35 Riveting Shows Similar to Euphoria

Seeking teenage coming-of-age dramas? TV shows akin to Euphoria delve into adolescent lives amidst diverse backdrops, tackling personal challenges. Today’s youth grapple with drug abuse, identity crises, bullying, racism, self-harm, trauma, and navigating relationships with peers and family. Airing on HBO, Euphoria portrays a teenager’s journey through drug addiction recovery and self-discovery. Such narratives resonate widely, capturing the tumultuous essence of youth. Here’s a curated list of shows akin to Euphoria, offering compelling narratives for all viewers.

Top Picks for Shows Like Euphoria in 2022

The list features TV series akin to Euphoria, delving into the trials of adolescence, encompassing themes such as mental health, sex education, substance abuse, and societal adaptation. Some series are ongoing while others have concluded. Refer to the table for selection.

1. Grand Army (2020)

Grand Army, a teen drama loosely based on Cappiello’s Slut: The Play, follows 5 students at a public high school in Brooklyn. We witness their daily lives as they confront challenges like racism, sexual identity, bullying, terrorism, and violence. Though the raw portrayal of adolescence lacks lasting impact, Grand Army shares thematic similarities with Euphoria, making it among the top shows on Netflix. Regrettably, it was canceled after its debut season.

2. Skins (2007-2013)

Skins, a teen comedy-drama set in Bristol, England, follows a group of teenagers during their final two years of secondary education. The show delves into various dark themes such as substance abuse, bullying, racism, gender issues, mental illness, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

Renowned for its practice of casting amateur actors every two years upon graduation of the previous cast, Skins has garnered critical acclaim for its unique approach and ability to maintain fresh storylines. For fans of teen dramas like Euphoria, Skins is a must-watch.

3. We Are Who We Are (2020)

• IMDb: 7.2
• Rotten Tomatoes: 90%/74%
• Created by: Luca Guadagnino, Paolo Giordano, Francesca Manieri, Sean Conway
• Cast: Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II
• Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes
• Runtime/Episode: 49-75 minutes

We Are Who We Are is a coming-of-age drama miniseries set in a fictional American military base in Italy. The story follows two 14-year-old American teenagers through their ordinary yet happening life. The series explores themes like friendship, identity, first love, and the excitement and frustration of being a teenager. The show is praised for its portrayal of teenage life without exaggerating the events. Thus, creating a poetic story.

4. Élite (2018-)

• IMDb: 7.4
• Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/76%
• Created by: Carlos Montero, Darío Madrona
• Cast: María Pedraza, Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Álvaro Rico
• Seasons and Episodes: 5 seasons, 40 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 41-59 minutes

Elite, a Spanish thriller teen drama, features an ensemble cast of Spanish and Latino actors. Set in Las Encinas, a fictional elite secondary school, the story centers on three working-class teenagers who enroll via a scholarship program. Soon, they clash with wealthy students, leading to murder.

The series employs a flash-forward plot, discussing two different timelines each season. Alongside typical teen drama themes, Elite delves into mature and dark topics such as lifestyle clashes and envy, reminiscent of Euphoria.

5. My Mad Fat Diary (2013-2015)

My Mad Fat Diary, adapted from Rae Earl’s novel, is a teen comedy-drama set in mid-1990s Stamford, England. It centers on Rachel “Rae” Earl (Rooney), a 16-year-old overweight girl recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital. She conceals her mental health and body image struggles from her friends while integrating into their circle.

The series is lauded for its candid portrayal of body dysphoria and mental health, as well as stellar acting performances. It garnered multiple BAFTA nominations, with Sharon winning Best Drama Actress.

6. Generation (2021)

Generation, a comedy-drama series, premiered on HBO Max. It follows high school students navigating sexuality amidst societal norms. Despite praise for LGBTQ+ representation, it failed to sustain viewership, leading to cancellation after one season. Explore our LGBTQ+ movie list for similar content.

