Best Underrated Web Series of 2025 You Might’ve Missed: The year 2025 has been overflowing with high-budget, star-studded OTT releases. But amid the noise of blockbuster series and trending titles, a few quietly brilliant shows slipped by without getting the hype they deserved.

These underrated web series might not have trended on Twitter or received Emmy buzz, but they delivered compelling stories, breakout performances, and binge-worthy moments.

If you’re tired of watching what everyone else is watching, here’s a curated list of hidden gems from 2025 that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

1. “Afterglow” (Voot Select)

Genre: Psychological Drama / Mystery

A slow-burn thriller set in the dreamy backdrop of Kerala’s backwaters, Afterglow explores the mental unraveling of a grieving photographer who starts receiving photographs of events that haven’t happened yet.

Why it’s underrated:
Overshadowed by bigger releases in the same month, Afterglow quietly delivered a deeply moving narrative with haunting visuals and subtle performances. The cinematography alone is worth a watch.

What stands out:

• The nonlinear storytelling
• A chilling twist in the final episode
• A standout performance by newcomer Meenal Thakur

2. “Ctrl+Alt+Love” (MX Player)

Genre: Sci-fi Romance / Dark Comedy

Set in a near future where people date through emotion-sharing neural implants, this show is a clever satire on dating apps and emotional vulnerability in the digital age.

Why it’s underrated:
Its niche sci-fi plot didn’t appeal to the mass audience, but it’s an emotional rollercoaster for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or swiped right.

What stands out:

• A perfect blend of humor and heartbreak
• Tech-inspired world-building
• Strong chemistry between the leads

3. “Kaala Saaya” (Sony LIV)

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Inspired by Indian folklore, Kaala Saaya tells the tale of a tribal village where shadows move even when their owners do not. A journalist’s arrival triggers a series of bizarre events.

Why it’s underrated:
It lacked star power and flashy promotion, but offered gripping suspense and rooted mythology that kept fans hooked.

What stands out:

• Eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Tumbbad
• A strong cultural narrative
• Unexpected twists in every episode

4. “Common Ground” (Hulu / Disney+ Hotstar)

Genre: Political Satire / Drama

An Indian-American senator’s daughter decides to join a grassroots protest against her father’s policies. The result? A sharp, witty exploration of intergenerational politics, identity, and activism.

Why it’s underrated:
The political angle may have felt too real for some viewers, but it’s a masterclass in character conflict and timely storytelling.

What stands out:

• Intelligent writing
• A powerful father-daughter dynamic
• Subtle nods to global political climates

5. “Sutli Bomb” (Amazon miniTV)

Genre: Dark Comedy / Slice of Life

Set in a chaotic Delhi neighborhood, this series follows a retired grandmother who accidentally becomes a viral meme and influencer — leading to unintended chaos for her conservative family.

Why it’s underrated:
It didn’t get the love it deserved thanks to its low-budget vibe, but it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy with heart.

What stands out:

• Quirky yet relatable characters
• Satirical take on social media fame
• A heartfelt grandmother-grandson relationship

6. “The Archive Room” (ZEE5)

Genre: Crime / Mystery

An archivist at a police department starts uncovering connections between old case files and present-day crimes — but the deeper she digs, the more personal it gets.

Why it’s underrated:
Released during the same week as a major thriller series, it got buried — but the plot is tightly written and intellectually engaging.

What stands out:

• Female-led investigation narrative
• Introspective monologues
• A killer (literally!) final episode

7. “Echoes of 84” (Netflix India)

Genre: Historical Fiction / Drama

This 4-episode miniseries explores the untold stories of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots through the lens of three generations. Heart-wrenching and beautifully shot, it’s a poignant tribute to unheard voices.

Why it’s underrated:
Many skipped it, assuming it would be too heavy. But its emotional power and storytelling finesse are hard to ignore.

What stands out:

• Authentic period details
• Soul-stirring performances
• No sensationalism — just raw emotion

8. “Project Biryani” (YouTube Originals)

Genre: Docu-Drama / Food Culture

A food researcher travels across India documenting underground biryani variations and the stories behind them. Sounds simple? Think again.

Why it’s underrated:
It’s more than a food show — it’s about community, history, migration, and belonging. And you’ll definitely end up hungry.

What stands out:

• Real stories of local cooks
• Soulful narration
• Unexpected emotional depth

9. “Digital Dystopia” (ALT Balaji)

Genre: Tech Thriller / Dystopian Drama

What happens when India bans the internet for a month? A chaotic, realistic drama following five lives affected by the blackout — from a digital artist to a gig worker to a student.

Why it’s underrated:
It came across as too “experimental” for some, but it’s a must-watch social critique on tech addiction, inequality, and freedom.

What stands out:

• Unusual storytelling format (each episode follows a new person)
• Great ensemble cast
• Thought-provoking and timely

10. “The Wandering Poet” (TVF)

Genre: Road Drama / Feel-Good Series

A poetic and visually rich series following a young poet as he hitchhikes from Manali to Rameswaram, finding stories, heartbreak, and inspiration.

Why it’s underrated:
It’s not action-packed or fast-paced — but it’s healing, profound, and deeply human. Perfect for slow evenings and long thoughts.

What stands out:

• Gorgeous cinematography
• Beautiful spoken word poetry

• Each episode a standalone storyx