Literally Just 24 Incredibly Underrated Shows From 2020 That You Need To Finally Watch This Year

You've earned a binge-watch-athon.

1. Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

Sergei Bachlakov / NBC

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist follows a woman named Zoey who can hear people's innermost thoughts...as music. From the Rolling Stones to Shawn Mendes, there's pretty much a perfect song for every mood — and I can assure you Zoey has heard them all. Throughout the series, Zoey uses her new superpower to better understand her friends, coworkers, family, and she even gains a new love interest... or two. This series is so much fun to watch and brings you right into its magical world of music. It's full of so much heart and soul that'll make you wish you too could hear everyone's innermost emotions through music.

Starring: Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Peter Gallagher, Mary Steenburgen, and Lauren Graham

Where to watch it: Peacock

2. Ramy

Hulu

Ramy is about a Muslim-American millennial from New Jersey who's obsessed with finding his meaning in life. Throughout the series, he struggles with searching for his true identity and how it relates to his faith, all while dealing with the everyday realness of being a guy in his twenties. To put it lightly, he's low-key a mess and makes some terrible decisions, but you can't help but root for him. The writing is sharp and the cast is even better than you can imagine, so there's really no reason you shouldn't watch this show. Ramy also comes from the same production company as Euphoria, Midsommar, Lady Bird, and Eighth Grade — so you know it's good.

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Hiam Abbass, Amr Waked, Dave Merheje, Mohammed Amer, May Calamawy, Laith Nakli, and Mahershala Ali

Where to watch it: Hulu

3. Love, Victor

Hulu

This teen drama is set in the same universe as the movie Love, Simon and follows Victor Salazar, a new kid at Creekwood High who's on his own journey of self-discovery. Victor is eager to learn more about himself and his sexuality, so he seeks guidance from none other than Simon Spier. Over the course of the series, we watch as Victor battles school bullies, makes lifelong friendships, and comes into his own LGBTQ identity. Love, Victor isn't like any old teen show. It's sweet and thought-provoking while remaining heartfelt and fun. As much as you'll enjoy seeing Victor go on his own journey, you'll also fall in love with the rest of the cast and their growth too.

Starring: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, James Martinez, and Ana Ortiz

Where to watch it: Hulu

4. Upload

Amazon Prime Video

Upload takes place in 2033, where it's possible to "upload" yourself into a virtual afterlife after you die. Robbie Amell plays Nathan Brown, a computer programmer who dies unexpectedly and is uploaded to the super swanky (and massively expensive) Lakeview, per the insistence of his shallow girlfriend. While he's there, he starts to develop feelings for his alive customer service rep and guide, Nora. Oh, and Nathan also begins to realize that he actually might have been murdered. Upload was created by Greg Daniels, who's also worked on shows like The Office, SNL, Parks and Rec, and The Simpsons, and kid you not, I swear this is the funniest show I've seen in YEARS.

Starring: Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, and Kevin Bigley

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video

5. High Fidelity

Hulu

Zoë Kravitz stars as Rob Brooks, the owner of a very cool record store in Brooklyn. The series follows Rob through her present-day life and dating attempts as well as through her past relationships — aka her Top Five Heartbreaks. It's a very real take on modern dating and it's pretty much impossible not to identify with any of the main characters. The show is also a reboot of the book and 2000 movie of the same name, the latter of which Zoë's mother Lisa Bonet starred in. If you're looking for something quick to watch, this show is it. It's only one season (sadly) with 10 30-minute episodes, so it's basically a crime not to watch it.

Starring: Zoë Kravitz, Jake Lacy, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, David H. Holmes, and Kingsley Ben-Adir

Where to watch it: Hulu

6. Woke

Hulu

If New Girl taught us anything, it's that Lamorne Morris is an onscreen delight. Woke tells the story of cartoonist Keef Knight, a man who's made professional success on "keeping it light" and shying away from any controversial stances. After he's racially profiled and attacked by a policeman, Keef learns that he's able to talk to inanimate objects — all who try to guide him through his day-to-day challenges. Keef also begins to realize how prevalent microaggressions are in his everyday life, so he tries to figure out how to be a woke Black man while keeping his cartoonist career afloat. The series is based on the real-life experiences of The K Chronicles creator Keith Knight.

