11 Shows Like Prime’s Maxton Hall You’ll Love

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us” was a massive success when it premiered on Prime Video in May 2024. Adapted from the top-selling German novel “Save Me” by Mona Kasten, it features Harriet Herbig-Matten as Ruby Bell and Damian Hardung as James Beaufort. Ruby, a scholarship student at Maxton Hall, prefers to keep a low profile in the school’s social circle and focuses her energy on her aspiration of getting into Oxford University. However, this all shifts when she uncovers that James’ sister Lydia (Sonja Weißer) is involved with one of their teachers romantically. As a result, James becomes protective of Ruby to ensure her silence, but they develop a closer bond in the process, and Ruby finds herself drawn into a lavish world she had never thought she’d be part of.

Initially produced in German language and later translated to English, “Maxton Hall” captivates audiences who are fans of Kasten’s novel as well as those who appreciate coming-of-age romantic dramas with themes of loyalty, friendship, and redemption. The contrast between Ruby’s sincere values and humble family life against James’ privileged upbringing creates a gripping narrative that viewers find captivating. Despite their differences, they strive to overcome them together, making for an engaging watch. As of the writing of this article, the second season of their relationship unfolding in “Maxton Hall” has not yet been released. However, for those yearning for a similar viewing experience in the interim, here’s a list of 11 shows akin to Amazon Prime’s “Maxton Hall” that you’ll adore.

Boarders

Similar to “Maxton Hall,” the drama series titled “Boarders” delves into a heartwarming tale of adolescence set within an English boarding school. The storyline revolves around the complex relationships that emerge between students from various social and economic backgrounds. In this engaging six-part production, five black characters – Jaheim (Josh Tedeku), Toby (Sekou Diaby), Leah (Jodie Campbell), Femi (Aruna Jollah), and Omar (Miles Kamwendo) – receive scholarships to attend an exclusive high school. They find themselves grappling with various challenges, including romantic entanglements and racial prejudices.

These five characters hail from a different social sphere compared to their privileged counterparts at St. Gilberts, and they carry preconceived notions about one another. As the narrative unfolds, both groups undergo a learning process as they strive to coexist harmoniously, experiencing unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Daniel Lawrence Taylor, the creator of “Boarders”, shared with the BBC that he drew inspiration for the series from his personal experiences at university. However, he decided to modify the characters’ ages and setting after learning about a similar scholarship program as depicted in the show. Discussing his motivation, he said it was an intriguing journey for him and the few black students who attended there, each finding their unique way to navigate that environment. He found this experience ripe for exploration through a mix of comedy and drama. Despite tackling serious subjects, the series incorporates comedic elements reminiscent of shows like “Sex Education” and “Mean Girls”, providing an entertaining viewing experience for fans of “Maxton Hall”.

Elite

Elite” is another show that will definitely fuel your desire for “Maxton Hall”. This Spanish romantic drama on Netflix focuses on working-class teens named Samuel (Itzan Escamilla), Nadia (Mina El Hammani) and Christian (Miguel Herrán). They attend a new school where their classmates are far more affluent. Similar to Ruby, this trio challenges the established social order of Las Encinas students. To upset them, cunning socialite Carla (Ester Expósito) collaborates with her boyfriend Polo (Álvaro Rico) on a scheme to win over Christian, while also daring Guzmán (Miguel Bernardeau), her secret lover, to take Nadia’s virginity after she catches them together.

As a devoted fan, I must say that the debut episode of this series shares some familiar elements with “Maxton Hall,” but with an intriguing twist – a murder mystery! The story unfolds through strategic flash-forwards, revealing that one student at Las Encinas doesn’t make it through the season, yet the identity of the killer is kept under wraps until the end of the first season. Fortunately for fellow “Maxton Hall” enthusiasts, there are numerous layers of drama to unravel. Over the span of seven additional seasons, a captivating bond between Polo and Christian blossoms, while another student goes missing. Recurring themes of class, privilege, and sexuality keep things interesting, and viewers have the choice to watch the dubbed English version or immerse themselves in the original Spanish dialogue with subtitles.

