10 Series That Had No Right to Be as Good as They Were

Out of the blue, certain television series astound you with their exceptional caliber. Regardless of whether they start off with questionable storylines, minimal anticipation, or unusual themes, these productions manage to captivate both audiences and critics with a unique charm that keeps everyone hooked.

I’ve gathered a list of ten series that defied expectations, managing to succeed despite initial doubts, due to strong writing, talented actors, or remarkable creativity. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

10. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

‘Pushing Daisies’ tells an enchanting story about a baker who miraculously revives individuals by just touching them. Despite its fanciful plot and peculiar concept, the series managed to captivate viewers due to its allure and striking visuals, becoming a beloved cult favorite.

The blend of romantic elements, enigma, and witty irony was captivating, primarily due to the exceptional acting of the cast and the one-of-a-kind flair of the production. It seemed as though a fairy tale had sprung to reality, demonstrating that the unusual can indeed be charming.

9. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)

Instead of a show centered around a woman fixated on her former lover potentially inducing awkwardness, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ transformed this theme into a witty and humorous musical comedy. The show’s daring exploration of mental health and romantic entanglements was both surprising and invigorating.

Rachel Bloom’s bold portrayal and witty tunes truly set the series apart. It masterfully blended comedy with genuine feelings, causing viewers to both chuckle and shed tears simultaneously.

8. The Good Place (2016-2020)

A comedy series set in the afterlife that incorporates philosophical themes might be described as: ‘The Good Place’ proved unexpectedly profound despite its humorous and intelligent portrayal. The unconventional plot could have easily devolved into a single, repetitive gag, but instead, it evolved into an emotional examination of ethics.

The star-studded ensemble, headed by Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, along with sharp scriptwriting, ensured that the series remained engaging despite each unexpected turn. It managed to make ethics entertaining, an achievement not easily attained. (This maintains the original meaning while using more natural, conversational language.)

7. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

A storyline about a wealthy family from a small town struggling financially and turning into a comedy might seem clichéd. However, ‘Schitt’s Creek’, surprisingly, gained worldwide popularity due to its heartwarming elements and character development.

Gene and Dan Levy’s writing, combined with Catherine O’Hara’s memorable portrayal of Moira, transformed a basic idea into a comedic and emotional powerhouse. This demonstrates the impact that compelling characters can have on any project.

6. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

As someone who initially doubted the potential success of an animated series centered around a troubled horse actor, I was proven wrong by the captivating realism and biting satire on Hollywood present in ‘BoJack Horseman’.

The unique mix of humor and emotion in the show, as well as Will Arnett’s captivating voice, created an indelible impact. Its thoughtful handling of weighty themes took viewers by surprise.

5. The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)

In my opinion, a family of flawed superheroes derived from comics might’ve blended in as yet another superhero series. However, ‘The Umbrella Academy’ distinguished itself through its offbeat atmosphere, striking imagery, and heartfelt essence.

In the role of a devoted viewer, I must say that both Elliot Page and Robert Sheehan truly breathed life into the show’s peculiarities. The blend of emotion, laughter, and disorder they portrayed made it a shining treasure in the realm of streaming content.

4. What We Do in the Shadows (2019-2024)

The concept of a mockumentary featuring vampires residing on Staten Island seemed like a fleeting, unoriginal idea. However, ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ transformed this notion into an uproariously funny and continually imaginative comedy.

1) With their dry, humorous performances and the show’s offbeat humor, each episode was a joy to watch. They managed to breathe new life into a seemingly familiar idea for an impressive six-season run.

3. Hannibal (2013-2015)

The television spinoff of a popular horror series was predicted to falter, but ‘Hannibal’ surprised everyone by delivering captivating visuals, intricate character development, and spine-tingling performances from Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy instead.

As a cinephile, I found myself utterly captivated by the daring narrative and eerie ambiance this production effortlessly exuded. It breathed fresh life into a tale I thought I knew, transforming it into an awe-inspiring spectacle of terror and beauty that will linger in my memory for quite some time.

2. Ted Lasso (2020-2023)

Reframed, the concept of an American managing a British football team, derived from a marketing campaign, initially appeared to be purely profit-driven. However, ‘Ted Lasso’ evolved into a sensational hit, renowned for its uplifting spirit and compassion.

I found myself drawn in by Jason Sudeikis’ heartfelt portrayal, and the show’s emphasis on empathy and personal development resonated deeply with me. It turned out that a seemingly straightforward concept could indeed leave an indelible mark on popular culture.

1. Fleabag (2016-2019)

A comedy set in a café, featuring a disorganized woman trying to manage her tumultuous life, didn’t seem particularly compelling to watch. However, ‘Fleabag’ surprised everyone with its witty dialogue and the captivating acting of Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The idea of watching a comedy about a disorganized woman running a café didn’t sound very appealing, but Fleabag turned out to be amazing because of its clever writing and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s outstanding performance.

The unique combination of wit, emotional depth, and personal connection through breaking the fourth wall in the series was groundbreaking. By transforming a simple tale into a grand opus, it significantly reshaped the landscape of television comedy.

2025-07-23 03:44