Starring: Lamorne Morris, Blake Anderson, T. Murph, Rose McIver, and Sasheer Zamata

Where to watch it: Hulu

7. Teenage Bounty Hunters

Netflix

If you love strong female characters who kick ass, look no further, my friend. Teenage Bounty Hunters is one of those shows that smacks you right in the heart and you won't stop thinking about it for weeks. It's seriously one of the best shows of 2020. The satirical humor is so on point, it's impossible not to laugh out loud. The writing is sharp and funny, and the plot twists will actually break your brain (in a good way). Maddie Phillips and Anjelica Bette Fellini are also phenomenal, and watching them on screen makes you wish you could be their friend too. This show will always be a perfect binge-watch.

Starring: Maddie Phillips, Anjelica Bette Fellini, Kadeem Hardison, and Virginia Williams

Where to watch it: Netflix

8. Defending Jacob

Apple TV+

Defending Jacob follows the story of a family whose life is turned upside down after the son is accused of murdering one of his classmates. Chris Evans plays Andy Barber, the Assistant District Attorney and father to the accused. This miniseries soars where every other crime drama falls flat. There is literally never a dull moment and every detail is so well thought out. Even after watching the series, you'll want to rewatch it about 100 more times just to pick up on things you didn't see before. Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, and Jaeden Martell's performances are so beyond belief that even if you only watch one of the shows on this list, I BEG you to choose this one.

Starring: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones, Pablo Schreiber, Betty Gabriel, and Sakina Jaffrey

Where to watch it: Apple TV+

9. I May Destroy You

Laura Radford / HBO

Created by Michaela Coel, this series follows a millennial woman and Twitter-celebrity-turned-author named Arabella as she tries to remember what happened to her during a night out with her friends. This show is thought-provoking, poignant, and each episode just gets better and better. I May Destroy You is one of those rare shows where it's able to seamlessly connect drama and comedy without being kitschy or preachy. Michaela Coel's writing is so breathtaking, it's hard not to fall in love with Arabella. I strongly urge you to watch this show.

Starring: Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, and Paapa Essiedu

Where to watch it: HBO Max

10. The Wilds

Matt Klitscher / Amazon Studios

The Wilds is one of those shows that sneaks up on you when you're looking for something new to watch and then it becomes your favorite show ever. If I were to describe this series, I'd say it was a perfect combination of Lost and Lord of the Flies, if both of those stories were told by teenage girls. Nine teenagers are on their way to a wellness retreat in Hawaii when suddenly their plane crashes and they find themselves stranded on a deserted island. The girls do everything they can to survive and stay optimistic that someone out there will be searching for them. Each episode follows a different survivor and goes through their life before the crash and their motivations for going on this retreat. You'll discover very early on that every single one of these characters is worth rooting for.

Starring: Sarah Pidgeon, Mia Healey, Reign Edwards, Helena Howard, Erana James, Sophia Ali, Shannon Berry, and Jenna Clause

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video

11. Cobra Kai

Guy D'Alema / YouTube / Netflix

Cobra Kai is a sequel series to The Karate Kid movies and takes place 30 years later when both Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence have kids of their own. After years of partying hard and nearly throwing his life away, Johnny decides to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo and recruits his own band of misfits in hopes of turning them into badasses. The series begins by telling us Johnny's side of the story — a story in which Daniel LaRusso is the real villain — and it's such an interesting take on these iconic characters that you can't help but get hooked within the first few minutes. This series is truly one of the most intense shows I've ever seen and I mean that in the best way possible. The fights are wildly complex, the characters are all underdogs you can't help but love, and of course, there's a spicy love triangle thrown in there too.

Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, Jacob Bertrand, Peyton List, and Martin Kove

Where to watch it: Netflix

12. Big Sky

ABC

Big Sky is a fairly new series that takes place in Big Sky, Montana. The series only just started airing this fall, so there are only a few episodes available, but boy, do they pack a punch. It follows two private detectives as they investigate the disappearance of two teenage girls who've been kidnapped on a quiet Montana highway. This show is really great at getting viewers hooked within the first episode, and luckily, there will be more episodes on the way very soon. Big Sky tells a gripping story, keeps viewers excited, and all the picturesque woodsy landscapes are just a plus!

