Over time, television has emerged as the preferred platform for transforming young adult novels, as networks and streaming services recognize their suitability for the small screen. These stories abound with drama, tension, romance, and intrigue, and in 2024, Amazon Prime unveiled its newest success – a series that embodies these elements: “We Were Liars,” featuring Emily Alyn Lind as Cadence Eastman, the daughter of a wealthy, esteemed family.
During the summers, the Eastmans reside on idyllic Beechwood Island, their latest visit marking Cady’s 16th birthday celebration. However, as summer comes to an end, Cady mysteriously washes ashore with a type of amnesia that erases all memories of her past. A year later, back at Beechwood Island, Cady embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her missing summer, only to discover that those around her might be concealing secrets from her lost summer days.
With numerous unexpected twists, “We Were Liars” is another intriguing mystery in a series that keeps growing. If you’ve recently finished the first season of this captivating show, don’t worry! We’ve got 12 top-notch shows similar to “We Were Liars,” perfectly timed for your viewing pleasure next.
The Waterfront
Blending elements of crime and family dramas is one reason fans adore “We Were Liars,” and if you’re seeking similar content, a recent Netflix series might pique your interest. The upcoming 2025 series, titled “The Waterfront,” originates from the creative mind of Kevin Williamson, renowned for ’90s horror-thriller hits like “Scream,” “The Faculty,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” This time, he delves into a more somber tale, focusing on a once influential family whose business dynasty is falling apart.
The Buckley family, based in North Carolina, owns a struggling fishing business. Upon his return from a health-related leave, the family head, Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany), discovers that their financial troubles are not just due to falling profits; they’ve been involved in illicit activities such as drug smuggling to keep the business afloat. Despite these illegal actions potentially helping them survive financially, they face grave danger because of it. It turns out that their daughter, Bree (Melissa Benoist), is not only dating a DEA agent but also providing him with information about her family’s criminal activities.
Similar to how “Breaking Bad” portrays a family sliding into criminal activities due to financial struggles, “The Waterfront” places the Buckleys in conflict with one another in a manner that will captivate fans of “We Were Liars”, as deceptions and hidden truths escalate.
Sirens
People who appreciated “We Were Liars” might relate to the series’ delving into friendships turning into enmity. A comparable narrative unfolds in “Sirens,” centered around two sisters who emerged from an abusive household, growing apart as they aged. Another Netflix production, “Sirens,” features Milly Alcock, the current live-action Supergirl, portraying Simone DeWitt. Simone left home to avoid her alcoholic father, eventually becoming the protegee of wealthy socialite Kiki Kell, played by Julianne Moore.
In the opening of “Sirens,” I find myself in a predicament as my elder sibling, Devon (Meghann Fahy), is grappling with the burden of caring for our aging father. In her quest for assistance, she turns to me, but instead discovers Devon basking in a life of opulence with the enigmatic Kell, whose intentions appear shady at best. Driven by a desperate longing to mend our family, Devon becomes consumed with exposing the suspicious underbelly of Kell’s high society clique, with Kell as her primary target. I fear that he harbors sinister designs for my sister.
In her struggle against the corrupt influence of the wealthy elite and their manipulations, Devon finds himself powerless to free Simone from Kiki’s charm. Simultaneously, she grapples with her own history, acknowledging her role in driving Devon towards Kell, whose spouse, Peter (Kevin Bacon), appears to have his own motives at play. The captivating five-episode miniseries, “Sirens,” masterfully blends teenage turmoil, domestic drama, and exhilarating conspiracy with a dash of biting wit.
The Survivors
Departing from the United States towards the continent below, known as Australia, “The Survivors” is an engaging Netflix drama that made its debut in 2025. The show features Charlie Vickers and Yerin Ha portraying Kieran and Mia, a youthful couple who return to Kieran’s quaint seaside hometown of Evelyn Bay. He had previously left many years ago after a catastrophic hurricane swept through the area, causing destruction and claiming the lives of several friends and his brother when their boat was entangled in the tempest’s wrath.
