In the golden age of streaming, miniseries have become a staple of television storytelling. But for every Chernobyl or The Queen's Gambit that becomes a cultural phenomenon, there are dozens of brilliant, tightly crafted shows that slip through the cracks. We've dug up seven binge-worthy miniseries that no one seems to remember—but absolutely should.
1. Landscapers (2021)
This darkly comic true-crime drama stars Olivia Colman and David Thewlis as a quiet British couple who commit a shocking murder and then try to cover it up by burying the body in their garden. The series is a masterclass in tension and black humor, with Colman delivering one of her most nuanced performances. If you missed it on HBO, it's a perfect weekend binge.
2. The Fear (2012)
Before Peaky Blinders made him a household name, Cillian Murphy starred in this gritty British miniseries about organized crime in Brighton. Murphy plays a gangster trying to go straight, but his past keeps pulling him back. The show is a raw, atmospheric thriller that deserves a spot alongside the best crime dramas.
3. Empire Falls (2005)
Based on Richard Russo's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this HBO miniseries boasts an all-star cast including Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, Paul Newman, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Set in a small Maine town, it's a poignant exploration of family, regret, and the American dream. Newman's final performance is heartbreakingly good.
4. Storm of the Century (1999)
Stephen King wrote the screenplay directly for this miniseries, and it shows. A mysterious stranger arrives on a remote island during a blizzard, and the townspeople must confront their darkest secrets. It's often compared to Twin Peaks for its eerie, supernatural vibe. For more on that connection, check out our piece on why 'Storm of the Century' feels like 'Twin Peaks'.
5. The Lost Room (2006)
This sci-fi miniseries from Syfy is a cult classic that never got the mainstream love it deserved. A detective investigates a mysterious motel room where everyday objects have supernatural powers. It's a mind-bending puzzle box of a show that rewards repeat viewing.
6. The Night Of (2016)
While this HBO crime drama was a critical hit, it's surprisingly absent from most "best of" lists today. Riz Ahmed plays a Pakistani-American college student accused of murder, and the series follows the labyrinthine legal system that ensnares him. It's a gripping, uncomfortable look at justice and prejudice.
7. Olive Kitteridge (2014)
Frances McDormand won an Emmy for her portrayal of a prickly, deeply human schoolteacher in this four-part miniseries. Based on Elizabeth Strout's novel, it's a quiet, devastating portrait of a woman navigating love, loss, and the small cruelties of everyday life. It's the kind of show that stays with you for days.
These miniseries may have faded from public memory, but they're all available to stream right now. Whether you're in the mood for crime, sci-fi, or family drama, there's a forgotten gem here waiting to be discovered. For more underrated streaming picks, check out our list of Netflix's best miniseries under six episodes.
