Welcome to Part Three of the most Underrated Television Shows of all time.
If you haven’t seen the previous entries click here to read part one, and click here to read Part two, so you can see what we’ve covered already.
I have links to Amazon DVD’s and Blu-Ray under each entry.
15. Space Ghost: Coast To Coast (1994-2004/2006-2008-Cartoon Network)
[amazon_image id=”B0007GADU4″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Vols. 1-3[/amazon_image]
Cartoon Network invented the Adult Swim formula when they gave a lame 60’s cartoon character a whacked out makeover as a brain fried talk show host. The show’s use of awkward pauses and non-sequiturs has now become the standard format for adult cartoon comedy.
14. Louie (2010-present)
[amazon_image id=”B003R4ZMOK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Louie: Season One (Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)[/amazon_image][amazon_image id=”B007QU37L6″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Louie: Season 2 [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Louis CK is is an acclaimed comedian, so why is his series Louie one FX’s lowest rated shows? CK completely reinvents the concept of a TV show based on a comedian’s personality.
If you’re not a fan yet, click here for last season’s recap and find out why this show deserves your attention.
13. Futurama (1999-2003-Fox/2008-2013 Comedy Central)
[amazon_image id=”B008AITJ7O” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Futurama: Volume 7[/amazon_image]
It was cancelled, resurrected and about to be cancelled again. Why is Futurama so under appreciated? It’s consistently hilarious, perfectly cast and vibrantly animated. It’s every bit as good as creator Matt Groening’s other show The Simpsons.
12. Spaced (2001-2003-Channel 4)
[amazon_image id=”B0019MFY3Q” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Spaced: The Complete Series[/amazon_image]
Before Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, actors Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wight created Spaced, a show about 20-something slackers who’d rather discuss geek culture then worry about getting a job.
It was a decent hit in Britain, but largely unknown in America.
11. The Equalizer (1985-1989-CBS)
[amazon_image id=”B000YENUOK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Equalizer – Season One[/amazon_image]
Thanks to 24 and Homeland, we’re used to seeing shows about ruthless intelligence operatives who’ll do anything to take their prey, no matter the cost to their morality and personal life.
The Equalizer pioneered this concept. Edward Woodward played Robert McCall, a former agent of a mysterious agency who now works as a private detective, and occasional assassin. He’s a vigilante trying to atone for nebulous past transgressions and a personal life steeped in tragedy and dysfunction.
Perhaps a current film adaptation will give it the full respect it deserves.
10. Get A Life (1990-1992-FOX)
[amazon_image id=”B0089BSNVK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Get A Life: The Complete Series[/amazon_image]
Chris Elliot’s oddball sitcom was subversive and surreal. He’d often die in an episode, only to show up unfazed in the next one. He was a disturbed man-child prone to insane misadventures. FOX execs hated the show’s tone, and eventually axed it.
But its hard to imagine shows like South Park or Eastbound and Down existing in its absence.
And Elliot is currently another underrated, hilarious TV show, Eagleheart, which airs on Adult Swim.
9. The League Of Gentlemen (1999-2002-BBC)
[amazon_image id=”B0007Y0982″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The League of Gentlemen – The Collection[/amazon_image]
The League of Gentlemen combined the cross-dressing comedy of Monty Python and Kids In The Hall, with horror, making for one of the most insanely inspired series that has yet to develop a cult following anywhere but its native Britain.
Equal part hilarious and deeply disturbing, it’s all centered in the isolated English town of Royston Vasey, where everyone is a bit twisted and full of dark secrets.
Trivia: Cast-member Mark Gatiss created BBC’s Sherlock series (he also plays Holmes’ evil brother Mycroft).
8. Mr. Show With Bob And David (1995-1998-HBO)
[amazon_image id=”B000CQQID0″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Mr. Show: The Complete Collection[/amazon_image]
This edgy sketch show played to little fanfare in the late 90’s, but its absurd humor makes it the Monty Python of American comedy. Whether it was skewering metal bands or COPS, it was original and hilarious.
It provided a spring-board for comedic talent, including David Cross, Jack Black and Brian Posehn.
