The Most Underrated Web Series You Should Be Watching
In the ever-expanding universe of online entertainment, countless web series vie for our attention. While streaming giants churn out big-budget productions, a vibrant ecosystem of independent creators is crafting compelling narratives with limited resources but boundless creativity. These hidden gems often offer fresh perspectives, experimental storytelling, and authentic voices that resonate deeply with niche audiences. This article shines a spotlight on some of the most underrated web series currently available, deserving of a wider audience and critical acclaim.
1. Carmilla (2014-2016): Queer Gothic Horror Done Right
Carmilla reimagines the classic gothic novella by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu as a modern-day, lesbian vampire romance set at a fictional Silas University. Told primarily through the vlog of Laura Hollis, a journalism student, the series follows her investigation into the mysterious disappearances plaguing the campus. Her investigation leads her to the enigmatic and alluring Carmilla Karnstein, a centuries-old vampire with a sharp wit and a penchant for trouble.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its dedicated fanbase, Carmilla remains largely unknown outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Its low-budget production and reliance on vlog-style storytelling might initially deter some viewers, but the series quickly transcends these limitations. The witty writing, compelling characters, and slow-burn romance between Laura and Carmilla are captivating.
Key Strengths:
- Strong Female Leads: The series boasts a predominantly female cast, with complex and well-developed characters who drive the narrative. Laura and Carmilla are particularly compelling, with their contrasting personalities and evolving relationship.
- Queer Representation: Carmilla offers authentic and nuanced representation of queer relationships, avoiding harmful tropes and stereotypes. The romance between Laura and Carmilla is treated with respect and sensitivity.
- Engaging Mystery: The overarching mystery of the disappearances keeps viewers hooked, with each episode revealing new clues and twists. The series effectively blends gothic horror elements with contemporary themes.
- Interactive Storytelling: The vlog format allows for a unique level of interaction with the audience. Laura directly addresses the viewers, creating a sense of intimacy and involvement.
Where to Watch: YouTube (KindaTV channel)
2. High Maintenance (2012-2015 Web Series, 2016-2020 HBO Series): A Glimpse into the Lives of New Yorkers
Before its successful transition to HBO, High Maintenance began as a web series on Vimeo. Created by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair (who also stars), the series follows “The Guy,” a nameless marijuana deliveryman, as he interacts with a diverse array of clients in New York City. Each episode focuses on a different set of characters, offering a snapshot of their lives, anxieties, and eccentricities.
Why It’s Underrated (as a Web Series): While the HBO adaptation garnered critical acclaim, the original web series often gets overlooked. The shorter format and independent production allowed for a more experimental and intimate approach to storytelling.
Key Strengths:
- Character-Driven Storytelling: High Maintenance excels at creating memorable and relatable characters, even in its brief episodes. The series delves into their personal struggles, desires, and relationships with empathy and humor.
- Authentic Portrayal of New York City: The series captures the unique energy and diversity of New York City, showcasing its hidden corners and the lives of its inhabitants.
- Episodic Structure: The anthology format allows for a wide range of stories and perspectives, keeping the series fresh and engaging.
- Dry Humor: High Maintenance employs a subtle and observational style of humor that resonates with viewers who appreciate nuanced and understated comedy.
Where to Watch: Vimeo (available for purchase or rent), HBO Max (for the HBO adaptation)
3. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013): Jane Austen for the Digital Age
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice told through vlogs, tweets, and other social media interactions. Lizzie Bennet, a graduate student in mass communications, documents her life and the lives of her family and friends in a series of YouTube videos. The series follows the familiar plot of Pride and Prejudice, but with a contemporary twist.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite its critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries often gets overlooked in discussions of web series. Its adaptation of a classic novel might lead some to dismiss it as derivative, but the series offers a fresh and innovative take on Austen’s work.
Key Strengths:
- Creative Adaptation: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries cleverly reimagines the characters and plot of Pride and Prejudice for a modern audience, using social media to enhance the storytelling.
