Hailey Watson
Netflix has produced hundreds of original series over the years, but not all of them have received the spotlight they deserve. Some remarkable shows slipped through the cracks — canceled too soon or simply overshadowed by bigger hits. These forgotten gems deliver everything from mind-bending mysteries to heartfelt dramas and are waiting to be rediscovered by viewers who crave quality storytelling.
1. Sense8 (2015–2018)
Created by the visionary Wachowskis, this bold sci-fi series follows eight strangers scattered across the globe who suddenly share thoughts, emotions, and abilities through a mysterious psychic connection.
Each episode weaves together their individual stories while exploring themes of identity, love, and what it means to be human. Visually stunning and emotionally rich, the show pushed boundaries in representation and storytelling.
Despite a devoted fan base that fought for its continuation, it never achieved mainstream success. The series wrapped with a special finale, but its ambitious vision and heartfelt performances make it worth revisiting.
2. Seven Seconds (2018)
After a Black teenager is struck by a white police officer in Jersey City, a cover-up spirals into a gripping examination of race, justice, and morality.
Regina King delivers an Emmy-winning performance as the grieving mother searching for truth in a system designed to protect its own. Every episode feels painfully relevant, tackling issues that continue to dominate headlines today.
The writing is sharp, the acting is powerful, and the storytelling refuses to offer easy answers. Though limited to just one season, this miniseries packs an emotional punch that lingers long after the final credits roll.
3. The OA (2016–2019)
Brit Marling stars as Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns after being missing for seven years—now calling herself The OA and claiming she can see despite being blind before.
What unfolds is a genre-bending journey through science fiction, spirituality, and alternate dimensions that defies simple explanation. The show’s haunting atmosphere and bold storytelling choices made it a cult favorite among viewers hungry for something truly different.
Its unconventional narrative structure and philosophical depth sparked endless theories and discussions online. Canceled after two seasons, it remains beautifully unfinished yet utterly unforgettable.
4. Mindhunter (2017–2019)
David Fincher brings his signature meticulous style to this chilling exploration of how the FBI developed criminal profiling in the late 1970s.
Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand the psychology behind their horrific crimes. Based on real cases and conversations, the show is methodical, intelligent, and deeply unsettling.
Each interview scene crackles with tension as agents navigate the twisted minds of killers like Ed Kemper and BTK. Though currently on indefinite hiatus, fans continue to hope for a third season to conclude this brilliant psychological thriller.
5. Travelers (2016–2018)
What if humanity’s last hope arrived not in spaceships, but in the bodies of people living today? Travelers explores this premise as operatives from a post-apocalyptic future send their consciousness back in time to prevent catastrophe.
They must complete dangerous missions while maintaining the lives of their host bodies. The show brilliantly balances tense action with ethical dilemmas about identity and sacrifice.
Character development runs deep as travelers struggle between their mission and the lives they’ve inherited. Netflix picked up the series for its final season, allowing it to conclude gracefully with a satisfying ending.
6. GLOW (2017–2019)
Set in the neon-soaked 1980s, GLOW follows a diverse group of women who reinvent themselves as professional wrestlers for a low-budget cable show.
What starts as a quirky premise becomes a heartfelt exploration of friendship, ambition, and finding your voice in unexpected places. Alison Brie leads an incredible ensemble cast that brings humor, vulnerability, and genuine wrestling moves to every episode.
The show perfectly captures the era’s aesthetic while telling timeless stories about female empowerment and second chances. Its COVID-era cancellation robbed fans of a proper conclusion to what could have been an iconic series.
7. On My Block (2018–2021)
Four smart, street-savvy teens navigate friendship, first love, and survival in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood where danger and opportunity exist side by side.
Monse, Ruby, Jamal, and Cesar face challenges that range from hilarious to heartbreaking, always supporting each other through it all. The show feels refreshingly authentic, blending laugh-out-loud comedy with serious social issues without ever feeling preachy.
Its diverse cast and honest portrayal of inner-city life resonated with audiences looking for genuine representation. After four strong seasons, it quietly concluded—but remains a sleeper hit that deserves far more recognition.
8. Godless (2017)
In a New Mexico mining town inhabited almost entirely by women after a mining accident killed most of the men, an outlaw on the run seeks refuge while a ruthless gang closes in.
Michelle Dockery and Jeff Daniels deliver powerhouse performances in this reimagining of the Western genre.mThe cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, with sweeping desert vistas and intimate character moments that feel like paintings come to life.
Director Scott Frank crafts a story that’s both gritty and poetic, violent and tender. As a limited series, it tells a complete story in seven episodes—a rare Netflix triumph that stands as a perfect Western.
9. Russian Doll (2019–2022)
Natasha Lyonne stars as Nadia, a cynical software engineer who keeps dying and reliving her 36th birthday party in an endless time loop. What begins as a darkly funny mystery evolves into a profound meditation on trauma, connection, and the choices that define us.
The show is wickedly smart, blending existential philosophy with sharp humor and genuine emotion. Lyonne’s performance is magnetic, carrying viewers through increasingly complex narrative twists.
Season two expanded the concept brilliantly, exploring generational trauma through time travel. Both seasons prove this hidden gem deserves far more recognition as one of Netflix’s most original series.
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