Overrated Drama Series Everyone Seems To Like

Television history is filled with massive hits that capture the global imagination and dominate social media conversations. While many of these shows receive critical acclaim and high viewership numbers, some audiences feel the praise does not match the actual quality of the production. These series often benefit from heavy marketing or a dedicated fan base that overlooks recurring flaws in the narrative. Examining these titles provides insight into how public perception can sometimes diverge from traditional storytelling standards.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–)

This long running medical drama centers on the lives of surgical residents and attendings at a fictional hospital in Seattle. It has become one of the longest airing scripted primetime shows on television due to its loyal audience. The plot frequently incorporates extreme medical emergencies and complicated romantic relationships among the staff. Some critics argue that the series has lost its original focus after many years of cast changes and increasingly unlikely scenarios.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

Based on a popular novel, this series explores the aftermath of a high school student who leaves behind a set of tapes explaining her choice to end her life. The show gained immediate attention for its heavy themes and depictions of teenage struggles. While the first season received high viewership, subsequent seasons faced criticism for extending a story that many felt was already complete. Public debate often focused on the graphic nature of the content and its impact on younger viewers.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

This series provides a dark and moody take on the classic Archie Comics characters in a small town setting. It began as a murder mystery before evolving into a narrative that includes supernatural elements and organized crime. The show is known for its stylized cinematography and dramatic musical numbers performed by the cast. Many viewers noted that the plot became increasingly confusing as the show progressed through its final seasons.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–)

The show follows a group of high school students as they navigate experiences with identity and trauma in a modern digital age. It is frequently praised for its high production values and cinematic visual style. The series often utilizes a non linear narrative to delve into the backgrounds of its various characters. Some discussions surrounding the show highlight the focus on aesthetic over the depth of the central storylines.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

This family drama spans several decades by following the lives of three siblings and their parents through various flashbacks and flash forwards. The series focuses on emotional storytelling and the interconnected nature of family history. It earned numerous awards and high ratings during its initial run on network television. Certain viewers suggest that the show relies too heavily on sentimental moments to drive the plot forward.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Set in a post apocalyptic world, this series chronicles a group of survivors attempting to stay alive amidst a zombie outbreak. It became a cultural phenomenon that spawned multiple spin offs and a massive media franchise. The narrative often shifts between different groups of characters as they encounter various antagonistic factions. A common critique of the show involves its slow pacing and the repetitive nature of its seasonal story arcs.

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

The story begins with a plane crash on a mysterious island where the survivors must work together to stay alive while uncovering secrets. It popularized the use of flashbacks to provide character development and maintain a sense of mystery. The show maintained a very active fan base that theorized about the various sci fi elements introduced each week. Many audience members felt the final episodes failed to provide satisfying answers to the many questions raised throughout the series.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This historical drama depicts the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding through the early twenty first century. The cast was famously rotated every two seasons to account for the aging of the real life figures. It received praise for its acting performances and detailed costume design. Critics have occasionally questioned the historical accuracy of the scripts and the way certain royal family members are portrayed.

‘Downton Abbey’ (2010–2015)

The series follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in an English country estate during the early twentieth century. It covers major historical events such as the sinking of the Titanic and the outbreak of World War I. The show became a global hit and led to several feature films following the conclusion of the television run. Some viewers find the portrayal of the class system to be overly romanticized or simplified.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2007–2012)

Focused on the lives of privileged teenagers in New York City, this drama is narrated by an anonymous blogger who reveals their secrets. The show is defined by its focus on fashion and the scandalous behavior of the wealthy elite. It served as a launching pad for several actors who went on to have successful film careers. Many people argue that the eventual reveal of the titular character lacked logical consistency with the rest of the series.

‘Pretty Little Liars’ (2010–2017)

Four friends are reunited after the disappearance of their leader when they begin receiving mysterious messages from a figure known as A. The series relies on suspense and constant plot twists to keep the audience guessing about the identity of the antagonist. It maintained a strong following on social media throughout its seven season run. Reviewers often pointed out that the mystery became overly complicated with too many red herrings and inconsistent character motivations.