Starring: Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury, Brian Geraghty, Valerie Mahaffey, Dedee Pfeiffer, Natalie Alyn Lind, Jesse James Keitel, Jade Pettyjohn, John Carroll Lynch, and Ryan Phillippe

Where to watch it: Hulu

13. One Day at a Time

Netflix / CBS

One Day at a Time is truly one of the best shows on television right now, and if the live studio audience is any indication, I promise you won't be able to stop laughing when you watch. The series follows the Alvarez family through their daily ups and downs. While this show thrives at being lighthearted and silly, it also has the range to tackle serious topics like mental illness, immigration, racism, and LGBTQ issues. One Day at a Time shows viewers just how important family is and makes you wish you were a part of the Alvarez family too.

Starring: Justina Machado, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Marcel Ruiz, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rita Moreno

Where to watch it: Netflix (for Seasons 1–3) and CBS All Access (for Season 4)

14. Lovecraft Country

HBO

Lovecraft Country follows Tic, a Black man who teams up with his friend Leti and uncle George in hopes of finding his missing father. The series takes place during the 1950s while America was still segregated, and the group comes up against a variety of terrifying monsters on their journey. If you need any more reason to watch this show, here it is: The cast is extraordinary at bringing this complex story to life. Once you start watching, you won't be able to stop and you'll find yourself thinking about this show for weeks after you finish it. Lovecraft Country is a special show and will live on as one of the best TV series of the decade because it's thought-provoking, poignant, and a must-watch for every American.

Starring: Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Aunjanue Ellis, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee, Jamie Chung, Jada Harris, and Michael K. Williams

Where to watch it: HBO Max

15. Pen15

Erica Parise / Hulu

Pen15 is a series that represents middle school as it actually happened, along with all the awkwardness, hormones, and nostalgia you could ever imagine. Creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle star as their 13-year-old selves and relive some of the worst and weirdest years of everyone's lives. This show is uncomfortable in so many ways, which just adds to its perfect charm. It's one of the most enjoyable shows of the 2010s because it's so painfully truthful. Every single viewer can see their younger self in this show, it's just that relatable. If you haven't seen an episode yet, what the heck have you been doing?! It's truly a privilege to get to exist at the same time as Pen15.

Starring: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Mutsuko Erskine, Richard Karn, Taylor Nichols, Melora Walters, Taj Cross, and Dallas Liu

Where to watch it: Hulu

16. Spinning Out

Netflix

Spinning Out is remarkable, and you can take my word on that. It follows a young figure skater who's given the opportunity to restart her career after a serious injury almost stopped her from ever skating again. The series is so jam packed with soap opera-y drama that you'll never be able to watch "just one episode." The plot is genuinely so wild and every character is complex and well crafted. If you like drama, especially teen drama, Spinning Out is a show that you will be wholeheartedly invested in, I promise.

Starring: Kaya Scodelario, Willow Shields, January Jones, Evan Roderick, David James Elliott, Sarah Wright Olsen, Svetlana Efremova, Amanda Zhou, Mitchell Edwards, Kaitlyn Leeb, and Will Kemp

Where to watch it: Netflix

17. Miracle Workers

TBS

Miracle Workers is an anthology series where each season revolves around a totally different story set in wildly different worlds. Season 1 follows two angels who are responsible for achieving the world's most impossible miracle or else God will destroy the planet. On a very different note, Season 2 is set in the Dark Ages and follows a young woman who wants to achieve something more in her boring Medieval life. This show is so freaking funny though, I swear you'll actually laugh out loud. The writing is brilliant and this show is really good at creating its own little worlds within a single season. And while it is an anthology and every season is different, you'll still be satisfied at the end of each respective story. Miracle Workers will also make you realize that Daniel Radcliffe is a comedic genius and should be cast in every comedy ever.

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lolly Adefope, Karan Soni, and Jon Bass

Where to watch it: HBO Max (for Season 1) and Hulu with a Live TV subscription add-on or Youtube TV (for Season 2)

18. What We Do in the Shadows

FX

Based on Taika Waititi's iconic movie What We Do in the Shadows, this series follows four centuries-old vampire roommates who live in Staten Island and focuses on their everyday experiences trying to interact with humans. This show is told in a mockumentary style, which just adds to its absolute charm. It first debuted in 2019 and was regarded by many as one of the best new shows on TV, but What We Do in the Shadows really hit its stride in 2020 with Season 2. If you haven't seen an episode or watched the original movie, then please do yourself a HUGE favor and start it. You will not be disappointed.

