We are all looking to fill that void when we finish a television show, and even though they're not on Netflix, these shows can fill those voids. The shows listed below do not get the credit they deserve, and more attention needs to be drawn to them. These are shows that made me laugh and cry during high school, and they're shows that you need, because they are filled with life lessons, reality checks, and comedy that will stick with you forever. These 12 shows fall under my category of underrated because when I mention their names, people don't even know about what I am always so invested in, and that needs to change.
12. Once Upon A Time
I don't know about you, but I love fairy tales now just as much as I did when I was a kid. "Once Upon A Time" is an American fairy tale television series that takes place in the fictional town of Storybrooke. The residents of this town are various fictional characters from fairy tales that were unfortunately transported to the real world and robbed of their real memories under a powerful curse. Most of the elements borrowed in this show are from Disney films, and the audience is usually introduced to a character through their primary life, and then a secondary story line of their life before they were put under the curse. If you're a Disney freak like me, this series should be the next one you binge watch.
11. Greek
The series follows students of the fictitious Cyprus-Rhodes University (CRU) who participate in Greek Life on campus (I know, now you're interested). The series follows Rusty and Casey Cartwright as they endure the events surrounding the Greek system at Cyprus-Rhodes. The show's plots often take place within the confines of the fictional fraternities Kappa Tau Gamma (ΚΤΓ) and Omega Chi Delta (ΩΧΔ), or the fictional sorority Zeta Beta Zeta (ΖΒZ). If you're a student in high school, definitely give this show a try; it will show you all the fun aspects of Greek life, but also some of the bad ones, even though the show dramatizes those situations that are bad.
10. Scrubs
The series is a fast-paced, with slapstick and surreal vignettes presented mostly as the daydreams of the central character, Dr. John "J.D." Dorian. It takes place in a hospital and all the main characters are medical interns. If you want to laugh because of a hospital show for once, definitely binge watch "Scrubs" next.
9. Daria (for our generation)
The television show "Daria" revolves around a cynical teenage girl who is the definition of an outsider. She is a very smart, monotone teenager who encounters all of types of characters in her high school career. This show was high school, and some argue that it still is high school. We know everybody in this show; we know that jock, we knew that geek, and all those crazy teachers. Everyone in this show is identifiable. The issues that they tackle in this show, though mostly in a funny way, are real issues we all went through in high school that teenagers still go through today.
8. Melrose Place (original) (for our generation)
After "Beverly Hills, 90210" (don't worry, it's on this list) became such a such a classic and instant hit, Aaron Spelling (the creator), wanted to come up with the next big thing. That's where "Melrose Place" comes in. Set in a small apartment complex in West Hollywood, "Melrose Place" follows a group of adults in their 20s and their love lives, neighborly relationships, and start in the real world. As the show went on, it the story lines became more and more intense, including adultery and even murder and other vicious crimes. It is basically "Beverly Hills, 90210" incognito; the characters are just slightly older and facing other modern issues adults deal with today.
7. Beverly Hills, 90210 (original) (for our generation)
I know what you're thinking; why is this show on the list? It's legendary and everyone knows it. Not everyone knows it. though; only 80s and true 90s kids are familiar with how epic the original "Beverly Hills, 90210" really is. It was one of the first dramas that focused on a group of friends going through high school, college, and eventually, the adult world. This show introduced us to all the problems people are facing modern day, and they did it wonderfully. They addressed issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence, antisemitism, gay rights, date rape, teenage pregnancy, teenage suicide, and AIDS. This drama was the longest-running show until "Grey's Anatomy" recently passed it. "Beverly Hills, 90210" was named one of the Best School Shows of All Time by AOL TV.
6. Dawson's Creek (for our generation)
"Dawson's Creek" ran from 1998 to 2003, and though a bit goofy, it definitely tugs at our heartstrings. The show revolves around four teenagers who help each other cope with adolescence. It focuses on the lives of wannabe filmmaker Dawson Leery, his best friend Joey (female), who has been in love with him since childhood, close friend and slacker Pacey, and new girl next door Jen. More friends come and go, feelings change, and they all must suffer through growing pains.
5. What I Like About You
"What I Like About You" focuses on two sisters, Holly and Val, who live in New York City. This show does not get the credit it deserves and it should have the big audience that it used to. The characters are all hilarious; even the side characters get their fair share of comedy. They're not shoved to the side to let the main characters alone get the comical relief in. It's also not very dramatic; think "How I Met Your Mother" when you think about "What I Like About You." If you liked "How I Met Your Mother," watch this underrated comedy; you won't regret it.
4. Gilmore Girls
Set in the small, cozy town of Stars Hollow, "Gilmore Girls" is a dramedy about a single mother and her teenage daughter. The town is filled with colorful characters and concerns regarding ambition, education, work, and family. "Gilmore Girls" is mostly known for its fast-paced dialogue filled with pop culture references. Though not the most dramatic show, "Gilmore Girls" is a very heartwarming series. Considering the cast started filming the revival series last week, WATCH THIS SHOW IMMEDIATELY.
3. The O.C.
If you're a die-hard "One Tree Hill" fan, there's no question that you need to invest your time in watching "The O.C." Even if you're not, it's a great dramatic series. "The O.C." is about the troubles of a close-knit group of friends and group of adults surrounded by wealth and upper-class neighbors in The Orange County. Though it has a lot of comedic moments (brought you by our favorite character, Seth Cohen), the story lines are very sad and dramatic at times. You will feel a stream of emotions going through this show, but it is totally worth it.
2. Brothers and Sisters
"Brothers and Sisters" is a drama that revolves around the lives and troubles of the family members in the Walker family. Most of them work together for the family business, Ojai Foods, which was started by their late father, William Walker. Plot lines typically focus on romantic relationships, business fortunes, especially with regard to the control of Ojai Foods, and the relationship between the siblings. Most conflicts were resolved with a renewed call for family unity and lot of food. "Brothers and Sisters" shows us the true meaning of family and how we should all strive to make family our first priority.
1. Veronica Mars
Easily the most underrated show in history. "Veronica Mars" is one of the greatest shows for many reasons, and more people deserve to see it. Veronica Mars is a high school (and eventually college) student who works as a private investigator under her father. Each episode has a standalone case that she solves with the help of her friends and other side characters, while working to solve a more complex mystery that lasts the entire season. The mystery was always introduced in the first episode and solved in the season finale. The series is comprised of three seasons that never regress. If you're into "SVU" and "Criminal Minds," "Veronica Mars" is a must-watch for you. If you're not into mystery shows, watch it anyway—it's amazing as a standalone television show.
