10 Shows Like Netflix’s My Life With The Walter Boys You Should Watch

Title “My Life among the Walter Boys” tells the tale of Jackie (played by Nikki Rodriguez), a teenager relocating to Colorado following the demise of her parents and sister, to stay with an unacquainted friend. Hailing from bustling New York City, life on a ranch in the southwest is a stark contrast for her. As she endeavors to adapt, she encounters practical jokes, envious teenage girls, and two brothers, Cole (Noah LaLonde) and Alex (Ashby Gentry), who both show interest in her. Jackie grapples with her emotions, torn between decisions as she adjusts to her new surroundings that have become her ‘normal’.

Fortunately, “My Life with the Walter Boys” isn’t just a one-season series – Netflix has approved a second season for release in December 2023, coincidentally the same month it first premiered on their platform. In the meantime, there are numerous other shows that fans of this series will undoubtedly enjoy. Ranging from travel adventures to other teenagers navigating grief in unique ways, here is a list of 10 shows similar to “My Life with the Walter Boys” that you should consider watching next.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Made Up My Mind”

This story revolves around Belly (Lola Tung), a 16-year-old girl who returns to the beach house she visits every summer. Alongside her mother, brother Steven (Sean Kaufman), Susannah (Rachel Blanchard), and her sons Conrad (Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno), Belly spends her warm months at the beach. However, unlike previous years, both brothers express romantic interest in Belly. This unexpected attention forces Belly to examine her feelings, as she’s harbored a crush on Conrad for quite some time. Throughout the summer, Belly experiences significant events with the brothers that aid her in choosing whom to be with, from a game of volleyball to a debutante ball.

In the second season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Belly and Jackie find themselves on parallel paths, facing strikingly similar challenges. Both characters mourn significant losses – Jackie grieves for her mother, father, and sister, while Belly mourns Susannah, who holds a special place as a second mother to her. They also share intricate emotional entanglements with two sets of brothers, each dealing with complex emotions. The brothers’ personas are remarkably similar too; Conrad and Cole are the brooding football players, much like Jeremiah and Alex who embody kindness.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but draw parallels between the captivating shows “My Life with the Walter Boys” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Both series share a similar vein of storytelling, yet they stand apart like two distinct chapters in a larger narrative.

While both shows are adapted from books that share a similar thematic foundation, their unique settings provide fertile ground for their respective main characters to unfold their own captivating tales. Each series offers a fresh and compelling take on the human experience, making them perfect companions for any binge-watching session.

Starring: Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno, Jackie Chung, Sean Kaufman
Year: 2022 – present
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

Heartland

In simpler terms, Amy (Amber Marshall), who is a teenage girl, spends most of her time caring for horses on her grandfather’s ranch. After their mother passes away, Amy’s older sister Lou (Michelle Morgan) comes back to assist in dealing with the financial difficulties of the ranch and prevent them from having to sell it. Throughout the show, we see Amy mature, get married, have a child, and rebuild her relationship with her father.

Jackie and Amy both grapple with the loss of their mothers. While “Heartland” doesn’t have two brothers pursuing Amy, the character still struggles with relationship complexities with Ty (Graham Wardle), similar to how Jackie grappled with Alex during the first season. Later on, Amy must accept what happens to Ty and adapt to changes in her life. Although Amy is more horse-focused than Jackie initially, Jackie grows more at ease and self-assured around them as she spends more time in Colorado. Essentially, Amy serves as a role model for the skills and growth Jackie could achieve while being part of the Walter family.

Heartland” is an excellent choice for fans of “My Life with the Walter Boys” who are searching for a lengthy series to marathon. With more than 250 episodes available, it’s a perfect addition to any watchlist. The series shares similar ranch settings as the Colorado ranch Jackie now resides on, offering viewers a glimpse into additional adventures that might unfold there. Additionally, the small-town atmosphere that the New Yorker is adjusting to is also depicted in this show.

Starring: Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Shaun Johnston, Chris Potter
Year: 2007 – present

Looking for Alaska

As a captivated reader, I embarked on a journey through “Looking for Alaska” from the perspective of a character named Miles, or affectionately known as Pudge. This tale follows my transformation as I navigate a new boarding school, Culver Creek Academy in Alabama, seeking something beyond ordinary experiences.

My roommate Chip and his friend, Alaska, a mesmerizing girl, become my companions. Alaska stirs feelings within me that I had never experienced before. However, tragedy strikes when she meets an untimely end during the school year, leaving behind a mystery surrounding her life and family. This heart-wrenching incident forces me to confront my emotions and unravel the enigma that was Alaska’s existence.

In the story “Looking for Alaska,” both main characters, Miles and Jackie, grapple with grief from losing individuals they deeply care about. However, what sets this narrative apart in teen media is its exploration of grief through a male character’s eyes, Miles. Unlike Jackie, who relocates to a new place due to circumstances beyond her control, Miles consciously chooses to move. The events that follow, including his encounters with Alaska and new friends, cause him to reevaluate himself and grow in ways he hadn’t expected. Jackie, on the other hand, finds herself adapting to an unfamiliar life she never anticipated having, taking risks and stepping out of her comfort zone.

