The 100, the most underrated TV shows ever and why it is underrated

The 100. Seriously, it’s one of the most underrated shows out there.

The 100 is a post-apocalyptic show set 94 years after a nuclear apocalypse destroyed Earth, leaving only those on 12 international space stations in orbit at the time as survivors. Forced to resort to draconian measures now that resources are dwindling three generations later, these survivors send 100 expendable juvenile delinquents down to Earth to test if it is habitable again. With the fate of humanity in their hands, the 100 are forced to forge into the unknown to find a way to survive on this strange, radiated planet when they realize that: a) no one is coming to get them and b) they are not alone.

Now, the reason The 100 is underrated is most likely due to the fact it airs on the CW, which is notoriously known for its more teenage-aimed, frivolous shows. However, it deserves more attention for being such a political, gritty, intriguing shows that while, yes, admittedly deals with teenagers, is about so much more than that. The 100 focuses very heavily on the theme of morality vs. survival, and its characters, who are all very well-developed and fleshed out, must face the dilemma of having to do horrible things to survive in this new, apocalyptic world they have found themselves in. There is also a strong focus on politics and power struggle as the 100 must forge relations with people already on the ground as well as the adults still in space.

Beyond plot and storyline, the cast and characters are very diverse - the main female lead is bisexual; the main male lead is half Filipino; there is multiple POC leading cast members, as well as supporting cast members; the show focuses heavily on female power, friendship, and leadership; and there are multiple disabled characters. Just, overall, there is a lot of diversity on the show in general, which, on top of providing more representation, also makes for unique characters and interesting storylines.

Honestly, for a CW show, The 100 is downright gritty and heavy. The show isn’t just about who hooks up with whom (although, admittedly you have to get past the first five or six mediocre episodes). And it’s incredibly entertaining - when The 100 is at its best, it is easily one of the best shows on television.

There are currently 4, 13–16 episode seasons and a fifth is to air in April.