Cult classic TV shows have a certain charm that draws in viewers, yet many remain hidden gems, known only to a select few who have discovered them. These shows often push boundaries, have diverse casts, and tackle taboo subjects in a unique way that mainstream television cannot match. If you’re looking for something different to watch, here are some of the best underrated cult classic TV shows you need to watch right now.
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series that aired on NBC during the 1999-2000 television season. The show follows the lives of several high school students in the fictional town of Chippewa, Michigan, circa 1980, and includes themes like drug use, sexuality, and social cliques.
The cast, which includes James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel, was relatively unknown at the time but has since gone on to achieve great success in their acting careers. Despite critical acclaim from critics and audiences, Freaks and Geeks was canceled after only one season due to low ratings.
Pushing Daisies
Pushing Daisies is a whimsical and colorful television series that aired on ABC from 2007 to 2009. The show follows a pie-maker named Ned, who has the ability to bring the dead back to life with a touch, but can also send them back to their eternal rest with another touch.
However, there is a catch – if he touches the resurrected person again, they die permanently. Ned uses his abilities to solve mysteries with a private investigator, all while trying to navigate his feelings for his childhood sweetheart, who he brought back to life.
The show was praised for its inventive and whimsical storytelling, vibrant visuals, and a talented cast including Lee Pace, Anna Friel, and Chi McBride. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after only two seasons due to low ratings.
Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23
Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 is a sitcom that aired on ABC from 2012 to 2013. The show follows June Colburn, who moves to New York to pursue her dream job, but finds her life turned upside down when she meets her new roommate, Chloe, a con artist with a wild side.
The show was praised for its edgy humor, strong performances by Krysten Ritter and James Van Der Beek, who played a fictionalized version of himself. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after only two seasons due to low ratings.
Terriers
Terriers is a crime drama that aired on FX from 2010 to 2011. The show follows Hank Dolworth and Britt Pollock, two unlicensed private investigators in Ocean Beach, San Diego, who often find themselves in over their heads.
The show was praised for its complex characters, realistic depiction of San Diego, and noir-esque storytelling. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after only one season due to low ratings.
Bunheads
Bunheads is a comedy-drama that aired on ABC Family from 2012 to 2013. The show follows a Las Vegas showgirl, Michelle, who marries a man on a whim and moves with him to the small town of Paradise, California, where she becomes a ballet teacher.
The show was praised for its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and talented cast, including Sutton Foster and Kelly Bishop. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after only one season due to low ratings.
Conclusion
These underrated cult classic TV shows are all unique and deserving of more attention and recognition. From Freaks and Geeks to Bunheads, there is a show for everyone who wants something offbeat and hidden beyond the mainstream television landscape. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, these shows are now easily accessible, and we highly recommend giving them a watch. Do you have an underrated cult classic TV show that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