Both ‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ and ‘Looking for Alaska’ are adaptations that delve into the challenging aspects of adolescence from distinct perspectives. Characters like Jackie and Miles grapple with confronting death and adapting to unfamiliar schools and surroundings. The Netflix series offers multiple seasons, whereas Hulu’s version is a miniseries, making it an appealing, one-day viewing experience.

Starring: Charlie Plummer, Kristine Froseth, Denny Love, Jay Lee
Year: 2019
Rating: TV-MA
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Surviving Summer

During the summer, Summer (Sky Katz) travels to Australia to stay with her mother’s friends while her mother is on a work trip following her expulsion from school. Initially, Summer clashes with everyone and isn’t content with her living arrangements, longing to return to New York. But as she befriends locals and discovers the joy of surfing, Australia’s beloved pastime, she begins to understand that this Australian summer might just be what she requires for personal growth.

As a gamer, I found myself thrust into an unfamiliar territory, vaguely recognizable only to Summer, while it was all new to me. Despite being New Yorkers at heart, we seemed to be somewhere else entirely. While Jackie chose the rebellious route, skipping classes and boozing with Cole, Summer reacted differently – desperately trying to arrange a flight back home. However, both of us were struggling for control in our own ways, and our actions mirrored that turmoil.

Both ‘Surviving Summer’ and ‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ present stories centered around teenagers who find themselves in unfamiliar small towns, yearning for someplace else. In these narratives, they encounter two individuals showing interest in them, causing turmoil as they navigate their emotions. They cope by immersing themselves in extracurricular pursuits: surfing for Summer and track and student council duties for Jackie.

Starring: Sky Katz, Kai Lewins, Lilliana Bowrey, Joao Gabriel Marinho, Savannah La Rain
Year: 2022 – 2023
Rating: TV-PG
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Never Have I Ever

In a bid to transform herself, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s character Devi plans to start her second year of high school anew. Following the tragic passing of her father at a school performance, she is resolute on reinventing her social persona and acquiring a popular boyfriend. As high school unfolds, Devi delves deeper into self-discovery while grappling with decisions about Paxton (Darren Barnet) and Ben (Jaren Lewison), accepting the reality of her father’s demise, applying to college, and navigating various friendship hurdles that crop up throughout.

Similar to Devi, Jackie frequently diverts her mind by concentrating on other matters. While Devi initially sought a boyfriend, Jackie has been working diligently on her ideal Princeton application. Both girls use boys as distractions, yet these encounters also force them to grapple with their self-perceptions and aspirations for the future. In the finale of “My Life with the Walter Boys,” Jackie chooses to retreat to familiar grounds instead of confronting Cole and Alex. Devi, in a similar move, attempts to switch schools for her senior year.

In both “Never Have I Ever” and “My Life with the Walter Boys,” the main characters embark on personal journeys of self-discovery, attempting to cope with the loss of family members by channeling their emotions into something else while learning to adapt to their changed circumstances. Fans of “My Life with the Walter Boys” will find familiar humor in the antics presented in “Never Have I Ever.

Starring: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison, Darren Barnet
Year: 2020 – 2023
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Love, Victor

At a fresh start in a new school, Victor (Michael Cimino) uses the chance to reveal his sexual orientation to his relatives and peers. However, things aren’t as straightforward as he’d hoped, and he struggles with his family’s intolerance, juggling relationships, teenage complications, and self-discovery. As the series progresses, Victor’s companions encounter similar difficulties, such as Felix (Anthony Turpel) grappling with mixed emotions towards Lake (Bebe Wood) and Victor’s sister Pilar (Isabella Ferreira), as well as Mia (Rachel Hilson) fretting over her family’s possible relocation.

Jackie and Victor are embarking on a fresh chapter at new educational institutions, offering them both a chance for a fresh start. For Victor, this implies being forthright about his sexual orientation, whereas for Jackie, it’s about forming new relationships and discovering her role within a big family. However, both teens grapple with their methods of dealing with life’s challenges. Victor finds solace in a relationship that seems heterosexual on the surface, while Jackie suppresses her emotions and concentrates solely on Princeton as a means to divert her thoughts from her grief.

Similar to “Looking for Alaska,” “Love, Victor” presents a male viewpoint while exploring themes akin to “My Life with the Walter Boys.” Characters like Jackie and Victor struggle with self-acceptance, and although their stories revolve around distinct subjects, they eventually learn the importance of extending grace to themselves, aided by their new friendships.

Starring: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding
Year: 2020 – 2022
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

XO, Kitty

When a young teenage girl impulsively enrolls at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) to surprise her long-distance boyfriend, Kitty (Anna Cathcart) learns that she’s been accepted. Interestingly, her mother had also attended this school as an exchange student. Kitty views this chance as a means to forge a unique bond with her mother, one that her sisters do not share. Unfortunately, the situation quickly turns sour when she arrives and discovers Dae (Choi Min-young), her boyfriend, appearing to be with someone else instead.