The couple arrives on the evening of a memorial for storm victims, yet their presence is met with displeasure by some townsfolk. Particularly the families of the deceased, feel let down by Kieran. It’s not just his absence that they resent, but also the suspicion that he played a role in the deaths of his friends, since he was the only one to survive the accident. Upon his return, the past resurfaces, casting a shadow over everyone and potentially disrupting Evelyn Bay’s tranquility while unearthing the hidden darkness lurking beneath the picturesque village facade.
The series titled “The Survivors” primarily revolves around themes of love and sorrow, and it essentially narrates a single man’s challenging journey towards accepting his past and an entire community’s battle to move past their resentment and mourning. This captivating show has drawn high praise and has been compared to the renowned BBC crime drama “Broadchurch,” widely acknowledged as one of the greatest British crime dramas ever produced.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society
If “We Were Liars” had been set with its characters slightly older and focused more on the liars themselves, it could closely resemble “Grosse Pointe Garden Society.” Unlike the original story set in a beautiful vacation destination, this series is based in the monotonous, dismal environment of a suburban wasteland populated by individuals who often seem miserable, lonely, and unsuccessful. Instead of bickering over lawn maintenance or calling the police for petty disputes, these suburban misfits express their dissatisfaction with their mundane lives by perpetrating a murder.
In the town named Grosse Pointe, Michigan, the television series titled “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” introduces Melissa Fumero, previously known from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” as Birdie, a novel addition to the gardening club. Similar to many suburban residents, these club members find themselves discontented with their lives, often due to unfulfilling jobs, unhappy marriages, or strained relationships with children. Each of them handles this dissatisfaction differently, but they all end up in a predicament involving a deceased person and blood on their hands. In an attempt to conceal their crime, they are driven by a growing desperation.
A blackly humorous take on the absurdities and excesses of American lifestyle, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” is reminiscent of 80’s cult favorites such as “Heathers” and “The Burbs,” with its exploration of how far some will go to fit in.
13 Reasons Why
If you’re hooked on the teenage drama and the intrigue as hidden truths surface in “We Were Liars,” then you might find “13 Reasons Why” equally engaging. Similar to “We Were Liars,” it is adapted from a young adult novel, but with a more serious theme: the story revolves around the suicide of a high school student named Hannah Baker, portrayed by Katherine Langford (who had a brief appearance in “Avengers: Endgame”).
The story unfolds fourteen days following Hannah’s suicide, when classmate Clay Jensen (portrayed by Dylan Minnette) receives an enigmatic parcel at his home. It appears to be from Hannah, and contains a collection of cassette tapes she recorded prior to her demise, which explain the 13 motives behind her decision. These tapes delve into the struggles of Hannah’s life, while also revealing that each reason implicates various individuals in her life, such as friends, family members, and even Clay himself. To heighten the intrigue, these tapes were sent to everyone on the list, thereby uncovering hidden truths about their lives.
The Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” is commended for its open and courageous approach to sensitive topics such as bullying, sexual misconduct, and self-harm. Remarkably, this program managed to span across four seasons, with later installments delving into the wider consequences of Hannah’s suicide and introducing new characters grappling with similar difficulties.
If you’re feeling suicidal or someone you care about is, reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Outer Banks
Netflix’s “Outer Banks” combines elements from popular teen dramas like “Beverly Hills 90210,” “The O.C.,” and “Lost,” making it a perfect fit for today’s teen audience, especially fans of “We Were Liars.” This series is not just a teen drama; it also has elements of mystery and thriller, set on the Outer Banks islands off the coast of North Carolina, giving it an adventure-like feel. However, it leans more towards mystery and thrill rather than full-fledged action or adventure.