Speaking of Cross; I didn’t include Arrested Development on this list. Why? I just don’t find it funny. Surprising given I love many of the actors on the show. But I like to laugh, not smirk. Same goes for Community.
7. Hill St. Blues (1981-1987-NBC)
[amazon_image id=”B000BOH8YG” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Hill Street Blues – Season 1[/amazon_image]
Critical acclaim kept this show afloat despite abysmal ratings. Hill St. invented the dark, gritty cop show. It pioneered multi-ethnic casts, explored police corruption, and allowed for greater ambiguity in TV dramas. Shows like The Shield wouldn’t exist without it.
6. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999-Comedy Central-Sci-Fi Channel)
I’ve already covered this series in-depth, so click here for the top 10 episodes and click here for my interview with creator/host Joel Hodgson.
While this series has a devoted fan base, its influence on pop-culture hasn’t been fully celebrated. Every blog, clip-show or YouTube clip that goofs on something so bad its good wouldn’t exist without Mystery Science Theater 3000 aka MST3K, which made bad movies watchable thanks to their hilarious skewering.
5. SCTV (1976-1984-NBC)
[amazon_image id=”B00AWQKZPC” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The SCTV Collection (21-Disc Set)[/amazon_image]
Funnier and weirder than Saturday Night Live, SCTV (Second City Television) featured wonderfully absurd sketches that revolved around the broadcasts of a fictional TV station.
Many renown comedic actors got their start here, including; Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, and John Candy.
Their spoofing of obscure pop-culture references influenced The Kids In The Hall, The Simpsons and MST3K.
4. Crime Story (1986-1988-NBC)
Michael Mann produced this excellent 60s period drama about a police detective’s relentless pursuit of a ruthless mobster. The show had amazing intensity, and pioneered the serialized format.
Most current series don’t resolve story-lines in one episode, but extend it over an entire season.
But it didn’t use to be like that. TV episodes used to be self-contained, and tidied everything up in the end. Crime Story redefined what a TV narrative could do.
It featured an excellent performance from Dennis Farina as Lt. Mike Torello. Sadly Farina recently passed away, so celebrate his work by rediscovering this show.
3. Twin Peaks (1990-1991-ABC)
I struggled with this one. On the one hand this whodunit was a cultural phenomenon upon it début in 1990. And it still has a beloved cult following.
But it only lasted two seasons, amidst declining ratings and creative differences between director David Lynch and ABC studio execs. And since the creator of The Killing wasn’t even familiar with Twin Peaks, proves the series has faded from prominence, given the similar subject.
Before Twin Peaks, TV looked inferior to film. Shows were shot flatly, not prone to experimentation. But Lynch brought his cinematic sensibilities to prime-time TV, and each episode looked cinematic.
It also brought surrealism into television. And it’s disturbing imagery was unheard of at the time.
Now every major cable series looks rich and luxuriant. And many shows dare to explore dark, disturbing territory. And you can thank Twin Peaks for that.
2. Kolchak The Night Stalker (1974-1975-ABC)
Kolchak started as a TV movie, which proved so popular it inspired a TV series. But it didn’t last long.
Darren McGavin played the title character; a wiseass reporter who had a knack for discovering the supernatural, researching (and battling) vampires, werewolves, witches and mutants.
If this sounds like The X-Files, it’s for good reason. X-Files creator Chris Carter credits it as his main inspiration. And it’s inspired pretty much ever horror TV show since.
And David Chase, creator of The Sopranos got an earliest job as editor for Kolchak, further illustrating its illustrious pedigree.
1. The Prisoner (1967-1968-ITV/CBS)
The Prisoner was ahead of its time in almost every capacity. It was the first show to introduce distrust of the government, predicted surveillance techniques, psychological torture, and imprisonment of those who would question authority. Sounds a lot like the 21st century doesn’t it?
Patrick McGoohan plays a British Agent trapped on an island village. On the surface it seems like paradise, but it’s actually where various former agents are kept against their will by the British government in hope of extracting information.
But he proves a constant thorn in their side, outsmarting their methods, questioning authority and asserting his humanity.
