The 2000s saw the release of some of the best TV shows of all time, but they also had some hidden gems that are worth checking out. The world of TV releases new projects and seasons all the time, and while many stand out thanks to their popularity, many others end up getting lost.
Many TV shows that became hidden gems of the 2000s fell into that category due to their premature cancellations, bad marketing, low ratings, or a quality decline at some point. While many shows of the decade have become forgettable due to their not-so-good quality, others deserved more attention and success, and they are worth revisiting now.
10
Braceface
A forgotten and painfully underrated animated show from the 2000s is Braceface. Created by Melissa Clark, Braceface was a coming-of-age teen drama that followed teenager Sharon Spitz (voiced by Alicia Silverstone). As if being a teenager wasn’t complicated enough, Sharon got braces, which got in the way of her social life in different and comical ways.
Braceface had relatable characters and stories, and while the braces subplot added silliness to it, it was key to make the show lighthearted amid all the teenage struggles and occasional serious (and even taboo) topics. Braceface is a different, refreshing perspective on teenage life and struggles, and after all these years, it now carries a heartwarming sense of nostalgia.
9
Suburban Shootout
Created by Vito Rocco and Gordon Anderson, Suburban Shootout is a satirical black comedy TV show. Suburban Shootout followed the Hazeldines: mother Joyce (Amelisa Bullmore), father and local superintendent Jeremy (Ralph Ineson), and good-hearted but naive son Bill (Tom Hiddleston). The family moved to the seemingly idyllic town of Little Stempington, but the town kept a big secret.
Joyce soon learned that there were two rival gangs of housewives, who used weapons and intimidation to deal with crime and antisocial behavior in town, and both began to use Joyce for their respective benefit. Suburban Shootout is absurd but very funny, and though it ended too soon, that makes it easier to watch.
8
Brothers & Sisters
Brothers & Sisters is a family drama created by Jon Robin Baitz. Brothers & Sisters followed the wealthy Walker family after the death of the family’s patriarch. His death brought out dark secrets to light, most notably his infidelity, while his children also dealt with problems of their own.
Despite its engaging family drama, dynamics, and realistic characters, along with an impressive cast with talents like Sally Field and Calista Flockhart, Brothers & Sisters has mostly become a forgotten TV show. Brothers & Sisters explores the complexities of sibling relationships, parental roles, generational trauma, and more, and it’s so well-written, it will instantly catch anyone’s attention.
7
Wonderfalls
Created by Todd Holland and Bryan Fuller, Wonderfalls is a fantasy comedy-drama show. Wonderfalls followed Jaye Tyler (Caroline Dhavernas), a Brown University graduate with a philosophy degree, working as a sales clerk at a Niagara Falls gift shop. The twist was that Jaye had conversations with different animal figurines, who gave her cryptic instructions and advice.
Wonderfalls had a creative premise with heartwarming stories and characters amid the quirkiness of it all. Wonderfalls had a lot of heart, sense of humor, and strong character development, but became a hidden gem after its early cancellation. Wonderfalls is definitely one of Fuller’s weirdest but most charming works.
6
Masters of Horror
The horror genre also has a hidden gem of the 2000s thanks to Masters of Horror. Created by Mick Garris, Masters of Horror was a horror anthology TV show that brought together various horror filmmakers – such as John Carpenter, Guillermo del Toro, and Tobe Hooper –, with each episode led by a different director.
One episode from season 1, “Imprint”, was banned by Showtime due to how disturbing and graphic it was.
This allowed for different styles of horror (psychological, body, fantasy, etc), storytelling, and directing in Masters of Horror, as well as the exploration of a variety of themes and an interesting display of creativity. It’s hard to say why Masters of Horror faded into obscurity, but it’s a great hidden gem for horror fans.
5
What I Like About You
What I Like About You was a sitcom created by Wil Calhoun and Dan Schneider. What I Like About You followed sisters Val (Jennie Garth), the responsible older sister, and Holly (Amanda Bynes), the lively teenage sister. The main focus of What I Like About You was the opposite personalities of the sisters, as well as how these affected their dynamic and daily lives.
What I Like About You is relatable thanks to its family dynamic, and its focus on sisterly bonds makes it different from other sitcoms of the decade, and Bynes stood out for her charm and comedic skills. Even with all these strengths, What I Like About You has faded into obscurity, but for those into sitcoms and some 2000s nostalgia, this is a great show.
4
W.I.T.C.H.
In 2004, the Italian comic book series W.I.T.C.H. got a TV adaptation. W.I.T.C.H. followed a group of friends who discovered they were the second generation of the legendary Guardians of the Veil. As such, the girls had to save planet Meridian from Prince Phobos and Lord Cedric, who were looking for the prince’s younger sister and true heir to the throne.
Each of the girls had different powers as they each represented an element, with Will being the Guardian of Quintessence. W.I.T.C.H. explored themes like friendship, femininity, loyalty, love, and responsibility, with an engaging fantasy story and complex world and characters.
Despite its positive message, animation, and popularity, W.I.T.C.H. got lost amid other animated shows from the 2000s, but it’s a must-watch for those into fantasy worlds (and the comic books are a must-read, as well).
3
Dark Angel
Dark Angel is a sci-fi action drama show created by James Cameron and Charles H. Eglee. Set in 2019, in a dystopian Seattle, Dark Angel followed Max Guevara (Jessica Alba), a genetically enhanced runaway supersoldier. Max escaped from a covert military facility as a child and spent her life avoiding capture and looking for her brothers and sisters.
Dark Angel had Cameron’s seal of quality in terms of narrative, characters, and visuals, with a layered plot, complex characters, and addressing various themes. Dark Angel spanned a series of novels and a video game, but it has gotten lost amid other action shows of the decade, but it’s guaranteed to catch the attention of fans of action dramas and James Cameron.
2
Being Human
Created by Toby Whithouse, Being Human is a British supernatural comedy-drama series. Being Human followed friends John Mitchell (Aidan Turner) and George Sands (Russell Tovey), a vampire and a werewolf, respectively. Mitchell and George moved into a new apartment, where Annie Sawyer (Lenora Crichlow), a ghost, was stuck after dying there.
Being Human got a US remake with the same title.
Being Human followed their individual efforts to live their lives in the most normal and human way possible, as they also tried to come to terms with their specific conditions. Being Human is an engaging blend of horror, fantasy, drama, and comedy, giving the audience a look at a world where creatures like vampires and werewolves, along with ghosts, coexist with humans.
Being Human is a great watch for those into monsters, drama, fantasy, and TV shows that explore themes like humanity, redemption, empathy, grief, and death – and as a plus, the main cast’s chemistry is undeniable.
1
Pushing Daisies
Another Bryan Fuller TV show from the 2000s that was unfairly canceled too soon is the comedy-drama Pushing Daisies. The show followed Ned (Lee Pace), a pie-maker with a unique ability: he brought dead things back to life with one touch, but if he touched them again, they died for good. Ned used this ability to help private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve mysteries.
However, his life took a turn when his childhood crush, Chuck (Anna Friel), mysteriously died and he brought her back to solve the mystery, but couldn’t bring himself to touch her again. Pushing Daisies has a unique charm, quirkiness, and sense of humor, through which it explores topics like death, grief, guilt, and love.
Pushing Daisies has complex and strange but charming characters and smart jokes, blending comedy, mystery, and drama in a truly unique TV show. Unfortunately, Pushing Daisies only stayed for two seasons, but that makes it easier to watch and rewatch.