10 Netflix ‘Rotten’ Scores You’ll Actually Enjoy Watching

Picture this scenario: You’re browsing Netflix and come across an intriguing title for a TV series that’s new to you. The image catches your eye and makes you think it could be worth watching. Upon clicking on it, you read the brief synopsis and find yourself genuinely excited. To your delight, multiple seasons are available for streaming! However, the thought crosses your mind – is this too good to be true? Eager to start watching, you decide to dive into the first season. But then, a surprise awaits: The show has been given a low score on Rotten Tomatoes by nearly every critic, with some even labeling it as “rotten” and “flaming garbage.

Many of us might find ourselves in this predicament quite often. It feels like abandoning the current show and revisiting Stranger Things yet again seems tempting. However, it’s not necessary to give up so soon. In fact, there are numerous Netflix shows that have been unfairly labeled as “rotten” but are actually quite good. Critics may sometimes find fault with a show for one reason or another, but it is truly astounding how many high-quality shows have received the “rotten” rating. Thankfully, we now have an audience popcorn meter to help us make more informed decisions about what to watch.

Huge in France

Observing a “fish out of water” tale can sometimes seem like taking a gamble. Either you identify with the fish or you don’t. The majority of critics found Huge in France hard to connect with. However, the series presented an innovative perspective on a character aiming for success in Los Angeles. The narrative revolves around Gad (Gad Elmaleh), a highly acclaimed comedian from France yearning to make a lasting impact in comedy. He decides to abandon his fame and comfort zone by moving to Los Angeles, where he also hopes to rekindle his relationship with his teenage son who is allergic to comedy. However, things turn out to be more challenging than Gad anticipated.

Discovering that you’re not as unique or popular as you believed can be quite disheartening in everyday life. It can even lead to feelings of sadness. On the other hand, this situation can provide an interesting plotline for television shows. The show “Huge in France” delved into this concept with a captivating main character and several laugh-out-loud episodes. Interestingly, the series was inspired by the true experiences of comedian Gad Elmaleh, who indeed became famous in France before pursuing his career in America.

Gypsy

Regardless of where Naomi Watts is placed, audiences are likely to give it a shot. Unfortunately, the Netflix series “Gypsy” failed to retain viewers, leading to its cancellation after one season in 2017. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. In this psychological thriller, Watts plays Jean, a therapist in New York with a thriving practice and an apparently perfect life. But as is often the case, things are not always as they seem. As Jean becomes increasingly entangled in questionable relationships with her patients’ associates, the boundaries between her professional and personal lives begin to blur.

The series titled “Gypsy” was introduced with the slogan, “What’s your secret self?” This catchphrase, reminiscent of phrases found on Dove Chocolate wrappers, succinctly encapsulates the essence of the show in just eight words. In its sole season, we observe Jean gradually spiraling out of control, her hold on reality slipping away. Natalia Watts skillfully adds layers to a character that could have been perceived as repugnant or immoral. Regrettably, we never got to see how a second season might further develop her storyline.

Another Life

Despite being labeled as one of the “rottenest” Netflix shows on the list, it’s worth giving Another Life another shot if you can suspend disbelief. With a 6% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s nearly as “rotten” as it gets. Created by Aaron Martin in 2019, this sci-fi series focuses on astronaut Niko Breckinridge (played by Katee Sackhoff), who is committed to finding alien intelligence. The crew she leads is on a mission to investigate the source of an alien artifact discovered on Earth. However, as they journey through the cosmos, they encounter perils that could endanger everyone aboard.

This Netflix original boasts high-quality production values, but its unintentional humor lies in the abundance of familiar cliches and overused sci-fi elements crammed into each episode. Another Earth is so full of flaws that it can be hard to stomach at times, yet this is what makes it intriguing. Despite the best acting by Sackhoff, one gets the feeling that these flaws were intentional. However, there’s a certain appeal to the show that endears it, even if it’s not currently the top pick for Netflix binge-watching.

Devil in Ohio

Ohio’s Devil might be just another “tainted” Netflix series, yet its compelling narrative is captivating enough to leave you yearning for more episodes. The show revolves around Mae (played by Madeleine Arthur), a teenager who has recently broken free from the grasp of a cult and encounters her savior in Dr. Suzanne Mathis, portrayed by Emily Deschanel, a psychiatrist. Driven by a sense of responsibility, Suzanne invites Mae to stay at her home as she searches for a foster family. However, as Suzanne delves deeper into the devil-worshipping cult from which Mae fled, her life starts to unravel.

In the realm of horror series, The Devil in Ohio doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking concepts, but it does manage to deliver an ample dose of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on your toes. You might find yourself pondering some of the character choices made during the season, but isn’t a bit of mystery part of what makes a horror show compelling? Throughout its eight-episode run, The Devil in Ohio maintains an excellent eerie ambiance. While it may not be flawless, for those seeking another dose of cult-horror fix, The Devil in Ohio is definitely worth a watch.

Between

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “Between,” a captivating Netflix series from the mind of Michael McGowan that breathes fresh life into the survival-thriller genre. In this gripping tale, I found myself following Wiley Day (Jeanette McCurdy), a resourceful teenage girl and the daughter of a minister, as she grapples with an unprecedented crisis in the small, secluded town of Pretty Lake.

When a baffling disease suddenly claims the lives of everyone over the age of 22, Wiley is left to consider her next move amidst a government-imposed quarantine that leaves the young survivors isolated and on their own. As they navigate the chaos of lawlessness, power struggles, and the ever-present dread of growing older, these resilient youths are forced to adapt and rebuild their lives under uncertain circumstances.

