TIME Names 'Penelope' One of 50 Most Underappreciated TV Shows

Time magazine has released a list of the 50 most underappreciated TV shows, including 'Penelope', a self-financed TV series created by Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn. The list highlights shows that have been overlooked despite their unique storytelling, diverse characters, and impactful themes.

The list includes a range of genres and styles, from the historical thriller 'Underground', set in the years leading up to the Civil War, to the comedy series 'Crashing', created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Other notable shows on the list include 'Men of a Certain Age', a dramedy that explores the friendships and inner lives of three men in their 50s, and 'It's a Sin', a five-part drama that captures the scope and pain of the early AIDS crisis.

'Penelope' is a notable inclusion on the list, as it was self-financed by its creators, allowing them to maintain creative control and produce a unique and poetic series. The show follows a young girl who runs away from her normal life to live in the wilderness, and has been praised for its lyrical and often wordless portrayal of her spiritual journey.

Other shows on the list include 'Downward Dog', a network sitcom that features a dog as its narrator, 'Bupkis', a semi-autobiographical comedy series created by Pete Davidson, and 'We Are Lady Parts', a British comedy series that follows the lives of a group of young Muslim women in London who form a punk band.

What's on the list The full list of 50 underappreciated TV shows includes a wide range of genres and styles, from drama and comedy to historical thriller and punk rock. Some of the other notable shows on the list include 'This Fool', a two-season Hulu comedy that follows the lives of two cousins in South Central L.A., and 'Such Brave Girls', a show that explores the lives of young women with disabilities.

Why it matters The list highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating underappreciated TV shows, which often provide unique perspectives and storytelling that may not be found in more popular series. By shedding light on these overlooked gems, Time magazine is giving readers a chance to discover new shows and appreciate the diversity and creativity of the television landscape.

The list also underscores the challenges faced by creators who want to produce unique and innovative content, often in the face of commercial pressure and industry expectations. The inclusion of self-financed shows like 'Penelope' demonstrates the importance of creative control and the need for alternative models of production that allow creators to take risks and push boundaries.