I watch Netflix every day - you need to see these 7 under-rated shows

Netflix has revolutionised the way we watch television, with many of us now seldom tuning into traditional channels and relying solely on streaming services.

Following Netflix's lead, other platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Paramount have emerged, making it nearly impossible to keep up with all the new releases. This means that numerous series may pass you by without you ever noticing or even being aware of them.

Fortunately for you, I've spent countless hours watching Netflix over the years and am one of those who've almost completely switched from live TV to cherry-picking the best shows from the streaming behemoth. However, I don't waste time on programmes that don't truly captivate me. So if a show doesn't grab my attention after an episode or two, I'll abandon it then and there. Some high-profile shows I've given up on include Yellowstone and The Handmaid's Tale.

Here are my picks for the most under-rated shows that have been on Netflix. Naturally, you won't find global sensations like Breaking Bad or Baby Reindeer here. Instead, these are the hidden gems that may have slipped under your radar but are definitely worth discovering. Do let me know if you enjoy my recommendations - or if I've overlooked any real gems.

1. Bloodline (2015)

Bloodline, which first graced our screens in 2015, delves into the lives of a seemingly perfect family that is a cornerstone of their community, yet harbours dark secrets beneath its flawless facade. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Florida Keys, the show masterfully juxtaposes breathtaking scenery with chilling narratives.

The series immediately gripped me with its opening line: "Sometimes you know something's coming. You feel it. In the air. In your gut. And you don't sleep at night. The voice in your head is telling you that something is going to go terribly wrong and there's nothing you can do to stop it. That's how I felt when my brother came home."

The stellar ensemble cast features Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Sissy Spacek, John Leguizamo, and Chloe Sevigny. With a modest 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show is undeniably underrated.

2. Godless (2017)

Before American Primeval made waves this year with its raw depiction of the untamed American frontier, Godless quietly debuted in 2017, offering an equally gritty look at the Wild West. Set slightly later in 1884, Godless weaves a tale of vengeance with a twist. The fearsome outlaw Frank Griffin, along with his gang, relentlessly pursues Roy Goode, a former ally who betrayed them. Anchored by Jeff Daniels' performance, this Western series is a hidden gem.

3. Top Boy (2011, then 2019)

Top Boy, a gripping crime drama set in London, is often overlooked in the list of Netflix's greatest shows. The series, which first aired in 2011 on Channel 4 and was revived by Netflix in 2019, tells the story of gang leader Dushane Hill and his rivalry with former friend Gerard 'Sully' Sullivan.

The authenticity of Top Boy lies in its exploration of life's grey areas, where characters are not simply good or evil but a complex mix of both. Interestingly, during a walkabout with journalist Louis Theroux through the London streets where much of the series is set, star and producer Ashley Walters (who plays Dushane) was asked why characters like his couldn't come out on top.

4. Ozark (2017)

While it may seem odd to label a show that garnered copious accolades, multiple Emmys, and enjoyed several seasons as "under-rated", consider this: Ozark stands shoulder to shoulder with Breaking Bad in terms of quality, echoing similar themes (including a protagonist so exasperated by his own insignificant life that he reaches breaking point). Yet while Breaking Bad is frequently lauded as one of the greatest TV series ever, Ozark doesn't get anything like the same level of adoration.

The strength of Ozark lies in its compelling characters, especially the women, such as Laura Linney's Wendy Byrde, Julia Garner's Ruth, and Lisa Emery's formidable Darlene.

5. Seven Seconds (2018)

Seven Seconds follows the aftermath of an incident in which a white police officer accidentally hits and critically injures a black teenager with his car in New Jersey. When he calls his colleagues, they decide to cover it up. It made few headlines at the time despite dealing with subjects like the big divides (in terms of both race and wealth) in American society. It's got a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But Regina King did win both an Emmy and Golden Globe for her performance as the young boy's mother.

6. Hinterland (2013)

Hinterland has the unique feature of being released in both Welsh and English languages, requiring scenes to be shot twice - once in each language. The show emerged during the height of Nordic noir's popularity and seemed to transplant that genre into the dark, wet, and moody landscapes of Wales. While it may in many ways resemble other detective dramas, the true standout is the brooding Welsh scenery, which often doesn't get the recognition it deserves.

7. The Keepers (2017)

If someone asks you to name a Netflix true crime documentary, chances are that, even today, you'd still say Making A Murderer. This "breathtakingly brave" documentary that examines who killed Sister Cathy made far fewer headlines. In 1969, the 26-year-old nun from Baltimore was murdered. Her sudden death stunned the town. As investigators dug into this mystery, they learned that her death may not have been the only injustice and that Sister Catherine Cesnik may have been murdered to cover up sexual abuse by a school priest. Investigations like this change lives and change history. The same year as the documentary was released, the body of the priest, Joseph Maskell, was exhumed.