‘Elite’ (2018–2024)

This Spanish language drama takes place at a prestigious private school where a clash between working class and wealthy students leads to murder. The show combines elements of a teen soap opera with a thriller narrative. It features a rotating cast and has been praised for its diverse representation. Some critics believe the show relies too much on shock value and sexualized content rather than character development.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A group of criminals led by a mastermind known as The Professor attempts to carry out a massive robbery at the Royal Mint of Spain. The series gained international fame after being added to a global streaming platform. It is characterized by its high energy action sequences and psychological games between the police and the robbers. Critics often mention that the later parts of the story feel stretched and lose the tight tension of the first two seasons.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

The series follows a bookstore manager who becomes obsessed with various women and uses social media to track their lives. It explores themes of stalking and the darker side of modern romance through the perspective of the protagonist. The show has been a consistent hit for its streaming service and generates significant online discussion. Some viewers feel the repetitive cycle of the main character finding a new obsession makes the plot predictable.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–)

Set in Regency era London, this romantic drama focuses on the siblings of a powerful family as they seek love in high society. It is known for its colorful aesthetic and modern musical covers played on classical instruments. The show is based on a series of novels and focuses on a different couple each season. While popular for its escapism, some viewers find the storylines to be formulaic and lacking in narrative complexity.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–)

In this South Korean drama, hundreds of individuals in financial debt compete in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize. It became one of the most watched series in history and had a significant impact on global culture. The show highlights economic inequality and the desperation caused by modern capitalism. Some critics argue that the intense violence overshadows the social commentary presented in the script.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018–)

The series follows a powerful ranching family in Montana as they fight to protect their land from developers and rival interests. It has become a massive hit in the United States and has led to several prequel series. The show focuses on themes of loyalty and the changing landscape of the American West. Some reviewers find the dialogue to be overly dramatic and the plot to be similar to a traditional soap opera.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–)

A marketing executive from Chicago moves to Paris to provide an American perspective to a French marketing firm. The show focuses on her professional challenges and romantic adventures in the city. It is widely watched for its lighthearted tone and fashionable costumes. Many critics have pointed out that the series relies heavily on French stereotypes and presents an unrealistic version of life abroad.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

This series follows Wednesday Addams as she attends a boarding school for outcasts and investigates a series of supernatural murders. It features a unique visual style and focuses on the character development of the famous Addams Family daughter. The show broke viewership records and became a viral sensation on social media platforms. Some fans of the original characters feel that the teen drama elements take away from the dark humor of the source material.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Set in the 1980s, the story involves a group of friends in a small town who discover supernatural secrets and a government conspiracy. It heavily references the pop culture and films of the decade to create a sense of nostalgia. The series has been a major success and is considered a flagship title for its streaming platform. Critics sometimes note that the show relies too much on nostalgia and that the cast has grown too large to give everyone meaningful development.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Based on a series of fantasy novels, the show follows noble families competing for control of the Iron Throne in the continent of Westeros. It became famous for its complex political intrigue and the willingness to kill off major characters. The high budget production set new standards for television fantasy and visual effects. The final season received widespread backlash from fans who felt the pacing was rushed and the character endings were unsatisfactory.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

The protagonist is a forensic technician for the police department who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer targeting other murderers. It explores the moral ambiguity of his actions and his struggle to maintain a normal life. The show was highly acclaimed for its first few seasons and won multiple awards. Many viewers consider the later seasons and the original series finale to be a significant decline in quality.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

This modern update of the classic detective stories places Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in contemporary London. Each season consists of three feature length episodes that adapt famous cases from the original books. It gained a massive international following and made its lead actors household names. Critics have argued that the writing became overly self indulgent and that the mysteries became less grounded over time.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Set in Birmingham after World War I, the series follows a gangster family and their ambitious leader as they expand their criminal empire. It is known for its stylish direction and the use of modern rock music in a period setting. The show features a strong lead performance and high stakes political conflicts. Some audience members feel the show prioritizes style over substance and that the plot becomes repetitive in later seasons.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

