In the vast ocean of Netflix’s 6,000+ titles, a single series has risen from obscurity to claim the crown as the “most underrated series ever” according to fans. Unbelievable, a 2019 crime drama miniseries, has ignited a firestorm of praise, with viewers on social media hailing it as a heart-wrenching, mind-blowing masterpiece that demands to be seen. Boasting a near-perfect 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this eight-episode gem delivers a gut-punch of emotion and suspense, weaving a true story of resilience, injustice, and redemption that’s unlike anything else on the platform. If you haven’t watched Unbelievable, prepare to discover the best show you’ve never seen — a silent powerhouse that’s leaving audiences stunned and shouting its praises from the rooftops.

A True Story That Hits Hard

Released on September 13, 2019, Unbelievable is a Netflix original miniseries based on the harrowing real-life events of the 2008–2011 Washington and Colorado serial rape cases. Drawing from the Pulitzer Prize-winning article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, as well as their book A False Report, the series dives into the devastating aftermath of a sexual assault and the systemic failures that compound the trauma. At its core, Unbelievable follows Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman who reports a rape only to face disbelief and betrayal from those meant to protect her. Years later, two tenacious female detectives, Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), uncover a series of similar attacks, racing to catch a serial predator before he strikes again.

What sets Unbelievable apart from other crime dramas is its unflinching focus on the survivors’ perspective. Rather than sensationalizing the violence, the series centers on the emotional and psychological toll of trauma, as well as the courage it takes to seek justice in a world that often turns a blind eye. Fans have called it “depressing and wonderful at the same time,” with one viewer noting, “It’s hard to watch, not because it’s weak, but because it’s so real it breaks your heart.” The show’s ability to balance raw emotion with a gripping investigation has earned it a devoted following and critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award and nominations at the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards.

A Tale of Two Timelines

Unbelievable unfolds across two interwoven timelines, masterfully blending Marie’s story in 2008 Washington with the detectives’ investigation in 2011 Colorado. In Lynnwood, Washington, 18-year-old Marie, a former foster child navigating a fragile new life, endures a brutal assault in her apartment. When she reports the crime, Detectives Parker (Eric Lange) and Pruitt (Bill Fagerbakke) question her relentlessly, seizing on minor inconsistencies in her story. Influenced by doubts from her foster mother Judith (Elizabeth Marvel), they pressure Marie into retracting her claim, charging her with filing a false report. The fallout is devastating: Marie loses the trust of her community, faces public humiliation, and struggles to rebuild her life under the weight of betrayal.

Meanwhile, in 2011 Colorado, Detectives Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall, inspired by real-life detectives Edna Hendershot and Stacy Galbraith, stumble upon eerily similar rape cases in their jurisdictions. Recognizing the work of a serial offender, the two women form an unlikely partnership, combing through years of case files and battling bureaucratic red tape to connect the dots. Their investigation is a masterclass in dogged determination, with Collette and Wever delivering powerhouse performances as detectives driven by empathy and a relentless pursuit of justice. The contrast between Marie’s isolation and the detectives’ collaboration creates a narrative that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Stellar Performances That Stay With You

The heart of Unbelievable lies in its trio of lead actresses, whose performances elevate the series to extraordinary heights. Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Marie Adler is nothing short of revelatory. With quiet intensity, she captures Marie’s vulnerability, resilience, and quiet strength, making every moment of her journey achingly real. Dever herself described the role as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” noting how she needed time to reflect after filming due to the emotional weight of Marie’s story. Her performance earned her nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, cementing her as a rising star.

Toni Collette, as the no-nonsense Detective Grace Rasmussen, brings a fierce intensity to the role, tempered by moments of deep compassion. Her chemistry with Merritt Wever’s Karen Duvall, a softer but equally determined detective, creates a dynamic partnership that feels authentic and inspiring. Wever’s understated performance earned her a Critics’ Choice Award, while Collette took home the Best Supporting Actress prize. The supporting cast, including Danielle Macdonald as a fellow survivor and Dale Dickey as a veteran detective, adds depth to the story, making every character feel like a real person with their own struggles and triumphs.

Why It’s Resonating in 2025

So why is Unbelievable exploding in popularity now, six years after its release? For one, its themes of systemic injustice and the fight for truth remain as relevant as ever. In an era where conversations about believing survivors and reforming broken systems are at the forefront, the series strikes a powerful chord. Marie’s story, in particular, resonates with viewers who see echoes of real-world struggles in her battle to be heard. As one fan put it, “This show isn’t just a crime drama — it’s a wake-up call about how we treat survivors.”

The series’ resurgence also owes much to word-of-mouth buzz on platforms like Reddit, where fans have championed it as a must-watch hidden gem. A recent post asking for Netflix’s “most underrated series” saw Unbelievable rise to the top, with users praising its “incredible acting” and “story that stays with you.” Its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, based on 84 reviews, underscores its critical acclaim, with reviewers calling it “heartbreaking and powerful” for its focus on survivors’ stories. The show’s compact eight-episode format, with episodes ranging from 43 to 58 minutes, makes it an ideal binge for viewers seeking a complete, satisfying story without the risk of cancellation — a rarity in today’s streaming landscape.

A Masterclass in Storytelling

Created by Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon, Unbelievable is a triumph of storytelling that never sacrifices substance for style. The series’ single-camera setup and evocative cinematography, led by Quyen Tran and Xavier Grobet, create an intimate yet tense atmosphere, pulling viewers into both the emotional weight of Marie’s ordeal and the urgency of the detectives’ pursuit. The writing is sharp and deliberate, avoiding the pitfalls of lesser crime dramas that rely on cheap twists or graphic violence. Instead, Unbelievable builds suspense through character-driven moments and the slow unraveling of truth, culminating in a finale that’s both cathartic and deeply moving.

Fans have been vocal about the series’ emotional impact. One viewer wrote, “I’ve watched it multiple times, even though it’s hard to get through. The acting and story are just that good.” Another called it “a blow straight to the heart,” praising its ability to linger long after the credits roll. The show’s refusal to shy away from difficult truths, combined with its message of hope and resilience, makes it a standout in Netflix’s vast catalog.

Don’t Miss the Show Everyone’s Talking About

As Unbelievable continues to captivate new audiences, it’s clear that this understated masterpiece is finally getting the recognition it deserves. With its stellar performances, gripping narrative, and unflinching look at the pursuit of justice, it’s no wonder fans are calling it the best show you’ve never watched. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, character-driven stories, or simply looking for something that will leave you both shattered and inspired, Unbelievable is a must-see. Head to Netflix, brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, and discover why this hidden gem is blowing minds and breaking hearts in 2025. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining the chorus of fans shouting its praises — this is one series you won’t forget.