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3 Underrated Netflix Shows to Watch This Weekend (July 18-20)

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  Crime and mystery series are dominating the underrated Netflix shows, but ''The Gringo Hunters'' is bringing all of the action this weekend

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3 Underrated Netflix Shows You Need to Binge This Weekend (July 18-20)


As the summer heat waves continue to scorch much of the country, there's no better way to escape the sweltering outdoors than by diving into some captivating television from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room. Netflix, the streaming giant that never sleeps, is packed with blockbuster hits and viral sensations, but sometimes the real gems are the ones flying under the radar. These underrated shows might not have the massive marketing budgets or the social media buzz of juggernauts like "Stranger Things" or "Squid Game," but they offer rich storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes that deserve your attention. This weekend, from July 18 to 20, why not skip the usual suspects and give these three hidden treasures a shot? Whether you're in the mood for mind-bending mysteries, heartfelt dramas, or quirky comedies, these picks have something for everyone. Let's break them down one by one, exploring what makes each one special, why they've been overlooked, and why they're perfect for your next binge session.

First up is "Dark," a German-language sci-fi thriller that originally premiered in 2017 but continues to gain quiet acclaim among dedicated viewers. If you're a fan of intricate plots that twist and turn like a pretzel, this show is your new obsession. Set in the small, fictional town of Winden, Germany, "Dark" kicks off with the disappearance of a young boy, which uncovers a web of secrets spanning multiple generations and, believe it or not, multiple timelines. The series masterfully weaves together elements of time travel, family drama, and existential philosophy, drawing comparisons to shows like "The Leftovers" or "Twin Peaks" but with a distinctly European flair. Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, the show spans three seasons, each building on the last to create a narrative that's as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

What makes "Dark" underrated? For starters, its foreign-language status might deter some English-speaking audiences who shy away from subtitles, but trust me, it's worth the effort. The pacing is deliberate, rewarding patient viewers with payoffs that make you rethink everything you've seen. The ensemble cast, including standout performances from Louis Hofmann as the tormented teen Jonas Kahnwald and Maja Schöne as the enigmatic Hannah Kahnwald, brings depth to characters grappling with fate, free will, and the consequences of their actions. Visually, the show is a feast, with moody cinematography that captures the eerie forests and nuclear power plant looming over Winden, enhancing the atmosphere of dread and mystery. Critics have praised its ambitious scope—it's not just a mystery; it's a meditation on human nature and the cycles of history. Yet, despite a dedicated fanbase that dissects its timelines on Reddit, "Dark" hasn't achieved the mainstream breakout it deserves. This weekend, carve out time for at least the first season; by episode three, you'll be hooked, pondering questions like "What if our past isn't as fixed as we think?" Pair it with some dark chocolate and dim lights for the ultimate immersive experience. At around 10 episodes per season, it's bingeable without overwhelming your schedule, leaving room for reflection between viewings.

Shifting gears to something lighter but no less profound, our second recommendation is "Derry Girls," a hilarious coming-of-age comedy set against the backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland during The Troubles. Created by Lisa McGee and first airing in 2018, this British-Irish series follows a group of teenage girls (and one English boy) navigating the chaos of adolescence amid political unrest. Saoirse-Monica Jackson stars as Erin Quinn, the ambitious and dramatic protagonist, surrounded by her quirky friends: the sarcastic Orla (Louisa Harland), the anxious Clare (Nicola Coughlan, who later skyrocketed to fame in "Bridgerton"), the wild Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), and the hapless James (Dylan Llewellyn). Episodes are short, clocking in at about 20-25 minutes each, making it ideal for a quick laugh or a full-season marathon.

Why is "Derry Girls" underrated? In a sea of American teen comedies, this show's unique setting and cultural specificity might make it seem niche, but that's precisely its strength. It balances sharp wit with poignant moments, addressing heavy topics like sectarian violence and family struggles without losing its comedic edge. The humor is rapid-fire, filled with Irish slang and absurd situations—like the girls' disastrous school trips or encounters with eccentric nuns—that will have you laughing out loud. Yet, beneath the laughs, there's real heart: it explores themes of identity, friendship, and resilience in turbulent times. The soundtrack, packed with 90s hits from the likes of The Cranberries and Ace of Base, adds a nostalgic kick. Despite critical acclaim (it boasts a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score) and three seasons plus a special, "Derry Girls" hasn't dominated global conversations like "The Office" or "Friends" reboots. Perhaps it's because it requires a bit of historical context, but Netflix provides easy access, and the show's warmth makes it universally relatable. This weekend, especially if you're feeling nostalgic or need a pick-me-up, start with the pilot episode "Episode 1," where the gang's antics set the tone. By the end, you'll feel like part of the crew, cheering for their triumphs and cringing at their mishaps. It's a reminder that even in dark times, humor can be a powerful balm.

Finally, for those craving a blend of true crime and psychological depth, "Mindhunter" is an absolute must-watch. Directed by David Fincher (of "Fight Club" and "Se7en" fame) and based on the book by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, this series debuted in 2017 and ran for two seasons before an unfortunate hiatus. It follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), as they pioneer the Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s. Their mission? Interviewing notorious serial killers like Ed Kemper and Charles Manson to understand the criminal mind and develop profiling techniques.

"Mindhunter" is underrated largely because it prioritizes slow-burn tension over flashy action, which can test viewers accustomed to faster-paced procedurals like "Criminal Minds." But that's what sets it apart: the show's strength lies in its meticulous attention to detail, from the era-specific production design (think wood-paneled offices and rotary phones) to the chilling, unfiltered conversations with real-life monsters. Groff's portrayal of Ford as an ambitious but increasingly unhinged agent is mesmerizing, capturing the toll of delving into darkness. The series doesn't glorify violence; instead, it examines the psychology behind it, raising uncomfortable questions about nature versus nurture and the banality of evil. With episodes around 45-60 minutes, it's substantive viewing that lingers long after the credits roll. Despite glowing reviews and a cult following, "Mindhunter" was overshadowed by Netflix's algorithm favoring lighter fare, and its indefinite pause left fans clamoring for more. This weekend, dive in if you're into true crime podcasts or films like "Zodiac"—start with the first season's exploration of the Atlanta Child Murders for a gripping entry point. It's educational, eerie, and endlessly fascinating, perfect for late-night sessions with the lights on.

In wrapping up, these three shows—"Dark," "Derry Girls," and "Mindhunter"—represent the best of Netflix's underrated catalog, offering diversity in genre, tone, and cultural perspective. They're not just time-fillers; they're experiences that challenge, entertain, and inspire. With the weekend ahead, you've got plenty of hours to explore one (or all) of them. Who knows? You might discover your next favorite series and join the chorus of fans singing their praises. Happy streaming! (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Us Weekly Article at:
[ https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/3-underrated-netflix-shows-to-watch-this-weekend-july-18-20-25/ ]