The success of a TV show is guaranteed to bring joy to both the production crew and the executives of the platform airing it. However, such glory often comes with problems for a few individuals. For a lead actor, the role tends to overshadow everything else they do in their careers. A series creator, on the other hand, will have to bear with fans comparing their chef-d'oeuvre with everything else they do. And, for the most part, the fans always conclude that nothing else measures up.
Regrettably, this problem is restricted to the television landscape. In cinema, filmmakers make several hits effortlessly. It would, therefore, be fair for TV series creators to be accorded the same grace.
Several shows by the creators of popular dramas have flown under the radar, yet they have some of the most intriguing plots and production values. Even so, it's never too late to give them a second look.
10 The Romanoffs (2018) Created by Matt Weiner (Mad Men) Close
The Romanoffs is an anthology series about people from around the globe who believe themselves to be descendants of the House of Romanov (Russia's royal family). Each individual -- scattered around the world -- exists in a bubble of delusion, believing they are destined for something great. Every episode features a new storyline and a fresh set of characters.
Weiner Maintains His Obsession with Great Attire
Mad Men proved that Matt Weiner loves fashion, and in The Romanoffs, he also ensured his cast members looked elegant. Just as was the case in the '60s-themed show, there is a strong emphasis on color here. Each character's outfit has a distinctive scheme that makes them easy to spot even when they're in the background. In recognition of its elegance, the show was nominated for Excellence in Contemporary Television at the Costume Designers Guild Awards.
For a binge-watcher, the series is also incredibly satisfying because it's packed with feature-length episodes. Besides that, viewers will be happy to see Mad Men alums like Christina Hendricks and Jay R. Ferguson, all giving Emmy-worthy performances.
Stream it on Prime Video
9 Show Me a Hero (2015) Created by David Simon (The Wire) Close
Show Me a Hero stars Oscar Isaac (best known for his lead role in Marvel's Moon Knight), as a young, Yonker, New York, politician eager to sit in the mayor's office. As he is trying to turn his dreams into reality, he is forced to deal with a major quagmire stemming from a white middle-class neighborhood's resistance to a desegregated public housing project in the neighborhood.
Chaos Stemming from Real-Estate
No one beats David Simon at dissecting serious topics. In The Wire, he sufficiently dug into crime and poverty. In Show Me a Hero, racism and classism are the recurring issues, and the producer never shies away from revealing how deep the tentacles of prejudice have sunk. Even though the premise of this particular show is wildly different from that of his magnum opus, Simon offers similar cinematography, thanks to the focus on the housing projects.
Stream it on Max
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8 The Lone Gunmen (2001) Created by Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad) Close
A spinoff of The X-Files, The Lone Gunmen centers around a trio of conspiracy theorists keen on uncovering some of the world's dark secrets. The three are often aided by a femme fatale criminal named Yvess. Whereas the parent show primarily deals with paranormal happenings, the offshoot covers topics like government surveillance, terrorism, and illegal dealings by megacorporations.
Predicting the Future
Sometimes a show has such creative plots that some of them predict the future. Take The Lone Gunmen's pilot, for example, which sees the protagonists attempt to stop sinister government figures who intend to hijack an airliner and crush it into the World Trade Center. This episode aired only six months before the actual attacks. With such wild storylines, the spinoff has no parallels to Breaking Bad. This isn't a problem because it overflows with enough twist to hook fans of all genres.
Buy it on Amazon
7 The Jury (2002-2011) Created by Peter Morgan (The Crown) Close
Many of the best legal drama TV shows focus on lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. The Jury does things differently by taking viewers into jury members' minds as they figure out what verdict to give. Each of the two seasons focuses on a different case. The first season is about the murder of a 15-year-old boy, while the second season is about the retrial of a convicted murder suspect.
Not as Polished as The Crown, But Still Entertaining.
Because of a limited budget, The Jury doesn't look as stylish as The Crown, yet Peter Morgan delivers the same sensationalist storytelling that made the Netflix show such a huge hit. From a juror member who has fled from the seminary to find his lover, to a criminal who prefers to use swords like a swashbuckling movie villain, there is no deficiency of shocking things in the show. Performance-wise, the series is generally solid. Actors like Gerard Butler and Mark Strong, who are commonly thought of as one-dimensional, showcase their range brilliantly.
Stream it on BritBox
6 John from Cincinnati (2007) Created by David Milch (Deadwood) Close
John from Cincinnati is a collaborative project between avid Milch and novelist Kem Nunn, best known as the inventor of the "surf noir" genre. Most of the show's events are tied to Mitch (Bruce Greenwood), a veteran surfer who owns a surf shop. The character is often shown to be disgruntled with the current state of surfing and keeps reminiscing about the good old days. His chaotic marriage is also a recurring storyline in the series.
A Welcome Change of Environment
David Milch's transition from the dust of Deadwood to the waters of John from Cincinnati is smooth. The settings might have changed, but the characters are still baleful and aggressive. The dialogue is raw too, with several instances of cursing. However, these aren't twin shows.
