As a devoted fan of “Desperate Housewives” and someone who has spent countless hours binge-watching shows that share its unique blend of drama, comedy, and soapy intrigue, I must say that these recommendations truly hit the spot!
As a gaming enthusiast, if I were talking about my favorite TV shows, I’d say: “Am I someone who enjoys a dash of campy drama in my entertainment? Do I appreciate shows where the stakes are high and there’s a good mix of humor and sass? Well, when ‘Desperate Housewives’ premiered back in 2004, it stood out among nighttime soap operas. It was all about broken vows, underhanded schemes, and unexpected twists – served with a side of Wisteria Lane gossip. Although the ladies of this street might be gone now, and their actresses have moved on to other projects, their impact on television continues to resonate.
Hey fellow gamer! If you’re hunting for a captivating, absurdly dramatic series that’ll keep you hooked, here are seven shows I recommend giving a spin. They’ve got a whiff or resonance with the vibe of “Desperate Housewives,” covering everything from horror to suspense, mystery, and pure laughs. While they might not offer the same level of enjoyment as re-living Susan (Teri Hatcher) and her pals’ wild escapades, these shows should still provide a stack of entertaining moments!
Why Women Kill
A good way to begin exploring this soap opera featuring women in troubled circumstances is the series titled “Why Women Kill,” created and produced by Marc Cherry, the mind behind “Desperate Housewives.” This show offers a historical perspective on yet another group of distressed housewives who display remarkable courage in eliminating their husbands as a means to achieve tranquility.
Its first season aired on CBS All Access, the precursor to Paramount+. The outing featured three different wives driven to kill their spouses for varying reasons, be it for revenge, out of mercy or as an act of self-preservation. The series follows them and the trouble they get into, or out of, by doing so. The various kills, which take place in three different time periods, are knit together by the same house. Season 2 played on Paramount+ and features the life of Alma Fillcott (Allison Tolman), a post-World War II housewife who discovers her husband is a serial killer.
The show shares a similar darkly humorous vibe as “Desperate Housewives,” yet it more boldly embraces its John Waters-inspired elements, resulting in an entertainingly eerie watch experience.
Devious Maids
The TV series “Devious Maids,” produced by Marc Cherry, had an extended run and offered a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy, although it ultimately got cancelled mid-plot in its fifth season. Despite the unfinished storyline, it offers ample doses of humor, drama, and action for fans who stuck with “Desperate Housewives” throughout its eight seasons.
The series focuses on four Latina housemaids — Marisol Suarez (Ana Ortiz), Rosie Falta (Dania Ramirez), Carmen Luna (Roselyn Sanchez) and Zoila Diaz (Judy Reyes) — as they navigate the world of the rich and famous into which they’ve been plunged. Much as the death of Mary Alice (Brenda Strong) drives “Desperate Housewives,” the murder of Flora Hernandez (Paula Garces) brings together these four domestics. Their interpersonal dramas develop from there, leading to mayhem, comas, secret babies and other disasters.
Although the unsettling cliffhanger could leave you yearning for more, there’s a lot to appreciate in this production, especially Judy Reyes’ commendable performance.
Scream Queens
The principal characters of the TV series “Scream Queens” hail from a sorority and aren’t currently homemakers; however, they exhibit a strong desire for something, though what that might be is yet unknown. Compared to “Desperate Housewives,” this show has a more humorous tone, but not by a wide margin. Moreover, it doesn’t shy away from incorporating complex plot twists into its mystery narrative.
The show focuses on self-centered Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) and her fellow Chanels #2 (Ariana Grande), #3 (Billie Lourd), and #5 (Abigail Breslin). When a serial killer called The Red Devil resurfaces on their college campus, an old mystery opens up and new targets are acquired. The second season changes the premise to put the surviving Chanels in a hospital, where a new murderer called The Green Meanie strikes.
In a different yet similar vein to “Desperate Housewives,” you might encounter a tale spun by numerous questionable narrators, a gripping murder enigma, an extravagant display of high fashion, and a cast of guest stars, all contributing to a unique, captivating viewing experience.
Cougartown
Could it be plausible for a sitcom to evoke the atmosphere of “Desperate Housewives”? Certainly, “Cougar Town” manages to capture that show’s essence, albeit without its murderously dramatic and campy elements. Instead, the series centers around a middle-aged woman and her close group of friends living in a small town, effectively mirroring the spirit and tone of the dramedy quite well, making it an excellent companion piece.
