Sometimes beneath the surface of the glaringly evil, if we look closer we will find some redemptive qualities. The writers of Lucifer have decided to expand on that notion by centering their story around the King of Hell as he navigates love, crime and his celestial family. The following plethora of similar shows like Lucifer can be entertaining in their own right, and that’s why we’ve curated a list of 15 shows like Lucifer.
Lucifer, which aired from January 2016 to September 2021 is a TV drama with comedic elements, created by Tom Kapinos and revolves around the story of Lucifer Morningstar, played by Tom Ellis, the DC Universe’s version of the Devil, who abandons Hell for Los Angeles where he runs his own nightclub named Lux and becomes a consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department.
These TV shows listed below either carry a fantastical horror similar to shows like Lucifer, or have a likeness to the series’ plot that will instantly make a fan out of anyone and satisfy their cravings for romance, the supernatural, a little mystery, and the downright otherworldly. Here are 15 Shows Like Lucifer.
List of TV Shows Like Lucifer
1. Forever (2014)
Created by Matt Miller, Forever focuses on the character of Dr Henry Morgan, an immortal New York City medical examiner, who uses his extensive knowledge which spans over 200 years, to help the New York City Police Department solve crimes. He also holds hopes of finding a way to bring an end to his immortality.
This highly fascinating show weaves a spellbinding story as it leaves viewers wanting to know what happens next. And although unfortunately it only lasted one season, there’s enough here for you to gain loads of thrills, entertainment and satisfaction out of, especially if you’re a fan of shows like Lucifer.
2. The Sandman (2022)
DC comics dips its toes into another live action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel series. The Sandman is one of the surge of fantasy supernatural shows like Lucifer, adapted from the comic of the same name. Like the comic, The Sandman tells the story of King of Dreams Morpheus, the titular Sandman. If you’re already a fan of the series, check out our list of shows like The Sandman.
The series stars Tom Sturridge as Morpheus aka Dream, this cosmic being who controls all dreams, but sometime in the 20th Century is captured by an overzealous human through an occult ritual. After being held captive for over a hundred years, Dream escapes and sets out to restore order to the chaos caused by his absence.
3. Moonlight (2007)
Moonlight is an American fantasy TV series that made its debut to a mixed reception. This show tells the story of Mick St. John, a private investigator and vampire who got turned by his bride over fifty years ago. He tries his best to go against his own nature to do some good for humanity.
While working at a murder scene, he meets Beth Turner, a news reporter. Mick and Beth begin investigating the crime together, helping each other to catch the killer. The series in some ways debates the age-old question of whether eternal life is a blessing or a curse, a theme seen in many shows similar to Lucifer.
4. Angel (1999)
Angel is a spinoff series to the highly successful and culturally relevant Buffy The Vampire Slayer. This Joss Whedon creation details the ongoing trials of the titular vampire, Angel, who has his soul restored to him as punishment for his century long murderous rampage of innocents, leaving him constantly tormented by guilt and remorse.
He leaves Buffy and Sunnydale behind to get a fresh start working as a private detective in the city of Los Angeles, where he and a bunch of other like-minded friends work to help save people with any supernatural-related problems while trying to keep his own violent nature in check. For fans of shows like Lucifer, this fight against one’s true nature will be all too familiar.
5. Fringe (2008)
This selection is great for fans of shows like Lucifer who want a mix of the crime procedural and supernatural drama. Fringe follows a specially selected team of FBI agents led by FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham, that are tasked with investigating a series of unexplained incidents that defy human logic using Fringe science.
Created by J.J Abrams, the critically acclaimed show explores the ever blurring lines between the possible and the impossible. It manages to do so in a grounded way, by mixing many of its plotlines with real historic events, giving them more credence.
6. The Vampire Diaries (2009)
While fans may be missing Lucifer and Chloe’s (and Amenadiel’s) topsy-turvy relationship, The Vampire Diaries similar to shows like Lucifer, features plenty of love triangles and juicy storylines to keep fans of that aspect thoroughly satisfied. Based on L.J. Smith’s book series of the same name, The Vampire Diaries follows the story of Elena Gilbert, played by Nina Dobrev, who falls in love with a 162-year-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore.
However, his older, more dangerous brother Damon Salvatore, played by Ian Somerhalder comes into the fray, setting his sights set on Elena, leading to a complex love triangle. Through her relationship she becomes entangled in supernatural events in her quaint little town of Mystic Falls, which means viewers get to enjoy plenty of vampires, vampire hunters, werewolves, witches, and a host of other supernatural entities.
7. Constantine (2014)
Constantine, apart from this being another great occult detective drama, was also adapted to TV from a DC comic series of the same name, similar to shows like Lucifer. John Constantine is a demon hunter who has since given up the good fight and plans to live his life far away from the occult world.