He’s only called Number 6, not his name (which is never revealed). This is a psychological tool to break his spirit and promote conformity. But as he defiantly asserts in this amazing title sequence; I am not a number, I am a free man!
The Prisoner blew people’s mind’s. But outside of England it remains a cult curiosity largely unknown to American audiences. For this reason, it deserves the moniker Number 1 on our list.
So there you have it; my list of the 40 most underrated television series. Did I list all your favorites, or feel I made glaring omissions? Sound off in the comments section.
And you might also enjoy these TV related posts:
Best TV Shows Of 2012
The Bridge Pilot Review
7 Best Richard Matheson Twilight Zone Episodes
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With “The Equalizer” it was so cool with an older actor like Woodward in the role. I remember Stewart Copeland did the music score.
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I applaud your efforts.
In some instances I do not understand the criteria and how the selection fits in, even though you say exactly why it does. I guess if it was once VERY popular then to me it can never be on this list. (Hill Street Blues? Twin Peaks? SCTV? All beloved at some point). Other shows weren’t underrated, they were just no good. I won’t list those, as there’s no arguing taste.
Allow me to offer a couple teenage dramas that I believe you overlooked or underappreciated in their underappreciation LOL.
1. My So Called Life. I never heard of this show until I got married (1999) and my (ex) wife said how she loved it as a teenager so we rented it and it was really compelling. Like all teanage shows, the actors mature and eventually don’t fit in and the show needs to go. But I think it had a two season run. Shameful, as we didn’t get to see more of Claire Danes compelling expressions and incredibly mature acting at that age (17 I think). Now those moments are lost. Funny no one else from that show ever made it to speak of.
But your biggest crime….I held my breath as I approached #1 thinking maybe just maybe…
2. Freaks & Geeks. Truly outstanding in every respect as a portrayal of high school life, angst, ups and downs, and dealing with parents and responsibility. Just an awesome show that got what— 19 episodes? I don’t have to give you the laundry list of popular actors that emerged from this one. Even the father figure was from SCTV (See: your list of 40 underrated shows). Anyway, once again, it is forgotten, but you know maybe it’s just better that way. There are plenty of cult fans of this show and I wouldn’t want it getting recognition at this point.
Would love to hear your feedback as to those shows.
BTW, am I to believe you PERSONALLY sat through all these shows or have you had some people assist you in making a basic list and then whittling it down? It’s not that I find it suspect that you watch 4-5 of episodes of past TV shows (in order to make a sound analysis)…. but when coupled with the fact I am to believe you ALSO spend time listening to all the music you do (again, your lists are expansive so I imagine there are 2x as many that got the ax) well then I guess that leaves little time for you to do much else but this webpage.
Anyway I found your website looking for ‘underrated albums’ and I find your lists interesting and as you see thought provoking, and as I believe that is your goal you’ve done a great job my friend.
PB
PS: Allow me to throw in a 3rd selection, a show out of Canada (was that not allowed? You included British shows…) Another sketch comedy show ahead of it’s time called Laugh Trax. Not only was it ourageously funny, but also spawned Howie Mandell’s career. I’ve tried to locate copies of this show to no avail. It would have been around 1979-81 I think. Heard of it?
Patrick,
Thanks for visiting the site and for your feedback!
As to how I came to some of my choices:
Hill St Blues while critically lauded always had low ratings. Given how many shows have copied it and gone on the more success I figured it deserved a nod.
Twin Peaks was one that I wavered on, but given its influence vs its short time on the air, I erred on its brevity.
SCTV produced a ton of comedic talent that the mass public doesn’t even know where they got their start, and given its late night time slot, was under the radar in that respect.
As for as asking if I personally watched all the shows on this all list. I grew up an only child, with a lot of free time on my hands so yes I have watched them all! I’ve spent most of my life watching too many tv shows and movies and listening to so much music so this site is my way of doing something with all my useless knowledge.
