Created by Sam Levinson, “Euphoria” is, for better or worse, one of the most successful drama series of recent years. It has not only captivated a worldwide audience, it has also sparked intense discourse surrounding its themes and its approach to teenage years.
Starring Zendaya as Rue, a teenage drug addict who struggles to stay sober and readjust to her high school life. Praised for its cinematography and the acting, the series is also extremely divisive when it comes to its storylines and characters.
Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow and more also star. While fans wait for a third season that has been delayed, you can take the time to binge watch similar teen shows.
7 series like Euphoria to watch
Everything Now
Available on: Netflix
While more optimistic than Euphoria, fans of the show will find that Mia (played by Sophie Wilde) is a main character that has the same attitude as the Euphoria teens: let’s do it all. After being hospitalized to treat an eating disorder, Mia will go through everything she feels she missed.
Heartbreak High
Available on: Netflix
In “Euphoria,” there are some characters that “don’t belong,” such as Rue (at first) or Maude Apatow’s Lexi. In Heartbreak High, Amerie (Ayesha Madon) is a social outcast after creating a mural that exposes the hookups of everyone at her school. However, she will find new friends Darren (James Majoos) and Quinni (Chloe Hayden), with whom she will navigate school.
Gossip Girl (original)
Available on: Max
The original series might feel tame compared to what Euphoria depicts, but there’s no Euphoria without Gossip Girl (such as there’s no Gossip Girl if there’s no The OC, but that’s another conversation). GG follows a more privileged pack of teen troublemakers, but still, all the themes are there: loneliness, love, friendships and more.
Skins (UK version)
Available on: Hulu
Now, if there’s a millennial show that feels the most closest to Euphoria is definitely this one. Skins, the UK version, was the boldest teen series of its time, and depicted all the issues that Euphoria has: mental illness, substance abuse, eating disorders, relationships and more. Plus, it also has a star-studded cast: Kaya Scodelario, Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel and more.
Sex Education
Available on: Netflix
Again, the truth is that it is hard to find a broody, nihilistic approach to adolescence the same way “Euphoria” does. So, in comparison, “Sex Education” might feel extremely optimistic and colorful. However, we argue that that’s a good thing. Apart from its educational approach, the series is similar to Euphoria due to its extensive, diverse cast. There’s a character for everyone.
My Mad Fat Diary
Available on: Hulu
One of the most criticized storylines of Euphoria is Kat’s character arc, which will remain incomplete after Barbie Ferrera decided to leave the show. However, if you want to watch a character with similar struggles, “My Mad Fat Diary” is perfect for that. It follows Rae (Sharon Rooney), who is returning to everyday life after a four-month stay in a psychiatric hospital. However, she lies to her best friend about where she was and, from then, let’s just say that the series is a journey.
My So-Called Life
Available on: Hulu
It’s a throwback, but the series also deals with teenage angst and substance abuse. It stars Claire Danes as Angela, a teenager who finds herself in a series of dangerous situations while trying to figure out who she is.