Gossip Girl

Discussing TV series that tackle themes of social class, wealth, and intimacy, it’s appropriate to bring up “Gossip Girl” as a topic. First airing in 2007, this Manhattan-focused teen drama remains a staple in pop culture today. Characters like Dan Humphrey (played by Penn Badgley) aspire for college but are financially less fortunate compared to his privileged peers such as Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford), and Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick). However, throughout the series’ six seasons, Dan manages to move closer to this exclusive social circle than he ever imagined.

In this long-lasting show, friendship and loyalty are common themes, and there are many relationships to support. However, some secret affairs are best left in the past. The romantic struggle between Dan and Serena mirrors that of Ruby and James, as both pairs grapple with their contrasting backgrounds and lifestyles. If you’re yearning for more chemistry like what Ruby and James shared, then the on-again-off-again relationship between Blair and Chuck might be more appealing to you.

This classic show chronicles the adventures of this unique group from their teenage years in high school, through college, and into their early twenties. There’s always something exciting happening with this bunch, as a mysterious blogger publicly reveals every juicy secret of their tumultuous lives online. If you were a fan during its initial broadcast, here’s a list of the 15 top “Gossip Girl” episodes for you to re-watch in order.

XO, Kitty

Similar to how “Maxton Hall” became a popular sensation, Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” book-to-screen trilogy quickly gained widespread acclaim. Both productions share common themes, primarily focusing on adolescent experiences and narratives revolving around friendship and first love, as they depict the evolving relationship between Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo). The franchise’s spin-off series, “Xo, Kitty,” delves further into this universe by concentrating on Lara Jean’s younger sister, Kitty (Anna Cathcart), who seizes the chance to attend K.I.S.S. boarding school in South Korea, her deceased mother’s alma mater. During her time there, she intends to uncover more about her mom’s life and rekindle a long-distance relationship with Dae (Minyeong Choi). However, teenage romances are seldom as simple as one might hope.

In addition to uncovering that Dae is in a sham relationship to hide one of his secretive classmates, Kitty surprisingly develops feelings for this very student. Meanwhile, she’s also pursuing affection from another individual. For a comprehensive look at Kitty’s romantic entanglements and her ultimate choice, check out our guide here. Despite its lighter atmosphere compared to “Maxton Hall”, the series still carries significant tension due to Kitty’s humorous escapades. The show aptly demonstrates the intricate complexities of teenage emotions.

Young Royals

One of the common themes in “Maxton Hall” and other shows here is the story of a scholarship student falling into a complex romance with a wealthier peer at an exclusive school. However, “Young Royals” reverses this plotline by focusing on Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (played by Edvin Ryding), who must attend a prestigious boarding school despite his wealthy background. Although he’s richer than Ruby, he faces unique challenges due to his life being under constant public scrutiny. The series still explores privilege, but from a fresh perspective.

In the game of life, I, Wilhelm, navigate through the halls of Hillerska, striving to fit in among my privileged peers. But tensions run deep within this elite circle of teenagers. Just like any gripping teen drama, romance unexpectedly blooms, and mine with Simon, a fellow student, is no exception. Yet, our budding relationship is far from smooth sailing, as we grapple with secrets, personal struggles, and the challenges that come with keeping our love hidden.

The waters get even choppier when my scheming cousin August, another Hillerska student, decides to spill our secret to the world. Now, I must face the consequences head-on, hoping to weather this storm and find a way to keep our relationship alive amidst the chaos.

Normal People

In the Irish television show “Normal People,” Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal rose to fame. Adapted from Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel of the same name, the series narrates the story of two students, Connell (Mescal) and Marianne (Edgar-Jones), who are initially unlikely friends due to their contrasting social standings as a popular athlete and an outcast. The romance between Marianne and Connell is remarkable because it challenges societal norms and expectations, much like the relationship between Ruby and James in “Maxton Hall.” Their relationship faces hurdles when they start falling for each other during high school, with Connell particularly worried about how his peers will react to their relationship, leading him to go to great lengths to keep it hidden.

