Tired of scrolling through endless options on Netflix because you have seen all the top-billed stuff? We’ve curated a list of five underrated gems, high on the fun quotient, that may be all you need this weekend.
First on our list is Dear White People, a groundbreaking series created by Justin Simien. Set at the fictional Ivy League school, Winchester University, this thought-provoking dramedy follows a group of African-American students as they navigate racial tensions and cultural identity in a predominantly white institution/world.
The show delves into topics of student activism, discrimination, and the complexities of modern-day racial dynamics but manages to be genuinely funny.
With a stellar ensemble cast including Logan Browning, Brandon P. Bell, and DeRon Horton, Dear White People is a must-watch series that challenges societal norms and sparks meaningful conversations.
Next is the delightfully unhinged comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. This comedy series revolves around Kimmy Schmidt (played by Ellie Kemper), a woman who escapes a doomsday cult and embarks on a journey to rediscover life along with her roomie, the hilarious Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess), who helps her navigate life in New York City in his own way.
If you’re in the mood for a side-splitting comedy, Derry Girls, set in 1990s Northern Ireland, is the perfect choice. Created by Lisa McGee, this coming-of-age sitcom revolves around a group of teenage girls and an honorary Derry boy navigating the ups and downs of adolescence amidst the backdrop of the Troubles. Derry Girls has quickly become a cult favourite with its sharp wit, endearing characters, and nostalgic soundtrack.
It stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn, and of course, Nicola Coughlan, who is all set to dazzle and steal hearts in Bridgerton season three.
For those seeking an action-packed and offbeat series, let us suggest Teenage Bounty Hunters. Created by Kathleen Jordan, this dramedy follows twin sisters, Sterling (Maddie Phillips) and Blair (Anjelica Bette Fellini), who inadvertently become bounty hunters while navigating the challenges of high school. Mixing humour, suspense, and unexpected twists, this underrated gem offers a fresh take on the teen drama genre.
Rounding off our list is Special, a fun but poignant series created by Ryan O’Connell. Loosely based on O’Connell’s own life, Special follows Ryan, a gay man with cerebral palsy, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
At roughly 15 minutes of runtime, each episode is breezy enough for a weekend binge. This charming and insightful show challenges stereotypes and offers a unique perspective on living with disabilities, all the while delivering genuine laughs and heartfelt moments.
Five series to binge on Netflix this weekend:
- Dear White People
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- Derry Girls
- Teenage Bounty Hunters
- Special
