Movies

10 Underrated 2020s TV Shows That Will Become Your New Cult Favorites!

BBG News

The last few years, specifically the 2020s, have been simply remarkable in the world of television. Shows such as “Yellowstone”, “Severance”, “The Last of Us”, “Wednesday”, and “Squid Game” have captivated audiences worldwide, shattered various records, and are being widely acclaimed as timeless masterpieces by many viewers.

In other places, however, an abundance of exceptional series have been thriving under the surface, managing to stay under the mainstream’s notice while steadily growing fervent and devoted audiences.

In this write-up, our attention is primarily on those distinctive series, characterized by daring narratives, memorable personalities, and an impact so profound it’s bound to ignite discussions online, late-night viewings, and ultimately secure a status as enduring cult favorites. Here, we have compiled a list of ten such captivating shows.

10
‘The Rehearsal’ (2022 – Present)

The Rehearsal, developed by Nathan Fielder, is a docu-comedy series where he portrays an altered version of himself. In this show, he assists regular people in getting ready for upcoming life events by employing actors and constructing sets to reenact these situations before they occur. Following the conclusion of the original series in 2022, viewers were given a second season earlier this year.

‘The Rehearsal’s Unique Premise Is Just as Funny as It Is Insightful

Exploring contemporary apprehensions about control, genuineness, and social engagement, “The Rehearsal” is a daring, unique, and remarkably relatable production that seems equally real and dreamlike. By blending dry wit and absurdism with profound contemplations, it encourages spectators to ponder if they can truly be ready for life’s unpredictable events. With its widespread praise, dedicated audience, and distinctive concept, “The Rehearsal” possesses all the elements required to establish itself as a timeless cult favorite in the years to come.

9
‘The Midnight Club’ (2022)

Hailing from the creatively eccentric mind of Mike Flanagan, The Midnight Club unfolds in a hospice setting where eight terminally ill young individuals band together to form the named club. Their unique bond is forged as they gather late at night to exchange chilling tales. As their friendship deepens, they vow that the first among them to pass away will endeavor to communicate from beyond the grave using these stories as a medium. Throughout the series, these narratives are graphically depicted on screen.

‘The Midnight Club’ Broke a World Record for Most Jump-Scares in a Single TV Episode

Flanagan is making a strong reputation as an intriguing horror storyteller, and his work on “The Midnight Club” showcases this well. In this series, he skillfully combines shock moments, psychological dread, genuine emotion, and enigmatic mysteries. Critics have praised it highly, awarding it a score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. But despite Flanagan’s multiyear agreement with Amazon, the show – which set a new record for television with 21 scripted jump-scares in one episode – was unfortunately canceled by Netflix, leaving many dedicated fans wanting more and several plot threads unresolved.

Although Flanagan tried to clarify the remaining plot points in a Tumblr post about the next season, some might argue that the unexpected ending of the show actually contributed to its cult status. Fans were left with unresolved questions and a feeling of missed opportunities, which may have intensified the emotional impact and loyalty of the audience.

8
‘Reservation Dogs’ (2021 – 2023)

Over the course of three seasons, Reservation Dogs unfolds, focusing on a group of four Indigenous teenagers, colloquially known as the Rez Dogs, in a rural Oklahoma setting where they engage in playful mischief and minor crimes. As the series progresses, it charts their journey to California, seeking improvement in their lives, while also delving into the past experiences and present-day lives of the elders from their Oklahoma community. The narrative explores how the decisions and events of their youth have shaped their current circumstances.

Taika Waititi Continues His Winning Streak in Creating Cult Classic Content

Taika Waititi, who collaborated with Sterlin Harjo on its creation, has been instrumental in producing some of the most iconic cult favorites in recent times, such as “What We Do in the Shadows”, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”, and “Jojo Rabbit”. By combining his distinctive wit and emotional narrative style with a genuinely Indigenous perspective, thanks to the show’s team of Indigenous writers and directors, “Reservation Dogs” is expected to continue this trend and earn similar cult acclaim.

7
‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Drawing inspiration from the 1988 film “Dead Ringers” by David Cronenberg (originally based on the novel “Twins” by Bari Wood and Jack Geasland), this modern adaptation introduces a captivating twist – the protagonists are now identical gynecologist sisters. They challenge ethical boundaries in their quest for progressive women’s healthcare, creating a compelling blend of science, identity exploration, and unrelenting obsession.

‘Dead Ringers’ Unsettling Premise May Be Off-Putting to the Mainstream

The mini-series has been well-received by critics, attracting both fans of the initial film and a new, younger audience drawn to its unique blend of body horror, dark humor, and examination of gender issues and self-identity. Notably, Rachel Weisz’s portrayal of the two sisters has garnered acclaim and is considered one of her best performances yet. Despite some viewers finding its disturbing themes and visuals uncomfortable, the show’s specialized appeal and intelligent narrative make it a strong contender for cult classic status.

6
‘Inside Job’ (2021 – 2022)

In today’s world saturated by social media, we find ourselves surrounded by an abundance of conspiracy theories, each seemingly more outlandish than the last. The animated comedy Inside Job explores this concept humorously – what if every one of these theories held a grain of truth? It follows a group spearheaded by a tech genius and her latest partner, operating within an American covert government entity known as Cognito, Inc., which is one of six powerful organizations governing Earth (the others being the Illuminati, the Atlanteans, the Reptoids, the Catholic Church, and the Juggalos).

The program offers an amusing investigation into popular theories and legends that frequently surface, encompassing segments on topics such as JFK’s assassination, reptilian shape-shifters, the idea of a flat Earth, the Moon landing controversy, the stoned ape hypothesis, and the Mandela Effect.

