Overrated Drama Series Everyone Seems To Like

Throughout television history, certain shows become huge hits, grabbing the world’s attention and sparking lots of online discussion. Though many receive positive reviews and attract large audiences, some viewers believe the hype doesn’t always match the show’s actual quality. These series often succeed thanks to strong marketing or a loyal fanbase willing to look past ongoing problems with the plot. Looking at these shows can help us understand how what people think sometimes differs from what makes a good story.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–)

This popular medical drama follows the personal and professional lives of doctors – from new residents to experienced attendings – at a hospital in Seattle. It’s become one of television’s longest-running shows thanks to its dedicated viewers. Each episode often features intense medical cases and complex relationships between the hospital staff. However, some reviewers feel the show has strayed from its initial quality over time, with numerous cast changes and increasingly unrealistic storylines.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

This series, adapted from a well-known book, tells the story of what happens after a high school student dies by suicide, leaving behind tapes explaining her decision. The show quickly became known for tackling difficult subjects and realistically portraying the challenges teens face. Although the first season was very popular, later seasons were criticized for continuing a story that many believed had reached its natural conclusion. Discussions around the show often centered on its intense content and how it might affect younger audiences.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

This show reimagines the familiar characters from Archie Comics with a darker, more atmospheric tone, set in a typical small town. It started as a murder mystery, but quickly expanded to include both supernatural happenings and criminal organizations. The series is visually striking, with a distinctive style and features dramatic musical performances by the actors. However, many viewers felt the storyline became overly complicated in its later seasons.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–)

This show centers on a group of high school students dealing with issues of identity and past trauma in today’s digital world. It’s known for looking and feeling like a movie, with high-quality visuals and a storytelling style that jumps around in time to explore the characters’ histories. While many appreciate its style, some feel the show prioritizes aesthetics over truly developing its core stories.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

I was completely captivated by this family saga! It beautifully weaves together the lives of three siblings and their parents, jumping back and forth through time to reveal their history. What really struck me was how emotionally resonant it was – you really feel the weight of their shared past. It was a huge hit when it first aired, racking up awards and attracting a large audience. Though, I’ve heard some people say it leans a little too much on heartwarming moments to keep things moving, but for me, that was part of its charm.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

As a huge fan of the genre, I got really into this series set after the world has ended, following a bunch of people just trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. It totally blew up and became a massive thing, leading to tons of spin-offs and other related content. The story jumps around between different groups of survivors, and they’re constantly running into trouble with other dangerous groups. Honestly, though, sometimes it can feel a little slow, and the seasons often fall into similar patterns – it’s a common complaint, but I still enjoy it!

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

The series opens with the aftermath of a plane crash, leaving a group of survivors stranded on a strange island. They have to cooperate to survive and soon discover the island holds many secrets. The show became well-known for using flashbacks to reveal characters’ backstories and build suspense. It also sparked a dedicated online community who constantly debated the show’s sci-fi mysteries. However, many viewers were disappointed with the ending, feeling it didn’t adequately resolve the questions posed over the show’s run.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

As a total history and costume drama fan, I was really hooked by this show. It follows Queen Elizabeth II’s life, starting with her wedding and going all the way up to the early 2000s. What’s fascinating is they actually recast the actors every couple of seasons to show how the characters aged – a really clever idea! Everyone raved about the performances and how gorgeous the costumes and sets were. Though, I’ve read a few reviews that point out the show doesn’t always get the history exactly right, and some people have taken issue with how certain members of the royal family are depicted.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

This series tells the story of the wealthy Crawley family and the staff who work at their grand country home in England during the early 1900s. It depicts significant events of the time, including the Titanic disaster and the start of World War I. The show was hugely popular around the world and continued as a series of movies after the original TV series ended. While many enjoy it, some viewers feel the show presents a somewhat idealized or overly simple view of the British class system.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

This series follows the dramatic lives of wealthy teenagers in New York City, as seen through the eyes of an anonymous blogger who exposes their secrets. Known for its glamorous fashion and scandalous storylines, the show helped launch the careers of several actors. However, some viewers felt the eventual identity of the blogger didn’t quite fit with the rest of the series.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

Okay, so I just finished watching this series, and it definitely kept me hooked for seven seasons. It centers around four friends who reconnect when they start getting cryptic messages from someone calling themselves ‘A’ – their former leader who vanished. The show thrives on suspense and throws a lot of twists your way, constantly making you question who’s really behind everything. However, and this is a big ‘however,’ the mystery eventually got a little out of control. It felt like they threw in too many false leads, and honestly, some of the characters’ actions just didn’t make sense. It built a huge following online, but while it started strong, the increasingly convoluted plot ultimately held it back.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

