of Liz Moore’s novel, Long Bright River.

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Amanda Seyfried stars as Mickey Fitzpatrick, a police officer in Philadelphia deeply affected by the opioid crisis. Over eight episodes, she relentlessly searches for her missing sister while investigating a series of unsettling murders. The show is emotionally challenging, but it’s a powerful story about family, loss, and the search for hope. While it may not be as widely discussed as other crime shows, it’s definitely worth watching.

‘Industry’ (2020-)

HBO/BBC

While HBO’s Industry is a compelling show, it hasn’t reached the same level of popularity as hits like The White Lotus, Succession, and The Last of Us, which is unfortunate. It seems simple – a show about the world of finance – but it’s actually a much deeper and more complex story.

The series begins with a group of young professionals starting their careers at a London investment bank, Pierpoint & Co., but their lives quickly become complicated. Industry is known for its quick pace, tackling serious themes like happiness and hardship, and creating well-developed, compelling characters. Every episode is engaging, and while you may not always agree with their choices, you’ll be hooked by the characters. Be sure to watch all four seasons before the fifth and final season arrives.

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2026-03-21 04:20