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10 Shows Like 13 Reasons Why For Fans Of Teenage Dramas

December 30, 2022
shows like 13 reasons why

13 Reasons Why was one of Netflix’s early teenage drama shows that presented a unique concept of storytelling which made every viewer want to binge-watch the entire show. The concept of each episode highlights the ‘reason’ and the person of interest that lead Hannah Baker to action. If you’re searching for shows like 13 Reasons Why, we have curated a list of great teenage drama shows; check them out! The highly controversial show quickly gained attention as it spoke on sensitive topics like suicide, drugs, sexual abuse, bullying, and mental health. The show had a mesmerizing background score and wonderful songs that added incredible depth to the narrative.

List of TV Shows Like 13 Reasons Why

  1. Pretty Little Liars
  2. Euphoria
  3. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
  4. Gossip Girl
  5. Riverdale
  6. Never Have I Ever
  7. End of The F***ing World
  8. Elite
  9. The Vampire Diaries
  10. Sex Education

1. Pretty Little Liars (2007)

The 7 season-long show Pretty Little Liars is set one year after the disappearance of Alison DiLaurentis, a manipulative queen bee, and her four 16-year-old BFFs Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily. At the end of Alison’s supposed funeral, each of them receives taunting messages suggesting Alison is watching them. Brought together by their former bond and the worrying messages cause, the 4 estranged friends are reunited (Though each girl has her own deep secrets!)

The show is highly addictive, and every episode is filled with unimaginable twists. The young cast is so talented that you might just get obsessed with them as you were with the 13 Reasons Why’s cast! Pretty Little Liars’ storyline so brilliant that this should surely be one of you’re top choices for shows like 13 Reasons Why.

2. Euphoria 

Euphoria is currently one of the most popular shows, so there’s a good chance you might know about it, but if for some reason you haven’t seen/heard of it yet then let me tell you all about it. The American show Euphoria follows the story of a high school girl called Rue (Zendeya). She is a drug user and recently out of rehab, trying to adjust back to her school.

Many of Rue’s fellow students face their own challenges with substance abuse and relationships. Euphoria’s tone is reminiscent of the darkness of young kids in 13 Reasons Why. The acting performances and the writing of the show are exceptional. Euphoria should undoubtedly be on your list if you want to see a series like 13 Reasons Why. 

3. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

This series is a dark coming-of-age story adaptation of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch tale that traffics in horror and the occult. In this reimagined origin story, Sabrina Spellman struggles to reconcile her dual nature of being a half-witch and a half-mortal. All the while she stands against the evil forces that threaten her, her aunts, Hilda and Zelda, and her friends.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is an ultimate thriller for which you must employ a willing suspension of disbelief to go along for the ride. Something that makes the show and Sabrina’s story so deeply engrossing and spellbinding is her goodness and resistance to evil but, at the same time, how she is also mischievous! Chilling Adventures of Sabrina should make for an entertaining weekend binge if you are a fan of shows like 13 Reasons Why.

Also Read: Shows like The White Collar

4. Gossip Girl (2007)

Gossip Girl follows a mysterious blogger who reveals secrets about a few teens from the upper east side of New York. As an omniscient narrator, the blogger follows the roller coaster of romances and the secrets of these teenagers. FIlled with upper east side drama, Gossip Girl will keep you just as curious (if not more) as 13 Reasons Why.

One of the main characters, Blair Waldorf is a popular student at her private school and envied by everyone but, her life is unsettled when her ex-best friend also enrols in the same school. Gossip Girl highlights an extremely stylish lifestyle, one that is so easy to get obsessed with! If you are looking for shows like 13 Reasons Why then this ionic fan favourite should definitely make your list. 

5. Riverdale

Similar to Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Riverdale is a dark-version drama based on the popular Archie comics. The show opens with a murder of a teenager in the town of Riverdale. A group of teenagers, the jock Archie, the new girl Veronica, the girl next door Betty, and the outcast Jughead try to unravel the blood-thirsty evils lurking within this seemingly innocent town.

The sinister tale of Riverdale pulls you into an amazing plot line with a lot of plot twists you don’t see happening. You also get to travel with these high school students throughout their years and see them go through troubles of friendships, relationships, supernatural and more. Riverdale should be amongst the best fit for series like 13 Reasons Why.

6. Never Have I Ever (2020)

Never Have I Ever is another show that tackles the lack of diversity in the main cast of teenage drama shows. This show has an Indian-origin protagonist called Devi. But it does more than just place a South Asian American character at the front; rather it looks at her life with what is true to her. 

Daughter of Indian immigrants, Devi lives a life understanding two different cultures, one she is born into and one her parents teach her. After losing her father, Devi’s mother becomes overprotective of her. Devi ignores her grief and is fixated on her high school life. If you’re looking for shows similar to 13 Reasons Why with a relatively heartwarming journey of a teenager Never Have I Ever will make for a great watch. 

7. End of The F***ing World (2017)

There are many typical teenage drama shows to watch but if you are interested in watching an unconventional but very very well-written show then End of The F***ing World is perfect for you. The show looks at a 17-year-old boy called James who believes himself to be a psychopath. 

He meets and decides to embark on a strange journey with Alyssa, who is in search of her father. This leads to a series of well-rounded misadventures. Not every show can achieve the brilliance of insanity the way End of The F***ing World can and hence it should be on the top of your list for series like 13 Reasons Why. 

Also Read: TV Shows like Arrested Development

8. Elite

Elite is a Spanish thriller- teen drama television series set in a fictional Elite high school. The story opens up with 3 teenagers from working-class homes who enrol in the school with a scholarship. Their contrast with ultra-rich kids and unlikely relationships all connect to a shocking mystery of a student’s murder. 

The series features an attractive ensemble cast who deliver exceptional performances. The show’s glorifying and dark-toned high school drama is highly addictive to watch. You will surely be reminded of the messiness in teenage relations, Elite is one of the best series like 13 Reasons Why.

9. The Vampire Diaries (2009)

The Vampire Diaries quickly became a major hit when it came out, the fans across the globe couldn’t get enough of the main characters Elena, Stefan, and Damon. The sort of love triangle between the three sprung out of the whole ‘shipping’ culture for relationships. The Vampire Diaries has everything you like about series like 13 Reasons Why (and more!)

The series is set in a fictional town called Mystic Falls, Virginia. The town has folk tales of being connected with supernatural occurrences. The show revolves around the life of Elena Gilbert, a teenage girl who loses both parents in a car accident. She falls in love with the one who saves her life, a 162-year-old – a young-looking vampire named Stefan Salvatore. I would highly recommend you give The Vampire Diaries a try if you are looking for shows like 13 Reasons Why.

10. Sex Education

Sex Education delves into a handful of controversial subjects (like Homophobia, same-gender relationships, Abortion, Atheism, etc.) that are deemed taboo, and it serves as an eye-opener to why people (especially youngsters) need to be educated on them.

The story is set in an American-themed, British high school. The series is hilarious and bawdy throughout, promising a burst of good laughter. The writers have done a brilliant job of balancing the thought-provoking/emotional moments and humorous sequences very well. So, if you want to see more shows like 13 Reasons Why, I will surely suggest you begin watching Sex Education.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few shows like 13 Reasons Why that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Skins
  2. Degrassi: Next Class
  3. The O.C
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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