This Spanish drama is set in an elite private school and centers around the tensions and ultimately, a murder, that erupt between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The series blends the typical drama of a teen soap with the suspense of a thriller, and features a changing cast. While celebrated for its diverse characters, some critics feel the show prioritizes shocking moments and mature content over building well-developed characters.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A criminal gang, orchestrated by a brilliant leader called The Professor, plans a daring heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. The show became a worldwide hit after being added to a popular streaming service, known for its thrilling action and the clever psychological battles between the robbers and the police. However, many critics feel that the story becomes less focused and loses some of its initial suspense in the later seasons.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

This series centers on a bookstore manager who develops fixations on different women and secretly follows their lives online. It delves into the troubling aspects of obsession and modern relationships, told from the perspective of the main character. The show has proven popular for its streaming platform and sparks a lot of conversation online, though some viewers find the plot predictable due to the main character’s recurring pattern of becoming obsessed with someone new.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–)

This romantic series takes place in London during the Regency period and follows the love lives of members of a prominent family. It’s visually striking and features contemporary songs reimagined with classical arrangements. Based on a set of books, each season centers on a new couple. Though many enjoy the show as a light and entertaining escape, some viewers feel the plots are predictable and don’t offer much depth.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–)

This popular South Korean series follows hundreds of deeply indebted people who risk their lives playing children’s games for a huge cash reward. It quickly became a global phenomenon, leaving a significant mark on popular culture. The show powerfully portrays the issues of economic hardship and the struggles caused by today’s financial system. While praised for its social message, some viewers and critics feel the show’s extreme violence distracts from its deeper meaning.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018–)

This popular series centers on a wealthy ranching family in Montana battling to keep their land from those who want to develop it or take it over. It’s become a huge success in the US, spawning several spin-off shows. At its heart, the series explores themes of family loyalty and the evolving nature of the American West. While many enjoy it, some critics feel the dialogue is a bit over-the-top and the storylines resemble those of classic soap operas.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–)

The show follows a marketing executive who leaves Chicago for Paris, bringing an American viewpoint to a French marketing company. It centers on her work life and love interests as she navigates the city. Viewers enjoy its upbeat feel and stylish fashion. However, critics often note that the series uses a lot of clichés about France and doesn’t accurately portray what it’s like to live abroad.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

The series centers around Wednesday Addams during her time at a school for students who are different, where she also solves a mysterious string of supernatural killings. It’s visually striking and really focuses on developing Wednesday as a character. The show quickly became incredibly popular, breaking records and spreading like wildfire online. However, some longtime fans of the Addams Family feel the show’s focus on typical teen drama detracts from the original’s signature dark and quirky humor.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

This series, set in the 1980s, follows a group of friends in a small town as they uncover mysterious supernatural events and a hidden government plot. It’s filled with references to the music, movies, and trends of the decade, creating a strong sense of nostalgia. The show has been a huge hit and is a key program for the streaming service that airs it. Some critics feel it leans too heavily on 80s nostalgia and that the large number of characters prevents some from getting the attention they deserve.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The show, inspired by a popular series of fantasy books, centers on powerful families battling for the Iron Throne in the land of Westeros. It gained a reputation for its intricate political plots and surprising character deaths. With a large budget, the series raised the bar for fantasy television, particularly in terms of visual effects. However, the final season was met with strong criticism from fans who thought it moved too quickly and didn’t provide satisfying conclusions for their favorite characters.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

The show centers around a police forensic technician who secretly hunts down and kills other murderers, forcing him to grapple with difficult moral questions and the challenge of leading a double life. It initially received widespread praise and numerous awards, but many fans believe the quality diminished in later seasons, culminating in a disappointing series finale.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

This show reimagines the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, setting the iconic detective and his companion, Dr. Watson, in modern-day London. Each season features three extended episodes, adapting well-known cases from the original books. The series became incredibly popular around the world and launched its stars to fame. However, some critics feel that the writing quality declined in later seasons, and the mysteries became less realistic.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

This series, set in post-World War I Birmingham, centers on a powerful criminal family and their determined leader as they build their illegal business. It’s visually striking and notable for its use of contemporary rock music despite being set in the past. The show boasts a compelling central performance and explores intense political struggles. However, some viewers believe that the show focuses too much on its look and feel, and that the storylines become predictable as the series progresses.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