Like many young adults today, these characters must grapple with the challenges of forging a path forward in an unpredictable world, all while holding onto hope for a better tomorrow. If you’re looking for a gripping series that combines suspense, drama, and poignant character development, “Between” is definitely worth checking out.

Just like the series “Devil in Ohio”, “Between” doesn’t necessarily break new ground in the survival thriller genre. However, this doesn’t make it a lesser show. By sticking to a familiar formula, “Between” manages to present a relatively original perspective, focusing on the struggle of young adults to survive. The series serves as an apt metaphor for those stepping into adulthood. Life can be terrifying with its uncertainties. With no experienced adults around to guide them, it can seem like an insurmountable task. “Between” skillfully maintains the integrity of its premise throughout the series.

Flaked

As the vocal star of the well-regarded Netflix series, Bojack Horseman, Will Arnett has gained insights from being part of acclaimed shows. He also appeared in Arrested Development, another favorite among critics. Unfortunately, his live-action sitcom, Flaked, did not receive the same praise as its predecessors. This Netflix production, criticized as “rotten,” only ran for two seasons before it was terminated. In this series, Arnett portrays Chip, a Venice Beach, California resident. Like Bojack, Chip is an alcoholic who battles his personal issues and finds it challenging to keep pace with the world around him.

In spite of being chronically flawed and somewhat endearing, Chip stands out as a relatable and sympathetic lead character. The show Flaked, unfortunately, might have been released at an inopportune moment, as its themes resonate strongly today. For those who feel lost in life, Chip serves as an unexpected inspiration – despite his repeated mistakes, he keeps going and tries again. There’s a captivating quality to Flaked that makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Fuller House

At times, you can anticipate exactly what a TV series will offer, and other times, it’s clear that the content is just plain cheesy or low-quality. Yet, it’s often this entertaining trash that we have a soft spot for. It doesn’t win awards, and it’s not particularly remarkable. But there’s something about it that resonates. Shows like Fuller House fall into this category. Despite being predictable with many repeated plotlines, and offering little new compared to its predecessor Full House, the nostalgic appeal gives this seemingly inferior Netflix series a unique charm. It’s a comforting show that fulfills its purpose effectively.

In this spinoff, several original Full House cast members like Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, John Stamos, and the late Bob Saget reprise their roles. The storyline primarily revolves around D.J. (Cameron), a widow with three sons, who moves back into her childhood home along with her sister Stephanie, an up-and-coming musician, and their longtime friend Kimmy Gibbler, another single mother. These three women strive to support each other as they navigate the challenges of raising their families together while life continues to surprise them with unexpected situations.

Girlboss

In another case of a Netflix series getting cancelled after just one season, don’t let this discourage you from checking out “Girlboss,” a show inspired by the book penned by businesswoman Sophia Amoruso. The series, titled “Girlboss, follows the story of Sophia (Britt Robertson), a young woman who has just been fired from her job at a shoe store. In an effort to make ends meet, she decides to sell vintage clothing online. As her business takes off, Sophia finds herself thrust into the cutthroat world of entrepreneurship. However, as her success grows, so does the complexity in her personal life, and if she’s not careful, she risks losing everything she’s worked so hard for.

Girlboss” is an engaging and humorous series that steers clear of conventional stereotypes. The show delves into the intricacies of how a successful businesswoman manages her personal and professional ties, and the potential complications that ensue. Despite its quirks, “Girlboss” never fails to keep viewers entertained as it establishes its unique world within the span of a single season. Although Britt Robertson delivers a solid performance, the character of Sophia was a point of contention for critics. Initially hard to like, she eventually becomes more endearing, making the lack of a second season regrettable. Fortunately, the cancellation of “Girlboss” wasn’t as devastating as when Netflix ended what many consider its finest show.

Disjointed

If you really want something, it might just happen. The show ‘Disjointed’, created by David Javerbaum and Chuck Lorre, is about Ruth (played by Kathy Bates), a strong advocate for marijuana legalization. When she gets the opportunity to open her own cannabis dispensary in LA called Ruth’s Alternative Caring, things start falling into place for her. With the help of her eccentric staff, including her business-minded son Travis, security guard Carter dealing with PTSD, and a team of ‘budtenders’, she works to get her dispensary up and running smoothly.

Similar to “Fuller House”, “Disjointed” isn’t a flawless series. In truth, it seemed incompletely cooked by the time its run ended after the second season. Yet, that doesn’t imply it’s not an enjoyable show. As usual, Bates is the standout star of the show. She possesses a knack for carrying a series and has no qualms about taking on most of the show’s heavy responsibilities in “Disjointed”. If you adjust your expectations and relax with your preferred snacks, then watching this show is an ideal way to unwind during a leisurely afternoon.

Friends From College

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that if a TV show’s title starts with “friends,” it’s bound to pique the interest of many viewers, much like the legendary sitcom Friends. Although Friends From College, this Netflix original series, didn’t quite reach the heights of popularity that its predecessor did, it still managed to garner a loyal fanbase before unfortunately getting axed after only two seasons. This show delves into the intricate tales of a tight-knit group of friends who all crossed paths at Harvard. Among them are Ethan (Keegan-Michael Key), Lisa (Cobie Smulders), Sam (Annie Parisse), Marianne (Jae Suh Park), Nick (Nat Faxon), and Max (Fred Savage). These characters may not be perfect, but they all strive to avoid complete failure in their lives.

Similar to many shows about a close-knit group, “Friends From College” explores the ups and downs of navigating adulthood, which can sometimes feel like an obstacle course for some, but adds excitement to life for others. Despite none of the characters in this show being your run-of-the-mill “good person,” they still manage to support each other in their distinct ways. This slightly flawed Netflix series might have its rough patches, but it maintains a certain appeal that keeps viewers engaged during its 16-episode span.

2025-02-09 06:42