Indie Web Series List: Hidden Gems You Need to Watch

Indie Web Series List: Hidden Gems You Need to Watch

The vast landscape of online video offers a plethora of content, often overshadowing the brilliance of independently produced web series. These hidden gems, crafted with passion, creativity, and often minimal budgets, deserve recognition. This list spotlights some of the most compelling indie web series across various genres, offering unique narratives, innovative storytelling, and compelling characters that mainstream media often overlooks.

Comedy:

• “High Maintenance” (Vimeo/HBO): Before its HBO adaptation, “High Maintenance” originated as a Vimeo series. The show follows “The Guy,” a nameless weed dealer, as he makes deliveries to a diverse array of eccentric New Yorkers. Each episode focuses on a different client, offering a vignette into their lives and struggles. The series is praised for its nuanced character portrayals, observational humor, and its ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. The independent episodes, particularly the early ones, retain a raw, authentic feel that is a testament to its indie roots. The strength lies in its anthology format, allowing for exploration of diverse perspectives and experiences, all connected by a single, unassuming character. The show masterfully blends humor with poignant moments, making it a truly rewarding viewing experience.

  

• “Brown Girls” (YouTube): This series celebrates the friendship between Leila, a South Asian American writer struggling to find her voice, and Patricia, a sex-positive Afro-Latina performance artist. Set in Chicago, “Brown Girls” explores themes of identity, sexuality, race, and the complexities of modern womanhood. The series is lauded for its authentic representation of marginalized communities, its witty dialogue, and its exploration of the nuances of female friendship. The show’s strength lies in its commitment to depicting the characters’ vulnerabilities and complexities, avoiding stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of young women of color. The writing is sharp and insightful, tackling difficult topics with humor and sensitivity.

• “Whatever This Is.” (YouTube/Vimeo): Created by Adam Goldman and Julian Breece, “Whatever This Is.” offers a realistic and often hilarious look at the lives of two gay men navigating the ups and downs of their careers, relationships, and friendships in New York City. The series is known for its relatable characters, its witty banter, and its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by young adults. Its mockumentary style adds to the authenticity, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The show’s strength lies in its ability to capture the anxieties and aspirations of a generation struggling to find their place in the world. The characters are flawed and relatable, making their successes and failures all the more impactful.

• “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix – Originally Web Series Concept): While eventually picked up by Netflix, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” began as a web series concept. The show follows Kimmy, a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult after 15 years and tries to rebuild her life in New York City. The series is known for its quirky humor, its upbeat tone, and its celebration of resilience. While the Netflix version has a larger budget and scope, the core of the show remains true to its web series roots: a focus on character-driven comedy and a celebration of individuality. The fast-paced writing and the absurd situations Kimmy finds herself in make for a highly entertaining and addictive viewing experience.

Drama:

• “Anacostia” (YouTube): One of the longest-running independent web series, “Anacostia” is a soap opera set in Washington, D.C., focusing on the lives, loves, and betrayals of a diverse group of characters. The series tackles complex social issues such as race, class, and sexuality with a melodramatic flair. “Anacostia” demonstrates the power of independent storytelling to create long-form narratives and build a dedicated audience. The show’s longevity is a testament to its engaging storylines and its commitment to representing diverse voices. While the production values may not be as polished as mainstream soap operas, the emotional intensity and the compelling characters make it a worthwhile watch.

• “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” (YouTube): A modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” is told through video blogs and social media interactions. The series is known for its clever writing, its engaging characters, and its innovative use of the web series format. The success of “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” paved the way for other literary adaptations and demonstrated the potential of web series to reach a wider audience. The show’s strength lies in its ability to modernize a classic story while staying true to the spirit of the original. The characters are relatable and engaging, and the use of social media adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

• “Carmilla” (YouTube): Based on the novella of the same name, “Carmilla” is a lesbian vampire web series set at a fictional university. The series follows Laura Hollis, a journalism student, as she investigates the disappearance of her roommate and uncovers a supernatural mystery. “Carmilla” is known for its strong female characters, its witty dialogue, and its exploration of themes of identity, sexuality, and power. The show’s success is due in part to its dedicated fanbase, who actively participated in the show’s online community. The series is a great example of how web series can create a space for marginalized voices and tell stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media.

• “Afterlife” (YouTube): This series explores the complex emotional and social landscape of grief and loss. Each episode follows a different character as they navigate the aftermath of a significant death in their lives. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of grief, its sensitive writing, and its focus on character development. “Afterlife” is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. The series is particularly impactful for its willingness to explore the messy and uncomfortable aspects of grief, avoiding sentimentality and offering a genuine portrayal of the grieving process.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy:

• “RWBY” (Rooster Teeth): An animated web series created by Rooster Teeth, “RWBY” is set in a world where young warriors train to fight monsters known as Grimm. The series is known for its stylized animation, its action-packed fight scenes, and its compelling characters. “RWBY” has gained a massive following and has spawned numerous spin-offs and merchandise. The show’s strength lies in its blend of action, humor, and heartfelt character development. The animation style is unique and visually stunning, and the fight scenes are choreographed with precision and creativity.

• “LARPs: The Series” (YouTube/Vimeo): This Canadian web series follows a group of friends who participate in live-action role-playing (LARP) games. The series is known for its humorous portrayal of LARPing culture, its relatable characters, and its exploration of themes of friendship, identity, and escapism. “LARPs: The Series” is a celebration of geek culture and a reminder that everyone needs a place to belong. The show’s strength lies in its ability to poke fun at LARPing while also respecting the passion and dedication of its participants. The characters are quirky and endearing, and the storylines are both humorous and heartwarming.

• “Star Trek Continues” (YouTube): A fan-made web series that continues the adventures of the original Star Trek crew, “Star Trek Continues” is meticulously crafted to replicate the look and feel of the classic series. The series is known for its high production values, its faithful recreation of the original series’ aesthetic, and its respectful treatment of the source material. “Star Trek Continues” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Trek and the power of fan creativity. The show’s strength lies in its attention to detail and its commitment to capturing the spirit of the original series. The actors convincingly portray the iconic characters, and the storylines are well-written and engaging.

• “JourneyQuest” (YouTube): A fantasy comedy web series, “JourneyQuest” parodies the tropes of the fantasy genre while also telling a compelling story. The series follows a group of inept adventurers as they embark on a quest to save the world. “JourneyQuest” is known for its witty writing, its memorable characters, and its low-budget but effective special effects. The show’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor and adventure. The characters are hilarious and relatable, and the storylines are full of unexpected twists and turns.

Horror/Thriller:

• “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared” (YouTube): This British web series starts as a seemingly innocent children’s show but quickly descends into surreal and disturbing territory. Each episode features puppets learning about a different topic, but the lessons are often bizarre and unsettling. “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared” is known for its dark humor, its unsettling visuals, and its thought-provoking commentary on society and culture. The show’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of unease and dread through its seemingly innocent facade. The puppets are charming but also unsettling, and the lessons they learn are often disturbing and ambiguous.

• “Marble Hornets” (YouTube): One of the pioneers of the Slender Man mythos, “Marble Hornets” is a found-footage web series that follows a group of film students as they are stalked by a mysterious figure. The series is known for its minimalist style, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its use of ARG (Alternate Reality Game) elements to engage its audience. “Marble Hornets” is a masterclass in low-budget horror and a testament to the power of online storytelling. The show’s strength lies in its ability to