15 Most Underrated TV Shows Of The Decade (So Far)

4. The Following

The Show: Former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) is in pursuit of escaped serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), but he also has to deal with the man's cult of like-minded maniacs who make his increasingly difficult job that much more dangerous.

Why It's Underrated: Critical reception to the show has been relatively mixed to date, with the grisly violence and ludicrous twists dividing reviewers, while many felt that the second season couldn't sustain the same thrills as the first. Awards prospects are sadly virtually nil, while the ratings of the third season largely half that of what the show scored in the first season.

It's a shame, because The Following is a tremendously enjoyable crime series for those prepared to buckle up for the nauseating gore and some admittedly pretty insane plot developments. It doesn't pretend to be totally grounded, but with Kevin Bacon's steely lead performance and a sublimely creepy turn by James Purefoy, there are plenty of sleazy pleasures to be had with this terrifically unpleasant series.