In the series, we encounter two main teenage factions dwelling in the coastal community known as The Outer Banks: the Kooks – a group of wealthy, high-society individuals who often come across as snobbish, and the Pogues – hardworking locals who share their town. When the show starts, the Pogues stumble upon a puzzling key from a ship that washed ashore following a storm, along with a bag previously owned by one of the Pogues’ fathers. Upon discovering that the wreckage initiates a hunt for a hidden treasure long thought lost, this revelation triggers a perilous competition between the two rival factions.
The Outer Banks series has gained massive popularity due to its gripping narrative that combines action, romance, and unexpected character demises. In fact, it’s so beloved among fans that you may have already watched it, and if you have, I bring good tidings: the fifth (and concluding) season is scheduled for release in late 2025.
The Secrets She Keeps
If you’re in search of a gripping mystery with an intriguing ensemble of characters who will go to great lengths to shield the truth, “The Secret She Keeps” could be your next binge-worthy series after “We Were Liars.” Be mindful not to confuse it with another title of the same name, as this one is set in Sydney, Australia. The narrative revolves around two pregnant women from contrasting backgrounds – Meghan (played by Jessica de Gouw) is a high-profile influencer married to a local TV host, showcasing her lavish lifestyle and perfect family life online. Agatha (portrayed by Laura Carmichael), on the other hand, hails from a modest background, finds herself growing more and more detached as she observes Meghan’s glamorous social media presence.
It turns out they share more than just their pregnant state. They both conceal aspects of their lives, ready to take drastic measures to keep their secrets under wraps. Contrary to appearances, Meghan’s life isn’t as idyllic as she portrays; financial issues are arising, and her spouse expresses discontent about another child. On the other hand, Agatha is soon unmasked as a fabricator, spinning different tales regarding her pregnancy and the father’s identity.
While not possessing the same level of captivating intensity as “We Were Livers,” “The Secrets She Keeps” still delves into comparable themes, such as trust and deceit.
Shelter
The book-turned-series “We Were Liars” might appear to be just a typical teen drama due to its high school setting. However, it delves deeper as a mystery, much like the series “Shelter”. This series, starring young characters attempting to unravel hidden truths, shares the same enigmatic atmosphere. The author of this intriguing tale is Harlan Coben, who has seen close to a dozen of his stories transformed into Netflix originals. His Myron Bolitar series is set to be adapted next. Unlike “We Were Liars”, “Shelter” is an Amazon production, with its protagonist being Mickey, Myron’s nephew.
The story begins by introducing us to young Bolitar, played by Jaden Michael, who relocates to a suburban town in New Jersey following the fatal car accident that left his father dead and his mother severely injured. In his new school, and with his mother undergoing treatment, Mickey finds himself alone and forms a friendship with Ashley (Samantha Bugliaro), who soon mysteriously disappears.
Mickey teams up with some new companions on a quest to uncover Ashley’s fate. As they dig deeper, the teen detectives are drawn into a sprawling mystery involving a potentially decades-old missing persons case, a possibly corrupt police department, and a town desperate to conceal its troubled history. Simultaneously, Mickey starts to suspect that his family’s history might be connected to the current events unfolding.
Cruel Summer
In “We Were Liars” and “Cruel Summer”, we follow the characters as they grapple with mysterious gaps in their memories. Specifically, Cadence Eastman can’t remember a summer on Martha’s Vineyard, while in “Cruel Summer”, it’s Kate Wallis (played by Olivia Holt) who mysteriously disappears. Both stories take place in different time periods: “We Were Liars” is set during summertime, and “Cruel Summer” unfolds in the 1990s.
Following Wallis’ vanishing act, the once shy and solitary Jeanette Turner (Aurelia) experiences a remarkable transformation, blossoming into a social whirlwind much like Kate. It appears that she has even assumed Kate’s entire lifestyle, going so far as to win over her boyfriend, Jamie (Froy Gutierrez). Some townsfolk might find this turn of events peculiar, but it becomes headline news when Kate resurfaces after two years and levels accusations at Jeanette. She claims that the former wallflower was present during her abduction and failed to intervene. However, the ensuing inquiries delve into more than just whether Jeanette could have been involved in Kate’s kidnapping. Instead, they hint at the possibility that both women might be concealing the true events of that day.
