7 Totally Brilliant and Underrated Netflix Shows You Should Be Watching

This true crime parody does an amazing (and hilarious) job at evoking a Making a Murderer-type vibe, sans real stakes. After 27 cars in a high school parking lot fall prey to a crude act of vandalism (in the form of spray painted penises, no less) and resident student body troublemaker Dylan Maxwell is held accountable, two sophomores (uncertain of Dylan's culpability) take it upon themselves to find the true vandal. Both endlessly amusing and surprisingly well done, the mockumentary's inaugural season proves deeper than meets the eye in its revealing final episodes. (Note: Season 2 is worth the watch as well, but Vandal's first installment takes the crown.)

This Gabrielle Union-helmed drama doesn't get its fair due. Originally based in Atlanta, the show moved to N.Y.C. for its fourth season and really grew into its own. Fresh off season four, Mary Jane's adopted a unique footprint as a socially conscious examination of the plight of the successful black woman as well as a binge-worthy look at the trials of a single 30-something in the city. 

At first glance, the show is one of many drug money-fueled and star-studded attempts at drama, but the series really surpasses its first impressions. By the first season's end, Ozark evolves into a nuanced thriller that will leave you desperate for a second season ... and then a third (which is on its way!), and will alter the way you see Jason Bateman for, well, ever. More on this addictive Netflix Original here. 

This British gem's first season is, well, weird, but gloriously so. A free-spirited Andy Samberg, who plays the titular Cuckoo, faces the challenge of a lifetime when he goes to live with his in-laws. He and his father-in-law, Ken (Greg Davies), share incredible comedic chemistry, making for a goofy but hilarious first season. For all you Lonely Island fans, season one of Cuckoo is peak Andy Samberg. NOTE: Taylor Lautner replaces Samberg in season two and everything falls apart. Stick with season one. 

This flashback-heavy series follows a man with an STI in his quest to alert everyone he's ever slept with. Originally (and aptly) titled Scrotal Recall, the British comedy is a brief, airy escape from reality. Little has happened in the "big-picture" scope of the series; we're pretty much right where we started, but somehow this show makes that a comforting place to end up. 

Another clever British find, Chewing Gum follows sheltered 24-year-old Tracey (Michaela Coel) as she explores every facet of life (read: sex) that her religious upbringing kept her from. Like every good bingewatch, the series is funny, weird, and contains many a Beyoncé reference. 

Ricky Gervais takes on a distinctly Gervais-y role as a man who does and says whatever he pleases without fearing fear of hurting himself or others. Of course, he has a motivation: His wife has died and he's plummeted into depression — his new methods are a way of punishing what he perceives to be an unfair world. As funny as it is to watch Gervais roast everyone in his path, there's an unexpected sensitivity beneath the show's vulgar exterior.