Binge-Worthy Trainwrecks: 10 So-Bad-They’re-Good TV Shows of the 2020s

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Currently, television is at its height with each new series striving to surpass previous achievements. However, there’s an endearing charm in immersing oneself into old-fashioned “so bad it’s good” TV shows due to their cheesy, absurd, and hard-to-resist qualities. The 2020s, in particular, have been a golden age for such programs as streaming platforms are consistently producing an abundance of content, resulting in some truly dreadful yet delightful treasures appearing on our screens.

These television series might not be Emmy contenders, but they’ll surely make you chuckle, squirm, and eagerly switch to the following episode without a second thought. The reason? They masterfully blend mediocre scriptwriting, exaggerated performances, and a blatant disregard for plausibility. Their kitschy appeal is endearing, resembling an extended B-movie production. On those days when we yearn for a bit of low-brow entertainment to lift our spirits, these 10 “so bad they’re good” TV shows from the 2020s are just the ticket!

10
‘Velma’ (2023 – 2024)

Velma provides an unexpected take on the Scooby-Doo series by eliminating its most recognized feature – the character Scooby-Doo himself. This adult animated mystery comedy primarily revolves around the intelligent member of the gang, Velma Dinkley, as she maneuvers high school life while probing into the mysterious disappearance of her mother and a series of grisly murders involving prominent teenage girls in the locality.

A Reinvention That Misses the Mark

The series offers a bizarre reimagining of Mystery Inc’s origins in another dimension, with familiar characters being caricatures of their original selves. Velma is depicted as a self-centered detective plagued by hallucinations; Fred is a naive wealthy youth; Norville is smitten and supportive friend; while Daphne transforms into a snobbish, ambitious mean girl seeking the truth about her biological parents’ identity. The show Velma gained notoriety for its unique interpretation of the Scooby-Doo mythos, but it provides an intriguing viewing experience for those who appreciate the absurd.

9
‘Debris’ (2021)

As a passionate cinephile, I’d put it this way: “In the film ‘Debris’, I find myself as Bryan Beneventi, a CIA operative, and Finola Jones, an MI6 agent, unraveling a puzzling mystery – remnants of an alien spacecraft have been dropping onto our planet. These debris fragments hold peculiar powers, causing people and nature to behave erratically. With the clock ticking, we’re on a chase to retrieve these pieces before shadowy organizations can exploit them for their own gain.

Big Ideas, Messy Execution

Although “Debris” claims to be a serious sci-fi thriller due to its captivating mystery, compelling characters, and chilling atmosphere, it actually offers an excessive, lighthearted adventure that doesn’t require much contemplation. Unfortunately, the series suffers from inconsistent pacing and unclear storylines as events frequently loop back on themselves. Despite NBC canceling it after only one season, it still manages to be enjoyable and ambitious in its attempts.

8
‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’ (2020)

In 1938, Los Angeles serves as the setting for Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, a story unfolding more than half a century after its predecessor. The series intricately blends elements of the supernatural with the tense historical climate of the era. The narrative primarily focuses on Detective Tiago Vega and his partner, Lewis Michener, who find themselves entangled in a complex web of mysteries and conflicts, which stem from the supernatural realm, as they delve into the investigation of a murder.

Spin-Off That Lost Its Magic

Although it may seem like a high-class, dramatic remake of the spellbinding “Penny Dreadful,” this production falls short in truly recapturing its eerie greatness. The series introduces Magda, a demon who can transform herself, portrayed by Natalie Dormer, who aims to demonstrate that human nature is innately evil. It delves into Mexican-American folklore and espionage during the Nazi era, all while striving for historical authenticity and chilling suspense. It attempts to cover too many aspects, yet still manages to intrigue those with a curious mindset.

7
‘La Brea’ (2021 – 2024)

Out of nowhere, a colossal chasm unexpectedly appears in downtown Los Angeles, devouring a large section of the city, including residents, vehicles, and structures. Those who unluckily tumble into this abyss find themselves isolated from contemporary society, trapped to survive on their own in an enigmatic ancient world teeming with peculiar creatures and oddities. As they struggle to comprehend their bizarre new circumstances, one of the characters, Gavin Harris, experiences prophetic dreams that could potentially provide a means of escape.

Absurd Yet Addictive Sci-Fi Viewing

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but admit that “La Brea” is a series that seemingly delights in its own contradictions and absurdities. It weaves in time travel aspects where sinkholes are gateways to 10,000 BC, and introduces future-set power struggles over a puzzling project, creating a narrative that’s as confusing as it is captivating. The visual effects could use some polishing, and the dialogue occasionally veers into unintentional comedy territory. Yet, despite its flaws, the show manages to keep me hooked with its intriguing blend of chaos, survival drama, and family turmoil, ensuring that I’ve been tuning in for three seasons and counting.

6
‘Astrid & Lilly Save the World’ (2022)

Friends Astrid and Lilly, who are often overlooked in high school, find themselves facing real-life terrors when they accidentally open a gateway to another realm, releasing peculiar creatures into their world. As they navigate this supernatural journey, they encounter teenage challenges such as bullying, first crushes, and drama, all while dealing with the campy horror and offbeat humor that their strange adventure presents.

