12 Shows Like “Euphoria” to Watch Now

Full of teen drama and intense acting, here are 12 shows like 'Euphoria' to watch while you wait for season 3

Euphoria became a viral sensation almost instantly.

The teen drama series premiered on HBO in 2019 and follows Rue (Zendaya) and her high school classmates as they navigate issues like drug addiction, body image, sexuality and trauma.

Created by Sam Levinson, Euphoria launched the careers of main cast members Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer and Alexa Demie. It also accelerated Zendaya’s trajectory from former Disney star to critically acclaimed actress; she’s won two Emmys for her work on the series.

Related: Euphoria Season 3: Release Date, Cast and Latest News

After two highly successful seasons, the show was renewed for a third in February 2022, but producers have said that new episodes aren’t expected until at least 2025. In March 2024, filming of the third season was put on hold indefinitely and the stars were allowed to pursue other projects, per Deadline.

While fans wait for news on the upcoming season, there are plenty of other drama-filled, thought-provoking shows to dig into.

From teen dramas to mystery thrillers, here are 12 shows to watch if you’re a fan of Euphoria.

Skins

It’s safe to say that Skins walked so that Euphoria could run. The British teen drama aired from 2007 to 2013 and centers around a group of high school students in Bristol, England.

Known for its gritty depictions of teenage debauchery, the series tackled controversial topics such as substance abuse, sexuality and mental illness.

Sex Education

This British Netflix series explores the sex lives of both teens and adults at Moordale Secondary School in an idyllic fictional town.

The ensemble cast stars Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa and Emma Mackey. If you’re looking for teen drama, but want something a little lighter than Euphoria’s dark storylines, Sex Education is the perfect watch.

We Are Who We Are

This British coming-of-age drama series follows two American teenagers who live on a fictional United States military base in Italy.

Created by Call By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino, We Are Who We Are explores themes like friendship, young love and identity. The series stars Chloë Sevigny, Jack Dylan Grazer, Alice Braga, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Spence Moore II and Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl quickly built a cult following when it premiered in 2007. Based on a popular book series of the same name, the show centers around wealthy teenagers on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Related: 'Gossip Girl' Cast: Where Are They Now?

After spending a year at a boarding school, “it girl” Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returns to New York City and reunites with her frenemy Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester). Over the course of six seasons, plenty of meme-worthy drama ensues between them and their fellow classmates.

The Idol

While it’s not a high school drama, The Idol will certainly satisfy your itch for Levinson’s signature style.

The creator’s 2023 project, which received mixed reviews, stars Lily-Rose Depp as fictional pop star Jocelyn who becomes entangled with the mysterious night club owner Tedros, played by musician The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye).

The series was not renewed for a second season, but you can still stream five episodes chock-full of Levinson’s trademark cinematography and controversial plotlines.

Degrassi

This Canadian teen drama series has a cult following for good reason. The franchise has had several iterations dating back to 1979, but one of the most memorable iterations was Degrassi: The Next Generation, which starred Drake before he was a well-known musician.

Like Euphoria, the show addressed controversial topics like mental health, sexuality and drug abuse among teenagers.

Cruel Summer

Part teen drama, part crime thriller — Cruel Summer packs an intense punch.

This anthology series premiered in 2021 and each of the two seasons presents a different teen murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. In season 1, Olivia Holt stars as a popular girl who goes missing.

Season 2 had Griffin Gluck and Lexi Underwood among its cast who played out another mystery, this one of a murdered boy and a trio of friends who are somehow involved. After the second season premiered in the summer of 2023, the series was canceled.

My So-Called Life

Some fans see My So-Called Life as the original Euphoria because of its parallel themes of drug use, toxic romance and teenage angst.

This '90s series stars Claire Danes as Angela, a teenager who finds herself in a series of dangerous situations while trying to figure out her identity. Throughout the series, Angela is guided by her intense crush on Jordan, played by a young Jared Leto.

Genera+ion

This 2021 HBO series, produced by Lena Dunham, follows a group of high schoolers in a conservative town as they try to sort out their true desires.

Genera+ion stars a band of young talent including Chase Sui Wonders, Haley Sanchez and Justice Smith. The main characters struggle with their sexuality and questions of right and wrong while trying to get through high school.

The aesthetics and outfits, as well as the focus on social media, cement the show's take on modern teenagehood.

Recovery Road

Recovery Road, based on a book by the same name, sees teenager Maddie faced with the decision between being expelled and going to rehab for her drug use. When she picks rehab, Maddie is faced with a tough journey and new problems.

The 2016 series starring Sebastian de Souza, Kyla Pratt and Jessica Sula, may deal with serious themes but it also stays true to the teen genre, including a romantic arc for the main character.

Freaks and Geeks

This classic '90s show may be funnier than Euphoria but it still packs a dramatic punch. Freaks and Geeks, written by Judd Apatow, follows a group of teen friends and enemies as they struggle to get through high school.

As referenced in the title, members of the core group aren't exactly the most popular kids in school, which leads to plenty of awkward moments and questions of loyalty and social dynamics.

The show's all-star cast includes Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Jason Segel, Busy Philipps and Seth Rogen.

One of Us Is Lying

The thriller One of Us Is Lying chronicles the lives of five students who go into detention one day but only four survive. The following episodes deal with questions of guilt and long-held secrets as everyone attempts to figure out what happened.

Although far more mysterious than Euphoria, One of Us Is Lying has the same intense dialogue and serious themes.

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