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What sets a cult classic show apart, is its dedicated fan following and path-breaking content. Such shows are not only popular when they are on-air, but also garner a passionate audience during their reruns, developing a vibrant subculture of their own.
Despite debates regarding the definition, there remain a few identifiable reasons which make shows cult classics. These could include a dedicated fanbase, portrayal of taboo topics, depiction of violence, and unconventional directorial choices.
So, from Mindhunter and Lost to Friends and Schiit's Creek, here's a list of some of the most famous cult classic shows that one needs to catch up on, this year.
The X-Files, Lost, Schitt's Creek, and more cult classic shows to catch up on in 2024
Here's a list of cult classic shows that viewers can watch before the year ends:
- Twin Peaks
- Gilmore Girls
- The X-Files
- Mindhunter
- Friends
- Lost
- Schitt's Creek
1) Twin Peaks (Available on Apple TV+)
Directed by David Lynch, this 90’s show aired for two seasons from 1990 to 1991 (and later for a third one in 2017). It attracted praise from critics and was hugely popular. Set in the titular fictional town, the show follows an FBI detective's search for the truth when a local girl, Laura Palmer, dies mysteriously, setting in motion a bizarre set of events.
Twin Peaks was considered revolutionary as it was different from the rest of the dramas of the time. Carrying the trade mark of David Lynch, the show bombarded the viewers' senses with an atmosphere of surrealism and dream-like visuals. The show's popularity, that continues to this day, has created a vast franchise.
2) Gilmore Girls (Available on Netflix)
Gilmore Girls was initially a sleeper hit but soon became one of the much-loved cult classic shows. A comedy-drama, the show focuses on the relationship between single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory Gilmore. Poles apart in nature, the series follows the aspirations of the two women and also focuses on Lorelai's difficult relationship with her own parents.
Fast-paced dialogues and pop culture references have added to the show's cult status. The program's stylish 2000s wardrobe also made it popular once again during the COVID-19 pandemic, when TikTok brought Y2K back.
3) The X-Files (Available on Amazon Video)
Another 90s gem, The X-Files aired intermittently for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2018 and is considered to be one of the foremost cult classic shows. Set around the adventures of two FBI detectives—Mulder and Scully—the show follows the duo as they try to solve unresolved FBI cases considered paranormal and have been discarded.
Starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, some of the show's famous characters include Eugene Tooms (Doug Hutchison), Ronnie Strickland (Patrick Renna) and more. Interestingly, the show’s haunting title song is still popular and has become a part of modern day pop-culture.
4) Mindhunter (Available on Netflix)
Based on a 1995 true-crime book, Mindhunter aired for two seasons on Netflix and gathered a loyal fanbase who have been requesting for a third season on the streaming giant. The show's popularity can be attributed to its intriguing plotline and methodical direction.
Set in the 70s, Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench who attempt to develop a new psychological method of criminal profiling. The show is famous for its realistic portrayal of real-life murderers like William Henry Hance, Paul Bateson, and Ed Kemper.
5) Friends (Available on Netflix)
The widely-popular show Friends aired for a decade from 1994 to 2004 and was adored by fans and critics alike. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the show famously gave birth to a new genre of sitcoms that focused on the lives of a particular group of friends in an urban city. The show's premise is simple, as it revolves around six close friends, Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey. Living in New York City, they navigate love, career, family and friendships.
Friends reached the zenith of popularity and made its six actors beloved among fans. Centered around the beauty and nuances of friendship, the show hugely resonated with viewers. Besides that, the versatile acting and brilliant comic timing of the actors, cemented the show's status as a cult classic.
6) Lost (Available on Amazon Prime)
This six-season series aired from 2004 to 2010 and is considered to be a classic show. Lost describes the aftermath of a group of survivors of a plane crash that lands on a mysterious island.
The show gained praise for its heady mix of the supernatural, science fiction, adventure, and survivalist genres. Stuck on the island, the characters must come together to stay alive as they uncover various oddities in their new home.
Lost generated sustained excitement as it followed a 'mystery box' storytelling method (popularized by its co-creator J.J. Abrams), which slowly uncovered various aspects of the show. The acclaimed show is the recipient of an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.
7) Schitt’s Creek (Available on Netflix)
One of the modern cult classic shows, Schitt’s Creek became a rage online and garnered critical praise for its characterization, humor, and plot. Created by father-son duo, Eugene and Daniel Levy, the show immediately takes viewers into the center of action as they see the Rose family losing all their wealth due to embezzlement. Left with only one asset—the desolate town of Schitt’s Creek, that they had purchased as a joke—the quirky family set out to adjust to a hilarious new reality.
Starring Eugene Levy, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, and Catherine O’Hara, the show is one of the few comedies that goes beyond typical slapstick humor and character stereotypes. Schitt's Creek maturely tackles LGBTQ+ themes and showcases realistic character development.
The beauty of cult classic shows is that it broadens the understanding of what art can be, with renewed interpretations emerging as time goes by. So make sure to catch up on these cult classic shows soon.