I remain a cable tv junkie, so I’ve watched WAY too much TV I guess. Which brings me to the question on the omissions;
I didn’t include ‘My So Called Life’ or ‘Freaks And Geeks’ because I haven’t seen them personally, so I couldn’t judge for myself their underrated status. But I did give ‘Geeks’ a nod under ‘The Ben Stiller Show’ entry given Judd Apatow worked on both and I know so many people like yourself who loved that show. Perhaps I’ll watch it at some point since its on Netflix now.
I’ve not heard of ‘Laugh Trax’ so I shall see if I can see some of it YouTube perhaps?
So thanks for checking out my site and glad you enjoyed (at least some of) my lists :-).
I’m actually going to be working on a continuing segment called ‘Album’s Revisited’ where I’ll be discussing cult classic album’s in more detail so you might find that appealing. I should start that up this month.
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Good list. I would have found a way to include Jericho for sure and maybr the Black Donnellys.
Spongebob…I heard good things about Jericho but never had a chance to check it out. I was unfamiliar with Black Donnelly’s but I was reading Paul Haggis was involved, so might have to seek it out online.
Glad you enjoyed the list!
Working was a great series starring Fred Savage. Very funny but way under the radar. And going back many years, When Things Were Rotten was a Mel Brooks series that got no attention. It was funny as well. And who can forget Soap, which was way ahead of its time. Have you seen any of these series?
I never actually watched Working, but I recall seeing the ads for it way back when. Soap was a classic…agreed very ahead of its time. As for the Mel Brooks show, that’s a new one for me, going to have to see if any of it exists on YouTube 🙂
Great list overall but some of the choices confuse me a bit. Hill Street Blues and others were very popular, successful (critically and or popularly), award winning and long running, so I wouldn’t call them “underrated” by any means.
Also I disagree that there would be no “so bad it’s good” shows without MST3K having existed. There were at least three shows before it (The All-Night Show, The Canned Film Festival, Mad Movies) and several other shows that were contemporaries or ran afterwards, notably This Movie Sucks!
As much as I enjoy MST3K it does drive me a little crazy that everyone assumes they were the first and/or only show to riff on bad movies, they’re just the best known (and arguably the best)!
Hill Street was certainly acclaimed but the ratings were never as good as the reviews. And I totally forgot about Mad Movies, and I’m actually not familiar with the other two you mentioned! You got me there. I do think MST3K helped shape pop-culture as we see it now, by their use of obscure references and meta-humor, so I guess even if they weren’t the first, they took it to the next level!
your list is AWESOME !!!
you listed many of my favorites, a lot of which are very high (Crime Story, Hill St. Blues, OMG The Night Stalker (I think the photo you posted is from my all time scariest episode, that sh..t gave me nightmares, where the kolchak is hiding in the vampires closet holding the cross…YIKES !!
and the Night Gallery episode you NAILED…..THE EARWIG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!….OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for great list and memories !!!!
Thank you Craig! Glad you liked the list :)!
Doesn’t anyone remember “Wonderfalls?” a gem of a show not even allowed to finish it’s nine-or-so episode on Fox. Honorable mention should go to the UK version of “Coupling” which featured a very talented a hilarious ensemble cast facing all sorts of bizarre relationship problems. The US version lasted about two episodes or so and that was two too many. It was probably the American cast that killed it.
I always heard good things about Wonderfalls–now I’m inspired to seek it out if I can find it on streaming? I remember catching Coupling (the UK version) a few times and found it pretty funny.
Another really obscure show is picket fences. It follows the life of a sheriff in a town where strange crimes/incidents occur. The show was actually really good and it dealt with lots of social issues in various episodes. I’m surprised it’s so obscure. Definitely worth a watch.
Also hill street was nominated for over 80 Emmys. It’s not really that underrated.
I had forgotten Picket Fences! That kinda fits in the same category as American Gothic, come to think of it. Hill Street Blues is one of those shows that got lots of Awards love but its audience trailed in comparison. I think The Americans is a good modern example of the same disconnect between acclaim and ratings.
Babylon 5
Another great one!
One that I think was omitted is WKRP In Cincinnati. A show that got axed as it posited a cliffhanger. Another victim of time slot changes while NBC was getting their act together. A shame as it still stands tall.
Agreed, that was a fantastic show. The Thanksgiving episode still holds up!