‘Inside Job’ Has an Impressive Team Behind It

Originating from the creative mind of Shion Takeuchi, a past writer for “Gravity Falls”, this production was co-executively produced by Alex Hirsch, the creator of “Gravity Falls”, and Mike Hollingsworth, a director from “BoJack Horseman”. The talented voice cast of “Inside Job” includes Lizzy Caplan, Christian Slater, John DiMaggio, and Bobby Lee.

This ride is both witty and hilarious, filled with biting satire and dreamlike oddities. Its charm comes from its skillful mockery of the ridiculous aspects of conspiracy theories, all while maintaining an enjoyable, lighthearted tone without becoming overly self-important.

5
‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)

In this captivating animated series for adults, set in the realm of science fiction, we follow a group of individuals who find themselves marooned on a treacherous alien world following an accident with their spacecraft. One of the show’s standout aspects is its haunting exploration of the ever-present tension between safety and peril, as traditional boundaries between sustenance, hazard, flora, fauna, intelligence, and complex life forms become murky and indistinct.

‘Scavengers Reign’ Is a Hauntingly Beautiful Experience Unlike Anything on TV Right Now

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say this film is visually stunning, transporting viewers into a unique, otherworldly existence teeming with both suspense and a peculiar tranquility, bordering on a reflective state. Its methodical storytelling unfolds gradually, making it worthwhile for those willing to be patient and revisit it. Much like cult films, it defies conventional norms, offering an experience that resonates deeply within viewers even after the closing credits have faded away.

4
‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022 – 2023)

Among the most compelling LGBTQ+ media productions today is the heartwarming and side-splitting sitcom titled “Our Flag Means Death“. This show takes inspiration from the real-life story of Stede Bonnet, famously known as the “Gentleman Pirate”. Set in the 1700s, it chronicles Bonnet’s journey into piracy after leaving his family and a life of comfort in Barbados behind. Initially inexperienced and ill-prepared, viewers find themselves emotionally invested as they witness Bonnet navigating through one misadventure to another, picking up the skills needed for pirate life along the way.

‘Our Flag Means Death’ Sails into Uncharted Territory

Quietly embarking on its journey without much initial attention, the show slowly built up buzz through word-of-mouth and eventually became a hidden gem, winning acclaim for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues, costume excellence, imaginative set pieces, and captivating romantic plots. Despite being unexpectedly terminated after the second season, there’s still a wealth of opportunity for many viewers to uncover its trove of humor, emotion, and queer delight—ultimately solidifying its place as an enduring cult classic.

3
‘The Gentlemen’ (2024 – Present)

Known as one of Hollywood’s leading figures today, Guy Ritchie initially gained fame by directing some of Britain’s highly respected gangster movies. His unique blend of dark wit, raw violence, captivating dialogues, and stylishly executed through intricate, non-linear storytelling, has earned him a reputation as the British equivalent to Quentin Tarantino.

Over time, he’s expanded his portfolio by working on projects with a broader appeal, like “Sherlock Holmes” and “Aladdin”. In 2019, “The Gentlemen” brought him back to his roots, offering another chaotic glimpse into the criminal underworld of England, reminiscent of his earlier hits such as “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”.

‘The Gentlemen’ Is a Spin-Off That Elevates Its Source Material

In the same cinematic world as the film “The Gentlemen,” a TV series emerges as a distinct tale. The story revolves around a young man who unwittingly becomes entangled in the nation’s criminal underbelly. His life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a massive estate, which his late father was using to grow large amounts of cannabis.

The show shares a comparable mood with the film and gives viewers an engaging chance to delve deeper into the universe portrayed in the movie. It expands upon the characters, plot, and background details, providing more insight. However, it is only loosely connected to the movie, making it also enjoyable for those unfamiliar with the original work.

2
‘1899’ (2022)

Stepping into the role of a movie critic, I’d say: Shrouded in darkness and dripping with atmosphere, “1899” is an enigmatic mystery-thriller that unfolds on the decks of a ship transporting immigrants towards America. This gripping tale skillfully blends chilling psychological horror and intriguing science fiction elements, leaving viewers questioning the very nature of reality as they witness a string of inexplicable events unfold among the passengers.

The Show Was Controversially Canceled After Just One Season

2022 saw one of our top shows, sadly not making it for a second season as announced by Netflix. This news left both journalists and fans disheartened, sparking an outpouring of disappointment on the internet. A Change.org petition was initiated to voice disapproval over the decision, gathering more than 100,000 signatures.

Although some view the decision as a disappointment, a brief run can enhance a show’s allure, as viewers become deeply engrossed in each episode and maintain fervent fandom even after the series ends. Shows such as Freaks and Geeks and Firefly, which were canceled prematurely, continue to be fondly remembered by their dedicated fan bases.

1
‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ (2021)

Brand New Cherry Flavor narrates the tale of an angry filmmaker seeking vengeance against a treacherous producer. Her odyssey, filled with black magic, eerie apparitions, and harrowing delusions, is a stylishly dark and frequently terrifying journey that isn’t afraid to break the mold.

‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ Plays Out Like a Fever Dream

With a mix of grotesque physical elements, occult undertones, and the surreal style reminiscent of David Lynch, “Brand New Cherry Flavor” stands out as undeniably strange, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts of cult horror. Although not yet widely recognized, this show has been generating excitement among fans who can’t stop discussing and theorizing about it – traits that define a genuine cult classic.

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2025-05-31 21:04

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