10 Most Underappreciated TV Shows Of The Decade (So Far)
7. A Series Of Unfortunate Events
It seemed as though Netflix’s recent Lemony Snicket adaptation was harmed both by audience familiarity with the Jim Carrey vehicle from over a decade earlier, and perhaps perceptions that the series was ‘just for kids’. The series garnered critical acclaim and was relatively well-discussed on social media, but it never became the water cooler hit that Stranger Things or even The Man in the High Castle did, despite its broad audience appeal.
Two months on from its launch, the series has been renewed, but it hasn't had nearly the same cultural impact as Netflix shows like Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Orange is the New Black, nor has it shared the viewing figures of a Fuller House or Netflix's Gilmore Girls revival.
Rather than simply a goofy show for minors, A Series of Unfortunate Events is an all-singing, all dancing showcase for Neil Patrick Harris and a selection of fantastic character actors. To paraphrase Patrick Warburton’s Snicket himself, the show isn’t suitable for kids – it isn’t really suitable for anyone. It’s shot like an oddball kid’s show, but it’s written with a vein of jet-black humour that probably won’t land with the majority of youngsters.
As a result, one of 2017’s most watchable shows might have narrowly avoided the very audience it was trying to appeal to. Still, that's the beauty of streaming services; A Series of Unfortunate Events will always be available to enjoy, if you're willing to take the risk on this sugar coated black comedy.