A group of airline passengers unexpectedly return after vanishing for five years, as if no time has passed at all. They start having strange visions and work to figure out what happened to them during their lost time. Originally cancelled by one network, the show was picked up by a streaming service. However, many viewers have found the main mystery unfolds too slowly and the performances from the actors uneven.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

This show follows a group of teens in North Carolina’s Outer Banks as they hunt for a famous treasure and try to uncover what happened to a missing father. It’s a mix of a teen drama and an exciting mystery adventure, and it’s become very popular with younger viewers, consistently ranking high on streaming platforms. However, some critics feel the plot relies too much on unbelievable events and lucky coincidences.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

This popular teen drama centers around a girl who finds herself caught between two vampire brothers, all while living in a town brimming with supernatural mysteries. The show sparked a whole franchise with multiple spin-offs. It’s known for its quick plotlines and often features characters dying. However, some fans believe the series lost some of its energy after the main actress left.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Two brothers journey across the United States, tracking down demons and other supernatural beings while also confronting their family’s past. The show ran for fifteen seasons and gained a remarkably loyal following. It started with self-contained episodes focused on individual monsters, but later evolved into longer, more intricate storylines involving angels and epic cosmic conflicts. Some critics believe the show overstayed its welcome, suggesting it should have concluded before its mythology became overly complicated.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

This British TV show centers on the lives of teenagers in Bristol, tackling tough issues like drug use and mental health. To stay true to the teenage experience, the entire cast changed every two years. When it first aired, the show was celebrated for its realistic and unflinching portrayal of young people, but some viewers today feel it’s become too sensationalized and very much a reflection of the early 2000s.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

This show follows a high school choir teacher trying to turn the group into a winning competitive team, all while the students deal with typical teenage challenges. The series blended musical numbers with both funny and serious storylines, becoming a huge hit that generated several popular songs and albums. However, some critics felt the show’s style and characters weren’t always consistent, changing noticeably from week to week.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

This show follows a family who run a hip hop music and entertainment company, and all the drama that comes with it. It quickly became incredibly popular, thanks to its original songs and appearances by famous musicians. While it explored interesting ideas about power and building a lasting impact in the music business, many viewers felt the storylines became overly dramatic and lost the realistic feel of the first season.

‘Power’ (2014–2020)

The series follows a nightclub owner who secretly runs a large drug operation in New York City, all while trying to escape his criminal past. It was a hit for the network and spawned numerous spin-offs. Expect plenty of action and intricate plots involving characters who constantly betray each other. However, some reviewers feel the show borrows too much from other crime dramas and doesn’t offer a particularly fresh story.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

This series centers on a tight-knit motorcycle club and their lives in a made-up California town. It delves into the bonds of brotherhood and the challenges of balancing personal ethics with loyalty to the group. While known for its intense violence and heartbreaking losses, some viewers felt the show became overly graphic and the main character lost audience support as the series progressed.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

The show centers on a CIA officer living with bipolar disorder who suspects a recently rescued American POW has been compromised by terrorists. The first season received widespread praise and won many awards for its suspense and strong performances. While the series continued for several years, exploring various international conflicts, many fans believe it never recaptured the quality of its initial storyline after that first arc concluded.

‘The Newsroom’ (2012–2014)

This show offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a made-up cable news channel and the lives of its staff. It was developed by a well-known screenwriter famous for snappy dialogue and characters who believe in strong principles. The series often drew inspiration from actual current events. However, reviewers often criticized it for being overly moralistic and for its portrayal of women.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

This drama centers on a group of affluent women in a coastal town, and how their idyllic lives fall apart after a murder. It boasts a star-studded cast and impressive production quality. While the first season, adapted from a bestselling book, was designed as a self-contained story, many felt the second season wasn’t needed and didn’t measure up to the original.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–)

This series dives into the behind-the-scenes drama of a hit morning news show following accusations of sexual misconduct. It stars well-known actors and tackles current issues like workplace behavior and journalistic integrity. The show is a big investment for its streaming platform, but some critics feel the writing is too obvious and the storyline leans towards melodramatic territory rather than offering a truly compelling drama.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