7. Sex Education (2019-)

• IMDb: 8.4
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/92%
• Created by: Laurie Nunn
• Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Kedar Williams-Stirling
• Seasons and Episodes: 3 seasons, 24 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 47-61 minutes

Sex Education, a global Netflix comedy-drama, delves into the lives of high school students, their parents, and the staff at Moordale Secondary School. Otis (Butterfield), a socially awkward student and son of a sex therapist, utilizes his expertise to develop an educational course and offer guidance to his peers.

There’s a seismic shift for him and his friends as they delve into intimacy. Audiences adore this Netflix series for its acting, writing, and mature themes.

8. The End of the F***ing World (2017-2019)

The End of the F***ing World is a British black comedy-drama adapted from Charles Forsman’s eponymous mini-comics. It follows James (Lawther), a 17-year-old who identifies as a psychopath. He meets Alyssa (Barden) and embarks on a strange journey to find her father. The series is acclaimed for its writing, execution, and themes. If you enjoy dark comedy, The End of the F***ing World is akin to Euphoria.

9. Yellowjackets (2021-)

• IMDb: 7.9
• Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/77%
• Created by: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson
• Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher
• Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 10 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 58 minutes

Yellowjackets, a psychological drama series with an ensemble cast, depicts the lives of four teenage high school girls soccer players involved in a 1996 plane crash. Stranded in the wilderness for 19 months, the series portrays their struggle for survival intertwined with their present-day lives, unraveling the truths of their ordeal. Addressing themes such as trauma and societal reintegration, Yellowjackets stands out as a compelling narrative akin to Euphoria.

10. Normal People (2020)

Normal People is an Irish romantic drama series adapted from Sally Rooney’s novel. It follows Marianne Sheridan (Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Mescal), two small-town Irish students, from secondary school to university, as they influence each other’s romantic lives and personal growth. The series delves into difficult family dynamics and the complexities of youthful emotions.

11. Cruel Summer (2021-)

Cruel Summer, a teen drama thriller anthology series, unfolds in a fictional Texas town. Tracking two teenage girls, one vanishing while another enigmatically takes her place, the show navigates 1993, 1994, and 1995, focusing on the same day. Alternating between Jeanette and Kate’s perspectives, the series garnered acclaim for its unique approach and exploration of weighty themes like child grooming and domestic abuse, evoking comparisons to the mature handling of dark subjects seen in Euphoria.

12. Awkward (2011-2016)

Awkward, a teen comedy-drama, follows Jenna Hamilton (Rickards), a 15-year-old high school student navigating stress and identity crises. An accident, misconstrued as a suicide attempt, adds to her challenges. Viewers laud its simplicity and relatable portrayal of teenage pain. If you seek intelligent comedy, Awkward is a fitting choice.

13. One of Us Is Lying (2021-)

• IMDb: 6.8
• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/76%
• Created by: Karen M. McManus
• Cast: Annalisa Cochrane, Chibuikem Uche, Marianly Tejada, Cooper van Grootel, Barrett Carnahan, Jessica McLeod
• Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 8 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 44-52 minutes

One of Us Is Lying, a young adult mystery drama adapted from Karen M. McManus’s novel, centers on five high school students in detention, where one student dies under mysterious circumstances, prompting an investigation. Each student becomes a prime suspect due to personal motives. While not profoundly impactful, the series offers compelling storytelling.

14. Riverdale (2017-)

Riverdale, a teen drama series, is based on characters from Archie Comics. It follows teenagers in what seems like an innocent city but reveals dark truths and crimes after a mysterious teenager’s death. Viewers praised its engaging portrayal of the characters.

15. Sharp Objects (2018)

Sharp Objects, a psychological thriller series, is based on Gillian Flynn’s debut novel. It follows crime reporter Camille Preaker (Adams), recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital for self-harm and battling alcoholism. Returning to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls, she faces her critical mother, who compels her to confront her inner demons.

Praise flowed in for its dark themes, acting, direction, and more, leading to numerous awards. If you seek shows akin to Euphoria for dark themes, Sharp Objects proves an excellent choice.

