Satvika Nitya / A&C Editor

TV shows have always had a strong hold on the entertainment industry, and this past year has been rich in TV content. In fact, in the U.S., even with a 24% drop in the number of scripted shows released due to Hollywood strikes, there were a total of 481 shows released across all platforms. This means that among the sea of dramas, comedies, thrillers and more, you are bound to miss out on some gems. 

With this in mind, The USD Vista staff picked out some of their favorite underrated shows you must watch.

Why Women Kill – Khushi Patel / Art Director

2 seasons / 20 episodes / Paramount + and Hulu

An anthology series that jumps back and forth in time along with three women from different decades whose fate is tied together by the same house that they live in. All three women deal with some sort of infidelity or betrayal in their marriages and the show molds that storyline in a dark comedic drama.

“I like it because it was so interesting to see how each of their lives lined up, even though their stories all took part in different times. Overall, it was cool, dark and funny,” Patel said.

Daisy Jones & The Six – Satvika Nitya / Arts and Culture Editor

1 season / 10 episodes / Amazon Prime Video

Based off the best-selling book by Taylor Jenkins-Reid with the same name, “Daisy Jones & The Six” shows the rise and fall of a fictional 70’s rock band in Los Angeles. With time jumps, interview style documentation and footage of concerts and recording sessions, the show captures the complete rock band experience.

“I think it’s one of the best book-to-TV adaptations of all time. Even though it’s about a fictional band, you will get invested in the characters so quickly that you’ll mourn that they aren’t actually real. Plus, for your post-binge aftercare, you have a breathtaking album you can listen to,” Nitya said.

School Spirits – Maria Simpson / Copy Editor

1 season / 8 episodes / Netflix and Paramount +

Afterlife murder investigation is the perfect phrase to describe this show. It follows a high school girl who is murdered in the fictional town Split River, Wisconsin, and tries to piece together the mystery of her death from beyond the grave.

“My sister and I are obsessed with this show. It had me on the edge of my seat until the very last second. I need season two to come out immediately. If you like ghost stories, murder mysteries or just a good time this show is for you,” Simpson said.

Jury Duty – Abigail Cavizo / Associate Editor

1 season / 8 episodes / Amazon Prime Video

A hoax-style sitcom that details the inner workings of the American jury system through a fake jury trial, ‘Jury Duty’ is from the perspective of Ronald Gladden, the one juror who is unaware of the hoax and believes it’s a real trial.

“I’ve never seen any show quite like this one, and I doubt it could be replicated. They chose the most perfect “hero” for the reality-meets-The Office-type show,” Cavizo said.

Rick and Morty – Colin Mullaney / Editor-in-Chief

7 seasons / 71 episodes / Hulu

This animated show about a mad-scientist grandfather, Rick, and his socially awkward grandson, Morty, is very satirical and provides a lot of in-depth commentary about society, culture, philosophy, politics and human existence. 

“It’s remarkably clever and makes me laugh every time I watch it. It also makes me nostalgic, because I watched it a lot with my dad when I had my wisdom teeth taken out. It’s just ridiculous in the best, most top-tier humor kind of way. My favorite character is the family therapist Dr. Wong, whom I relate to on a spiritual level,” Mullaney said.

The Midnight Gospel – Ronnie Saenz / Asst. Opinion Editor

1 season / 8 episodes / Netflix

Inspired by the podcast “Duncan Trussell’s Family Hour,” this animated show deals with a space traveler who explores existential questions about life, death and everything in between.

“It’s really surreal, but also talks about the self and ego in a very compassionate way. I ugly cried during the final episode too, which is enough to make it amazing,” Saenz said. 

Derry Girls – Anjali Dalal-Whelan / News Editor

3 seasons / 19 episodes / Netflix

This family-centered comedy is a British sitcom that follows 16-year-old Erin and her four friends as they navigate life around the world of armed police of Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Despite the dire circumstances, teenage life and its adversities are very apparent for Erin and her friends.

“Derry Girls is absolutely hilarious but also very sweet and serious at times. The Irish accents are so funny and the characters are all very engaging and relatable,” Dalal-Whelan said.

One Tree Hill – Lauren Ceballos / Sports Editor

9 seasons / 187 episodes / Hulu

One Tree Hill is one of the classic 2000s dramas that goes under the radar. Set in the fictional town of Tree Hill, the show revolves around two half-brothers, their complicated family history, love interests and high school life.

“It’s everything that a teen drama should be. It’s fun, dramatic, intense, romantic etc. The show also came out before shows were more censored and controlled, so some sensitive topics do come up which I think is good because it gives awareness,” Ceballos said. 

A poster for ‘Rick and Morty’. Photo courtesy of @rickandmorty/Instagram