The Top Ten TV Shows You’ve Never Seen 17
This post highlights the top ten TV shows that I feel have been overlooked by the majority, but have intensely concentrated fan bases. I believe these TV shows are each high quality shows that are worthy of their many fans, and I hope you can find at least one gem here that you can watch and/or cherish for years to come.
You’ve probably seen some or maybe even all of these shows, but the point of this post is to introduce you to at least one show or become a new fan of one you might have previously passed on. I’ll tell you why you probably haven’t seen, why you should watch, and where you can preview or watch a whole episode of these shows online for free. After all, you don’t want to buy a full DVD set and later find out a particular show just isn’t your style. It was harder than I thought to find full episodes of tv shows online, but I’m working on a new post on how to find and join elusive TV torrent sites for those interested in the pirate life. Look for it soon, but until then, enjoy The Top Ten TV Shows You’ve Never Seen.
1. Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
Why you haven’t seen it: This little show featuring 2 musical comedians from New Zealand can be very elusive if you’re not one of HBO’s 28 million subscribers. (I’m not). From the official site on HBO.com: “Flight of the Conchords follows the trials and tribulations of a two man, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City.”
Why you should see it: It’s clever, witty, funny, and laugh-out-loud ridonculous.
Where you can see it: You can catch it on HBO on demand if you have it. The second season has been confirmed, but a date has not been announced. There are several clips you can watch on the official site, but I could not find a full version of the show on the web (excluding torrent sites). There are many many awesome clips like this one on youtube. You can always purchase the Flight of the Conchords DVD at amazon.com.
2. Eureka (Sci-fi Channel)
Why you haven’t seen it: The Eureka TV Show is a Sci-fi channel original series. Did you just shudder when I said “Sci-fi channel
original series?” I know I did. Sci-fi hasn’t had the best quality original TV shows and movies in the past, so you probably avoided it like the plague.
Why you should see it: Eureka is leaps and bounds better than anything Sci-fi has ever presented us. It’s about a small town in Washington state called Eureka, a secret community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research. If you enjoy quirky, smart humor you will definitely enjoy the sci-fi channel original TV series, Eureka.
Where you can see it:You can watch a full episode from season 2 at scifi.com. Here is the direct link. New episodes of Eureka air in the summer on the Sci-fi Channel.
3. The Wire (HBO)
Why you haven’t seen it: It’s on HBO, and you don’t have that channel.
Why you should see it: You should watch it if you like cop dramas, but are tired of the same old format. It’s been said that calling The Wire “a cop show” is like calling Chili’s Chicken Crispers, “a chicken strip.” (mmm, I know, right?).
Where you can see it: There’s only one place to see The Wire. HBO On Demand. If you don’t have it, check out the Wire Season 1 Recap on YouTube here. The Wire is currently in it’s 6th season on HBO.
4. Spaced (UK TV Show)
Why you haven’t seen it: You probably haven’t seen it because you don’t live in England. That’s not your fault, and I don’t blame you; I don’t live in England either.
Why you should see it: Spaced is an older show (1999-2001) starring Simon Pegg of Shawn of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. If you enjoyed these movies, you will probably enjoy Spaced.
Where you can see it: I actually found the full first episode of Spaced on YouTube. It’s been up a year so there’s no telling how long it will be until they take it down. Watch it here while there’s still time.
5. Torchwood (BBC America)
Why you haven’t seen it: It’s on BBC America, and you don’t like BBC America or you don’t even know what BBC America is.
Why you should see it: It’s about a special government agency called Torchwood that researches alien life and technology. I’ve only seen the first two episodes but I definitely like what I’ve seen so far.
Where you can see it:Torchwood airs on BBC America. Check out the season 1 recap on YouTube here.
6. The Office (UK version)
Why you haven’t seen it: You’ve more than likely seen its newer American counter part The Office on NBC, but the original [like American Idol] came from jolly old England.
Why you should see it: Talk to almost anyone who’s actually seen it, and they’ll tell you it’s better than the American version. My only problem is British Comedy; (Simon Pegg is the exception – see Spaced above) I just can’t stand it. I haven’t seen The Office TV show from the UK but I have downloaded it for future viewing. My favorite show on the air today is the American version of The Office. TV hasn’t been the same since its premiere. Check out The Office Episode Guide (the UK version) and see if any of the story lines sound familiar.
Where you can see it: Watch The Office Online at NBC.com (American), or watch a funny clip of the UK version here.
7. Battlestar Galactica (Sci-fi Channel)
Why you haven’t seen it: You don’t like Star Trek type shows, or you’ve been so disappointed by sci-fi shows in the past that 
you’ve given up watching them altogether. Also it’s a dreaded Sci-fi Channel Original Series. (see Eureka above)
Why you should see it: It has one of the best dramatic storylines on television today, but the Battlestar Galactica Cast is what really drives the show (think abc’s LOST). The characters are numerous, and you get to know each and every one, laughing and crying along with them as they run from the Cylons and try to find the fabled planet earth.