16. Looking for Alaska (2019)

Based on John Green’s novel, this teen drama miniseries centers on Miles “Pudge” Halter (Plummer), who enrolls in a boarding school for deeper insight into life. There, he forms friendships and falls for Alaska (Froseth). Yet, an unexpected tragedy disrupts everything, prompting the tight-knit group to find meaning amidst chaos. Audiences lauded its writing, acting, and faithful adaptation.

17. Dare Me (2019-2020)

Dare Me, a teen drama series adapted from Megan Abbott’s novel, delves into the lives of high school cheerleaders and their complex relationships, filled with jealousy and loyalty. Two best friends face turmoil when a new coach disrupts their team dynamics. The series combines drama, murder mystery, and coming-of-age elements, showcasing the lengths young women will go to for improvement.

18. The Society (2019)

The Society, a mystery teen drama set in Connecticut, follows teenagers returning from a canceled field trip to find the entire town vanished, leaving them isolated in a dense forest. They must adapt and create survival rules with limited resources, offering a unique perspective on coming of age in harsh conditions, akin to Euphoria.

19. 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)

13 Reasons Why, adapted from Jay Asher’s 2007 novel, delves into the life of Clay Jensen, a high schooler grappling with the aftermath of classmate Hannah Baker’s suicide. Through cassette tapes, Hannah details the reasons she took her own life, implicating those she holds accountable.

Across four seasons, the series tackles a myriad of youth-centric social issues. For viewers seeking shows akin to Euphoria that delve into teenage psychology, 13 Reasons Why offers compelling viewing.

20. On My Block (2018-2021)

On My Block, a teen comedy-drama series, unfolds in a gritty Los Angeles neighborhood, tracing the lives of four lifelong friends navigating the challenges of high school. It captures their journey of maturation amid urban adversity, lauded for its authenticity and portrayal of underrepresented communities. For those seeking a genuine depiction of adolescent struggles, On My Block resonates akin to Euphoria.

21. Skam (2015-2017)

Skam, a Norwegian teen drama series, depicts daily life at Hartvig Nissen School through the lens of a different character each season. Simultaneously, NRK publishes new clips, conversations, or social media posts in real-time. The series explores various issues such as relationship difficulties, eating disorders, identity, mental health, homosexuality, and religion.

22. Girls (2012-2017)

Girls, a comedy-drama series, draws inspiration from creator Lena Dunham’s life. It tracks Hannah Horvath (played by Dunham), an aspiring writer, surprised by her parents’ decision to cut financial support. Navigating life’s challenges with her friends, she stumbles her way into launching her career.

Like Euphoria, the TV show delves into self-esteem, body image, intimacy, nuanced relationships, and themes relatable to young women.

23. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

I Am Not Okay with This is a coming-of-age black comedy series adapted from Charles Forsman’s graphic novel. It follows Sydney Novak, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of family, high school, and her sexuality.

Additionally, Sydney discovers she has superpowers. Despite receiving positive reviews for its performances and storyline, the show was canceled after one season due to the global lockdown. If you enjoy superhero flicks, I Am Not Okay with This is worth watching.

24. The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-)

• IMDb: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/76%
• Creators: Mindy Kaling, Justin Noble
• Cast: Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Gavin Leatherwood, Chris Meyer
• Seasons and Episodes: 1 season, 10 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 24-51 minutes

The Sex Lives of College Girls is a teen comedy-drama series set in Essex College, Vermont. It follows four 18-year-old freshmen roommates navigating personal issues alongside an active intimate life, humorously depicting newfound freedom in late teenage years.

25. Clique (2017-2018)

Clique, a thriller TV series, tracks the lives of two childhood friends, Georgia (Franciosi) and Holly (Karlsen), during their university years. Holly grows worried as Georgia increasingly associates with a group of affluent girls. Georgia’s altered behavior sparks suspicion, leading Holly to uncover a harsh reality about these girls. The second season revolves around Holly’s endeavors to align herself with a noble cause.