He is however left with no choice but to hunt down demons again, after his friend’s daughter who is gifted with the power to see into the future is hunted down by these same group of demons. She is rescued and protected by Constantine, and the pair travel around fighting to balance the scales between good and evil.
8. Supernatural (2005)
It goes without saying that Supernatural and Lucifer are a natural pairing, and that this list of shows like Lucifer would be incomplete without this epic series. Supernatural follows the Winchester brothers, Dean and Sam, played by Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki respectively. After their father goes missing during a solo hunt, the pair embark on a country wide search for him while solving their fair share of mysteries along the way.
Similar to shows like Lucifer, the series tackles family dynamics, sacrifice, and destiny with a healthy dose of humor, action, and horror. The critically acclaimed series ran for a very impressive 15 seasons! This means there are more than enough episodes for fans who are looking to satiate their mystical drama thirst. If you’re already a fan of this classic series, check out our list of shows like Supernatural.
9. American Gods (2017)
We have yet another show on this list that is based on one of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels of the same title. Similar to shows like Lucifer, American Gods explores elements of mythology and what it means to be human through the lens of supernatural beings. American Gods follows the story of Shadow Moon, an ex-convict who meets a shadowy man called Mr Wednesday who offers him a job as driver/bodyguard.
Shadow becomes embroiled in a world formerly unknown to him, a world where the old gods clash with the new gods. This visually appealing and highly stylized show draws from a wide range of culture and myths to explore the concept of belief and the power of gods.
10. Preacher (2016)
Preacher is an American television series based on the comics off yet another DC Comics series of the same name, in a similar vein to shows similar to Lucifer. The series trails a small town preacher and one-time outlaw, who in keeping with a promise made to his late father, returns home to West Texas to take over his dad’s church.
Jesse Custer played by Dominic Cooper, becomes possessed by a strange entity and discovers that he has a superpower where he can control the actions of others. Jesse, together with his ex-girlfriend Tulip O’Hare and an Irish vampire named Cassidy, embark together on a journey to find God.
11. Charmed (1998)
Charmed is a fantasy drama series created by Constance M. Burge. The show tells the story of three sisters: Piper, Phoebe, and Paige who discover they’re the next in line to be the trinity, a group of highly powerful witches who are destined to fight evil and protect the innocent. Though the show’s story emphasizes a dark concept like witchcraft, it still offers its viewers a lot of comedy and romance.
Charmed is one of the shows similar to Lucifer, as it deals with the supernatural as the three use their powers to vanquish demons and other mystical beings. For the most part, Charmed is a compelling story of powerful women working together to fight evil and find their place in the world.
12. Evil (2019)
Evil is a show which has its fair share of supernatural and crime drama elements that fans seem to have enjoyed in shows like Lucifer. It also has a religious element and is centered on Kristen Bouchard, a skeptical forensic psychologist teaming up with David Acosta, Catholic priest-in-training specializing in exorcisms.
Together, with their technical expert Ben Shakir, they investigate extraordinary occurrences to see if there’s a scientific explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work. For fans of Lucifer, this is definitely another show to keep on your radar.
13. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a darker and more mature remake unlike its earlier sitcom version. The teen supernatural drama is set in the fictional town of Greendale and follows Sabrina Spellman, played by Kiernan Shipka, as she navigates life as a half-witch, half-human teenager, who tries to live a normal life, while still trying to protect her family and friends from the forces of evil.
Throughout the show, viewers are treated to magic, horror, witchcraft and just as seen in series like Lucifer, we even get an appearance from the King of Hell himself, Lucifer Morningstar, only this time he is played by Luke Cook.
14. Grimm (2010)
Loosely based on Grimm’s Fairytales, Grimm tells the story of Nick Burkhardt is a detective in Portland, Oregon who finds out he comes from a long line of supernatural hunters called ‘Grimms’. He is all of a sudden thrust with a responsibility that he never expected to have, one which is bigger than him.
Similar to series like Lucifer in theme, with his special ability to see supernatural creatures hiding in human shells, a power which Lucifer Morningstar also has, he is tasked with protecting his city from various threats with help from his friends.
15. Pushing Daisies (2007)
Similar to shows like Lucifer where it features a protagonist with unique mystic powers, Pushing Daisies is a supernatural yet quirky series about a pie maker named Ned, who has the power to bring people back from the dead with one touch. However it is just the one touch, because if he touches them again they will die, permanently!
After Ned revives his childhood sweetheart Charlotte, he teams up with a private investigator Emerson to solve crimes by bringing murder victims back to life temporarily to find out about their deaths. With themes of romance and comedy, the breath-taking visuals and cinematography that Pushing Daisies provides will dazzle you should you decide to give it a watch.
Honorable Mentions
Here is a list of TV shows like Lucifer that didn’t make it, which you can also watch regardless:
- Rush (2014)
- Reaper (2007)
- Lost Girl (2010)
