30 Overrated Thriller Series Everyone Seems To Like

Thrillers are still the most popular type of show on streaming services, often boasting big budgets and famous actors. While many become huge hits and generate a lot of online discussion, critics don’t always agree on their quality. These shows usually have exciting stories and end on cliffhangers, but they can sometimes fall into familiar patterns and rely on overused ideas. This list looks at some well-known thriller series and explores why some people think the buzz around them might be bigger than the actual quality of the stories they tell.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

This suspenseful thriller centers on a bookstore manager who develops dangerous fixations on different women. He uses social media and technology to monitor their lives and remove anyone he sees as a problem. The show delves into unhealthy obsessions and the risks of losing privacy online. Some viewers find the protagonist’s repeating behaviors frustrating, as each season follows him to a new city where he starts the same pattern of obsession and violence.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–)

A popular show features people deeply in debt competing in fatal games designed like children’s play, with a huge cash prize at stake. It quickly gained worldwide recognition for its unique look and its thought-provoking exploration of wealth disparity. The show uses shocking violence and high emotional drama to captivate viewers. While some critics feel the characters are familiar tropes within the survival genre, the series has become a major cultural trend, impacting fashion and even the way people talk.

‘The Watcher’ (2022)

A family’s dream of a perfect home turns into a nightmare when they start receiving threatening letters from someone they don’t know. Inspired by real events, the show explores the emotional and mental strain this harassment puts on them. With a neighborhood full of potential suspects and plenty of misleading clues, the mystery keeps viewers guessing. However, some viewers were disappointed by the lack of a clear answer to who was behind it all. Throughout the series, it creates a strong sense of unease and explores the fears hidden beneath the surface of everyday suburban life.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

The show centers around a teenager who records tapes detailing the circumstances that led to her suicide. The first season explored the secrets of her life, and later seasons evolved into a wider-ranging teen drama. It tackled difficult issues like bullying and mental illness with raw honesty. However, some viewers felt the show lost its focus in later seasons, diminishing the impact of the story. Despite this, it remained a popular and often debated series on its streaming platform for years.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

This series centers on a therapist whose seemingly perfect life falls apart following a shocking murder. As a public investigation unfolds, she begins to uncover hidden truths about her husband. Praised for its high-quality production and compelling central mystery, the show initially drew viewers in. However, some critics felt the ending wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been, given the talented cast. The story is told primarily through the therapist’s eyes, as she struggles to understand what really happened and questions her own perceptions.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

This thrilling series follows a criminal crew led by a brilliant strategist as they attempt an unprecedented heist. Known for its intricate schemes and city-themed code names, the show highlights the strong relationships between the team members while they evade the police. While popular internationally and famous for its iconic masks and outfits, later seasons have been criticized for increasingly far-fetched storylines.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

This series follows students at a privileged private school as they become entangled in a web of murders and scandals. Each season centers around a major crime, unfolding the story through flashbacks. The show explores the tensions between different social groups and the lavish lifestyles of the wealthy. While popular for its appealing actors and quick pace, some viewers feel it focuses more on shocking moments and romantic relationships than on a well-developed mystery.

‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)

The story centers on a woman raising a child on her own who begins a relationship with her boss, all while developing a friendship with his enigmatic wife. What starts as a classic love triangle takes an unexpected turn into the supernatural, culminating in a shocking twist that redefines the entire narrative. While captivating for some, this sudden genre shift left many viewers feeling confused or disconnected. Ultimately, the series delves into themes of identity and the hidden truths within a marriage.