The series follows a financial advisor who relocates his family to the Ozarks with a dangerous plan: to clean money for a Mexican drug cartel after a deal falls apart. Known for its visually striking, dark style and the dramatic changes its characters undergo, the show was popular with viewers and earned several awards for its actors. However, some critics felt it didn’t measure up to other crime dramas and that the show stretched believability with how its main characters kept surviving impossible situations.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

The show centers around a remarkably intelligent college dropout with an incredible memory who lands a job as a legal associate, even without a law degree. The series follows his work on various cases while he keeps his lack of formal education a secret. Years after its original run, the show found a new audience and became very popular on streaming services. However, some viewers have criticized the show’s portrayal of legal processes as being far-fetched and the character dynamics as predictable.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

This drama follows a power-hungry politician and his wife as they ruthlessly work their way to the top in Washington D.C., using deception and manipulation. It was a groundbreaking series for its streaming service, influencing how people watch TV. While initially celebrated for its strong performances and cynical portrayal of American politics, many viewers felt the show declined in quality after its earlier seasons, especially following the exit of its main star.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–)

This show is a weekly anthology that follows the lives of guests and staff at a different high-end resort each season. It examines issues of wealth and social standing, and has been critically acclaimed and widely discussed online. While many praise the show, some critics feel its satire occasionally comes across as superficial or unnecessarily harsh.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

This show centers on a wealthy, but deeply flawed, family who run a huge media company. As their father’s health worsens, his children begin battling each other for control of the business. It’s known for its clever dialogue and insightful look at the corrupting influence of money and power. The series was a critical darling, winning numerous awards for several years, though some viewers struggle to connect with the unlikeable characters.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–)

I’m a big fan of this show, and it really grabbed me from the start. It’s based on a well-known book and paints this terrifying picture of a future where women have absolutely no control over their own bodies – it’s a truly oppressive world. The first season was amazing, so atmospheric and it felt incredibly relevant to what’s happening in the world today. While it’s still going strong after several seasons and has gone beyond the book, I have to admit, it’s gotten really dark lately. A lot of people, including me sometimes, feel like the story is just spinning its wheels and needs a fresh direction.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

The series follows a young woman who moves to the Hamptons, determined to expose those responsible for ruining her father’s life. It initially gained popularity for its dramatic storylines and the clever schemes of its main character, drawing inspiration from the classic tale of The Count of Monte Cristo. However, many viewers felt the show lost its initial focus after the first season and evolved into a typical soap opera.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

This show centers around a Washington D.C. crisis manager who is also having an affair with the President. It gained popularity for its quick-moving plots and innovative use of social media to connect with viewers. While a big hit and a significant influence on other political dramas, some reviewers thought the storylines became unrealistic and the romantic relationship at its core was flawed.

‘True Detective’ (2014–)

This crime series features a new set of detectives and a different case each season, spanning several decades. The first season was highly praised and is often considered one of the best TV shows in recent years. Later seasons haven’t been as well-received, with many viewers and critics believing the show hasn’t matched the quality and distinctive feel of its original season.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

This show takes place in a futuristic amusement park filled with lifelike androids and delves into questions about what it means to be conscious and what’s right and wrong. It started with a captivating mystery that made viewers carefully consider every plot point. While the show initially gained a strong following thanks to its impressive visuals and thought-provoking ideas, many viewers felt the later seasons became too confusing and hard to understand.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

This series tells the story of a high school soccer team who crash-lands in a remote wilderness and how their lives unfold over the next twenty-five years. It combines the suspense of a survival story with a character-driven drama exploring the lasting effects of trauma and hidden secrets. The show became popular, largely due to its clever use of flashbacks and present-day scenes. However, some viewers have found the central mystery to unfold slowly and wished for more development in the current timeline.

‘The Idol’ (2023)

The show follows a pop star trying to rebuild her career after a public breakdown, but she gets drawn into the orbit of a strange and manipulative cult leader. Before it even premiered, the series generated a lot of buzz thanks to its famous creators and actors. However, it was largely panned by both viewers and critics, who found the writing weak and the content overly graphic. Many felt the show prioritized shocking moments over telling a compelling story.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–)

A woman and her children relocate to an affluent town hoping for a new beginning, but her past threatens to unravel their fresh start. The series blends typical teen drama with a suspenseful thriller centered around crime. It’s become incredibly popular on its streaming service, attracting viewers of all ages. However, some critics feel the show attempts to cover too much ground with different genres and ideas, leading to an uneven feel.

Please share which drama series you feel is the most overrated in the comments.

2025-12-31 16:53