- Engaging Characters: The series features a talented cast who bring the iconic characters of Pride and Prejudice to life with wit and charm.
- Interactive Experience: The series encouraged audience participation through social media, allowing viewers to interact with the characters and influence the narrative.
- Accessibility: The series is freely available on YouTube, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Where to Watch: YouTube (Lizzie Bennet Diaries channel)
4. Whatever, Linda (2012-2014): A Hilarious Look at Office Life in the 1970s
Whatever, Linda is a workplace comedy set in the 1970s, following the lives of two secretaries, Linda and Deb, as they navigate the absurdities of their office environment. The series is known for its witty writing, retro aesthetic, and over-the-top characters.
Why It’s Underrated: Whatever, Linda often gets overshadowed by more popular workplace comedies. Its low-budget production and niche appeal might limit its reach, but the series offers a unique and hilarious take on office life.
Key Strengths:
- Sharp Writing: The series features clever and witty writing that pokes fun at the social norms and expectations of the 1970s.
- Comedic Performances: The cast delivers strong comedic performances, embodying the quirky and eccentric characters with enthusiasm.
- Retro Aesthetic: The series’ attention to detail in its costumes, set design, and music creates a convincing and immersive 1970s atmosphere.
- Relatable Themes: Despite its historical setting, Whatever, Linda explores relatable themes of friendship, ambition, and the struggles of navigating the workplace.
Where to Watch: YouTube (Whatever, Linda channel)
5. Brown Girls (2017): A Celebration of Friendship and Identity
Brown Girls follows the lives of Leila and Patricia, two young women of color navigating their careers, relationships, and identities in Chicago. The series explores themes of friendship, sexuality, race, and religion with honesty and humor.
Why It’s Underrated: Brown Girls was initially slated for development by HBO, but the project was ultimately scrapped. Despite this setback, the web series remains a powerful and important work that deserves wider recognition.
Key Strengths:
- Authentic Representation: Brown Girls offers authentic and nuanced representation of women of color, exploring their experiences and perspectives with sensitivity.
- Strong Female Friendship: The series celebrates the importance of female friendship, portraying a supportive and loving relationship between Leila and Patricia.
- Exploration of Identity: Brown Girls delves into complex issues of identity, exploring the challenges of navigating race, sexuality, and religion in a diverse society.
- Engaging Storytelling: The series features compelling characters and storylines that keep viewers invested in their journeys.
Where to Watch: YouTube (OpenTV channel)
6. Husbands (2011-2013): A Gay Marriage Comedy with Heart
Husbands is a sitcom created by Jane Espenson and Brad Bell (who also stars) that follows the lives of Brady and Cheeks, a professional baseball player and a struggling actor, respectively, who impulsively get married after Nevada legalizes same-sex marriage. The series explores the challenges and joys of marriage, as well as the complexities of navigating fame and public perception.
Why It’s Underrated: Husbands often gets overlooked in discussions of LGBTQ+ representation in media. Its short episodes and comedic tone might lead some to dismiss it as frivolous, but the series offers a heartfelt and insightful look at gay marriage.
Key Strengths:
- Positive LGBTQ+ Representation: Husbands offers positive and affirming representation of gay marriage, portraying a loving and supportive relationship between Brady and Cheeks.
- Witty Writing: The series features sharp and witty writing that pokes fun at the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding gay marriage.
- Comedic Performances: The cast delivers strong comedic performances, embodying the quirky and endearing characters with charm.
- Relevant Themes: Husbands explores relevant themes of marriage equality, public perception, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the spotlight.
Where to Watch: YouTube (HusbandsTheSeries channel)
These are just a few examples of the many underrated web series that deserve more attention. By exploring these hidden gems, viewers can discover fresh perspectives, innovative storytelling, and authentic voices that are often missing from mainstream media. These series demonstrate the power of independent creators to craft compelling narratives with limited resources, proving that creativity and passion can overcome budgetary constraints. The world of web series is a vast and ever-
