5 Overlooked Anthology TV Shows Worth Watching

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Here are five great anthology TV shows you might not know about. Unlike traditional series, even watching just a few episodes of an anthology feels like you’ve experienced the show, so you’re likely not alone if you haven’t seen everything!

While some people prefer longer stories and criticize anthologies for being short, fans appreciate their complete endings, mix of different genres, and innovative ideas. Anthology TV series, whether each episode or each season tells a separate story, remain very popular.

I absolutely love shows like Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone, and Fargo – they’re just so well-made and everyone seems to be watching them! Honestly, I probably started watching without even realizing they were all anthology series. But if you’re a fan of those classics and want to explore more shows that are structured the same way, here are five you should definitely check out.

Dimension 404 (2017)

Hulu’s Dimension 404 is a short, six-episode sci-fi comedy series, similar in style to classic shows like The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. Taking inspiration from the frustrating 404 error message, and narrated by Mark Hamill, the show quickly stands out as a memorable addition to the anthology format.

Each episode of Dimension 404 has a playful, satirical tone, playfully exaggerating modern trends like esports and online dating. The show has a deliberately low-budget, B-movie feel that won’t appeal to all viewers, but many will find it enjoyably quirky.

Room 104 (2017-2020)

I just finished watching Room 104, and it’s unlike anything else I’ve seen. Created by the Duplass brothers, it’s an anthology series that all takes place in one single motel room – room 104, naturally. Each episode features different guests and completely changes the vibe. One week it’s a terrifying horror story, the next it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s really unpredictable, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

This show doesn’t rely on big-name stars, but each episode features at least one familiar face. While the storylines are unpredictable, it’s fun to explore the four seasons, skipping the episodes you don’t enjoy and sticking with the ones you do.

The Sinner (2017-2021)

Unlike typical anthology series, The Sinner follows a police investigation where most of the cast changes each season. Bill Pullman is the one constant, playing Detective Harry Ambrose, who investigates a different, complex crime and its surprising suspects every season.

Originally a limited series, The Sinner stands out from typical crime shows because each season tells a completely new story. The mysteries are genuinely captivating, and Bill Pullman’s consistently excellent performance provides a solid foundation, connecting the different seasons and allowing for more in-depth storytelling.

The Terror (2018-Present)

If you’re looking for a great horror series on Netflix, check out The Terror. It started as an adaptation of Dan Simmons’ 2007 novel of the same name, but after its first season, it became an anthology series. While each season keeps the title The Terror, it tells a new, monster-themed story.

The first season of the show is set in the 1800s Arctic, where a British expedition clashes with a powerful, bear-like spirit revered by a local First Nations tribe. Season two moves to California during World War II, focusing on a legendary Japanese monster that threatens a Japanese-American community. The third season, currently being made, will center around a man who is unfairly locked away in a mental institution.

Electric Dreams (2017-2018)

Based on the works of Philip K. Dick, Electric Dreams is a 10-part British anthology series exploring a wide range of science fiction themes. Each episode tells a different story, drawing from Dick’s short stories and novellas, and often blends sci-fi, horror, and thriller elements. The series tackles diverse concepts, including oppressive governments, alien imposters, and the aftermath of nuclear war.

The TV show, an anthology series, boasts a talented cast including Richard Madden, Benedict Wong, Anna Paquin, and Bryan Cranston, among others. Unlike many science fiction anthologies, Electric Dreams is generally hopeful, and its imaginative take on the world is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, staying true to the spirit of Philip K. Dick’s work.

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2025-12-14 20:11