In the vast world of television, mainstream hits often overshadow some exceptional hidden gems. These underrated TV shows are as captivating and well-crafted as their popular counterparts, if not more. They offer fresh perspectives, unique storylines, and unforgettable characters that deserve recognition.

One such gem is ‘The Leftovers,’ a series by HBO that explores the aftermath of a mysterious event where 2% of the world’s population disappears without explanation. The show delves into the psychological impact on people left behind in this post-apocalyptic setting. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride with deeply complex characters and profound themes about grief, faith, and human resilience.

Another overlooked masterpiece is ‘Rectify.’ This SundanceTV drama tells the story of a man released from death row after 19 years due to DNA evidence. The show focuses less on whether he committed the crime or not but rather on his readjustment to society after nearly two decades in isolation. Its slow-burning narrative allows for deep character development and exploration of heavy themes like redemption and justice.

BBC’s ‘Detectorists’ also deserves mention for its subtle charm and humor. It revolves around two friends who share a passion for metal detecting in rural England. While it may sound mundane on paper, its nuanced storytelling combined with stunning cinematography makes it a delightful watch.

For fans of science fiction, ‘The Expanse’ is worth checking out. Despite being critically acclaimed for its realistic portrayal of space travel and political intrigue spanning across our solar system, it remains largely unnoticed by many viewers.

Similarly compelling is ‘Halt And Catch Fire,’ which chronicles the personal computing boom in the 1980s through four main characters striving to leave their mark in this revolutionizing industry. Although initially underappreciated, it has gained retrospective acclaim for its strong performances and evocative depiction of technological innovation.

On a lighter note yet equally impressive is ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ This Canadian sitcom about a wealthy family who suddenly finds themselves broke and forced to live in Schitt’s Creek, a small town they once bought as a joke, is both hilarious and heartwarming. Despite its slow start, it gradually garnered attention through word-of-mouth recommendations and swept the Emmy Awards in its final season.

Lastly, ‘Patriot,’ an Amazon original series, is a dark comedy-drama that expertly blends elements of espionage thriller with quirky humor. It follows the life of an intelligence officer posing as an industrial engineer to prevent Iran from going nuclear.

These hidden gems prove that popularity doesn’t always equate to quality. They are testaments to the fact that sometimes you need to dig deeper beyond mainstream hits to find truly exceptional TV shows worth your time.