One of Us is Lying
In terms of intriguing tales involving a web of deceit, “One of Us is Lying,” a captivating mystery-thriller series on Peacock, stands out. Over the course of two seasons, the narrative unfolds around a group of high school students who find themselves serving detention at Bayview High School. Here we’re introduced to characters such as popular cheerleader Addy Prentiss (Annalisa Cochrane), star athlete Cooper Clay (Chibuikem Uche), the driven and snobby Bronwyn Rojas (Marianly Tejada), troublemaker Nate Macauley (Cooper van Grootel), and social media-centric Simon Kelleher (Mark McKenna).
In this critical period spent in detention, the chatty Simon tragically passes away due to an apparent allergic reaction. However, as suspicions grow that his death might have been a calculated murder made to appear accidental, all four students find themselves under suspicion – a suspicion strengthened when it’s revealed they each had a valid motive for wanting him dead. When their hidden secrets are exposed, the quartet decide to collaborate in order to unmask the culprit and clear their names, despite knowing that one of them could potentially be the murderer.
The Buccaneers
Transforming an average teen soap opera into a story set several centuries ago results in “The Buccaneers,” a series on Apple TV+ inspired by an unreleased novel penned by Edith Wharton, renowned for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Age of Innocence.” In “Buccaneers,” we delve into the Gilded Age, a time marked by lavish extravagance and the ostentatious decadence exhibited by its powerful upper class. In the 1870s, an influx of newly affluent nobles find themselves mingling with the long-established social aristocracy who scorn them for their uncultured manners. This is London, where the wedding of Lord Richard Marable brings a group of young women into the spotlight as they ready themselves for the bustling debutante season. At these events, they attend alongside wealthy bachelors, each seeking to marry one of these women.
As a passionate gamer, let me share my take on “The Buccaneers.” This captivating tale weaves love and desire amidst a fierce cultural divide, creating an intriguing contrast that sets the stage for this series. It’s essential to clarify that “The Buccaneers” isn’t a whodunit or adrenaline-pumping thriller; instead, it delves deep into the complex lives of its young female characters.
While the opulent period setting is undeniably attractive, what truly hooks you is the gripping personal drama unfolding before your eyes. It’s a compelling narrative that leaves viewers eager for more glimpses into these women’s tumultuous lives.
Pretty Little Liars
If you’re looking for a series similar to ‘We Were Liars,’ both in title and theme, you might find it in the popular Freeform show, ‘Pretty Little Liars.’ This teen drama and mystery series shares the suspenseful element of hidden secrets that threaten to unravel. Unlike ‘We Were Liars,’ it doesn’t revolve around amnesia, but instead follows a close-knit group of teens in a small Pennsylvania town called Rosewood. The disappearance of their leader stirs up unsettling questions.
Initially dispersing after their best friend Alison DiLaurentis mysteriously vanishes, Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale), Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell), Hanna Marin (Ashley Benson), and Spencer Hastings (Troian Bellisario) eventually reunite when Alison’s body is discovered a year later. As they all start receiving cryptic messages from an unknown source, the friends find themselves entangled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, as this person appears to possess intimate knowledge of their hidden pasts and threatens to expose them. Fearing the exposure of their dark secrets, the friends embark on a desperate quest to identify the message sender and understand why they’re being targeted.
The long-running and intense teen drama “Pretty Little Liars” managed to carry on beyond its initial enigma, spanning an impressive seven seasons. This makes it the longest series on our list, so if you decide to watch, make sure you have some spare time. However, be prepared for a contentious ending among fans.
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2025-07-27 19:32