Campy and Oddly Relatable

Astrid & Lilly Save the World” doesn’t necessarily revolutionize its genre, particularly when it comes to the recurring monster theme. However, it stands out with its unique, charming quirkiness. The dialogue is cleverly self-aware, the visual effects are budget-friendly, and the narrative has some rough edges – but these aspects lend an enjoyable B-movie vibe to the series.

5
‘CSI: Vegas’ (2021 – 2024)

In the vein of timeless forensic dramas, CSI: Vegas introduces a brand-new ensemble and an intriguing enigma that could potentially shake up the Las Vegas Crime Lab. The narrative centers around Maxine Roby, a brilliant yet tormented character, and her team, as they grapple with bureaucratic corruption, personal struggles, and the allure of sin city while solving crimes through a blend of science and technology.

A Campy Crime Caper

In a nutshell, CSI: Vegas faced the challenge of matching its predecessor’s standards, yet it fell short by offering a somewhat diluted version instead. It reintroduced beloved figures like Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle to work alongside the fresh cast, but unfortunately, the narrative often relied on overused procedural tropes, and the characters were not well-rounded or given much development. Despite these drawbacks, it was the sense of nostalgia that made it worthwhile to tune in.

4
‘Walker’ (2021 – 2024)

In a contemporary take on the ’90s hit show “Walker, Texas Ranger”, the protagonist Walker is portrayed by Jared Padalecki who also serves as an executive producer. This new Walker steps into the role of Cordell Walker, a widowed father and current Texas Ranger, who returns home to Austin after spending two years on undercover assignments that have left him both physically and emotionally scarred. Unfortunately, he barely has time to reconnect with his family before facing the challenges of dealing with crime in his town.

Soap Opera Disguised as a Crime Procedural

Instead of maintaining the gritty, morally-focused tone of its predecessor, this reboot emphasizes family dynamics, delving into Walker’s complex relationships with his kids, brother, and partner Micki Ramirez. While action remains a key element, the emotional narrative gives it a more soap opera feel. The charisma of Jared Padalecki attracts many loyal fans. However, one of the most striking features – and arguably its most intriguing aspect – is the identity crisis that the series grapples with.

3
‘Gossip Girl’ (2021 – 2023)

From 2007 to 2012, the initial run of “Gossip Girl” was a ratings sensation, amassed more than a dozen Teen Choice Awards, and served as a catalyst for numerous subsequent dramas. The reboot introduces a fresh cast of Manhattan’s elite, focusing on Julien Calloway, a social media influencer who has recently reconciled with her half-sister, Zoya. Kristen Bell resumes her voice role as the notorious anonymous blogger and hints at some juicy secrets that could cause quite a stir.

Pretty People and Their Terrible Decisions

The revamped version of Gossip Girl from the 2000s teen drama isn’t merely a copycat. Instead, it amplifies the drama significantly, dishing out petty feuds, lavish fashion, and twists galore. The series refreshes the original concept by incorporating contemporary technology, with Instagram and Twitter becoming tools in the struggle for social supremacy. While it’s not the best show around, the over-the-top entertainment value makes it a tantalizing indulgence to enjoy.

2
‘FUBAR’ (2023 – Present)

Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on television for the first time in the action-comedy series “FUBAR”, produced by Nick Santora for Netflix. This show revolves around Luke Brunner, a veteran CIA agent contemplating retirement when he discovers that his daughter, Emma, has been concealing her role as a spy for years. With their relationship fraught and their personal differences aside, the father-daughter duo embarks on perilous missions together while attempting to mend their strained bond.

Spy Saga Led by Father-Daughter Duo

FUBAR is driven by explosions, covert actions, humor, emotional scenes, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic one-liners. The show relies heavily on forced jokes and extremely unlikely plot turns. However, despite its questionable execution, it has a captivating allure for fans due to its complex plots and abundance of campy moments. While critics had mixed opinions about the production, audiences appreciated Schwarzenegger’s performance and the show’s high-energy, leading to a second season renewal.

1
‘The Republic of Sarah’ (2021)

Over the course of 13 episodes, The Republic of Sarah transports viewers to a quaint New Hampshire town, threatened by destruction when a mining company unearths a precious mineral beneath its soil, piquing the interest of relentless corporations intent on exploiting it for their own gain. In response, resourceful high school teacher Sarah Cooper uncovers a clever legal strategy and takes a stand, proclaiming independence from the United States.

An Unrealistic Political Fantasy

In “The Republic of Sarah,” things start off with a heartfelt, inspiring narrative as Sarah finds herself leading a new nation after Greylock gains independence. The series then delves into politics, emotional turmoil, conflicts, questions of identity, and resistance. Although the concept is grandiose, the execution appears hurried and overly dramatic at times. Despite these flaws, the show manages to keep viewers engaged due to its sincere tone and solid acting performances.

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2025-04-23 02:04