8 Underrated TV Shows You Must Watch in 2026
Are you looking for your next binge-watch? There are many fantastic TV series that have earned much critical acclaim but have failed to generate much hype online.
Unfortunately, without a large audience, these shows run the risk of cancellation, which almost feels like a crime.
To ensure their survival, and help you discover your next series, I’m offering a rundown of shows worthy of your time and attention.
If you’re ready to fill your spare time with a high-quality series, here are 8 underrated TV shows you should be watching.
1. St Denis Medical
Watch if you like: Abbott Elementary or The Office
If you’re in the mood for a belly laugh, switch on St. Denis Medical. The hospital mockumentary follows the shifts of doctors and nurses at an underfunded emergency department.
It is, in my opinion, one of the best comedies to arrive on the small screen in recent years.
Offering unique characters perfectly performed by a superb ensemble cast, the show offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that’ll keep you coming back for more.
It’s hard to believe the show is yet to receive the same hype as The Office, especially as the series grows in popularity.
Season 1 serves as almost an introduction to the characters, while Season 2 expands their backstories and personalities, delivering more laughs and heartfelt moments.
While it might lack the hype of other comedy mockumentaries, such as Abbott Elementary, its strong ratings recently led to NBC renewing St Denis Medical for a third season.
Give it a try. You won’t regret it.
2. Paradise
Watch if you like: Severance or The Diplomat
If you’re looking for a TV show with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, you must watch Paradise.
Without saying too much, it’s a political murder mystery that offers a jaw-dropping genre-flip by the end of the pilot that you may not see coming.
The high concept show never fails to surprise, as it continues to challenge your understanding of its world and characters each season.
When you’re not scratching your head and gasping in shock, you’ll be reaching for the tissues due to many heartbreaking moments and outstanding performances.
For me, Paradise is one of the best TV series released in recent years, closely ranked with The Pitt.
3. Industry
Watch if you like: Succession or Euphoria
Despite being frequently compared to Succession, Industry has yet to rival its worldwide hype.
However, it’s easy to see why the show is entering its fourth season once you start watching.
If you haven’t heard about it, Industry follows a group of graduates seeking permanent positions at a top investment bank in London.
Industry is a must-watch if you want to immerse yourself in an intelligent, fast-paced TV series – and you’d be wise to turn on the subtitles.
If you can keep up with the financial jargon, you’ll be rewarded with a high-octane, immersive show that makes you question society, wealth, ethics, and the aristocracy.
4. Stick
Watch if you like: Hacks or Shrinking
The chances are you haven’t heard of Stick, because it has yet to earn much hype in the UK. However, the Apple TV+ comedy series, which premiered in June 2025, is worth your time.
The series stars Owen Wilson as Pryce “Stick” Cahill, a disgraced former golf pro, who attempts to reclaim his reputation by coaching 17-year-old golf prodigy, Santi.
It’s arguably Wilson’s best work to date, offering his usual comedic charm and wit mixed with many moments of vulnerability. It showcases another side of the Hollywood star’s acting range, helping to elevate the show.
Stick also has a superb supporting cast, with Marc Maron playing Mitts, Pryce’s former caddy, Mariana Trevino adding emotional depth as Santi’s mother, Elena, and Lilli Kay as Zero, Santi’s genderfluid love interest.
5. Landman
Watch if you like: Yellowstone & The Madison
Landman is often overshadowed by Yellowstone, also created by Taylor Sheridan, and has yet to receive the accolades it deserves.
Yet, if you have an hour to spare, give Landman a try. I’m confident you’ll be hooked from the first episode, as it offers a gritty portrayal of the West Texas oil industry.
Billy Bob Thornton delivers a strong performance as Tommy Norris, a crisis executive who helps bring an oil company to the top.
Yet, he’s far from a sleek billionaire, as rough and weary Tommy spends his days managing dangerous and chaotic issues. When he isn’t busy dealing with criminals and putting out fires, Tommy must handle his strong yet sassy ex-wife, Angela (played by scene-stealer Ali Larter), and deal with drama caused by his chalk and cheese children, Ainsley and Cooper.
Full of hilarious one-liners, gripping drama, and emotional moments, you’d be wise to add Landman to your to-watch list.
6. Shrinking
Watch if you like: Ted Lasso or After Life
Shrinking is a masterpiece of dramedy. Created by Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso/Scrubs), it stars Jason Segel as Jimmy, a therapist who, while grieving the loss of his wife, decides to overlook ethical boundaries to help his clients.
Harrison Ford also stars as Paul, a grumpy yet loveable mentor, who attempts to help Jimmy deal with his grief with tough love.
Shrinking has slowly but surely started to receive the accolades and award nominations it deserves, but it’s still worthy of more hype and attention.
It’s hilarious yet heartwarming in true Bill Lawrence-style and will have you wiping away tears of joy and sadness each episode.
7. Your Friends and Neighbors
Watch if you like: Ozark or The White Lotus
Your Friends and Neighbors is a watchable crime caper that is worthy of much more praise.
It follows disgraced hedge fund manager, Coop (played by Jon Hamm), who turns to a life of crime after losing his job, reputation, and wife.
To continue funding his lifestyle and pay for his children’s private education, he begins stealing from his wealthy neighbours’ mansions. However, as expected, a life of crime comes with a fair share of drama that Coop thrives on.
The show pulls back the curtain on the affluent in 2026, highlighting their pressure to retain their luxurious, wealthy lifestyle, making it a must-watch.
8. Fisk
Watch if you like: Colin from Accounts or Rake
If you’re looking for a comedy series full of dry humour, unique characters, and plenty of awkward moments, watch Fisk.
The hilarious Australian comedy follows Helen Tudor-Fisk (played by Kitty Flanagan), a contract lawyer forced to move to a small Melbourne law firm after the breakdown of her marriage in Sydney.
Kitty Flanagan delivers a masterclass in comedic timing, comedically portraying Helen, who is increasingly irritated in an absurd world, providing blunt and sarcastic reactions to others’ chaos.
A superb supporting cast serve as the primary source of Tudor-Fisk’s frustration, as she’s forced to deal with her lazy boss, Ray Gruber, and his highly-strung sister, Roz.
George, played by Aaron Chen, is worth tuning in for alone, as the webmaster’s deadpan delivery quickly became a favourite among fans of the Aussie comedy.
It’s one TV show you should switch on if you need a quick laugh. You won’t regret it.
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