10 Obscure Netflix Original Shows You Probably Forgot Existed

by

Netflix has churned out numerous original TV series and films since 2012, making it a challenge to recall them all. While blockbuster productions with heavy marketing like “Stranger Things” and “Bridgerton” are widely known for their popularity, one might wonder about other creations Netflix has offered throughout the years.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must confess that the reception towards obscure Netflix series can be quite diverse. Some of these shows appear to have met their end due to valid reasons. However, there are others that garnered positive feedback when they initially hit the streaming service, boasting solid reviews and perhaps, with a wider reach today, could captivate an even larger audience.

Here are 10 forgotten Netflix original shows that have been lost to time.

10
‘Richie Rich’ (2015)

The television series titled “Richie Rich” was developed by Brian Robbins and Jeff Hodsden, inspired by the comic strips of Alfred Harvey and Warren Kremer. In this show, a boy named Richie Rich unexpectedly turns into a trillionaire when he discovers a method to convert unwanted vegetables into renewable energy. The main character is played by Jake Brennan (known for “Our Little Secret”), with an ensemble that includes Lauren Taylor (“Best Friends Whenever”), Joshua Carlon (“Max & Me”), Kiff VandenHeuvel (“The Croods: Family Tree”), Brooke Wexler (“Sequestered”), and also a young Jenna Ortega, who later starred in “Wednesday”.

A Show That Never Really Found Its Footing

For two seasons spanning over Netflix, the comedy series titled “Richie Rich” aired for 21 episodes, initially produced by AwesomenessTV and DreamWorks for YouTube. However, the show didn’t garner many positive reviews, earning only a 50% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Recently, it was disclosed that this series would be taken off Netflix in May 2025.

9
‘Easy’ (2016 – 2019)

Easy is a collection of standalone episodes, conceived by Joe Swanberg. Each episode, approximately half an hour long, delves into the life of distinct Chicago residents, primarily focusing on themes of love and connections. Key actors in the series include Michael Chernus, Jane Adams, Elizabeth Reaser, and Jacqueline Toboni. (Severance, She Dies Tomorrow, The Haunting of Hill House, Grimm).

Great Guest Stars

The series “Easy” spanned a total of 25 episodes and garnered positive feedback throughout its three seasons. This comedy-drama boasts an impressive roster of guest stars, including Malin Åkerman (“Billions”), Orlando Bloom (“Carnival Row”), Hannibal Buress (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”), Jake Johnson (“New Girl”), Judy Greer (“Halloween Kills”), Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”), and many others. The show received three nominations for GLAAD Media Awards and currently holds an 85% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes for the first season, 86% for the second season, and a perfect 100% for the third season.

8
‘She’s Gotta Have It’ (2017 – 2019)

Spike Lee is the one who made the television series, “She’s Gotta Have It,” which is a modern take on his original 1986 film. This comedy-drama features DeWanda Wise (“Jurassic World Dominion”) as Nola Darling, along with an ensemble cast that includes Anthony Ramos (“Twisters”), Lyriq Bent (“Rookie Blue”), Cleo Anthony (“Roswell, New Mexico”), Margot Bingham (“New Amsterdam”), Chyna Layne (“The First Purge”), and De’Adre Aziza (“The Breaks”).

Quality Television From Spike Lee

Mashable’s Proma Khosla described it as “an extremely gripping character story,” while Lauren Carroll Haris of The Guardian stated that “She’s Gotta Have It” is “spunky and vibrant — and far more dynamic than the typical Netflix series.” In 2018, Lee received a NAACP Image Award nomination for Exceptional Directing in a Comedy Series for Season 1, Episode 10.

7
‘Maniac’ (2018)

In a 10-part miniseries titled “Maniac,” written by Patrick Somerville (Station Eleven) and inspired by the 2015 Norwegian series, two individuals form a connection during a drug trial experiment. The main roles are played by Emma Stone (Poor Things) and Jonah Hill (Don’t Look Up), in this psychological dark comedy. Supporting actors include Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), Sonoya Mizuno (House of the Dragon), Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), and Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters).

A Trippy Mental Health Drama

The series “Maniac” garnered positive feedback, with many commending its distinctive atmosphere. In the year 2019, Emma Stone was nominated for a Satellite Award due to her performance, and director Cary Joji Fukunaga (known for “True Detective”) received a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for his work on the program. It currently has an 85% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

6
‘Black Earth Rising’ (2018)

Black Earth Rising is a gripping psychological drama that follows the life of Kate Ashby, a legal investigator born in Rwanda, who finds her world turned upside down when her adoptive mother, a renowned lawyer, undertakes a case to prosecute a notorious Rwandan militia leader. This eight-part British miniseries was created and directed by Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman). The talented Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) portrays Kate Ashby, while Harriet Walter (Ted Lasso) brings Eve, her adoptive mother, to life. The ensemble includes Noma Dumezweni (Presumed Innocent), Lucian Msamati (Conclave), and John Goodman (The Righteous Gemstones)).

Michaela Coel Gives An Incredible Performance

Critical acclaim was abundant for this series. Rebecca Nicholson, writing for The Guardian, bestowed five stars upon it, describing it as an engaging, challenging drama that’s definitely worth the investment, and singling out Coel’s performance as particularly noteworthy. On Rotten Tomatoes, Black Earth Rising boasts a 79% approval rating from critics.

