10 TV Shows of 2000s That Are Still Binge-Worthy in 2023

1. "Dead Like Me" (2003-2004)

A quirky dark comedy, "Dead Like Me" introduces us to George Lass, a young woman who dies and discovers she's become a Grim Reaper. Here's the deal: instead of the hood and scythe, she and her fellow Reapers look, well, just like regular people.

Creator Bryan Fuller, who later gave us "Hannibal " and "Pushing Daisies," was behind this unique take. Now, a little dish: Fuller left the series early on due to creative differences with MGM Television.

While the show got cut after only two seasons, the impact it left was eternal. Mandy Patinkin and Ellen Muth delivered particularly stellar performances. It's a show that contemplates the meaning of life, death, and everything in between.

2. "Carnivàle" (2003-2005)

Set during the Great Depression and with a rich carnival backdrop, this HBO drama is packed with mysticism and dichotomies between good and evil. It followed Ben Hawkins, a young farm boy with healing powers, and Brother Justin Crowe, an unsettling preacher who might just be the devil incarnate.

The series dripped in symbolism, and sometimes its ambiguity left viewers scratching their heads. Oh, and the word around town? It was one of the most expensive shows produced by HBO at the time. Sadly, it got the ax after just two seasons, leaving some plot points unresolved.

If you're into surreal, visual, and atmospheric tales, step right up!

3. "Wonderfalls" (2004)

This short-lived dramedy had talking animal figurines. No, really! Jaye Tyler, a sales clerk, suddenly finds inanimate objects (mostly animals) giving her cryptic advice.

From the mind of the previously mentioned Bryan Fuller (yeah, he had a thing for underappreciated gems), this one was as whimsical as it sounds. The cast was bright and dynamic, led by Caroline Dhavernas.

Fun fact: despite its cancellation after just a season, the show developed a dedicated fanbase and was later released on DVD due to demand. It's proof that sometimes, networks don't always know best.

4. "Profit" (1996 – technically 90s but too good to ignore)

Jim Profit is your atypical anti-hero. He's cunning, manipulative, and would sleep in a cardboard box (literally!). While this corporate drama was ahead of its time, it wasn't necessarily in sync with the '90s viewers.

Despite its boundary-pushing plot, it was pulled off air after only four episodes. Here's the juice: many believed it was too dark for network television. Adrian Pasdar's chilling portrayal of the title character was one for the books. A little ahead of its time, "Profit" now serves as a predecessor to the more recent morally ambiguous protagonists.

5. "Keen Eddie" (2003-2004)

Take a wisecracking New York cop, transplant him to London, and what do you get? A delightful mix of humor, mystery, and cultural clashes. Eddie Arlette (played by Mark Valley) was an NYPD detective sent to London after a drug bust goes wrong.

This show was unique in its vibrant tone and cinematic style, and its humor was decidedly British despite its American protagonist. Sienna Miller played one of her earlier roles here. While it had its moments of brilliance, the show struggled to find its audience and was canceled after a season. Still, for those who discovered it, it's a jolly good time!

6. "Life" (2007-2009)

After being wrongfully imprisoned, detective Charlie Crews returns to the force with a Zen attitude, a hefty settlement, and a burning desire to find out who set him up. Damian Lewis brought a quirky charm to the role, long before his "Homeland" days. Rand Ravich, the man behind the concept, infused philosophical queries into this crime procedural.

Behind-the-scenes tidbit: Lewis, being British, worked diligently on his American accent, and, well, it paid off. The series blended drama, comedy, and mystery effortlessly. While it lasted for two seasons, it remains a hidden gem, waiting to be (re)discovered.

7. "Jericho" (2006-2008)

When nuclear explosions cripple the U.S., the residents of Jericho, Kansas, are left in the dark, quite literally. What followed was a riveting tale of survival, politics, and human spirit. Skeet Ulrich and Lennie James led a talented cast.

Now, here's a spicy tidbit: after its cancellation post the first season, fans sent over 20 tons of peanuts to CBS in protest (yes, peanuts), leading to a shortened second season. It was an impressive display of fan power, even if it was short-lived.

If you're into post-apocalyptic dramas, this one's a keeper.

8. "Pushing Daisies" (2007-2009)

A pie-maker who can bring the dead back to life with a single touch? Yep, that's the premise of this visually vibrant and narrative-rich series. Creator Bryan Fuller (yep, him again) served up a fairy tale dramedy starring Lee Pace and Anna Friel.

The show was as colorful as a basket of fruit, both in its visual aesthetic and in its storytelling. A dash of romance, a sprinkle of mystery, and heaps of charm, this series won critical acclaim but was, unfortunately, a victim of the 2007-2008 writers' strike. This pie is still fresh for the taking, though!

9. "John from Cincinnati" (2007)

Surf's up! But this isn't just any surfing drama. From the creators of "Deadwood" and "NYPD Blue", this series dives deep (pun intended) into the Yost surfing family and their interactions with the mysterious John. Not your regular Joe, John's origins and abilities remain ambiguous.

Here's the wave: the show got mixed reviews for its abstract narrative. Some loved it; others... well, they just didn't catch the wave. One thing's for sure: it was a bold venture in storytelling.

10. "The Middleman" (2008)

Comic book fun meets TV! Wendy Watson becomes the sidekick to a crime-fighting hero known as "The Middleman." Battling comic book-esque villains like intelligent gorillas and trout-craving zombies, it was unapologetically over-the-top.

While the campiness was deliberate, the heart and humor were genuine. Natalie Morales and Matt Keeslar were delightful in their roles. Here's a quirky fact: the series finale was never filmed but was later released as a table read. Definitely a treat for fans of the delightfully absurd.