While Milch's hit show was rooted in realism, the less popular one has elements of mysticism. There is a character capable of performing astral projection, and another who can predict the future. The series was canceled after one season, but potential viewers shouldn't be discouraged because it doesn't end on a major cliffhanger.
Stream it on Max
5 Taboo (2017) Created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) Close
Taboo sees Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight reunite with one of the BBC drama's key cast members, Tom Hardy. The drama seris follows James Keziah Delaney (Hardy), an adventurer who returns home to the United Kingdom from Africa, years after he was presumed dead. He aims to take control of his father's shipping empire, but his plan doesn't go as well as he expected.
Knight Caters to the Loyalists
With Taboo, Steven Knight created something more likely to appeal to his Peaky Blinders fans than anyone else. The aesthetics are almost similar, while the characters are just as callous as Tommy Shelby and his enemies. In addition to that, the challenges of entrepreneurship are extensively analyzed in both shows. Patience is required too in the underrated British crime drama, since Knight and his team take forever to build up the events, but the payoff is always worth it.
4 The First (2018) Created by Beau Wilmon (House of Cards) Close
The First is about the planning of the first-ever human expedition on Mars. The first launch goes wrong, resulting in the death of the entire crew. Commander Tom Hagerty (Sean Penn) is then hired to lead the new crew. Most episodes revolve around the planning process, with everyone keen on ensuring past mistakes aren't repeated. It isn't until the finale that the crew finally sets off for space.
Wilmon Delivers Another Beautiful Slow-Burn Drama
The show lacks the Machieveianism that made millions of viewers obsessed with House of Cards. Despite that, it's just as strong as the critically acclaimed political drama in the performances and characterization. Commander Tom Hagerty echoes President Frank Underwood's leadership skills while avoiding his malice. Little goes on in terms of space action. Instead, The First dwells on the mental strain that such professionals get subjected to while trying to achieve the impossible. And for that alone, the series is worth investing in.
Stream it on Hulu
3 Fresh Meat (2011-2012) Created by Jesse Armstrong (Succession) Close
Fresh Meat's numerous wild subplots The stories involve six freshman students - Vod, Josie, Oregon, JP, Kingsley, and Howard - at the Manchester Medlock University (based on England's Manchester Metropolitan University). They all reside in a house outside campus because they made late applications. Each of the friends has a talent as well as a rather amusing set of insecurities.
The Ultimate Laugh Fest
Succession fans might initially struggle to find something appealing in Fresh Meat as it's a pure college comedy show where the characters struggle to get a meal, let alone afford the expensive champagne and hors d'oeuvre that Waystar Rocyo executives enjoy daily. Still, fans of the HBO series are likely to appreciate the humor if they give this a try. After all, it's the kind of show where a character unapologetically blurts out, "I couldn't find you!" when her boyfriend catches her cheating. As proof of its quality, the sitcom was nominated for numerous awards, including three BAFTAs.
Stream it on Prime Video
2 Almost Grown (1988-1999) Created by David Chase (The Sopranos) Close
Almost Grown stars Tom Daly and Eve Gordon as Norman and Suzie, a former couple that's now trying its best to co-parent. Despite having dating throughout high school and college, and then getting two children, Norman and Suzie still find it hard to overcome marrital challenges. To their surprise, their co-parenting relationship ends up being way better than the romantic relationship they shared.
The Joy of Music
The CBS show's obscurity is understandable, since it was made way before most of the world knew who David Chase was. Admittedly, this is nothing close to The Sopranos, but it's close, especially regarding the family arcs. The trials and triumphs of marriage are parts of what made the crime drama great, and similar proceedings can be found in Almost Grown. Besides that, the comedy's quality is boosted by the use of numerous catchy oldies. Part of what helps the two main characters bond is their love for music, so songs are as abundant as they are in big-screen musicals.
Buy it on Amazon
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1 The Bastard Executioner (2015) Created by Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy) Close
Events in The Bastard Executioner occur in the early 14th century when violence and greed are the order of the day. Welshman Wilkin Brattle (Lee Jones) enjoys a career as a knight in King Edward I's army until he is betrayed by Baron Erik Ventris and left for dead. When he recovers, he settles for a new life as a farmer, but when Ventris targets the people with tax hikes, Brattle vows to fight back.
Death and Violence
It's horses and swords instead of automatic weapons and bikes in The Bastard Executioner, yet the kill count is nearly identifical. Sutter loves violence and blood flows here. Betrayal is also a common theme in both shows and, whenever it happens, the payback is always swift. Even better, Sons of Anarchy alum Katey Sagal (who played the fierce Gemma Teller-Morrow) is part of the main cast. This is hardly surprising, considering she and Sutter are married in the real world. Overall, the Wales-set drama is satisfying from all angles, and it's quite unfortunate that it was canceled after only one season.
Stream it on Hulu