5
‘Love’ (2016 – 2018)

love, the romantic comedy-drama, revolves around the dating journey of Mikey Dobbs (portrayed by Gillian Jacobs) and Gus Cruikshank (Paul Rust). Their relationship is marked by a struggle to establish trust and open communication, complicated by emotional baggage. The show was conceived by Judd Apatow (known for The King of Staten Island), Lesley Arfin (of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.), and Rust himself. Supporting characters include Claudia O’Doherty (from Our Flag Means Death), Mike Mitchell (The Tomorrow War)), Alexandre Crepet (Anne with an E), and Chris Witaske (The Bear).

A Powerful Story About Love and Dating

As a movie connoisseur, I must express my heartfelt affection for the captivating series, “Love”, which graced our screens for an impressive three seasons and boasted a whopping 34 episodes. This delightful production had no shortage of talented comedians gracing us with their presence in guest roles. The show was lauded by critics and audiences alike, particularly for its exceptional approach to character development. In the year 2017, it even earned a coveted Satellite Award nomination in the Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical category. With an outstanding 94% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Love” is undeniably a must-watch for anyone seeking a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

4
‘The Eddy’ (2020)

A Musical Drama Miniseries Known as ‘The Eddy’: An Exciting Collaboration Between French and American Creators”

Description: This miniseries, titled ‘The Eddy’, is a unique blend of drama and music, set in the vibrant city of Paris. The creator behind this series is Jack Thorne, famously known for ‘Adolescence’. The main character, Elliot Udo, portrayed by André Holland from ‘Moonlight’, is an American ex-musician who manages a jazz club in France. The series boasts eight captivating episodes, with the first two directed by the renowned writer-director of ‘La La Land’. Joining André Holland on screen are talented actors such as Joanna Kulig (‘She Came to Me’), Leïla Bekhti (‘Paris, Je T’aime’), Tahar Rahim (‘Madame Web’), and Amandla Stenberg (‘The Acolyte’).

A Musical Slow Burn

The Eddy garnered mixed reactions, as some found it pleasurable albeit somewhat leisurely-paced. Despite this, it was nominated for the NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 69% rating from critics and an impressive 76% rating from viewers.

3
‘The Midnight Gospel’ (2020)

Hailing from the minds of Adventure Time’s Pendleton Ward and The Duncan Trussell Family Hour’s Duncan Trussell, The Midnight Gospel is an adult, fantastical animated series. This show takes place in a realm known as the Chromatic Ribbon, where Clancy Gilroy, a man operating an unauthorized multiverse simulator (voiced by Trussell), delves into various eccentric universes. Notable voice talent includes Phil Hendrie (The Unit), Joey Diaz (The Many Saints of Newark), Doug Lussenhop (Portlandia), Steve Little (Adventure Time), Christina Pazsitzky (StandUp in Stilettos), and Stephen Root (Barry).

A Weird and Wild Ride Across Galaxies

The series “The Midnight Gospel” aired for just one season with eight episodes, eventually getting axed by Netflix. Despite this brief run, it garnered mainly favorable reviews. Critics gave it a 91% rating while viewers weighed in at 89%, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

2
‘The Irregulars’ (2021)

Drawing inspiration from the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Irregulars is a British crime drama that presents an alternate version of events, featuring Dr. Watson assembling a team of Victorian street kids to combat supernatural threats that plague London. The series was developed by Tom Bidwell, known for his work on The Velveteen Rabbit. The talented cast includes Thaddea Graham (Sex Education), Jojo Macari (Those About to Die), Harrison Osterfield (Catch-22), and Darci Shaw (This City Is Ours). Royce Pierreson, recognized from The Witcher, portrays John Watson in this series.

A Sherlock Holmes Story Without Sherlock Holmes

The series, titled “Developed by Drama Republic and Streamed Exclusively on Netflix,” initially captivated viewers with its engaging storyline. However, after just one season, Netflix decided to discontinue the program. The entire series comprised merely eight episodes. Despite certain plot similarities to established narratives, the young ensemble was universally praised as the show’s standout feature. With an 80% rating from critics and a 52% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it has proven to be a well-received production, albeit one that treads familiar territory in some aspects.

1
‘Mo’ (2022 – 2025)

In the main character role of this comedy-drama, which draws inspiration from the life of Mo Amer – a Palestinian refugee descendant striving for American citizenship in Houston, Texas – is none other than Mo Amer himself. Co-created by Amer and Ramy Youssef, the series boasts an impressive cast that includes Farah Busies (known for Daughters of Abdul-Rahman), Teresa Ruiz (from Narcos: Mexico), and Omar Elba (A Hologram for the King). This thought-provoking show premiered its second and final season on Netflix in 2025.

Underrated and Worth Watching

Despite garnering exceptional praise, marketing efforts for this series have been rather minimal, particularly in the year 2025. Judy Berman, writing for Time, notes that it not only elicits laughter but also stirs our empathy for Palestinians, refugees, immigrants, and those frequently marginalized and dehumanized. Through Amer’s perspective, we come to understand that these communities are an integral part of America, and excluding them would create rips in the social fabric. The show boasts a perfect score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Read More

2025-05-27 03:04