7 Reasons You Need to Binge-Watch Underground

When sparks fly between Noah (played by Aldis Hodge, Straight Outta Compton) and Rosalee (played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Friday Night Lights), you can immediately feel their chemistry. By the end of the third episode, you'll find yourself emotionally invested and rooting for these two lovebirds to escape the plantation. Whether a fairy-tale ending awaits them, you'll just have to watch to find out.

The series features an all-star ensemble of actors who've made a splash on the big and small screens. Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU), and James Lafferty (One Tree Hill) are just a few familiar faces you'll recognize on the show. A guest appearance by Empire's breakout star Jussie Smollett (Jurnee's real-life brother) will leave you with chills down your spine. His Emmy-worthy performance was inspired by a scene from one of Beyoncé's music videos, according to the series creator.

Underground successfully taps into the backgrounds of each major character on screen. In addition to the slaves, you get a cohesive look into the lives of the slave owners and slave hunters, along with the courageous abolitionists who aided the slaves toward liberty. Whether you agree with the choices or sacrifices made, you at least walk away with a better understanding of everyone's moral and immoral decisions.

Just when you think Underground is headed in one direction, the show takes another turn. The writers have cleverly crafted a plot line that keeps viewers on their toes. You'll never know which characters to trust and which characters to dislike. It's an addictive adrenaline rush from start to finish.

There are some scenes you will probably have to watch twice in order to catch some of the references, but Underground packs a lot of wit and some not-so-subtle shade ("This cake is delicious. Did you make it yourself?"), which makes the show not only gripping but entertaining all at once.

With John Legend serving as one of the executive producers, Underground's soundtrack never feels boring. Contemporary songs like "Black Skinhead" by Kanye West and "River" by Ibeyi add an exciting, fresh element to an otherwise grounded show.

I'll admit, I was apprehensive about watching another show about the suffering of slaves. I understand the critics who argue that these kinds of images can be triggering to some. But after watching the first episode, I quickly realized how imperative it is for these stories to be told and not to be forgotten. Underground works as a much-needed refresher on an ugly part of American history that feels just as important today as it did many years ago.