‘Ratched’ (2020)

This show tells the story of how the iconic nurse, well-known from books and movies, first came to be. It begins with her new job at a psychiatric hospital, where she quickly starts to take control. The series is visually striking, with bright colors and a unique style. However, some reviewers thought the show changed the character too much from the original. The plot includes several side stories about the patients’ treatments and the staff’s personal conflicts.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

The show follows a group of people trying to survive in a world filled with zombies, as they look for safe places and supplies. It explored the difficult decisions people face when society breaks down. While the series was popular for many years and led to several related shows, some longtime viewers felt it lost steam and became predictable. Despite these criticisms, it’s still considered a hugely influential show in the horror and thriller genres.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

I’m really hooked on this show! It takes all these iconic comic book heroes and puts them in this incredibly atmospheric, almost creepy, small town. It started as a ‘who done it’ but quickly became so much more – think supernatural stuff mixed with really intense crime families. The writing is super unique, with a really distinct style, and the plot twists keep you guessing. Honestly, things got pretty wild and confusing as it went on, but that’s part of what I loved! It’s totally over-the-top and unpredictable, and there’s a dedicated group of us who are completely obsessed with the weirdness of it all.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

This show follows a group of teenagers on a coastal island as they search for a hidden treasure connected to their leader’s father. It’s an exciting mix of action, suspense, and a story about growing up, while also exploring the tensions between the island’s rich and working-class communities. While some critics feel the plot relies too much on luck and isn’t always believable, the series is loved for its summery vibe and the strong connection between the young actors.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

Five years after disappearing, a passenger plane unexpectedly returns with everyone on board alive and well. However, the survivors begin experiencing unsettling visions and hearing voices, which compel them to assist others and unravel puzzling mysteries. The show blends supernatural elements with personal family stories and a larger web of government secrets. While intriguing, some viewers felt the main mystery was too complicated and took too long to unfold. After being canceled, the show found a new audience when it moved to a streaming service.

‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (2021)

A group of nine stressed-out city residents check into a secluded wellness retreat hoping to change their lives. However, the resort’s director uses strange and challenging methods that escalate the tension. The show, starring a well-known cast, delves into issues of loss and recovery. Reviewers often noted that the series had trouble blending its humorous, critical approach with its suspenseful thriller aspects. The story gradually reveals the director’s real motives as it unfolds.

‘The Idol’ (2023)

The show centers on a pop singer who gets involved with a charismatic self-help leader who also runs a cult. It explores the harsh realities of the music business and the sacrifices people make for fame. The series sparked debate even before it aired, and many who watched felt it was shocking but lacked meaningful storytelling or well-developed characters. Ultimately, it was canceled after one season due to poor reviews and low viewership.

‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022)

A flight attendant wakes up in a hotel room next to a dead body, and can’t remember anything that happened. As she tries to figure out what’s going on and prove her innocence, she gets caught up in a huge international conspiracy. The show is known for being fast-moving and funny. While the first season was a gripping mystery, some reviewers thought the second season lost some of that excitement and direction. Throughout it all, the main character battles her own inner struggles while facing danger in various locations around the world.

‘Stay Close’ (2021)

A long-held secret throws the lives of three individuals into turmoil. When someone goes missing, a detective and a mother team up to find out what really happened. The show is based on a bestselling thriller and weaves together multiple storylines. While many enjoyed the suspense, some viewers felt the frequent twists were unnecessary and lessened the impact of the story. It shares similarities with other popular British crime dramas.

‘The Stranger’ (2020)

When a man learns a shocking secret about his wife from a stranger, it unravels the carefully constructed lives of everyone in his neighborhood. The show thrives on hidden truths and the use of blackmail, but some critics feel the many different stories don’t always come together well. Ultimately, it explores how a single revelation can tear a whole community apart.

‘Safe’ (2018)

A surgeon, recently widowed, frantically searches for his missing teenage daughter within the seemingly safe confines of their gated community. As he investigates, he realizes his friends and neighbors are hiding things, making it harder to find her. The show delves into themes of safety and parental protectiveness, though some viewers found the ultimate explanation for the mystery disappointing given the suspenseful build-up. The isolated location of the neighborhood heightens the thriller’s tense and confined atmosphere.

‘Clickbait’ (2021)

The series centers around a father who is kidnapped and featured in a rapidly spreading online video threatening his life if it gets enough views. His family and the police desperately try to locate him, delving into his online history as they do. Each episode unfolds the story from a different character’s point of view. However, the show’s ending, with an unexpected twist, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied, as it didn’t quite fit with the rest of the narrative. The series explores how social media can be dangerous and reveals the troubling aspects of internet culture.

