In recent years, television has become more engaging and ambitious than ever, even if some of the best contributions to the small screen have been overlooked. Though the era of peak TV might be over, innovations in technology have made exciting new visual styles possible, and the amount of fresh stories that are being brought to life by streamers and networks is impressive. While some series like Under the Bridge draw their narratives from realities, while others like All The Light We Cannot See are based on books, they're all worth watching from beginning to end.

From the best TV shows that premiered in 2024 to series that have been airing for a few seasons but flew under the radar, these shows deserve to be as popular as the biggest titles on TV. These projects come from a variety of genres, providing something for all audiences, no matter what you're interested in. Unfortunately, a few of these shows didn't find an audience fast enough and were canceled after just one season. However, they're still hidden gems that make for exciting discoveries thanks to their fresh takes on classic narratives.

10 All The Light We Cannot See (2023)

A fictionalization of the harrowing realities of World War II

Netflix's adaptation of Anthony Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, All The Light We Cannot See, wasn't a hit with critics, but this doesn't mean it should be forgotten about. Though Doerr's sparkling prose is difficult to bring to life onscreen, All The Light We Cannot See is a worthy iteration of the story and does justice to the original text. Aria Mia Loberti and Louis Hofmann costar as Marie-Laure and Werner. They are the dual protagonists of the narrative who experience the harrowing realities of World War II from opposite sides.

In conversation with the harsh and brutal realities of war, All The Light We Cannot See takes this violent setting and intertwines it with the power of storytelling and finding humanity in small moments. All The Light We Cannot See is a visual feat, fully bringing the audience into the period and using this to further the story. There are intense moments throughout All The Light We Cannot See, but the series balances this with the glimmers of hope that Doerr infuses into the text.

9 Monsieur Spade (2024)

Monsieur Spade pays tribute to its roots while staying fresh and original

A TV spinoff of one of Humphrey Bogart's best film noir movies, The Maltese Falcon, Monsieur Spade catches up with the legendary Sam Spade at a different point in his life. The retired detective is living a quiet, anonymous life in when a sudden, brutal murder forces him to dust off his old skills and get to work. Clive Owen takes on the role of Spade, and while it's impossible to follow the likes of a performer like Bogart, Owen does a good job of making the character his own.

For fans of film noir and the aesthetics of the early espionage thrillers of the 1960s, Monsieur Spade is sure to hit home, as it captures the best parts of both. While revivals and spinoffs are more popular than ever, Monsieur Spade feels more fresh than a simple reboot. This Spade is older, wiser, and less brash than the hard-boiled man we met in The Maltese Falcon, and this changes the way he and the series engage with this brand-new mystery.

8 Scavengers Reign (2023)

A gorgeously animated sci-fi series that will make an impact

Max's gorgeously animated and at-times terrifying sci-fi series, Scavengers Reign, doesn't hold back from exposing the audience and characters to the reality of the untamed world. In the wake of a crash landing on a foreign planet, a group of survivors try to make the best out of their lives in their unknown environment and find a way to be rescued. Though beautiful and intriguing, the planet is harsh and uncaring about the character's wishes and desires, exposing them to a side of nature they'd forgotten.

Watching Scavengers Reign will take you somewhere you've never been before and will explode the deepest and darkest parts of the human spirit along the way.

Scavengers Reign is one of the best cartoons that are just as good as anime, showcasing where animation should be going in the 21st century. Watching Scavengers Reign will take you somewhere you've never been before and will explode the deepest and darkest parts of the human spirit along the way. Though there's only one season, Scavengers Reign doesn't need much more to get its point across or fully immerse the audience in the world.

7 Under The Bridge (2024)

A true crime miniseries with thoughtful, personal touches

Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough make a compatible pair of investigators in Hulu's true crime miniseries Under the Bridge. Though the true crime genre has been taking the world by storm in recent years, Under the Bridge didn't enjoy the explosive popularity that similar miniseries have received. However, this isn't an indicator of quality, as Under the Bridge is a tense, atmospheric, and emotionally impactful retelling of a true story.

Though the mystery of the series' central murder and the tangled web of lies and betrayals are what will initially capture your attention, the relationship between Cam (Gladstone) and Rebecca (Keough) is surprisingly poignant. It's a fine line to walk when tackling dark and violent events that took place in the real world without seeming exploitative or contrite. However, Under the Bridge approaches the material with grace and an awareness that the story being told is important and deserves time to unfold.

6 Sugar (2024–Present)

Colin Farrell gives a grounding performance in this genre-bending TV show

Blending and experimenting with multiple genres has been a feature of the TV landscape in recent years, but few shows have played with this as deftly as Sugar. Colin Farrell leads the cast as John Sugar, a private investigator in the style of the classic noir PI, living and working in Los Angeles. Sun-drenched and mysterious, Sugar enjoys bringing elements of old Hollywood movies and the decaying glamor of the idea of Los Angeles into the twisting narrative.

You might think you know where Sugar is going, but the series will astound you with its shocking narrative turn halfway through season 1.

You might think you know where Sugar is going, but the series will astound you with its shocking narrative turn halfway through season 1. It will be interesting to see where Sugar season 2 takes our protagonist and how the unexpected plot of the first installment is expanded. Praised for its gorgeous visual language and the central performances, Sugar is a fun watch and tells a complete story without limiting the possibilities for the show's next outing.