26. Industry (2020-)

Industry, a drama series, follows young finance graduates vying for permanent positions in an esteemed investment bank post the 2008 financial crisis. Amid tough times, each character grapples with personal challenges while striving for success at the bank. The show captivates with its sharp writing and exceptional ensemble. For enthusiasts of workplace dramas with a hint of soapiness, Industry is a must-watch.

27. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

• IMDb: 7.4
• Rotten Tomatoes: 84%/78%
• Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, Ed Westwick
• Created by: Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage
• Seasons and Episodes: 6 seasons, 121 episodes
• Runtime/Episode: 39-44 minutes

Gossip Girl, based on Cecily von Ziegesar’s novel series, is a teen drama narrated by omniscient blogger Gossip Girl, voiced by Kristen Bell. The series tracks privileged Upper East Side adolescents, notably Blair Waldorf (Meester), whose life shifts when her frenemy returns after a long absence.

A sequel series of the same name but different characters premiered in 2021, adding Gossip Girl to the list of upper-class shows, akin to Bridgerton (link later).

28. The Wilds (2020-)

The Wilds, a drama TV series, follows teenage girls stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, unaware it’s a social experiment. Viewers laud its acting, writing, and plot, likening its premise to Maze Runner and series like Yellowjackets.

29. Trinkets (2019-2020)

• IMDb: 7.0
• Rotten Tomatoes: 60%/77%
• Created by: Amy Andelson, Emily Meyer, Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith
• Cast: Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, Quintessa Swindell, Brandon Butler, Odiseas Georgiadis
• Seasons and Episodes: 2 seasons, 20 episodes
• Runtime/Episode: 21-30 minutes

Trinkets, akin to Euphoria, derives from Kirsten Smith’s 2013 novel of the same name, embodying a teen drama essence. It chronicles three classmates navigating distinct personal spheres within school, ultimately uniting through shared shoplifting experiences in an anonymous group setting. Amidst this bond, they discover solace and mutual support in confronting familial and academic challenges.

30. Veronica Mars (2004-2019)

Veronica Mars, a teen noir mystery series, unfolds in Neptune, California. It tracks Veronica Mars (Bell), delving into town mysteries post her best friend’s enigmatic murder, evolving into a detective mentored by her father.

31. You (2018-)

• IMDb: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/76%
• Created by: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
• Cast: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Luca Padovan, Zach Cherry, Shay Mitchell, Victoria Pedretti
• Seasons and Episodes: 3 seasons, 30 episodes (ongoing)
• Runtime/Episode: 41-60 minutes

This TV series delves into the darker aspects of love, such as stalking and manipulation. If you seek shows akin to Euphoria, addressing lesser-discussed compulsive issues, You is a compelling choice.

32. Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Freaks and Geeks, a teen comedy-drama, unfolds in a suburban Detroit high school during 1980–1981. Following siblings Lindsay Weir (Cardellini) and Sam (Daley), it portrays their high school experiences. Lindsay has eccentric friends, while Sam navigates a geeky social circle, each striving to find their niche.

Regrettably, the series was prematurely canceled but has since attained cult status.

33. My So-Called Life (1994-1995)

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Degrassi tackles drug abuse, sexuality, parental issues, bullying, and other common teenage problems, ranking among the best shows akin to Euphoria.

35. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

Friday Night Lights, a sports drama based on H. G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book, depicts a young football team in Dillon, a fictional town in West Texas. The series portrays their daily lives in the close-knit community, amidst challenges like racism, drugs, and abortion.

Despite lacking funding, the team strives to win each Friday’s football match. While not initially successful, the show has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, becoming a cult classic.

Discover TV Shows Similar to Euphoria!

Finding shows akin to Euphoria, which maturely address sensitive topics, can be challenging. However, we’ve curated a list encompassing themes intersecting with Euphoria across various genres. Explore and find your next weekend binge. Share your favorite or suggest additional shows in the comments!