Starring: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, and Mark Proksch

Where to watch it: Hulu

19. Love Life

HBO

Love Life is an anthology series that follows a different character each season throughout their, you guessed it, love lives. Season 1 revolves around a woman named Darby, who's played by Anna Kendrick. Each episode goes through the ups and downs of every relationship Darby had had during her lifetime, and boy are there some rough ones. This series is such a complex take on its characters, and as a viewer, you'll learn so much about these people, more so than you'd ever learn on a regular sitcom. Each episode is able to stand on its own, but they're so much more enjoyable to be watched together, which just goes to show the beauty of this little series. It's also been announced that William Jackson Harper will play the central character of Season 2.

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Zoë Chao, Peter Vack, Sasha Compère, Jin Ha, and Kingsley Ben-Adir

Where to watch it: HBO Max

20. Julie and the Phantoms

Netflix

Julie and the Phantoms is just proof that Kenny Ortega can do no wrong. This series is about a young girl named Julie who's struggling to make music again after her mom dies. She accidentally summons the spirits of three members of the '90s band Sunset Curve who can only be seen by other people whenever they're playing music. Together, they create their own band called Julie and the Phantoms and lemme just say, all of their music slaps. It's so, so good. This is another series that is a perfect watch if you're in need of something that'll guarantee a smile on your face. You'll fall in love with those phantoms, trust me.

Starring: Madison Reyes, Charlie Gillespie, Owen Patrick Joyner, Jeremy Shada, Jadah Marie, Savannah May, Booboo Stewart, Cheyenne Jackson, and Carlos Ponce

Where to watch it: Netflix

21. The Great

Hulu

Elle Fanning stars in this fictional retelling of Catherine the Great's life and legacy. The Great is...well...pretty great. It loosely follows the rise of Empress Catherine and her plot to kill her husband Peter. The Great is wildly satirical and each episode packs a punch. Tony Mcnamara is the series creator, so it also gives off major The Favourite energy. Elle Fanning is also wonderful as the legendary Empress Catherine and this is a role you've never seen her in before. She's fiery, strong-willed, and a total anti-hero. This show is also worth watching for the intricate costumes and ornate set. As a person who isn't usually drawn to historical fiction, I can honestly say I loved every single second of this show.

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Sacha Dhawan, Phoebe Fox, and Charity Wakefield

Where to watch it: Hulu

22. Run

HBO

Created by the team who gave us Fleabag, Run is a television masterpiece. Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson star as two exes who made a pact 17 years ago — if either of them texted the word "Run" and the other responded with the same word, pause their normal everyday life, meet at Grand Central Station, hop on a train, and travel across the US together. These two together are actual magic and you won't be able to take your eyes off of them. Run is incredibly fast-paced, thrilling, and stimulating — there's simply no reason you shouldn't give this series a watch.

Starring: Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson

Where to watch it: HBO Max

23. I Am Not Okay With This

Netflix

I Am Not Okay With This is like a perfect combination of Stranger Things and It. This show has that sci-fi superpower element along with the coming-of-age teen drama trope and Sophia Lillis totally nails it. Wyatt Oleff plays the oh-so-sweet neighbor Stan and these two together are just so fun to watch. Basically, the vibes in this show are ✨immaculate✨. I firmly believe that you'll fall in love with these characters immediately. Plus, it's a super easy show to binge-watch in a day.

Starring: Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Sofia Bryant, and Kathleen Rose Perkins

Where to watch it: Netflix

24. And finally, Ted Lasso

Apple TV+

If you're in search of a good and wholesome TV series, please watch Ted Lasso. The series follows an American college football coach who's recruited to coach for England's Premier League football (soccer) team. Ted has little to no experience with English football, but his optimism is through the roof, which makes the show even more wonderful. Everything about this show is delightful and it's such a nice breather from the messy world around us. It's the perfect binge-watch to escape to and you'll leave your couch wanting to watch the series all over again.

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Nick Mohammed

Where to watch it: Apple TV+