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10 Shows Like Atlanta That Every Dark Comedy Fan Must Watch

January 29, 2023
shows like atlanta


Atlanta is a critically acclaimed TV series created by Donald Glover that first premiered on FX in 2016. Recently completing its arc with the 4th and final season, Atlanta has left an unforgettable mark on its fans. So, if you are looking for more shows like Atlanta, we have created a list of 10 great recommendations you can check out. Atlanta is a groundbreaking series that offers a fresh perspective on the black experience and the city of Atlanta through its unique blend of comedy and drama, and experimental storytelling.

The show is filled with moments of both humour and heartbreak, and the characters are relatable and complex. Another aspect that sets Atlanta apart is its experimental storytelling. The show often uses surreal and abstract elements, such as musical numbers, dream sequences, and alternate timelines. Atlanta has been widely praised for its writing, directing, and acting. Glover won the Golden Globe award for his role in 2017, and the show has been nominated for several other awards.

List of TV Shows Like Atlanta

  1. Bust Down
  2. Empire
  3. Reservation Dogs
  4. The Wire
  5. Insecure
  6. Dave
  7. Community
  8. Dear White People
  9. Twin Peaks
  10. Barry

1. Bust Down (2022)

Bust Down is a new and exciting show that has recently hit the airwaves, quickly gaining a following of dedicated fans. The show follows a group of friends struggling to make ends meet. They come up with a unique solution to their financial troubles – they start selling counterfeit designer goods.

One of the things that makes Bust Down stand out from other shows is how it deals with real-world issues. In addition, the show features a mix of characters from different walks of life, which adds a layer of realism to the show and makes it relatable to many viewers. So, if you’re looking for a new series like Atlanta to binge-watch, give Bust Down a try, and you won’t be disappointed.

2. Empire (2015)

Empire is a popular American musical drama television series that follows the lives of the Lyon family, who are in the music industry, and the power struggles that ensue as they fight to keep their empire intact. One of the things that make Empire stand out is its music. The show features original songs written by Timbaland and other notable artists, and the music is an integral part of the show.

The Lyon family is full of complex and dynamic characters, and the show explores the relationships and conflicts between them in a way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The show is a perfect blend of music, drama, and family and though it’s a bit different from the tone of shows like Atlanta if you want to see more shows with music, watch Empire.

3. Reservation Dogs (2021)

Set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation in Oklahoma, Reservation Dogs follows the lives of four Native American teenagers as they navigate the challenges of growing up on a reservation. The show also deals with the effects of poverty, substance abuse, and the loss of cultural identity on Native American communities. Reservation Dogs has been compared to TV shows like Atlanta and The Wire, which tackle similar themes and offer a unique perspective.

One of the things that set Reservation Dogs apart from other shows is its unique perspective. Similar to Shows like Atlanta, this show is written and produced by Native American writers, which gives it a level of authenticity and cultural sensitivity that is often missing from mainstream media. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in seeing a different side of America.

4. The Wire (2002)

If you’re looking for another show with a deep respect for its setting, look no further than The Wire. Created by David Simon, The Wire is a crime drama about Baltimore’s drug crisis that explores it from the perspectives of the detectives investigating the crimes and the users and dealers trying to get by. If you’ve already seen this classic series, check out our list of shows like The Wire.

The show also deals with important social issues, such as poverty, drug addiction, and the effects of systemic racism, in a thoughtful and nuanced way. The Wire features a large ensemble cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations, flaws, and strengths. Similar to TV shows like Atlanta, The Wire is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed for years to come.

5. Insecure (2016)

Other one that is similar to shows like Atlanta includes HBO’s Insecure, created by and starring Issa Rae. Insecure is about the friendship and romantic struggles of two black women in Los Angeles. The show also explores themes of race, gender, and identity in a relatable and comedic way.

You will notice that both shows also blend comedy and drama and offer a unique perspective on the black experience. Relatable, & current, with multiple engaging storylines, and situations that keep your attention, I will highly recommend this show to you.

6. Dave (2020)

The titular character, Dave- a fictionalized version of Rapper Dave Burd navigates the music industry and his personal life in Los Angeles. Similar to shows like Atlanta, one of the unique elements of the show is its incorporation of surrealism in its storytelling. From non-sequitur humor, unexpected twists, and fantastical elements, such as characters breaking the fourth wall or finding themselves in bizarre situations.

The show combines elements of a traditional sitcom with the world of hip-hop, and it manages to be both funny and insightful, providing a fresh take on the genre. Dave is good because of its unique premise and tone, strong performances, satirical take on the music industry, relatable and honest storyline, and great soundtrack. After watching a series like Alatna, give Dave a try.

7. Community (2009)

Before Glover was in charge of his own show, he spent four and a half seasons on this community college-set series from Dan Harmon. The show follows a diverse group of misfits who form a study group at a community college and navigate through their personal and academic lives. If you’re already a die-hard community fan, check out our list of shows like Community.

Sure, mainly for Glover alone, this seems like a show worth checking out, but there’s so much more to like about this gem! It’s creative, original, hilarious, and still manages to have a lot of heart and some really amazing moments. For shows similar to Atlanta, Community is a no-brainer!

8. Dear White People (2017)

Based on the 2014 film of the same name, Dear White People is a Netflix series that follows the lives of black students at a predominantly white Ivy League college. The show explores themes of race, identity, and social justice in a comedic and thought-provoking way.

Although the show deals with serious and often heavy themes, it also has a satirical and humorous approach. The show is able to make the audience laugh and think at the same time, which makes it easier to digest the important messages it is trying to convey. After watching a series like Atlanta, be sure sure to check this out.

9. Twin Peaks (1990)

Twin Peaks, made by Mark Frost and David Lynch, is a TV series that first aired in 1990 and has since become a cult classic. An investigation is led by FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) into the murder of popular high school student Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) in a small Washington town called Twin Peaks.

Twin Peaks’ unique blend of genres, including elements of mystery, drama, horror, and comedy, creates a truly unforgettable and original experience. The show’s dark and eerie tone, coupled with its offbeat humour, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Twin Peaks has a similar sense of surrealism and hence will make a great option for TV shows like Atlanta.

10. Barry (2018)

The show kicks off when a hitman called Barry gets dragged into an acting class during a mission, he discovers that he loves it even though he is not good at it. Now Barry wants to balance his missions with his newfound passion. Needless to say, his boss is not happy. Without giving too much away, you should expect a lot more than meets the eye. If you’re already a fan of this brilliant show, you can check out recommendations for more shows like Barry.

This amazingly original show is driven by the strength of Bill Hader’s performance and its ability to deal with such an intense and violent subject matter with such a quirky and comedic rhythm. This is yet another terrific TV show similar to Atlanta that you might like. 

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few well-written comedy series like Atlanta that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Fleabag
  2. Rap Sh!t
  3. Rammy
  4. Random Act Of Flyness
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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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