7 Criminally Underrated Horror Shows You Should Go out of Your Way To Watch

As a huge TV fan, I can tell you that genre television – sci-fi, fantasy, horror, all of it – is seriously delivering some of the best shows out there. It’s more than just simple drama or laughs. Horror, especially, has some real gems. Everyone knows shows like *The Walking Dead* and *The Last of Us*, but there are so many other fantastic series that don’t get the attention they deserve. What I really love is when a horror show focuses on the characters and their stories, making you think and feel, even while it still gives you those little moments of being creeped out. There are just so many amazing shows out there that I either haven’t heard about or haven’t gotten around to watching yet!

As a horror fan, I’ve stumbled across a lot of shows, and there are a few I genuinely think deserve more attention. Whether they’re complete runs, series that ended prematurely, or ongoing shows you can binge before the next season, I want to share seven seriously underrated horror series with you. They’re not just scary; they’re genuinely interesting, different from anything else out there, and sometimes, they even manage to be funny!

7) The Passage

Based on Justin Cronin’s novels, the show *The Passage* aired for one season on Fox in 2019. Though it didn’t receive rave reviews, it’s a great choice for fans of horror and thrillers, especially those who enjoyed *The Last of Us* but are looking for something different than a zombie story. The series revolves around Project Noah, a top-secret research facility where scientists are experimenting with a virus that could either cure all diseases or destroy the world. When Agent Brad Wolgast is assigned to bring in a young orphan named Amy Bellafonte for testing, he forms a strong fatherly connection with her and dedicates himself to protecting her no matter what.

Let me tell you, *The Passage* is a lot to take in – it juggles a government conspiracy, a looming apocalypse, and a really interesting take on vampires, or as they call them, ‘virals.’ These aren’t your typical bloodsuckers; they might just be humanity’s last hope, or its doom. Honestly, keeping up with all the storylines can be tough, but the acting is phenomenal. Mark-Paul Gosselaar delivers a fantastic performance as Agent Wolgast, a man willing to sacrifice everything to protect this one little girl, Amy, who is brought to life by the incredibly talented Saniyya Sidney. She makes Amy feel so real, even amidst the show’s more outlandish moments. And Brianne Howey is genuinely chilling as the viral, Shauna Babcock. Beyond the thrills, the series really makes you think about what you’d do to save the world, and that, combined with the strong performances, makes *The Passage* a seriously underrated gem.

6) Channel Zero

Syfy’s *Channel Zero* was a truly unique horror series. Over four seasons, it took scary stories originally shared online – known as “creepypasta” – and turned them into a compelling anthology. Each season – *Candle Cove*, *No-End House*, *Butcher’s Block*, and *The Dream Door* – told a standalone, frightening story, often dealing with unsettling urban legends and the fears we have from childhood. The show expertly combined internet folklore with classic horror elements, and it was visually striking as well.

The horror series *Channel Zero* is often overlooked, which is a shame, likely because it aired on Syfy without a lot of promotion. It’s a real hidden gem with some truly excellent stories. The first season, *Candle Cove*, features a terrifying creature called the Tooth-Child and tells a chilling tale of missing children and a disturbing TV show. The second season, *The No-End House*, takes the classic haunted house concept to a whole new level. It’s creative, captivating, and definitely worth watching.

5) Interview With the Vampire

I honestly think AMC’s *Interview With the Vampire* deserves way more attention than it gets. While critics seem to love it – many even call it one of the best shows of the last ten years – and it definitely has a dedicated fanbase, I still feel like so many people are missing out! It’s based on Anne Rice’s amazing *The Vampire Chronicles* books, and the show picks up the story with Louis de Pointe du Lac recounting his life to a journalist, Daniel Molloy – it’s like a continuation of an interview he first gave back in 1973. But as Louis tells his story, Daniel begins to question things, and you slowly realize there’s a much bigger, more complicated tale of love, deception, and what it truly means to be a vampire unfolding.

Fans who prefer a strict adaptation of Anne Rice’s novels will notice some differences in this series. The show alters certain settings and characters, and some themes are presented more explicitly than in the books. Despite these changes, the story’s central ideas are still intact, offering a visually stunning and often violent look at what it means to be human, all through the world of vampires. Since the next season won’t be available until 2026, now is a great time to start watching!

4) The Strain

I’m a big fan of horror that feels like it *could* actually happen, and *The Strain* really delivers on that. It was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, and it’s based on their book trilogy. I started watching it when it first aired on Fox in 2014, and it follows Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, a doctor with the CDC, and his team as they try to figure out this terrifying viral outbreak that’s turning people into vampires. It’s a really gripping story!

What sets *The Strain* apart is its surprisingly realistic take on the vampire genre. The story begins with a chilling scene at JFK airport – an entire flight arrives with all passengers dead and a strange, worm-like parasite onboard, immediately sparking fears of a widespread, Ebola-like epidemic. From there, the series blends government red tape, ancient vampire mythology, and a desperate struggle for survival as the infection rapidly spreads. Like many stories centered around viral outbreaks, *The Strain* effectively balances large-scale horror with deeply personal stories of characters grappling with a world turned upside down by terrifying vampires (known as strigoi). While later seasons aren’t quite as strong, the series is still a very enjoyable watch overall.

3) iZombie

Horror doesn’t always have to be scary – it can be funny too, and *iZombie* on The CW proves that. Inspired by the Vertigo comic book series, the show centers on Liv, a medical examiner in Seattle who becomes a zombie after a party. As a zombie, Liv uses her unique ability to solve crimes: by eating the brains of victims, she temporarily gains their memories and personalities, helping her piece together how they died.

Throughout its five seasons, *iZombie* follows Liv as she solves crimes while struggling to stay human and conceal her zombie identity. The show explores a growing zombie population in Seattle, with various factions attempting to hide, fight, or profit from them—all alongside the search for a cure. *iZombie* successfully balances Liv’s personal journey with the broader implications of zombies in society, but it distinguishes itself from typical zombie horror by maintaining a consistent sense of humor and heart.

2) Ash vs Evil Dead

From 2015 to 2018, *Ash vs Evil Dead* continued the story of the popular *Evil Dead* films. The show picks up thirty years after the original events, and when Ash Williams (played by Bruce Campbell) unintentionally unleashes the Kandarian demons again, he’s forced to become the chainsaw-wielding hero once more.

This series is both hilarious and shockingly violent, and it brilliantly continues the spirit of the original movies. Despite being a beloved show among fans, it hasn’t quite broken into the mainstream, which is unfortunate. “Ash vs Evil Dead” isn’t just a fantastic horror series that understands its roots—it’s simply a really enjoyable show.

1) From

If you’re a fan of sci-fi horror, you really need to check out *From*, a fantastic series that often flies under the radar. It’s available on MGM+, which is likely why it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The show stars Harold Perrineau as Boyd Stevens, who acts as both sheriff and mayor of a strange town called the Township. The Township has a terrifying secret: no one who enters can leave. The real horror comes from the mysterious creatures in the surrounding woods, and the desperate attempts of those trapped inside to survive and find a way out.

Despite being on a less popular streaming service, *From* is a fantastic series worth seeking out. It’s a compelling mystery where the story unfolds piece by piece, enhanced by strong performances from the actors. You experience the discoveries and revelations right alongside the characters, creating a truly immersive experience. While answers constantly lead to new questions, the show is so well-made that it remains consistently tense and captivating. It’s a brilliant example of psychological horror and a definite must-watch.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/7-sci-fi-series-better-than-90-of-anything-released-this-decade/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-17 23:15