15 Best TV Shows Like Euphoria

Euphoria” is undeniably among the top-tier teen dramas from the past ten years, starring Zendaya as Rue, a teenager grappling with drug addiction. Beyond Rue’s personal struggles, the series also delves into the lives of other students she interacts with at school. The characters aren’t all angels; some are downright toxic, but they all grapple with challenging situations that mirror the trials and tribulations faced by numerous teenagers in modern society today.

While we eagerly anticipate Season 3, there’s a wealth of other shows with comparable themes to keep us occupied in the meantime. Not all teen dramas delve into issues like identity, sexuality, and students grappling with reintegrating into school life after rehab. For viewers seeking series that tackle these subjects or share a similar vibe as your favorite HBO production, “Euphoria,” here are some recommended alternatives you might enjoy.

Should you or someone you care about be dealing with addiction problems or mental health issues, feel free to reach out to the resources listed below:

  • Visit the website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or alternatively, reach out to them via their National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

  • Visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s website or contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

    Check out the National Institute of Mental Health’s webpage or dial the helpline number for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

We Are Who We Are

In the Italian-set drama “We Are Who We Are,” two teenagers living on a foreign military base grapple with self-discovery and fall in love. Characters Fraser (played by Jack Dylan Grazer) and Caitlin, or Harper as she’s known off base (portrayed by Jordan Kristine Seamón), navigate their identities within the structured environment of the base. Their paths cross at school, where Fraser accidentally learns about a personal struggle that Harper keeps hidden from her peers. The two bond over this shared secret, and Fraser offers support without passing judgement.

Although the main themes in “Euphoria” are clearly Rue’s struggle with addiction and her story, another less-discussed aspect is its exploration of identity. This theme is primarily showcased through Jules (played by Hunter Schafer), a transgender character, but also extends to Kat (Barbie Ferreira) and Cassie (Sydney Sweeney). If you’re interested in a story that delves deeper into these topics, “We Are Who We Are” is the show for you. Additionally, if you enjoyed Zendaya’s previous project, “Challengers,” you might appreciate this show since it shares the same writer, Luca Guadagnino.

13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why” is a Netflix series adapted from Jay Asher’s book of the same name. Although it isn’t based on real events, it delves into authentic experiences. The first season closely follows the book, focusing on Clay (Dylan Minnette), who receives taped messages left by a deceased classmate, Hannah (Katherine Langford). Confused at first about his involvement, he soon learns that these recordings were made by Hannah to explain why certain individuals, including him, played a part in her tragic decision. As the narrative unfolds, it examines the repercussions of these tapes and how they reshape the lives of the teenagers involved.

Similar to “Euphoria,” “13 Reasons Why” delves into weighty subjects that significantly influence adolescents. For instance, Clay grapples with understanding why he’s on the tapes and how the tape’s contents affected Hannah’s life and tragic demise. These revelations profoundly alter his perception of his peers. Although “Euphoria” might approach these themes more subtly, the Netflix series, particularly in its inaugural season, tells a story in an unconventional manner that is rarely seen in teen dramas, making it intensely powerful and emotionally resonant.

My Mad Fat Diary

The British show “My Mad Fat Diary” centers around Rae (played by Sharon Rooney), a 16-year-old girl readjusting to daily life after spending four months in a psychiatric hospital. To help manage her feelings, her doctor suggests she keeps a diary. As Rae attempts to rebuild friendships, particularly with Chloe (portrayed by Jodie Comer), who believes she was on a trip to France, Chloe starts to suspect that there’s more to Rae’s tale than meets the eye. Throughout three seasons, Rae navigates self-discovery and typical teen challenges.

In the series “Euphoria,” viewers witness Rue undergoing in-patient treatment and attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings upon her return home. Similarly, “My Mad Fat Diary” showcases the aftermath of events, particularly as Rae attempts to conceal her problems from her peers. Despite the characters facing distinct challenges, they share some commonalities, offering a portrayal of issues that many teenagers worldwide face and how these struggles affect their mental well-being. Given its ’90s setting, “My Mad Fat Diary” underscores that these aren’t novel difficulties.

Girls

HBO’s “Girls,” starring Lena Dunham as Hannah, follows a bunch of young adults in New York City as they strive to find their paths amidst personal and professional challenges. The story begins with Hannah getting cut off by her parents, pushing her to find solutions and learn from mistakes. Alongside her friends, Hannah embarks on a six-season journey, confronting her own imperfections, sometimes appearing unappealing to viewers, and eventually understanding what it means for her to settle down.

The show ‘Girls’ shares similar themes on mental health and identity with the popular series ‘Euphoria,’ but it presents these topics in a distinctly different manner. With ‘Euphoria’ planning to advance in time, ‘Girls’ offers viewers an opportunity to explore how these teenage experiences might unfold in another circle of friends, and how such experiences can linger into adulthood. Both shows boast talented casts, with ‘Girls’ including Adam Driver, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Kathryn Hahn.