5 School Spirits (2023–Present)

The afterlife is funny and poignant in this contemporary supernatural teen drama

School Spirits has been growing in popularity since season 2 recently dropped, but this innovative supernatural teen drama deserves much more recognition. Starring Peyton List as Maddie, a high school student who wakes up one day to discover that she has died and is doomed to haunt the halls of her alma mater, School Spirits is surprisingly emotional. As Maddie meets the other unfortunate ghosts in school, she attempts to piece together the mystery of her murder and find some peace.

School Spirits season 1 included some unforgettable twists and developments that shook the audience and characters to their core, and season 2 kept up this drama and intrigue. Despite being torn between the land of the living and the dead, Maddie is a relatable character the viewer has fun getting to know alongside the cast of characters in the real world and the afterlife. Balancing grief with humor and heart, School Spirits punches above its weight.

4 My Lady Jane (2024)

An epic fantasy romance with a compelling message at its heart

Anyone who was aware of My Lady Jane at the time of the romantic fantasy series premiere knows just how devastating the show's cancelation was. Despite critical and audience acclaim, Prime Video didn't renew My Lady Jane for a second installment, even though there were plenty more avenues of the story to explore. A fantastical retelling of the life of the real Lady Jane Grey, My Lady Jane features Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel as Jane Grey and her romantic interest Guildford Dudley, who make a compelling enemies-to-lovers couple.

While it's disappointing that My Lady Jane won't be back for season 2, there's still a lot to recommend about season 1, as the series delivers a satisfying conclusion for Jane and Guildford. However, it's not just the romance that makes My Lady Jane so fun and engaging, as Jane's development as a leader and all the character's growth throughout the season are well executed. Returning to My Lady Jane in the coming years will be a reminder of where fantasy should be going on television.

3 Mayfair Witches (2023–Present)

Another side of Anne Rice's work is revealed in Mayfair Witches

After a somewhat rocky debut season, Mayfair Witches season 2 proved that this Southern Gothic fantasy series is finding its footing and is a series on the rise. After AMC's success with Interview with the Vampire, the network adapted Rice's additional series, Lives of the Mayfair Witches, starring Alexandra Daddario as Rowan, the protagonist. Beginning with Rowan's discovery of her magical powers and family legacy, Mayfair Witches sees her dive headfirst into their world of mystical danger.

Though season 3 is not yet confirmed, season 2 was gripping from beginning to end and paves the way for further explorations into Rowan's future with the Mayfair family. The setting and style of Mayfair Witches is one of the best parts of the series, as it takes the classic Southern Gothic aesthetic and weaves this into every corner of the show. Daddario does great work anchoring the series as Rowan, a woman who's forced to grapple with life-changing events at every turn.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Mayfair Witches (2023–Present)	59%	54%

2 Adolescence (2025)

Netflix's latest miniseries breaks boundaries in the crime genre

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Adolescence

Crime

Drama

9/10

55

8.1/10

Release Date

March 13, 2025

Network

Netflix

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One of the most innovative recent additions to Netflix's original content, Adolescence takes make of the classic elements of the crime genre and transforms them into something entirely new. Notable for its cinematography and visual style, each episode of Adolescence unfolds through one continuous take, with no edits or breaks in the action (via Variety). This is an impressive feat and instantly sets the series apart from other recent thriller miniseries. Though this is a difficult style, Adolescence uses the format to achieve a specific tone and atmosphere.

Though it isn't always easy to watch, Adolescence is a relevant project that will stand the test of time.

Adolescence has a dark and interrogative story, as it chronicles the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie (Owen Cooper) after he's suspected in connection with the murder of a classmate. In conversation with the indoctrination of young men into dangerous online spaces that promote violence and isolation, Adolescence is a timely investigation into the way development and coming-of-age have changed in the internet age. Though it isn't always easy to watch, Adolescence is a relevant project that will stand the test of time.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Adolescence (2025)	99%	72%

1 Pantheon (2022–2023)

Human consciousness meets the cloud in this animated sci-fi thriller

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TV-14

Animation

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Science Fiction

5.0/10

Release Date

2022 - 2023-00-00

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Prime Video, AMC+, HIDIVE

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The emotionally gripping animated sci-fi series Pantheon only ran for two seasons, but every moment of its episodes made an impact. Following the story of Maddie, a young girl who realizes the consciousness of her dead father has been ed to an illicit online cloud system that has been scanning people's brains illegally, Pantheon is a wild ride. As Maddie delves further into the secrets of "ed Intelligence," she meets other people who hold the keys to unlocking the conspiracy.

Adult animated television has been having a heyday in recent years, with incredible projects like Invincible and Castlevania making an impact within the genre space. However, Pantheon is just as compelling and arresting, blending elements of coming-of-age narratives with sci-fi and emotional realism. Maddie is a fantastic protagonist who makes it easy to spend time diving into the mysteries at the heart of Pantheon​​​​​​. Using its visuals to propel the story and engage the audience, Pantheon deserves a much bigger following.

Title	Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Pantheon (2022–2023)	100%	95%