‘Pieces of Her’ (2022)

After witnessing her mother expertly defend against an attack, a young woman begins a quest to learn about her mother’s hidden past. The story jumps between the present and the 1980s, revealing secrets and the lasting impact of escaping a dangerous life. While some reviewers felt the show’s pace was inconsistent and the lead character difficult to connect with, the series explores themes of family secrets and the repercussions of leaving a troubled past behind.

‘Echoes’ (2022)

For years, identical twin sisters have been secretly switching places, living dual lives with two families and two homes. Their carefully constructed world falls apart when one sister disappears. The show delves into questions of identity and the strong connection between siblings, but some viewers found the storyline confusing and hard to follow. The mystery of the missing twin unravels decades of deception and hidden truths.

‘The Girl from Plainville’ (2022)

I just finished watching this true crime series, and it really stuck with me. It’s about two teens and the heartbreaking events that unfolded, specifically focusing on how their text messages played a role in what happened. What I appreciated most was how it tried to really delve into the complexities of mental health and how isolating being a teenager can be. Honestly, though, I felt like some of the drama felt a bit much, considering how much the case was already covered in the news. The show really depends on the actors playing the leads to make you feel the weight of everything, and they do a pretty good job of that.

‘The Patient’ (2022)

The show centers around a therapist held hostage by a serial killer who seeks help controlling his violent impulses. Confined mostly to one setting, the series is a tense psychological duel between the two men, exploring how far therapy can go and what it truly means to understand someone. While praised for its suspense and unique relationship between the main characters, some viewers felt the ending didn’t quite fit the realistic tone of the rest of the story.

‘The Terminal List’ (2022–)

The series follows a former Navy SEAL as he tries to uncover what really happened when his entire platoon was attacked. His investigation leads him to a large-scale cover-up reaching the highest ranks of government and the military. Expect a lot of action and a dark, serious mood. While the show is thrilling, some viewers felt the story was familiar, echoing other military-themed plots. At its heart, it’s about one man’s pursuit of revenge and the lasting emotional scars of war.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

This thrilling series follows an intelligence officer and a skilled assassin who develop a mutual obsession while pursuing each other around the world. It was celebrated for its distinctive style and the strong connection between its leads, initially blending action and suspense with moments of humor. However, the final season and its ending proved controversial with many viewers. The show is also known for its striking fashion and filming in diverse international settings.

‘Cruel Summer’ (2021–2023)

This series unfolds over three years in the 1990s, centered around the aftermath of a beloved girl’s disappearance. It shows how this event impacts the lives of two teenagers and their town. Each year of the story has its own unique look to help viewers follow the timeline. While the first season was praised for its mystery, some critics found the second season less captivating. The show delves into themes of how we see things and the challenges young women face in society.

‘The Sinner’ (2017–2021)

This crime series features a detective solving cases with surprising culprits. Instead of focusing on who committed the crime, each season explores why someone would do it, delving into the trauma and past events that drive people to violence. While some felt the show lost some of its initial power in later seasons, it’s still a favorite among those who enjoy crime thrillers focused on complex characters.

‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

This series follows a journalist who returns to her hometown to report on the murders of two young girls, a case that forces her to confront her own difficult history. As she investigates, she clashes with her controlling mother and uncovers hidden secrets within the tight-knit community. The show is known for its deliberate, atmospheric style, though some viewers found the story too bleak or slow-moving. At its core, it’s a deep dive into the lasting effects of trauma within a prominent Southern family.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

A high school soccer team is involved in a plane crash and struggles to survive in the harsh wilderness. The story jumps between their desperate fight for survival and what their lives are like twenty-five years later. It blends suspenseful survival elements with psychological thrills and a central mystery about what really happened during their ordeal. While some viewers find the present-day scenes less engaging than the flashbacks, the show powerfully examines the long-term impact of trauma and the darker aspects of human behavior.

Share your thoughts on which thriller series you found to be the most overrated in the comments.

2026-01-06 15:49