Jackie and Kitty find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar setting that contrasts sharply with what they’re accustomed to. While Kitty navigates the city streets after missing her ride from the airport, trying to locate her school and understand the social dynamics, Jackie seeks her niche within her new educational institution. Similar to Kitty, Jackie carries items that link her to her family. Kitty relies on her mother’s journal as a roadmap, and Jackie cherishes a special memory associated with a teapot she shared with her sister.

In both “XO, Kitty” and “My Life with the Walter Boys”, the central characters are strong female protagonists who carve out their identities. They showcase similar feisty spirits, not shying away from delivering sharp quips when necessary, as demonstrated by Jackie’s critique of Erin’s counterfeit handbag (played by Alisha Newton) and Kitty’s interactions with Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee).

Starring: Anna Cathcart, Choi Min-young, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan
Year: 2023 – present
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%

One Tree Hill

In a turn of events, Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) decides to join the school’s basketball team, causing friction with his half-brother Nathan (James Lafferty), who is the team captain. Although they share the same father, their relationship was not particularly close until the father took notice of Lucas’s potential in basketball, a skill he has been encouraging Nathan to develop. The contrasting social circles of the brothers and the addition of family members and girlfriends only serve to heighten the growing tensions.

In the same hometown, these half-brothers initially had a strained connection, stemming from rivalry on the basketball team. However, as they grew older, they developed an understanding for one another and improved their relationship. The TV series follows their ups and downs closely, creating parallels between Cole and Alex’s romantic entanglements, given their mutual interest in the same woman, complications within the family dynamic, and struggles with social standing at school.

If you loved the dynamic between Alex and Cole in “My Life with the Walter Boys”, then you might find “One Tree Hill” captivating as it could further explore their storyline. Interestingly, Jackie’s return from a summer in New York could significantly impact their journey, much like how events unfold in “Heartland”. And just like that series, there are plenty of episodes to keep you hooked in this teen drama, with almost 200 spread across nine seasons.

Starring: Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Bethany Joy Galeotti
Year: 2003 – 2012
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%

Sweet Magnolias

The series ‘Sweet Magnolias’ focuses on various families living in a picturesque South Carolina hamlet called Serenity. The Townsend family is trying to heal after the fallout from husband Bill’s (Chris Klein) marital infidelity. Meanwhile, Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) and her daughter Annie (Anneliese Judge) are embracing the possibility of a complete family as Ronnie (Brandon Quinn), husband and father, returns home. Helen (Heather Headley), who is an attorney in town, is navigating through intricacies in her romantic relationships, including rekindling past flames or starting fresh with someone new.

The series skillfully blends the teen-centric storylines with those of adults, much like “My Life with the Walter Boys.” Unlike the former where Jackie is the primary character, the parents of the Walters, their adult son Will (Johnny Link) and his fiancé Hayley (Zoë Soul), school guidance counselor Tara (Ashley Holliday) also play significant roles in the first season. In contrast, “Sweet Magnolias” doesn’t solely concentrate on the teens Ty Townsend (Carson Rowland), Annie, and Kyle Townsend (Logan Allen). Instead, it focuses on Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue, and Helen, who are the show’s namesakes.

If you’re drawn to the cozy allure of a small town setting as portrayed in “My Life with the Walter Boys”, then “Sweet Magnolias” is another series worth checking out. Though the stories unfold in different parts of the U.S., they share the commonality of intimate, gossip-filled communities where secrets are hard to keep. So, when Jackie tries to slip into town unnoticed, it’s no surprise that her arrival is instantly recognized, despite her desire to remain hidden.

Starring: JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Carson Rowland, Justin Bruening
Year: 2020 – present
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

Zero Chill

Kayla (Grace Beedie), a figure skater, adjusts to a fresh lifestyle as her family relocates to England for her twin brother Mac (Dakota Taylor) to join an elite hockey squad. Leaving behind her harmonious skating companion is tough on her, and despite attempts by their parents to find her a new one, it proves unsuccessful. Mac’s integration into the team isn’t effortless either, as he strives to earn their respect and that of the coach.

Despite the varying reasons for their moves – Kayla moving for her brother’s hockey career versus Jackie being relocated due to a document beyond her control – both women find themselves struggling to adapt. They express feelings of disregard towards their personal needs during the planning process. Kayla openly voices her concerns to her parents, while Jackie tends to internalize these emotions. However, despite the disparate circumstances, there are striking similarities in their experiences.

As a devoted fan of “My Life with the Walter Boys,” I found “Zero Chill” particularly captivating because it’s deeply immersed in sports culture, mirroring my own passion. Moreover, its coming-of-age narrative beautifully resonates with the universal struggles Jackie experiences, making her journey relatable regardless of the specific context or environment. Lastly, the dynamic between Jackie and Kayla is vibrant and full of energy, a quality that’s hard to come by.

Starring: Grace Beedie, Dakota Taylor, Jeremias Amoore, Anastasia Chocholatá, Leonardo Fontes, Jade Ma
Year: 2021
Rating: TV-G
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%

2025-01-26 22:32