Unlocking Hidden Gems: A Weekend Guide to Underrated Netflix Picks

The world of Netflix is so immense and populated with shows, some of which are amazing, but also a good portion of which are not. It’s very difficult to find something that’s truly your cup of tea, especially in a catalogue of so much. It’s a paradise for consumption, but it’s also hell in the way you can lose yourself in a morass of choices that are endless and tiring. Here are three shows that are a little off the beaten track, but would make for excellent weekend binges, to help you explore the online giant Netflix.

Exploring Laughter in L.A.: John Mulaney Presents

John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In L.A. (2024)

Arguably the most insightful look at Los Angeles in an hour of Netflix viewing – and a comedy special – John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In L.A. blends jokes and contemplations of the great city of… the city of… laugh at yourself, Groucho. John Mulaney is one of the funnier people alive. He takes you to lunch.

Whatever demons Mulaney has been wrestling with over the past few years, they’ve only made his comedic world view more complex. The willingness to flail occasionally in this show full of surprises is part of its charm: this is a personal world revealed along with the laughs, made even more engaging by the easy, affable host who gets the audience through the drier bits. And once you know that somebody as reclusive as John Carpenter is a guest star, you’ll be compelled to watch it all.

A Refreshing Take on Pokémon: Pokémon Concierge

Pokémon Concierge (2023)

Pokémon fans looking for a break from the capers of Ash and Pikachu will especially enjoy Pokémon Concierge, which plays up the nostalgia of a long-running brand by taking a zen-like perspective on the Pokémon world and moving the action to a Pokémon resort.

Its commitment to fun and relaxation is a welcome departure from the usual Pokémon plotlines, and each episode feels special and sweet – and represents the generousness of the Pokémon brand, its ability to sedate even the most action-packed franchise.

A Gritty Dive into Reality: Maid

Maid (2021)

Where Maid excels is in reimagining morality narratives about poverty, taking viewers inside the desperate lives of a single mother and her daughter. The show’s hinge – a babysitter who changes their lives for the better – lets the magnetic Margaret Qualley (playing the titular character Alex) express the reality and nightmare of getting by paycheque to paycheque in a real-feeling and smart way.

The series’ biting humour illuminates the inconstancies and indignities of living in poverty in a way that the moment its cameras captured it lacked; it’s a powerful expression of how, to survive such an uphill climb, a person has to be steely and sure of themselves – a feat honoured by a nuanced and astounding central performance.

Editors' Recommendations

And for those who explore Netflix for new cinematic adventures, the guide also includes recommendations to explore beyond the confines of the streaming giant to other hotspots of premium content like mind-bending sci-fi on Peacock, Hulu dramas and HBO Max exclusives curated by the editors.

Understanding "Sharp"

The Significance of SHARP Writing in TV Shows

TV shows with their snappy writing share the ability to create depth with wit, clarity and precision Snappy writing, therefore, is a valuable tool in the arsenal of TV storytellers, especially those who search for a deep realism and/or characterisation like the ones in Maid.

FAQs about Selling Sharp with Gizmogo

What makes sharp an essential quality in TV shows?

Tight writing is all-important because it makes sure the storyline is interesting, familiar and challenging, compelling the viewer to remain connected; that it resonates and makes the audience emotionally invested.

How often is sharp writing found in television?

Although sharper writing is a distinctive feature in the best TV, it varies within and between genres and shows. Watching sharp dialogues and narratives makes shows much more enjoyable.

Can selling sharp increase a show's success?

True, sharp dialogues and storylines can lead to critical acclaim and audience appeal, thereby increasing the success and longevity of the show.

How does Gizmogo assess sharp in shows?

Despite selling gadgets at Gizmogo, a site devoted to digital goods, analogies to reviewing tech specs – ie, evaluating ‘sharpness’ as a quality in TV shows or films – would be processes of dispassionately assessing efficiency, absorbtion and user utility.

Why is Maid considered a prime example of sharp writing?

Maid’s piercing style of writing is due to the unvarnished portrayal of poverty, underpinned by textured characters and a page-turning storyline. This showcases how penetrating narratives are able to move and touch the viewers.

And so, this weekend guide has come to an end. But please remember: nestled in the streaming depths of Netflix are writers, thinkers, creators: shows that cut, shows that surprise, places that send you away. From Los Angeles streets to a high-end Pokémon resort, from Mumbai to poverty-stricken metropolises, at least some of this selection ensures that there’s something different on Netflix, and hopefully something for everyone.