In the end, Connell’s refusal to acknowledge his relationship with Marianne leads them to drift apart. However, it becomes evident that his struggle is not so much about admitting it, but more about dealing with societal expectations he finds hard to meet. Despite their separation, their bond remains strong, and they find themselves drawn back together at various points throughout their lives.

In this heartfelt romance, there are deep psychological themes running throughout, and to ensure the plot was accurately portrayed, I sought guidance from a mental health professional. As I shared with Stylist, I aimed passionately for Connell’s emotional turmoil to resonate truthfully. Many individuals will encounter situations similar to those faced by Connell and Marianne when it comes to their mental well-being.

Teen Wolf

If you’re a fan of “Maxton Hall” and its blend of romance, teenage tension, and a dash of drama, then “Teen Wolf” might be just what you’re looking for! This series takes that mix and adds a supernatural twist. The story revolves around Scott (Tyler Posey), a high school lacrosse player who experiences a life-altering event when he gets bitten by an alpha werewolf. Alongside his friend Stiles (Dylan O’Brien), Scott embarks on a journey to understand and control his newfound powers, which encompass increased strength, speed, and hearing, as well as uncontrollable urges such as the urge to transform into a wolf and attack anyone nearby. Fortunately for Scott, he has a blossoming romance with Allison (Crystal Reed) to keep his anger in check.

Similar to Maxton Hall’s characters Ruby and James, Scott and Allison face numerous challenges in their relationship, primarily due to the fact that he is a werewolf and she hails from a lineage of werewolf hunters. Additionally, they must contend with the danger posed by the alpha who transformed him. As the story unfolds, an array of werewolves and other supernatural entities make their appearance, along with fresh romantic entanglements and threats that could potentially shatter them at any instant.

For six seasons and a spin-off film, the series “Teen Wolf” showcases an impressive acting troupe that includes Colton Haynes, Holland Roden, Tyler Hoechlin, Melissa Ponzio, Linden Ashby, Ian Bohen, Shelley Hennig, Arden Cho, Dylan Sprayberry, and JR Bourne.

One of Us Is Lying

In the vein of the students at Maxton Hall, who are adept in secrets and deceit, “One of Us Is Lying” narrates the tale of five high schoolers bound by a startling secret following the demise of their fellow classmate. The characters are represented by Simon (Mark McKenna), Addy (Annalisa Chochrane), Cooper (Chibuikem Uche), Bronwyn (Marianly Tejada), and Nate (Cooper van Groote). They find themselves in a detention reminiscent of “The Breakfast Club,” but this gathering has fatal repercussions, as one of the teens meets an untimely end. The remaining four become suspects in this unfolding mystery.

This television show, sharing its title with a book penned by Karen McManus, skillfully blends the charm of “Maxton Hall” with the suspense and enigma of “Elite.” Critics have drawn parallels to “Pretty Little Liars,” making it a compelling watch that you won’t want to miss.

As the probe into the student’s enigmatic demise unfolds, life goes on for others, filled with unexpected twists and challenges – romantic or otherwise – that arise throughout. The captivating series “One of Us is Lying” portrays robust LGBTQ narratives, as revealed by Netflix showrunner Darío Madrona to The Queer Review. Madrona emphasized the importance of making these stories feel genuine within the high school setting, stating, “We aim to discuss LGBTQ matters in a way that mirrors current real-life conversations. There are LGBTQ students in schools, and they have their lives and their problems, some of which relate to being LGBTQ, while others stem from entirely different circumstances.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

If you’re starting to find the school environment a bit tiresome but yearn for a teen drama with lots of romantic and personal angst, then “The Summer I Turned Pretty” might be just what you need. Originating from a trilogy penned by Jenny Han, who is also known for her book “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, the series follows the lives of two families, the Conkins and the Fishers, as they grapple with love, loss, and friendship during their summer getaways at Cousins Beach.

