5 Underrated TV Shows You Should Be Watching

By Victoria Robertson on October 27, 2014

I suppose everyone has their own cup of tea, but when it comes to these five shows, if you aren’t watching, you’re wrong.

While shows such as “The Walking Dead” and “Modern Family” are at the forefront of television, other shows get cast aside without a fighting chance. Many of them are still popular, but their popularity isn’t nearly as big as it should be.

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So without further ado, here are five underrated TV shows you should be watching.

1. “Face Off:”

Who isn’t interested in learning more about movie magic? Special effects are such a large part of cinema nowadays, and yet many of us don’t know anything about the amount of work that goes into them.

On “Face Off,” individuals compete in the field of special effects makeup to create creatures fit for a movie set. Every week there is a new theme, ranging from Greek gods and goddesses and fairies to creepy clowns and mobsters.

The characters are the charismatic, artsy type and special guests often appear on the show, such as Robert Englund (known best for his portrayal as Freddy Krueger in the ever-popular horror film “A Nightmare on Elm Street”) and Scott Wilson (whom many will recognize as Hershel from AMC’s “The Walking Dead”).

If you enjoy reality television and competition, I strongly recommend checking out “Face Off;” it will really blow you away.

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2. “Sleepy Hollow:”

This show isn’t nearly as popular as it should be. Every time I mention it and people look at me with confusion, it hurts a little bit more.

Now don’t judge it by the title; this isn’t your typical storybook tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. No no, it’s so much more brilliant than that.

While some of your favorite characters from the story appear, such as Ichabod and the Horseman, there are new additions as well as a few twists and turns from the original storyline.

Ichabod, an American patriot under the command of General George Washington in the TV series, has been reborn into the modern day town of Sleepy Hollow in order to prevent the apocalypse.

The show uses ingenious techniques to tie ancient fairytales in with the show, and every week there is a new element to impress audiences.

It isn’t everyday you come across a show willing to work this hard to please their audience, so take advantage of it and watch–it’s worth it.

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3. “New Girl:”

I’d have to say the best word to use to describe this show is quirky. But then again, how could it not be with Zooey Deschanel as your lead actress?

This isn’t your typical sitcom, nor is it the most conventional show out there. However, we are constantly complaining about how everything is the same nowadays, so the show’s ability to differentiate itself so much from the typical realm of television is an accomplishment in itself.

The characters are hilarious and relatable, and while it may take a little while to get used to the type of humor used in the show, once you start you’re hooked.

Also starring Max Greenfield (Schmidt), Jake Johnson (Nick) and Damon Wayans Jr. (Coach), the show was set up for success from the start.

If you’re open-minded and enjoy shows that break the television norms, this is your show.

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4. “Salem:”

I mean seriously, a show about the Salem Witch Trials that completely redefines them as conspiracy? What’s not to love?

Unlike most TV shows, there isn’t one character that is all good. Every single one of them has skeletons in their closet, and your favorites change from week to week.

To have character development unraveled in every episode is truly incredible, and “Salem” does this every week without skipping a beat.

The show is dark, intelligent and filled with elements of the supernatural. So scratch everything you thought you knew about the Salem Witch Trials, because “Salem” breaks all the rules.

The show returns in April of 2015 for its second season, so you’ve got time to catch up. So drop all your homework and binge watch the first season and trust me, you won’t be able to wait for the season premiere.

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5. “Melissa & Joey:”

Melissa Joan Hart (Melissa) and Joseph Lawrence (Joey) star in this ABC Family sitcom.

The show is cute, entertaining and, albeit, a little cheesy, but hey, what sitcom isn’t?

The dynamic duo, Hart and Lawrence, have amazing on screen chemistry, which only makes you love the show even more.

While it may be considered “mindless television,” who cares? Isn’t that exactly what you want during your study breaks anyway? Entertainment. And “Melissa & Joey” delivers very well in this category.

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Bonus Show:

“The Black Box:”

I know, the show has been cancelled, which is why I’m only including it as a bonus show, but oh my goodness did it have a fantastic first season.

For the first time in television, doctors aren’t glorified and mental illness isn’t seen as an inhibitor. Instead, the characters are oftentimes hard to like and the subject matter is touchy, and more often than not, dark.

In all honesty, this was one of televisions’ most intellectually sound series and was a breath of fresh air in comparison to other dramas involving the medical field. Plus, it came from the creators of “The Blacklist,” and we all know what a hit that has been.

There are hopes that Netflix will pick up the series and continue it outside of television, but chances are pretty slim.

At any rate, if you can get your hands on season one of this show, watch it. Even with its cancelation, the show is one of the best television has to offer.

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That ought to keep you busy through Thanksgiving break, huh? So break out your Netflix account, throw on some sweats and watch to your heart’s content.

You won’t be sorry.

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