Degrassi: The Next Generation

The “Degrassi” series that we’re referring to originated as “The Kids of Degrassi Street” in 1979, but it was later known as “Degrassi: The Next Generation” until its rebranding to simply “Degrassi” in 2010. This show focuses on a diverse range of teenagers and the challenges they encounter during their high school years, ranging from academic struggles and detentions to more serious issues such as drug addiction and gang violence. The series offers a fresh set of characters to follow and allows viewers to identify with various groups, including cheerleaders, football players, academic achievers, and theater enthusiasts.

For nearly two decades from 2001 to 2015, ‘The Next Generation’ series frequently explored themes similar to those in ‘Euphoria.’ This is because it consistently addressed issues relevant to each era, such as the evolution of cyberbullying. Notable moments in ‘Degrassi’ often revolve around the characters discovering their identities. Compared to the HBO project, ‘Degrassi’ maintains a more lighthearted tone and with over 300 episodes available for binge-watching, it makes an excellent choice for those seeking a long-term TV series.

Grand Army

As a devoted fan, I’d say the Netflix series “Grand Army” is all about five Brooklyn high schoolers navigating their way through life in the bustling heart of New York City. They grapple with everything from financial woes and college application essays to substance abuse and complex relationships. Despite being just one season, it authentically portrays what many real teens experience, offering a mix of challenges and triumphs – even some joyous conclusions amidst the heavy topics.

Grand Army”, much like “Euphoria”, presents a gritty and realistic portrayal of teenage life, but instead of East Highland, California, it unfolds in Brooklyn. Both series tackle challenging topics such as identity, politics, and race, with “Grand Army” not shying away from these conversations. The show’s intense scenarios might be hard-hitting, but they strike a chord similar to that of “Euphoria”. With nine episodes, it offers an immersive binge-watching experience for those who wish they could experience the HBO series fresh.

Everything Now

The British series “Everything Now” focuses on Mia (Sophie Wilde), a London teen returning to school after recovering from an eating disorder. Eager to make up for lost time, she creates a list of experiences she yearns to have, as it appears that her classmates have lived life to the fullest during her hospitalization. Struggling with feelings of being left behind, Mia is determined to seize every moment and live life vibrantly.

In the TV series “Euphoria,” neither Rue nor Mia are striving towards specific goals within a set timeframe; instead, they are both navigating the challenging journey of rediscovering life after undergoing in-patient treatment. Just like everyone else, there are instances where they doubt their ability to readjust, which is a feeling many can empathize with. Both shows showcase intensely emotional scenes for their leading characters, amplifying the impact of the sensitive subjects portrayed.

Heartbreak High

The plot of the Australian series “Heartbreak High” revolves around a situation where a teenager named Amerie (Ayesha Madon) assumes responsibility for a sexually explicit graffiti found in her school, even though she didn’t create it alone. This act is to shield her friend Harper (Asher Yasbincek), with whom she’s having a disagreement. However, Amerie remains unaware of the reason behind Harper’s anger, as it appears to go beyond just the graffiti incident. The storyline follows Amerie as she endeavors to win back her friend’s forgiveness and that of several other classmates, all of whom are penalized with a sexual education course due to their involvement in the map.

Heartbreak High,” unlike “Euphoria,” has a lighter and comedic tone despite its drama classification, but don’t be fooled – the issues the teenagers face are just as intense. A character is abducted from a music festival, there’s a focus on gang violence, and many characters grapple with their sexual identities. However, these heavy topics are presented in a more humorous context, making it an ideal choice for fans of “Euphoria” who seek a show that delivers the same emotional impact with a touch of humor.

Elite

The TV series “Elite” focuses on teenagers at a prestigious private school, where most students originate from affluent backgrounds. However, Christian (Miguel Herrán), Nádia (Mina El Hammani), and Samuel (Itzan Escamilla) are scholarship recipients, attending due to an accident that rendered their previous school uninhabitable. Adjusting to this new environment is tough not only because of the wealth gap, but also because one of their fellow students is mysteriously killed. Not only do they face scrutiny about the crime, but these teens must grapple with typical teenage struggles such as fitting in and managing relationships on top of it all.

For enthusiasts of “Euphoria,” “Elite” is an excellent foreign language choice that delves deeper into themes similar to the HBO series, particularly perception and what one presents to the world. Notably, the Spanish show focuses on this topic more due to the wealth most of the student population possesses. Spanning across eight seasons, it provides a captivating watch if you’re comfortable with subtitles or dubbing. You might also recognize María Pedraza, who portrays Marina in the series, from another well-known Netflix production.

Sex Education

The show titled “Sex Education” centers around Otis (Asa Butterfield), a sexually inexperienced teen who dispenses sex advice to his peers thanks to his mother’s profession as a sex therapist. However, complications arise when Otis develops feelings for Maeve (Emma Mackey), his business partner. In addition to the characters grappling with issues related to sex and romance, they also face challenges such as their school closing down and applying for exchange programs.

