Some TV shows are popular for a reason, depending on where they’re airing and what kind of audience they’re geared for. Some are popular because of nostalgia, and it’s always so fascinating to look back and examine what draws in an audience and why. Then there are the underrated TV shows—the ones that are genuinely so good, but countless people haven’t even heard of them.
I watch a lot of TV shows because I have to, but if you’re in the market for something wholesome, light, and yet still profound in countless ways, here are five of the best underrated shows on TV right now.
1. Miss Scarlet (PBS)
PBS’ Miss Scarlet goes through a massive change in its fifth season by dropping the Duke, William Wellington, from the show, and despite how many fans (myself included) were hesitant to give the new revamp a try—it’s good. It’s really, really good, and dare I say, even better than what we originally had. Set in Victorian London, Miss Scarlet follows the titular character in her endeavor to become a lady detective at a time when the job is predominantly reserved for men.
While the first four seasons explore the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, the fifth delivers a single dad and softer edges to a man who’s more fitting for the type of woman Eliza Scarlet is. Thankfully renewed for a sixth season, Miss Scarlet is the type of show that’s especially suited for those who appreciate clever mysteries and well-rounded character journeys.Â
2. Wild Cards (The CW)
Shows like Chicago Fire and The Rookie are two of the most popular procedurals on TV right now, but few people are screaming about the gem that is Wild Cards. A hot con artist and a hot cop team up—need I say more? I don’t, but I will. Wild Cards is for the romance girlies. It’s for the viewers who want a romantic relationship along with the show’s overall plot, and this is the one show that delivers it perfectly.
Naturally, the show plays with the whole will they/won’t they of it all, but we all know where it will lead because the chemistry between Vanessa Morgan and Giacomo Gianniotti is too good to pass up. It’s exciting and fun, but at the same time, the series isn’t afraid of tackling vulnerability and exploring grief through its character arcs. It’s also lighthearted and easy to breeze through, making it the type of show more people should be watching.
3. School Spirits (Paramount Plus)
School Spirits is a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s the perfect show geared for fans of CBS’ Ghosts. The series follows a group of teenage ghosts stuck in their high school grounds and explores various relationships through such admirable nuance that it floors me. It’s a good thing the show gained some traction because I don’t know how we would’ve gone without a renewal. The content is fresh, thrilling, and deeply wholesome as it explores legacies, grief, new beginnings, and regrets, all while thoughtfully placing characters in the center.
Don’t let the title scare you: if you’re anything like me and shudder at the word “spirits,” School Spirits isn’t even a little scary despite the haunting themes present within. The friendships are worth every minute of the show, and the romantic relationships are so good that there are few words to describe them without spoilers.Â
4. The Way Home (Hallmark)
Thus far, few shows handle grief with the nuance and layers necessary to explore how tumultuous it can be. So, the fact that a Hallmark series not only gets its exploration of grief right but also weaves in time travel without allowing the plot to get too convoluted is no small feat. The Way Home is one of the most underrated TV shows for a number of reasons, and its brilliant cast is another huge reason why it shouldn’t be. Andie Macdowell, Chyler Leigh, and Sadie Laflamme-Snow alone are remarkable as the three leading women, but at the same time, every single actor in the show brings their A-game in a way that deserves far more praise.
The Way Home expertly explores heavy topics through a relatively straightforward lens, and it shines in the character work throughout. There’s a rich history in Port Haven, and it’s especially perfect for all the romance fans who love small towns and nostalgia.Â
5. Trying (Apple TV+)
For five seasons now, Trying gets renewed, yet it feels like no one but the few journalists I’m friends with are talking about it. As far as underrated TV shows for romance fans go, Trying is one to beat. The series is primarily about a couple’s journey in adopting a baby and starting a family, but it shines in the portrayal of a healthy relationship through ups and down. Set in North London, the series is especially perfect for fans of Ted Lasso and those of us who miss London on a daily basis.
Starring Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, Trying is brimming with incredible performances, sharp humor, and narratives that aren’t explored as frequently on TV. It’s lighthearted, and the shorter time frame makes it a perfect series to binge.  Â
What’s an underrated TV show we should be adding to our must-watch list? Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Graphic Courtesy of Lady Geeks Media, Individual Images via: @Apple TV+, The CW, Paramount Plus, Hallmark, and PBS