10 Most Overrated TV Shows of the 2010s

The 2010s were a wild time for television. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu exploded, giving us a flood of new shows to binge. Some series became instant classics, but others got way more love than they deserved. I’m diving into the decade’s most overrated shows, the ones that had everyone talking but didn’t quite live up to the hype.

Not every popular show is bad, of course. Some started strong but fizzled out, while others leaned too hard on gimmicks or just didn’t click with everyone. This list looks at the series that got showered with praise but left me scratching my head. Let’s count down the 10 shows that didn’t match their massive buzz.

‘Glee’ (2009-2015)

‘Glee’ burst onto screens with catchy musical numbers and a fresh take on high school drama. The show followed a diverse glee club tackling social issues through song, earning Emmys and a huge following. Its early seasons felt bold, blending humor with heart.

But the shine wore off fast. By season three, the plots got messy, with forced drama and too many characters. The music started feeling repetitive, and the show’s preachiness turned off some viewers. It kept pulling in fans, but I found it more style than substance.

‘House of Cards’ (2013-2018)

‘House of Cards’ was Netflix’s first big swing, a political thriller starring Kevin Spacey as the ruthless Frank Underwood. Its sleek style and binge-friendly release made it a cultural hit. Critics raved about its dark look at power.

The cracks showed up quick, though. After a strong first season, the story got bloated and predictable. Spacey’s exit after scandal didn’t help, and the final season flopped hard. It felt like a show coasting on its early hype, not earning it.

‘Girls’ (2012-2017)

Lena Dunham’s ‘Girls’ was hailed as a raw look at millennial life in New York. Following four friends navigating their 20s, it earned praise for its messy, real characters. HBO marketed it as a voice of a generation.

I didn’t buy it. The characters were often whiny and unlikeable, and the show felt narrow, focusing on a privileged slice of life. It had funny moments, but the constant navel-gazing got old. It was called groundbreaking, but it felt overhyped to me.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010-2022)

Zombies took over TV with ‘The Walking Dead’, a gritty drama based on the comic. It hooked millions with its intense survival story and shocking deaths. Early seasons had me glued to the screen.

Then it dragged. By the mid-2010s, the show recycled the same conflicts—new group, new fight, repeat. Characters made dumb choices, and the pacing crawled. Fans stuck around, but I think it got more loyalty than it deserved for its later years.

‘Modern Family’ (2009-2020)

‘Modern Family’ brought the mockumentary style to family sitcoms, following three related households. Its sharp writing and diverse cast won Emmys galore. The early seasons were genuinely funny and warm.

But it ran too long. By the 2010s, the jokes felt stale, and the show leaned on tired stereotypes. It stayed popular, but I found it coasting on old charm. The hype didn’t match the later seasons’ dip in quality.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025)

‘Stranger Things’ hit like a nostalgic bomb, mixing 80s vibes with sci-fi horror. Kids on bikes, a creepy Upside Down, and Winona Ryder? It was a recipe for success. Netflix had a megahit.

I enjoyed it, but the praise went overboard. After season one, the story felt repetitive—same monster, same small town. The nostalgia got heavy-handed, and new characters bloated the cast. It’s fun, but not the masterpiece some claim.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)

‘Game of Thrones’ was a TV juggernaut, blending fantasy with brutal politics. Dragons, battles, and shocking twists made it a global obsession. HBO’s budget and cast were unmatched.

The final season tanked it. Rushed writing and weak character arcs left fans furious. Even earlier, the show sometimes leaned too hard on shock value. It’s iconic, but the hype ignored its flaws, making it feel overrated.

‘Big Bang Theory’ (2007-2019)

‘Big Bang Theory’ was a sitcom giant, following nerdy scientists and their friends. Its geek humor and quirky cast, like Jim Parsons as Sheldon, made it a ratings king. It ran for 12 seasons.

I never got the fuss. The laughs relied on stereotypes—awkward nerds, hot neighbor—and the humor got lazy. It was comfort food for some, but the endless acclaim felt like too much for a formulaic show.

‘13 Reasons Why’ (2017-2020)

‘13 Reasons Why’ tackled teen mental health with a dark story about a girl’s suicide. Based on a novel, it sparked huge buzz for its bold themes. Netflix pushed it hard.

It fumbled the execution. The show was criticized for glamorizing suicide and dragging the story past season one. It felt like shock for shock’s sake, not depth. The hype came from controversy, not quality.

‘Dexter’ (2006-2013)

‘Dexter’ followed a serial killer who hunts bad guys, played by Michael C Hall. Its mix of dark humor and crime drama hooked viewers. The early seasons were gripping and fresh.

After season four, it stumbled. Weak plots, like Dexter’s love stories, and a terrible finale hurt its legacy. Fans loved it, but I think the later years got more praise than they earned. It’s good, not great.

What’s your take on these shows? Did I miss a series that got too much love, or do you disagree with my picks? Drop your thoughts in the comments!