The Netflix show, “Sex Education,” strongly emphasizes its premise, transforming it more into a humorous narrative than a serious drama. It’s engaging and entertaining, yet it doesn’t shy away from portraying the authentic struggles teenagers often encounter and their methods of dealing with them. Although the idea of a peer dispensing sex advice may remind you of “Euphoria,” it’s worth noting that while “Euphoria” might delve into darker territories regarding this topic, “Sex Education” maintains a lighter tone. Over four seasons, Otis evolves from giving sex advice to managing a long-distance relationship.

My So-Called Life

Among the shows on this list, there’s an excellent choice from the ’90s titled “My So-Called Life.” Claire Danes plays Angela, a Pittsburgh teenager, who narrates her life in this series. She forges new friendships, deceives her parents while visiting nightclubs, attempts to acquire a phony ID, and experiences romance, among other adventures. Additionally, the characters around her undergo similar trials, exploring various themes such as learning difficulties, sexuality, and identity, spanning a broad spectrum of topics.

In my opinion, “Euphoria” may be applauded these days for its raw and intense narrative, but it’s important to remember that the groundwork was laid by “My So-Called Life.” Unlike other teen dramas before it, this show didn’t shy away from tackling complex issues like mental health, identity, and relationships. These topics were often relegated to standalone episodes in previous series, creating a separation between them and the rest of the storyline. However, “My So-Called Life” was different; it approached these themes realistically, which made it feel more authentic than many other shows at that time.

Much like Zendaya today, Claire Danes was recognized for her exceptional acting in this series. She won a Golden Globe and earned an Emmy nomination, demonstrating the strong female leads both “Euphoria” and “My So-Called Life” have had at their core.

Skins

The British television series “Skins” explores various teenage characters in each episode, delving into personal challenges they face such as academic pressures, drug abuse, or mental health concerns. Characters grapple with diverse topics like identity issues, such as a young person attempting to connect with a renowned parent, or a crisis of faith. Although each episode primarily concentrates on an individual character, recurring characters are also present, demonstrating their attempts to manage their own predicaments. Each storyline offers an opportunity for viewers to empathize and find common ground.

Discussing “Euphoria” inevitably brings up “Skins.” The former show might well be the British equivalent of “Euphoria,” having been a trailblazer in its time. Although it was a hit when it first aired in the 2010s, its popularity has only escalated since then. In essence, if “Euphoria” were set in the UK, it would resemble “Skins.” Fans of British humor will find much to appreciate, although there may be instances where it goes too far. With seven seasons available to stream, you’ll have ample entertainment until new “Euphoria” episodes arrive, providing a rich viewing experience.

The Idol

Jocelyn, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, was once a prominent figure in the pop music world, but her career hit a downturn when she had to abandon her tour because of a mental breakdown. The story “The Idol” follows her attempts at a return to stardom, yet each time she seems on the brink of success, unexpected issues surface and hinder her team’s efforts. However, an encounter with a man in a club leads her to discard her upcoming album and take her life down a new path.

If you’re a fan of “Euphoria,” and you’re curious about more work from its creator Sam Levinson, then “The Idol” might be worth checking out. At first glance, these two series may not appear similar, but they share a common theme: both portray powerful women navigating their lives post a significant event. Although the stories are distinct, the pressure experienced by Rue and Jocelyn is comparable. While “The Idol” may seem peculiar, it delves into how young adults often push themselves to believe they’ve conquered personal challenges.

In My Skin

Title “In My Skin” revolves around Bethan (Gabrielle Creevy), a student at a traditional school who’s hiding her true self. She juggles her time between visiting her hospitalized mother, who has bipolar disorder, and navigating her own life. The responsibilities can be overwhelming for a teenager, but across two seasons, Bethan discovers the courage to steer her life as she pleases.

Similar to other shows on the list, “In My Skin” focuses on typical adolescent struggles. However, what makes this series unique is that it delves deeper into both the protagonist’s identity and her mother’s, particularly when the matriarch blames her daughter for causing her hospitalization during a manic episode in the first episode. This initial scene sets the tone for the series, hinting at the challenges Bethan must face if she aspires to leave home and attend university. The character of Bethan seems reminiscent of those found in “Euphoria,” which gives “In My Skin” a more introspective feel, making it appear more like a character study than a typical teen drama.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl,” the renowned teen drama on The CW network, delves into the lives of wealthy youngsters from New York’s upper crust. With their wealth comes a multitude of problems, as the show explores themes such as self-harm, bullying, and trading girlfriends for hotels. Serena (played by Blake Lively) was absent for a year, but she has returned with aspirations to regain her position in New York’s high society. However, there’s a mysterious figure anonymously publishing everyone’s scandals on a blog, making it challenging to hide secrets and evade the past.

At a glance, “Euphoria” and “Gossip Girl” might appear vastly dissimilar, but upon closer examination, they both delve into the struggles faced by teenagers, with the latter presenting privileged teens who can hide their problems. It offers an insightful perspective on how such issues play out in various social classes, subtly addressing the role of economic conditions within “Euphoria” on HBO. If Rue had wealth at her disposal, her life post-rehabilitation might have taken a different turn, as suggested by Eric van der Woodsen (Connor Paolo) throughout the first season of “Gossip Girl.

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2025-07-19 04:32