The Undiscovered Gems: Best New Web Series You Need to Binge Now
The golden age of television has expanded beyond traditional networks and streaming giants. The internet is now a fertile ground for innovative storytelling, giving rise to a vibrant ecosystem of web series that offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream content. These bite-sized productions, often created with smaller budgets and independent spirits, are pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences with their originality and niche appeal. Here’s your curated watchlist of the best new web series, spanning genres and styles, that deserve your attention.
1. Carmilla (2014-2016): Queer Gothic Horror Redefined
Before the proliferation of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media, Carmilla carved a path with its witty dialogue, compelling characters, and intriguing gothic horror storyline. Based loosely on the novella of the same name, the series follows Laura Hollis, a bright-eyed journalism student at Silas University, whose roommate mysteriously disappears. When the enigmatic Carmilla Karnstein becomes her new roommate, Laura finds herself drawn into a world of vampires, ancient secrets, and burgeoning romance.
Key Strengths: The chemistry between the lead actors, Elise Bauman (Laura) and Natasha Negovanlis (Carmilla), is undeniable. The series cleverly blends humor with suspense, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the power of female friendship. The production values are surprisingly high for a web series, and the writing is consistently sharp and engaging.
Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy vampire mythology, queer romance, and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Carmilla is a must-watch. Its dedicated fanbase is a testament to its enduring appeal.
2. High Maintenance (2012-2020): A Weed Delivery Guy’s Window into New York Life
Originally a Vimeo web series, High Maintenance gained widespread recognition after being picked up by HBO. The show revolves around “The Guy,” a nameless weed deliveryman who connects with a diverse array of clients across New York City. Each episode offers a glimpse into the lives of these individuals, exploring their anxieties, quirks, and everyday struggles.
Key Strengths: High Maintenance excels at creating empathetic and nuanced portraits of its characters. The show avoids judgment, presenting its subjects with honesty and compassion. The Guy serves as a unifying thread, connecting seemingly disparate stories and offering a subtle commentary on the human condition. The series also boasts excellent writing, direction, and performances.
Why You Should Watch: If you appreciate character-driven stories, slice-of-life narratives, and a unique perspective on urban life, High Maintenance will resonate with you. It’s a thoughtful and insightful exploration of the human experience.
3. Brown Girls (2017): A Celebration of South Asian Sisterhood
Brown Girls is a poignant and heartwarming series that centers on the friendship between Leila, a queer Pakistani-American writer, and Patricia, a free-spirited Indian-American artist. Set in Chicago, the show explores their struggles with identity, family expectations, and the challenges of navigating adulthood as women of color.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its authentic representation of South Asian culture and its nuanced portrayal of female friendship. The writing is honest and relatable, tackling complex issues with sensitivity and humor. The performances are natural and engaging, bringing the characters to life with depth and vulnerability.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking for a series that celebrates diversity, explores themes of identity and belonging, and offers a fresh perspective on the female experience, Brown Girls is a must-see.
4. Insecure (2016-2021): The Awkward Realities of Black Millennial Life
Created by Issa Rae, Insecure started as a web series called Awkward Black Girl before being adapted into a critically acclaimed HBO show. The series follows Issa Dee as she navigates her career, relationships, and the complexities of being a Black woman in Los Angeles.
Key Strengths: Insecure is lauded for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and authentic portrayal of Black millennial life. The show tackles issues of race, identity, and relationships with humor and honesty. Issa Rae’s performance is particularly noteworthy, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerabilities of her character with remarkable skill.
Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy witty comedies that explore complex social issues, Insecure is a must-watch. It’s a groundbreaking series that has resonated with audiences of all backgrounds.
5. Whatever This Is. (2013-2016): The Struggles of Aspiring Filmmakers in LA
Whatever This Is. is a semi-autobiographical web series created by Hunter Cope and Charlie Rogers. The show follows the lives of two aspiring filmmakers in Los Angeles as they struggle to make their dreams a reality.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by aspiring artists in the entertainment industry. The writing is witty and insightful, capturing the frustrations and triumphs of pursuing a creative career. The performances are natural and engaging, making the characters relatable and likable.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re an aspiring artist or simply enjoy stories about pursuing your dreams, Whatever This Is. will resonate with you. It’s a funny and heartwarming series that offers a glimpse into the realities of life in Hollywood.
6. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013): A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice told through the format of a video blog. The series follows Lizzie Bennet as she chronicles her life, family, and romantic entanglements.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its clever adaptation of the classic novel. The use of the video blog format is innovative and engaging, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The performances are excellent, bringing the beloved characters to life in a fresh and modern way.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice or simply enjoy clever and well-executed adaptations, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a must-watch. It’s a fun and engaging series that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
7. Squaresville (2010-2013): A Quirky Teen Comedy with Heart
Squaresville is a teen comedy web series that follows the lives of Esther and Chloe, two self-proclaimed “squares” navigating the social complexities of high school.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its quirky humor, relatable characters, and positive message. The writing is witty and insightful, capturing the awkwardness and anxieties of adolescence. The performances are charming and engaging, making the characters likable and endearing.
Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy teen comedies with a unique perspective and a positive message, Squaresville is a must-watch. It’s a heartwarming and funny series that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
8. Drunk History (2007-Present): History with a Hilarious Twist
While Drunk History eventually transitioned to Comedy Central, it began as a web series created by Derek Waters and Jeremy Konner. The show features comedians getting intoxicated and attempting to recount historical events, which are then reenacted by actors.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its hilarious premise and its surprisingly informative content. The comedians’ drunken ramblings are often absurd and nonsensical, but they also manage to convey the basic facts of the historical events. The reenactments are often over-the-top and comedic, adding to the overall entertainment value.
Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy comedy and history, Drunk History is a must-watch. It’s a funny and educational series that will make you laugh while you learn.
9. The Guild (2007-2013): A Hilarious Look at Online Gaming Culture
The Guild is a comedy web series that follows the lives of a group of online gamers who are members of the same guild in a fictional MMORPG.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its witty writing, relatable characters, and accurate portrayal of online gaming culture. The show captures the camaraderie, rivalries, and social dynamics of online gaming communities. The performances are excellent, bringing the characters to life with humor and charm.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re a gamer or simply enjoy comedies about online communities, The Guild is a must-watch. It’s a funny and insightful series that will resonate with anyone who has spent time in the virtual world.
10. Husbands (2011-2013): A Quick-Witted Comedy About Gay Marriage
Husbands is a sitcom web series created by Jane Espenson and Brad Bell. The show follows the lives of Brady and Cheeks, a professional baseball player and a television actor, respectively, who impulsively get married after a drunken night out.
Key Strengths: The series is praised for its witty writing, charming performances, and progressive message. The show tackles issues of gay marriage and LGBTQ+ rights with humor and heart. The chemistry between the lead actors is excellent, making their relationship believable and endearing.
Why You Should Watch: If you enjoy sitcoms with a progressive message and charming characters, Husbands is a must-watch. It’s a funny and heartwarming series that will leave you feeling good.
These web series represent just a small sampling of the diverse and innovative content available online. By