The passengers of a commercial flight suddenly reappear after being missing for five years with no time having passed for them. They begin to experience mysterious visions and must uncover the truth behind their disappearance. The show was saved by a streaming service after being cancelled by its original network. Many viewers find the central mystery to be frustratingly slow and the acting to be inconsistent.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–)

A group of teenagers in the Outer Banks of North Carolina search for a legendary treasure linked to the disappearance of a father. The show blends elements of a coming of age story with an action adventure mystery. It has a dedicated young audience and has been a consistent performer on streaming charts. Critics often point to the unrealistic plot turns and the constant reliance on coincidences to move the story forward.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

This teen drama focuses on a young girl who becomes caught in a love triangle between two vampire brothers in a town full of supernatural secrets. It launched a successful franchise that included several spin off series. The show is known for its fast paced storytelling and frequent character deaths. Some viewers argue that the series struggled to maintain its momentum after the departure of its original lead actress.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

Two brothers travel across America hunting demons and other supernatural creatures while dealing with their family legacy. The show lasted for fifteen seasons and developed one of the most dedicated fan bases in television history. It transitioned from a monster of the week format to complex seasonal arcs involving angels and cosmic battles. Critics often suggest that the show should have ended much earlier given the increasingly convoluted mythology.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

This British teen drama follows groups of teenagers in Bristol as they deal with issues like substance abuse and mental health. The cast was completely replaced every two years to keep the show focused on the teenage experience. It was praised for its raw and honest depiction of youth culture during its initial run. Some viewers now find the series to be overly dramatic and a product of its specific time period.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

A high school teacher attempts to transform the school choir into a competitive team while the students navigate various social issues. The show combined musical performances with comedic and dramatic storylines. It was a massive commercial success that produced numerous hit singles and albums. Many critics believe the show suffered from inconsistent tone and character development that shifted wildly between episodes.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

The series centers on a hip hop music and entertainment company and the drama within the family that owns it. It became a ratings juggernaut during its first season and was known for its original music and high profile guest stars. The show dealt with themes of power and legacy within the music industry. Viewers often noted that the plot became increasingly soap opera like and lost the grounded feel of its debut season.

‘Power’ (2014–2020)

A successful nightclub owner lives a double life as a major drug kingpin in New York City while trying to leave the criminal world behind. The show was a significant success for its cable network and led to a large expanded universe of spin offs. It features intense action and complex betrayals among its central characters. Some critics find the show to be derivative of other crime dramas and lacking in original storytelling.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

This drama follows the lives of a close knit outlaw motorcycle club operating in a fictional town in California. It explores themes of brotherhood and the conflict between personal morality and loyalty to the club. The series was known for its graphic violence and tragic character deaths. Certain audience members felt the show became excessively violent and that the central character was difficult to support by the end.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

A CIA officer with bipolar disorder becomes convinced that a returning American prisoner of war has been turned by terrorists. The first season was highly acclaimed and won numerous awards for its tension and acting. The series continued for several years and shifted its focus to different global conflicts. Many viewers argue that the show struggled to find its footing after the conclusion of the main story arc in the early seasons.

‘The Newsroom’ (2012–2014)

This series provides a behind the scenes look at a fictional cable news channel and the people who work there. It was created by a famous screenwriter known for his fast paced dialogue and idealistic characters. The show often used real life news events to frame its episodes. Critics frequently complained about the preachy tone of the scripts and the way the female characters were written.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

The story follows a group of wealthy women in a seaside town whose seemingly perfect lives unravel following a murder. It features an ensemble cast of high profile movie stars and high production values. The first season was intended to be a limited series and was based on a popular novel. Many critics and viewers felt the second season was unnecessary and did not live up to the quality of the original.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–)

The series explores the internal politics and scandals of a popular morning news program in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. It features major stars and deals with contemporary workplace issues and media ethics. The show is high budget and serves as a major title for its streaming service. Some reviewers find the dialogue to be heavy handed and the plot to be more like a soap opera than a serious drama.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

A financial advisor moves his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel after a scheme goes wrong. The show is known for its dark cinematography and the transformation of its central characters. It received high viewership and several acting awards during its run. Critics have sometimes compared it unfavorably to other crime dramas and pointed out the increasingly unbelievable survival of the main characters.

