8 Underrated TV Thriller Shows Everyone Forgot About

Lots of popular TV shows get all the attention, but there are some fantastic thrillers that deserve more recognition. While shows like Friends, The Expanse, and Reacher are great for relaxing, a thriller is especially good when you need a little extra excitement – like when the week is dragging on or winter feels long. If you’ve seen your favorite comedies over and over, it’s always refreshing to watch clever characters unravel mysteries and spot clues others overlook.

If you’re looking for a thrilling new series, there are plenty of great options out there, like the Netflix show His & Hers, which follows a husband and wife as they try to track down a killer. You might have even missed some good ones when they first came out! So, get comfy with your favorite snacks and prepare to get hooked. Now that we’ve rounded up some captivating thrillers, there’s just one debate: is it better to try and figure out the ending yourself, or be completely surprised?

‘Bloodline’ (2015-2017)

Netflix

Certain TV shows have a lasting impact long after they end, like Lost, which still sparks debate among fans about its finale (it wasn’t purgatory, despite what some think!). Other shows generate some initial excitement but quickly disappear from the conversation. This happened with Bloodline, a Netflix series that premiered in 2015 and received some attention at the time. However, it’s rarely discussed now, which is a shame considering its impressive cast – including Sissy Spacek! – and memorable lines, such as when John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler) famously said:

“We’re not bad people, but we did a bad thing.”

Bloodline delves into the complex dynamics of the Rayburn family, focusing on parents Sally and Robert, and their grown children Kevin, Danny, John, and Meg. The show skillfully blends a gripping mystery with relatable family issues, a combination that often works well. Its Florida Keys location adds to the appeal. While many thrillers are fast-paced, Bloodline takes its time developing its characters over three compelling seasons, allowing viewers to truly get to know them.

‘Haven’ (2010-2015)

SyFy

If you’d rather not think about Under the Dome and recall Stephen King’s better TV adaptations, consider Haven. Loosely based on King’s 2005 novel The Colorado Kid, it shares many of his signature elements—a supernatural mystery unfolding in a small town, and is investigated by FBI agent Emily Rose, played by Audrey Parker. It’s a show that will feel familiar to fans of King’s work.

While Haven isn’t quite as impactful as the excellent adaptation of It: Welcome to Derry, which is both scary and emotionally resonant, it’s still a worthwhile watch for Stephen King fans. The show is enjoyable as Emily begins to uncover the strange occurrences – known as ‘The Troubles’ – affecting the residents of Haven, Maine.

‘Tell Me a Story’ (2018-2020)

CBS

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable thriller, Tell Me a Story might not be the first show that springs to mind. Despite having a catchy title, it’s largely been forgotten. The series ran for two seasons on CBS All Access, from 2018 to 2020, and is considered one of the less popular works by creator Kevin Williamson. The show puts a dark and modern spin on classic fairy tales, a concept that could have been either brilliant or disastrous.

However, it’s more of a reimagining than something completely original. Shows like Grimm, which ran for six seasons and followed a detective who investigates supernatural cases, have already explored this territory. Tell Me a Story remains enjoyable, particularly if you like the classic fairy tales Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood, as those stories are central to the show.

‘Nancy Drew’ (2019-2023)

The CW

While The CW’s Nancy Drew, which ran for four seasons and was based on the famous books, isn’t a sophisticated thriller like Netflix’s Mindhunter, that’s part of its charm. It’s a bit cheesy and the dialogue isn’t always brilliant, but that’s actually why it’s so enjoyable. It’s refreshing to watch a series that’s comforting and lighthearted, yet still manages to be suspenseful. For many viewers, it also brings back fond memories of wanting to be like Nancy Drew and solve mysteries themselves, making it a nostalgic watch.

The TV show Nancy Drew has everything fans of mystery and drama love. It’s set in the charming town of Horseshoe Bay, Maine, and features a smart and engaging lead character played by Kennedy Paige McMann. The first season centers around the mysterious death of a prominent citizen. What really makes Nancy Drew stand out is its ability to stay fresh and captivating with consistently spooky and supernatural storylines. Plus, Nancy is a surprisingly complex character, and the show thoughtfully explores how families cope with grief and loss.

‘The Following’ (2013-2015)

Fox

Though it didn’t reach the heights of films like Scream (the iconic horror movie from Kevin Williamson that introduced Ghostface and Sidney Prescott), the Fox series The Following was still captivating. It centered around the chilling relationship between serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) and FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), and it’s hard not to get drawn into their conflict from the very first episode. Despite a premise that could have grown repetitive, the show remained engaging throughout its three seasons.

This show is primarily a deep dive into Ryan’s character, and it’s compelling to see how Joe impacts his life, even from a distance. The series explores significant themes like life, death, obsession, and the sacrifices people make for their careers. Plus, it’s simply enjoyable to watch Kevin Bacon perform.

‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2017)

Netflix

Many Netflix thrillers are quickly forgotten after just one season. You might recall odd shows like Wayward, or unsettling characters from series like The Beast in Me, or even the numerous TV adaptations of Harlan Coben novels. But does anyone actually remember Behind Her Eyes, which came out on February 17, 2021? It’s likely slipped most people’s minds.

Let’s be real, this isn’t a groundbreaking TV masterpiece, but it’s a fun guilty pleasure. The ending is satisfying, and with only six episodes, it’s an easy binge-watch. The story of Behind Her Eyes starts with Louise Barnsley (Simona Brown) befriending Adele (Eve Hewson), but things get complicated when Louise begins an affair with Adele’s husband, Dr. David Ferguson (Tom Bateman)—and to top it off, she also works for him! It’s best to go in knowing as little as possible and just enjoy the ride.

‘Damages’ (2007-2012)

MovieStillsDB/FX

If you were underwhelmed by Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair, you might be wondering why such a great cast was in a show that didn’t quite deliver. If you’re a Glenn Close fan looking for a truly excellent performance, revisit Damages. This five-season legal thriller features Close as Patty Hewes, a brilliant but ruthless lawyer who expertly controls those around her.

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With so many new thriller shows available these days, it’s easy to overlook gems from the past. Damages, starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne as her ambitious young protégé, Ellen Parsons, was a standout when it first aired. Though it’s not as widely discussed now, it’s definitely worth revisiting. The show’s biggest weakness, if you can call it that, is that it starts so strong – the pilot episode and opening scene are incredible – that everything after might feel a little less impactful. But that’s a pretty good problem to have!

‘The Fall’ (2013-2016)

BBC Two

With a clever detective, a constantly elusive killer, and a fantastic performance by Gillian Anderson, why wouldn’t you watch The Fall? This three-season, 17-episode thriller follows Detective Stella Gibson (Anderson) as she hunts serial killer Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan).

If you’re disappointed that Mindhunter ended, you’ll likely enjoy The Fall. While it doesn’t explore the psychology of serial killers quite as intensely, it offers a compelling focus on the character of Paul. The show features particularly strong and thought-provoking dialogue, with characters frequently discussing complex ideas about morality, especially as Paul’s background is revealed. Though it’s not a widely discussed series, The Fall is remarkably well-made and doesn’t have any noticeable weaknesses. Plus, fans of The X-Files will be pleased to see Gillian Anderson in another leading role.

2026-01-19 01:22