The TV show “Cougar Town” chronicles the life of Jules Cobb, a woman recently divorced, who relocates to Gulfhaven, Florida. Nicknamed “Cougar Town” due to its high school football team, Jules eventually embodies the casual usage of the term as she dates several young, eligible bachelors in town. However, her passion for wine and her friends serve as the main pillars of her character.
As a fan, I can’t help but draw parallels between this series and “Desperate Housewives.” The camaraderie among the characters is reminiscent of that iconic show, and its affection for a touch of the fizzy makes it all the more delightful. Despite being lighter, it retains enough depth to deliver an emotional punch that feels spot-on. Grab a glass of wine after rewatching this show, and you’ll find it strikes the perfect balance.
Dead to Me
Dead to Me” carries the spirit of “Desperate Housewives,” but amped up with dark comedy. It may have slightly less whimsy, but it delves deeply into complex friendships, intriguing plot twists, and an abundance of suspenseful deaths.
The narrative revolves around Jen Harding (Christina Applegate), a woman struggling with her husband’s death due to a hit-and-run accident. In a support group for grief, she encounters Judy Hale (Linda Cardellini), a cheerful individual who becomes a friend to Jen. However, unbeknownst to Jen, it is Judy who was responsible for the car accident that took her husband’s life, and she has joined the group as a means to get closer to Jen. As their friendship deepens, more sinister secrets come to light, binding them together in an unusual bond.
Dead to Me,” a show centered around friends bonded by death, maintains its intensity without hesitation, becoming increasingly strange and somber as episodes progress. It may not be glamorous, but it’s witty with a touch of melodrama. Plus, it could potentially mark Christina Applegate’s last on-screen acting performance, so don’t miss out on this gripping series!
Swingtown
CBS countered the cable attack of “Sex and the City” with this unexpectedly candid and comically soap-like series, but it unfortunately failed to sustain popularity in just one season. However, viewers who appreciate the show’s intricate sexual dynamics, similar to those found in “Desperate Housewives,” might find this one appealing. Unlike other historical dramas such as “Pan Am” that gained traction following the joint success of AMC’s “Mad Men” and ABC’s “Desperate Housewives”, this series seems genuinely authentic to its environment.
1976 serves as the backdrop for this series, which revolves around Susan (Molly Parker) and Bruce Miller (Jack Davenport), a couple with two children. Intrigued by their free-spirited neighbors Tom Decker (Grant Show) and Trina (Lana Parrilla), they are tempted to experiment with partner swapping and open marriages. However, their decision is met with resistance from their longtime friends Roger Thompson (Josh Hopkins) and Janet (Miriam Shor).
Even though you can’t find it streaming, this unconventional series is definitely worth checking out on DVD. It’s full of sex appeal, wit, and audacity – exactly the kind of content that the ladies from Wisteria Lane would enjoy.
American Horror Story: Coven
Trying to pick the season of “American Horror Story” that feels the most like “Desperate Housewives” feels like a fool’s errand, since the bloody show runs on camp, mystery, and slice-of-life vignettes. But the controversial “Coven” season of the splattery horror series seems the best fit for “Housewives” fans. It’s got Patti LuPone, Stevie Nicks, splashy all-black fashion and spooky magic. All you really need to have a gory if campy night.
The leading character during this season is 16-year-old witch Zoe Benson, portrayed by Taissa Farmiga. Similar to Rogue from X-Men, she uncovers her powers following a disastrous romantic encounter where she inadvertently kills a boy with her magic. Instead of attending an ordinary school, Zoe is sent to Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Gifted Young Women, located in New Orleans, where she encounters both adversaries and guides while evading both supernatural threats and the unwanted advances of fraternity boys living nearby. Zoe embarks on a journey to find true love, learn to control her powers responsibly, and potentially ascend to the role of the new Supreme – the leader of the mystical council currently held by the ruthless Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange). Since only one Supreme can exist at a time, Fiona is prepared to strike a deal with the devil to preserve her power.
This season may have some issues, but they’re largely addressed in “American Horror Story: Apocalypse”. Despite its imperfections, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had!
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2024-09-25 21:00