‘Suits’ (2011–2019)

A brilliant college dropout with a photographic memory starts working as a law associate for a top closer despite never attending law school. The show focuses on their legal cases and the secret of his lack of credentials. It gained a second life and massive new popularity on streaming platforms years after it ended. Some viewers find the legal procedures to be unrealistic and the character interactions to be repetitive.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

A ruthless politician and his wife climb the ranks of Washington power through betrayal and manipulation. It was the first major original series for its streaming platform and helped change how television is consumed. The show was praised for its acting and dark look at American politics. Many audience members felt the quality dropped significantly in later seasons and that the show was overshadowed by its lead actor’s departure.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–)

This anthology series follows the guests and employees of a luxury resort over the course of a week. Each season takes place at a different location and explores themes of privilege and social class. It has won many awards and generated significant online discussion about its characters. Some critics argue that the show’s satirical approach can sometimes feel shallow or mean spirited toward its subjects.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

The series depicts a dysfunctional family that owns a global media empire as the children fight for control when their father’s health declines. It is celebrated for its sharp writing and exploration of wealth and power. The show received massive critical acclaim and dominated award ceremonies for several years. A small segment of viewers finds the characters so unlikable that it is difficult to stay invested in the narrative.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–)

Based on a classic novel, the story is set in a dystopian future where women are forced into reproductive servitude by a totalitarian regime. The first season was highly praised for its haunting atmosphere and timely themes. It has continued for several seasons and expanded beyond the original source material. Critics often point out that the show has become excessively bleak and that the plot has stalled in later years.

‘Revenge’ (2011–2015)

A young woman moves to the Hamptons and infiltrates high society to take down the people who framed her father. The show was a hit for its melodrama and the intricate plans the protagonist carried out. It was based loosely on the story of the Count of Monte Cristo. Viewers often noted that the show struggled to maintain its central hook after the first season and became a standard soap opera.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

The series follows a professional fixer in Washington who manages political crises while having an affair with the president. It was known for its fast paced plots and the use of social media to engage with fans. The show was a major success and influenced many other political dramas. Some critics felt the storylines became too far fetched and that the central romance was problematic.

‘True Detective’ (2014–)

This anthology crime series follows different sets of detectives as they investigate disturbing cases over multiple decades. The first season was a major critical success and is considered a high point of modern television. Subsequent seasons have had a more mixed reception from both critics and the public. Many viewers feel the show has never been able to recreate the unique atmosphere and quality of its initial outing.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Set in a futuristic theme park populated by androids, the show explores themes of consciousness and morality. It began with a complex mystery that encouraged viewers to analyze every detail of the plot. The high production values and philosophical themes were initially very popular. However, many audience members found the later seasons to be overly complicated and difficult to follow.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–)

The story follows a high school soccer team that survives a plane crash in the wilderness and the lives they lead twenty five years later. It blends elements of survival horror with a psychological drama about trauma and secrets. The show gained a large following and was praised for its dual timeline structure. Some viewers have expressed frustration with the slow pace of the mystery and the lack of progress in the modern day storyline.

‘The Idol’ (2023)

A pop star attempts to reclaim her status following a nervous breakdown and falls under the influence of a mysterious cult leader. The series received significant media attention before its release due to its high profile creators and cast. It was widely criticized by audiences and critics for its writing and graphic content. Many people considered the show to be more focused on shock value than a coherent narrative.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–)

A mother and her two children move to a wealthy town for a fresh start while secrets from her past threaten their new life. The show mixes teen drama with a dark thriller subplot involving criminal activity. It has been a massive hit on its streaming platform and is popular with a wide range of viewers. Critics have pointed out that the show tries to tackle too many genres and themes at once which results in an inconsistent tone.

Please share which drama series you feel is the most overrated in the comments.