Underrated television series wait to be appreciated in all their glory

I’m gonna say it: I’ve heard enough about “New Girl.” There are too many more fresh, funny and/or edgy shows that deserve the same recognition.

This week, I’m switching gears from movies to TV and counting down my picks for underrated TV shows: the gems that I love but never hear anybody talk about. I would of course love to give an advertisement-worthy spiel of three of my favorite shows ever—”Bojack Horseman,” “Sex Education” and “That 70s Show”—but those are adequately appreciated in their own right. These shows need some attention and love, because frankly, they deserve it.

**Clone High (2002; 2023-present)**

Comedy series “Clone High” follows the clones of famous historical figures such as John F. Kennedy, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra and Confucius. They’re all teenagers back in high school dealing with love triangles, friendship breakups and a devious principal that does delusion better than anybody else. Oh, the juvenile politics.

“Clone High” wasn’t appreciated during its first season—it did take 21 years to make a reappearance—and the show has definitely made some jokes that wouldn’t fly today, but I appreciate its dedication to changing with the times. From the moment I watched the first episode, “Clone High” had captured me both comically and dramatically.

Imagine a show where JFK says, “nothing bad ever happens to the Kennedys!” right before imminent disaster. That’s what makes “Clone High” so great: the brutal self-awareness that dares to make itself witty.

**Tuca and Bertie (2019-2022)**

Like “Clone High,” “Tuca and Bertie” is another animated comedy series. But don’t be fooled, it is definitely not for kids.

The series follows Tuca and Bertie, two female birds who navigate relationships, work and mental health. It’s often been referenced as the successor to the widely acclaimed “Bojack Horseman,” as both shows comment on real-life social issues and use the same creative director. However, “Tuca and Bertie” is very much its own show.

Imaginative, eccentric and heavy-hitting all at once, Tuca and Bertie may depict birds, but it’s particularly human—and particularly relevant to women, at that.

**Russian Doll (2019-2022)**

Think “Groundhog Day,” except a million times better—that’s Natasha Lyonne’s cowritten show Russian Doll, where she also stars as the main character Nadia Vulvokov.

Vulvokov keeps waking up on the same day at the same time, only to mysteriously die every night. Her friends don’t know what she’s talking about, but she’s convinced she’s stuck in an existential cycle, and she’s determined to get out.

If you’ve never watched (and subsequently praised) Natasha Lyonne, what’s wrong with you? Also, watch this show immediately. Her nuanced character portrayal is brilliant, as are the many embedded layers that embody this show. The ending left me loopy with thoughts for days. Yeah—I think it’s time for a rewatch.

**Barry (2018-2023)**

How do you make a murderous bad guy funny? I don’t know, but Bill Hader does it—and Anthony Carrigan does it even better.

Former Marine Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) has historically made his living off of being a hitman, but he’s always wanted to get into acting. As he hits the stage with an incredibly poor moniker, Barry attempts to keep his former profession from creeping into his new life, and especially away from his crush Sally Reed, (Sarah Goldberg), and self-absorbed acting teacher (Henry Winkler).

The premise of “Barry” would be catastrophic if gone wrong, but it somehow manages to be both violent and lighthearted at the same time. Its best seasons are the first and second before it gets a lot darker and depressing—unless that’s your thing. Either way, trust me. It’s worth watching for NoHo Hank alone.