Where you can see it: Battlestar Galactica began with 4 part miniseries. You will have to watch those before you watch the first season to truly be caught up. You can watch full episodes of BSG at Joox.
8. The Riches (FX)
Why you haven’t seen it: I don’t know, maybe you have. Most everyone has the FX network these days, but I feel like The Riches may have missed a few people so I decided to add it to the list.
Why you should see it: The Riches features the finest pair or English actors on television. Movie star/Actress Mini Driver and Comedian/Actor Eddie Izzard play a family of gypsies who lucked into living the good life.
Where you can see it: I couldn’t find much on it, but you can see an FX behind the scenes look here.
9. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Travel Channel)
Why you haven’t seen it: It’s on one of those channels “way up there” and you don’t wander past channel 49 for fear of becoming lost and not finding your way back to the “good channels” in time to watch Leno, or watching some lucky A-hole go to exotic locations and eat the finest most expensive foods in the world makes you madder ‘n hell.
Why you should see it: Yeah, it’s not fair, but you can take comfort that Anthony Bourdain is more worthy than anyone else to do the job. It’s not just food, it’s absorbing culture and if it’s out of the ordinary or extraordinary, he’s going to eat, submerge, ride, jump on and endure just about anything his producers ask him to endure. No doubt this show is entertaining.
Where you can see it: Watch No Reservations: Korea part one here.
10. Dexter (Showtime)
Why you haven’t seen it: It’s a Showtime series, and the chance of you being one of showtimes 13 million subscribers is slim, or you don’t enjoy serial killer shows.
Why you should see it: I love me some Dexter. TV show like Dexter are what keep me coming back to TV time and time again. Dexter is your ordinary run of the mill police drama. You know, the kind set in Miami, centered on a serial killer who works for the Miami Police Department as a blood spatter analyst that uses his position to find & kill murderers who have escaped the system to satisfy his dark urges as well as clean up the city. If that doesn’t interest you, then please go back to your CSI: Miami. It’s safe there.
Where you can see it: Dexter airs on Showtime. The 3rd season of Dexter hasn’t been announced yet, but it will air sometime in the Fall. You can also watch full episodes of Dexter at Joox.
What are some shows you feel are great but overlooked by the majority? Did I miss the boat on these, or do you think all of these shows deserve to be on this list?
I’d like to submit Hotel Babylon for consideration.
I don’t know how I found it but it was online free download.
The first episode hooked me and I had to see every episode after that. The new season starts in a few days.
Imagine Haley’s ‘Airport’ in England, in a weekly series.
Employees, management, and guests, stories well told and interleaved to make it an excellent series.
The Wire is in its FIFTH (5th) and final season, not it’s 6th.
And it IS the best show on television.
I was surprised but very happy to see Torchwood on your list! Its the first thing that came to mind, but I figured “bah, no one here knows about it. who would be watching it anyway?”
Good catch!
@Larry: thanks for your suggestion. I definitely have never seen or heard of Hotel Babylon. I’ll check it out.
@Andrew: Thanks for the correction. I’ve only seen the first few episodes. I’m glad I have 4 more seasons after this to look forward to.
@gambit: I just discovered Torchwood recently. Kept hearing about it so finally I had to seek it out and watch it. A few episodes in and it’s very intriguing.
Thanks for your comments
I’ve been watching Burn Notice. It’s a lot like Dexter, yet different. It is about a spy who has been blacklisted after he gets a burn notice. He is trying to find out who did it at the same time helping people out. It takes place in Miami and airs on USA Network.
Karl, I totally agree with you. Burn Notice is great and I’ve yet to stop crying for its immediate return. I can’t wait.
Eh…could be better.
Good news! Dexter has been picked up by CBS so everyone can see it. Great show, unfortunately, being on a major network may kill some of it’s edge.
the riches is set to return march 18th. shortened second season.
i loooooooooove burn notice, pshyc is pretty good 2 and in plain sight is hilarious!, i also am a monk fan, all these are on USA, i really recomend in plain sight, it’s pretty new and not alot of people i know watch it…yet…
You mentioned some of my absolute favorite shows here, especially Torchwood, Battlestar Galactica and Dexter, although I have watched most of the shows you list here.
Don’t watch any TV shows, I have never watched Friends, jailbreak, survivor, dancing with the stars, none, none, none. What a waste of time.
Dexter is still up and runnin’, and still one of the best television series around.
i think this is b*******
All these shows are great and look great in HD, and if you want to see great shows like Eureka for less, then why not do it for with DISH Network? Right now you can get HD free for life with any of America’s top packages. Why pay more for TV? As a customer and employee of DISH I can’t say how happy I’ve been since I made the switch.
I would suggest State of Grace. it was cancelled years ago but you can watch episodes on youtube try state of grace abcfamily. Great show just did not the respect it deserved.
Its a shame I’ve seen 7 out of the 10 programs.