30 Overrated Thriller Series Everyone Seems To Like

The thriller genre continues to dominate streaming platforms with high production values and star-studded casts. Many series achieve massive popularity and social media buzz despite varying levels of critical reception. While these shows often feature gripping premises and intense cliffhangers they sometimes rely on predictable tropes or repetitive narrative structures. Examining these popular titles reveals why some viewers feel the hype might outweigh the actual quality of the storytelling. This list explores several high profile thriller series that have sparked debate regarding their overall impact and execution.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

This psychological thriller follows a bookstore manager who becomes obsessed with various women. He uses social media and technology to track their every move and eliminate obstacles in his path. The show explores themes of toxic love and the dangers of digital privacy. Many viewers find the repetitive nature of the protagonist patterns a point of contention. Each season moves the main character to a new location to repeat his cycle of obsession and murder.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–)

A group of people in deep financial debt participate in a series of deadly children games for a massive cash prize. The series gained global attention for its striking visual style and social commentary on economic inequality. It utilizes intense violence and emotional stakes to keep the audience engaged. Some critics argue the character archetypes are somewhat standard for the survival genre. The show has become a significant cultural phenomenon that influenced fashion and language worldwide.

‘The Watcher’ (2022)

A family moves into their dream home only to receive threatening letters from an anonymous figure. The story is based on true events and focuses on the psychological toll the harassment takes on the residents. It features a cast of suspicious neighbors and multiple red herrings to maintain mystery. Many fans were frustrated by the lack of a definitive resolution to the central conflict. The series leans heavily into suburban paranoia and domestic anxiety throughout its run.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

A high school student leaves behind a series of tapes explaining the events that led to her tragic decision. The first season focused on the mystery of her past while subsequent seasons expanded into a broader teen thriller. The show dealt with sensitive topics including bullying and mental health in a graphic manner. Many viewers felt the later seasons strayed too far from the original premise to sustain the drama. It remained one of the most discussed and controversial programs on its platform for several years.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

The story focuses on a successful therapist whose life unravels after a violent death occurs. She must navigate a public investigation while discovering secrets about her husband. The series features high production values and a central mystery that captivated audiences during its release. Some critics pointed out that the resolution lacked the depth expected from its prestigious cast. The narrative relies heavily on the perspective of the protagonist as she questions her reality.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A group of criminals organized by a mastermind attempts to pull off the biggest robbery in history. The series is known for its complex plans and the use of codenames based on world cities. It emphasizes the bond between the team members as they face off against the authorities. Critics often mention the increasingly improbable plot twists that occur in the later seasons. The show became an international hit and popularized the use of specific masks and costumes.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

Students at an exclusive private school find themselves involved in various murders and scandals. Each season typically revolves around a central crime that is revealed through flashbacks. The series focuses on the clash between different social classes and the excesses of the wealthy. Some viewers believe the show prioritizes sensationalism and romance over a coherent mystery. It maintained a high level of popularity due to its attractive cast and fast paced storytelling.

‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)

A single mother enters an affair with her boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife. The plot builds a traditional love triangle before shifting into supernatural territory. It is famous for a final plot twist that completely changes the nature of the story. Many audience members found the sudden change in genre to be jarring or illogical. The series explores the boundaries of identity and the secrets hidden within a marriage.

‘Ratched’ (2020)

This series serves as an origin story for the famous nurse from literary and cinematic history. It follows her arrival at a psychiatric hospital where she begins to manipulate the system. The show is characterized by its vibrant colors and stylized production design. Some critics felt the character development did not align with the established version of the figure. The narrative includes various subplots involving mental health treatments and personal vendettas.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

A group of survivors navigates a world overrun by zombies while searching for safety and resources. The series focused on the moral choices people make during a total societal collapse. It ran for many seasons and spawned several spin off programs. Many long term fans felt the pacing became sluggish and the plot became repetitive over time. The show remains a landmark of the horror thriller genre despite criticisms of its longevity.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Classic comic book characters are reimagined in a dark and moody small town setting. The show began as a murder mystery before incorporating elements of the supernatural and organized crime. It is known for its highly stylized dialogue and dramatic plot shifts. Many viewers noted that the storylines became increasingly nonsensical as the series progressed. It retained a loyal fanbase that enjoyed the campy and unpredictable nature of the town.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

Teenagers on a coastal island hunt for a legendary treasure linked to the father of their leader. The show blends action and thriller elements with a classic coming of age story. It highlights the conflict between the wealthy residents and the working class locals. Critics sometimes point to the convenient coincidences and lack of realism in the teenagers adventures. The series is popular for its summer aesthetic and the chemistry among the young cast members.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

A commercial airliner reappears five years after vanishing with all passengers safe and sound. The survivors experience strange visions and voices that lead them to help others or solve mysteries. The show attempts to balance supernatural intrigue with family drama and government conspiracies. Some viewers found the central mystery to be overly convoluted and slow to provide answers. It gained a second life on streaming after being canceled by its original network.

‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (2021)

Nine stressed city dwellers visit a remote wellness resort that promises total transformation. The resort director uses unconventional methods that put the guests in increasingly tense situations. The series features a high profile cast and explores themes of grief and healing. Many critics felt the show struggled to balance its satirical tone with its thriller elements. The plot unfolds slowly as the true intentions of the director are revealed.

‘The Idol’ (2023)

A rising pop star enters a complicated relationship with a self help guru and cult leader. The series focuses on the dark side of the music industry and the price of fame. It generated significant controversy during its production and eventual release. Many viewers found the narrative to be provocative without offering substantial depth or character development. The show was canceled after its first season following mixed reviews and low ratings.

‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022)

An airline employee wakes up in a hotel room next to a dead man with no memory of what happened. She becomes entangled in an international conspiracy while trying to clear her name. The show uses a fast paced and often comedic tone to tell its story. Some critics felt the second season lacked the focus and tension of the initial mystery. The protagonist struggles with personal demons while navigating dangerous situations across the globe.

‘Stay Close’ (2021)

The lives of three people are disrupted by a dark secret from their shared past. A missing persons case brings a detective and a mother together to uncover the truth. The series is an adaptation of a popular thriller novel and features several interconnected subplots. Some viewers argued that the abundance of twists felt forced and lowered the stakes. It follows a familiar formula found in many contemporary British crime dramas.

‘The Stranger’ (2020)

A mysterious woman approaches a man and reveals a devastating secret about his wife. This encounter leads to a series of events that expose the hidden lives of several suburban families. The show relies on a web of secrets and blackmail to drive the narrative forward. Critics have noted that the multiple storylines do not always converge in a satisfying manner. The series focuses on how one piece of information can destroy an entire community.

‘Safe’ (2018)

A widowed surgeon begins a desperate search for his missing teenage daughter in a gated community. He discovers that his friends and neighbors are keeping secrets that hinder his investigation. The show explores the concept of safety and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. Some fans felt the final revelation was underwhelming compared to the build up of the mystery. The setting of the secluded neighborhood adds a sense of claustrophobia to the thriller.

‘Clickbait’ (2021)

A family man is kidnapped and appears in a viral video that states he will die if the view count reaches a certain number. His relatives and the police race against time to find him while uncovering his digital life. The series uses different perspectives in each episode to tell its story. Many viewers were disappointed by a final twist that seemed disconnected from the established plot. It examines the impact of social media and the dark side of internet culture.

‘Pieces of Her’ (2022)

A young woman witnesses her mother stop a violent attacker with unexpected skill and precision. This event triggers a journey to uncover her mother identity and secret past. The show alternates between the present day and flashbacks to the eighties. Some critics found the pacing to be uneven and the main character to be frustrating. The narrative focuses on the consequences of escaping a dangerous life and the secrets families keep.

‘Echoes’ (2022)

Identical twins have secretly swapped lives since they were children and share two homes and two families. Their perfect world is thrown into chaos when one of the sisters goes missing. The series explores themes of identity and the deep bond between siblings. Many audience members felt the plot was overly complicated and difficult to follow at times. It utilizes the mystery of the missing twin to expose the lies built over decades.

‘The Girl from Plainville’ (2022)

This true crime thriller explores the relationship between two teenagers and the events leading to a tragedy. It focuses on the legal case regarding the influence of text messages on a person actions. The series attempts to provide a nuanced look at mental health and teenage isolation. Some viewers felt the dramatization was unnecessary given the extensive real world coverage of the case. It relies heavily on the performances of its leads to carry the emotional weight.

‘The Patient’ (2022)

A therapist is held captive by a serial killer who wants help in curbing his homicidal urges. The story takes place primarily in a single location and focuses on the psychological battle between the two men. It examines the limitations of therapy and the nature of empathy. Some critics argued that the ending felt out of place with the rest of the grounded narrative. The show is noted for its tension and the unusual dynamic of its central characters.

‘The Terminal List’ (2022–)

A former Navy SEAL investigates the mysterious circumstances behind his entire platoon being ambushed. He discovers a deep conspiracy that involves high levels of the government and military. The show features intense action sequences and a grim tone throughout the episodes. Some viewers found the plot to be generic and similar to many other military thrillers. It focuses on the protagonist quest for vengeance and the toll of psychological trauma.

‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)

An intelligence officer and a talented assassin become obsessed with each other during a global game of cat and mouse. The series gained praise for its unique tone and the chemistry between the main characters. It blended humor with violent thriller elements in its early seasons. Many fans were vocal about their disappointment with the direction of the final season and the series finale. The show is recognized for its stylish costumes and international locations.

‘Cruel Summer’ (2021–2023)

The story takes place over three years in the nineties and follows the fallout of a popular girl disappearance. It focuses on how the event changes the lives of two teenagers and their community. The series uses a distinct visual style for each year to help viewers track the timeline. Some critics felt the second season failed to capture the intrigue of the original mystery. It explores themes of perception and the social pressures faced by young women.

‘The Sinner’ (2017–2021)

An anthology series follows a detective as he investigates various crimes committed by unlikely suspects. Each season focuses on the motive behind a crime rather than the identity of the perpetrator. The show examines the psychological trauma and past experiences that lead people to violence. Some viewers felt the later seasons lacked the impact of the initial story. It remains a popular choice for fans of character driven crime thrillers.

‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

A reporter returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls while facing her own troubled past. She must deal with her overbearing mother and the dark secrets of the small community. The series is known for its slow burn pacing and atmospheric direction. Some audience members found the narrative to be too depressing or slow to reach its conclusion. It provides a detailed look at the generational trauma within a wealthy Southern family.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

A high school soccer team survives a plane crash in the wilderness and must endure harrowing conditions to stay alive. The story alternates between the survival ordeal and the lives of the survivors twenty five years later. It incorporates elements of psychological horror and mystery regarding what happened in the woods. Some critics have pointed out that the modern day storyline can feel less compelling than the past events. The show explores the lasting effects of trauma and the dark side of human nature.

Share your thoughts on which thriller series you found to be the most overrated in the comments.