6 Most Underrated TV Shows of 2025 That You Might’ve Missed

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear the year delivered some huge TV hits, with both new shows like Squid Game, Severance, The Last of Us, Adolescence, IT: Welcome to Derry, and Stranger Things, and returning favorites dominating conversations. However, a lot of other great shows flew under the radar. These weren’t poorly made or too unusual; they were simply overlooked despite offering unique and compelling stories. Viewers who did discover them were often pleasantly surprised, but they didn’t quite get the recognition they deserved.

As a total TV fanatic, I’ve stumbled upon six shows from 2025 that I think deserve way more attention. Honestly, you’ve probably never even heard of them, or maybe you started watching and didn’t give them a fair shot. Trust me, each one is seriously well-made and offers a ton of quality – they’re fantastic shows that deserve to be seen!

6) The Lowdown

You may have heard of The Lowdown – it received a lot of critical praise and appeared on many “best of the year” lists, but it seems to have faded from conversation. This crime comedy-drama centers on Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), a journalist in Tulsa who unexpectedly uncovers a network of corruption while reporting on local crimes. The show maintains a consistently unsettling pace, placing Lee in situations that initially seem minor but quickly escalate, revealing a far-reaching and complex conspiracy. What sets it apart is its realistic portrayal of how corruption creeps into everyday life, rather than relying on dramatic twists. This grounded approach is precisely why it deserves recognition.

Despite being a smart, fast-paced, and stylish neo-noir mystery, The Lowdown didn’t find a large audience. It had all the ingredients for success, but simply wasn’t seen by enough people. It’s actually more captivating than many popular mystery shows from 2025, and is a top pick for thriller fans. If you enjoy the films of the Coen Brothers, or The Long Goodbye in particular, this show is a must-watch.

5) Apple Cider Vinegar

I stumbled upon Apple Cider Vinegar and wow, it’s one of those amazing shows that somehow flew under the radar. It tells the story of Belle Gibson, played brilliantly by Kaitlyn Dever, the influencer who convinced everyone she’d healed her cancer naturally. What really struck me is how raw and honest the series is – it doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable parts and really shows you why this story caused such a huge uproar when it originally happened. It’s a really direct and unsettling watch, and honestly, Dever gives what might be the best performance of her career. It’s a shame more people didn’t talk about it!

Most shows with this much potential quickly become popular, and Apple Cider Vinegar really seemed designed for viral success – it has a fascinating story, a compelling main character with a complex inner life, and insightful observations about wellness trends, influencers, and social media. However, it didn’t quite break through. Perhaps because it avoids being overly sensational, it fell into an odd space – it’s too well-made to be considered simple ‘trashy true crime,’ but too thoughtful for viewers who just want scandalous entertainment. Those who did watch were either deeply impressed or completely captivated, and it definitely deserved more attention.

4) Murderbot

Science fiction can be a hard genre to succeed in, particularly if it doesn’t include mainstream appeal. But Murderbot stands out thanks to its unique personality. The series is based on the books about an android—played by Alexander Skarsgård—who gains free will by hacking its own system, and honestly prefers watching sci-fi dramas to rescuing people, which really sets the tone. This combination delivers action, a clever sense of humor, and a surprisingly insightful exploration of identity—something many larger shows attempt but often miss. What makes it special—and could have drawn a bigger audience—is that it’s unconventional: it’s paced well, the writing is sharp and funny, and it has a distinctly nerdy, sarcastic vibe.

Murderbot is surprisingly intelligent, and that’s a key strength of the series. The story progresses well, though it’s a quieter, more personal experience than many sci-fi stories. What really stands out is its fresh and thoughtful take on artificial intelligence – it avoids the typical ‘robot villain’ tropes. It’s a remarkably consistent adaptation and deserves to be read by everyone, not just science fiction fans.

3) Chad Powers

You’ve probably seen ads for Chad Powers, but that’s likely all. It starts as what seems like a silly idea, but the sports comedy is surprisingly funny and well-done. The show centers on Russ Holliday (Glen Powell), a former football player who creates the persona of “Chad Powers” – complete with fake muscles and a new attitude – to try and get back into the game. Powell really shines and proves he can lead a show, exceeding expectations based on his rising popularity. The premise is completely absurd, and that’s what makes it so memorable.

Ultimately, Chad Powers is simply hilarious and doesn’t try to be anything more than a fun, lighthearted show. It delivers exactly what you’d expect: plenty of laughs, ridiculous scenarios, and a main character who’s both endearingly awkward and charming. It’s often overlooked at first because it seems silly or too focused on sports, but give it a chance and you’ll find it’s a show that knows exactly what it is and nails it. It doesn’t need a complicated plot to be entertaining – and it succeeds brilliantly.

2) Common Side Effects

Even in 2025, some fantastic animated shows flew under the radar. Common Side Effects is one of them – it probably got overlooked because it didn’t seem like a typical late-night cartoon, but it’s surprisingly good. The show centers on two friends who discover a special mushroom and find themselves battling a huge drug company. It’s a clever mix of satire and weird humor, and while the premise sounds straightforward, the series offers sharp commentary on healthcare, advertising, and our fascination with quick fixes. Given what’s happening in the world today, it’s a really important show to watch.

I think the reason this show doesn’t get the love it deserves is that it really makes you watch it – it’s not background noise. There’s a lot going on, and the writing is surprisingly clever. It’s a show with something to say, and it doesn’t rely on shock value or weirdness just for the sake of it; everything feels intentional. That’s honestly why I think it’s one of the most compelling things I’ve seen all year. It starts a little slow, but it quickly builds momentum, and the world and characters have really stayed with me. It’s a real shame more people didn’t discover it.

1) North of North

You’ve probably never heard of North of North, and that’s a shame, because it was the best show almost no one watched in 2025. The series centers on Siaja (Anna Lambe), an Inuk mother starting over in an Arctic town. What makes it special is its honest, unforced comedy and drama. While many shows try to be unique and end up feeling the same, North of North genuinely stands out. It offers a rare and realistic look at life in an Arctic community, with relatable characters and authentic local issues you won’t typically find on mainstream television.

This series is a hidden gem, largely unknown because it doesn’t follow the usual paths to popularity. It lacks big marketing campaigns or famous actors. However, North of North deserves more attention for being genuinely unique. It’s a small, personal story that draws you in with its realistic details – how a close community functions, the blend of tradition and everyday struggles, and how characters navigate family and social expectations. It’s a show about ordinary life, but it’s the way it’s portrayed that makes it special – simply a well-told story.

Have you seen these shows? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-17 00:16