Since time immemorial, Lola Tung’s character, Belly Conkin, has harbored feelings for Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney). However, her best friend and Conrad’s brother, Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), shares the same affections. This love triangle is sure to captivate fans of “Maxton Hall”. As they journey to the beach, they will delve into this tense emotional knot that becomes even more intricate with each passing season.

However, it’s not just the trio who find themselves entangled in romantic quandaries. Belly’s other friend, Taylor (Rain Spencer), finds herself drawn towards Steven (Sean Kaufman), Belly’s elder brother. Yet, their love faces numerous hurdles before it can truly blossom.

Just as “The Summer I Turned Pretty” offers a captivating blend of financial strife and characters hailing from diverse backgrounds, let me share my personal gaming world where the characters I embody face similar challenges. Belly and Steven grapple with less financial backing than Jeremiah and Conrad, creating unique stressors for each in their own right. Both our stories also delve into the powerful themes of family, complicated further by an ailing parent that intensifies the dynamic between Belly and Conrad. If this tale resonates with you, I’ve compiled seven other series to explore that share the same charming allure as “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Enjoy!

Greenhouse Academy

Greenhouse Chronicles”

The series, titled “Greenhouse Chronicles”, delves into the lives of siblings Hayley (portrayed by Ariel Mortman) and Alex (played by Finn Roberts). After a tragic rocket explosion that claimed their astronaut mother’s life, they decide to enroll in an exclusive California boarding school for exceptionally gifted students.

Initially close-knit, the siblings find themselves at odds as fate separates them into different school residences and sets them on competing paths. However, a compelling mystery begins to unfold that eventually draws Hayley and Alex back together. They start uncovering evidence of a chilling conspiracy revolving around engineered earthquakes, which seems to be gaining traction within the school’s halls.

The four-season Netflix series, titled “Greenhouse Academy,” shares common themes with “Maxton Hall,” primarily focusing on adolescent romance and personal development. A key character, Haley, initially dislikes Greenhouse and grapples with finding her identity within it. However, she eventually adapts and emerges as a capable leader among the Ravens, even amidst a love triangle involving Leo (Dallas Hart) and Daniel (Chris O’Neal), who both confess their feelings for her. Alongside Dallas Hart, Chris O’Neal, and other cast members like Finn Roberts and Aaron Mani, “Greenhouse Academy” features Danika Yarosh from “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” and Cinthya Carmona, who might be recognized by viewers as Solana from “Pretty Smart.

Cruel Intentions

In the story “Maxton Hall,” siblings Caroline (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien (Zac Burgess), much like James and Lydia Beaufort, are admired among their scholarly circle. They’ll go to great lengths to safeguard themselves and their standing. This time, it’s not Ruby who poses a threat to them, but the Vice President’s daughter, Annie (Savannah Lee Smith). In a bid to maintain their position at the pinnacle of the school’s social hierarchy following a severe hazing incident that casts doubt on Greek life, Caroline and Lucien devise a scheme to win over Annie. However, just as James found himself falling for Ruby in “Maxton Hall,” Lucien finds himself developing genuine feelings for Annie, making his relationship with Caroline even more intricate.

The 2024 Prime Video series “Cruel Intentions” is based on the 1782 French novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” and the 1999 film, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. Initially, a reboot with the original cast was planned but didn’t come to fruition. Instead, we have a spin-off series that shifts the characters from high school to college. Executive producer Phoebe Fisher explains this change as being faithful to the books, as the characters in “Dangerous Liaisons” are full adults and not students at all. The new series promises drama, luxury, and an emotional twist while revealing the darker side of the elite on campus and their lengths to preserve their power.

2025-01-29 00:31