The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Shows Similar to Girls

Summary

TV series such as Girls effortlessly portrayed the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, infusing it with an authentic energy that resonated with a wide range of viewers.

Uncoupled skillfully explored the complexities and relatable blunders found in the lives of more mature characters, while other iconic shows like Sex and the City paved the way during the '90s and early 2000s.

Shows like Sort Of and The Sex Lives of College Girls have brought attention to communities and issues that were previously overlooked, while also infusing humor and relatability into their narratives.

While Lena Dunham's Girls is undoubtedly unique, there are numerous other shows that have amusingly explored the themes of life, love, and adversity with a coming-of-adulthood twist. Premiering on HBO in 2012, Girls follows the lives of four young adults in New York City as they navigate the challenges and freedoms that come with entering adulthood. Inspired by Lena Dunham's personal experiences, the series tackles these ideas with an authentic energy that is both endearing and cringe-inducing. It skillfully captures the essence of the Millennial generation as they come into their own and has become a defining representation of the 2010s.

Met with near-universal critical acclaim over its six-season run, Girls garnered numerous prestigious awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and even the highly coveted Peabody Award. While the series faced criticism for its lack of diversity and certain retrospective inconsistencies, it remained a truly unparalleled viewing experience. Other shows, both preceding and following Girls, have echoed its themes, as they too delve into the complexities of life and possess the ability to resonate with nearly everyone.

10 Uncoupled (2022-Present)

Uncoupled is available to stream on Paramount+, Fubo TV, and Showtime

9 Sex And The City (1998-2004)

The series Uncoupled breathed new life into the familiar narrative of young adults finding their way in life, by embracing the experiences of older characters. Set in New York City, the show follows Michael (Neil Patrick Harris), a newly single gay man in his 40s, as he navigates the uncertain waters of the dating scene after a long-term relationship. Unlike many shows similar to Girls, Uncoupled brings a refreshing level of maturity to its storytelling, while still allowing the characters to make relatable mistakes. Neil Patrick Harris delivers a captivating performance, showcasing a previously unseen dramatic side, and it is no wonder that Showtime resurrected Uncoupled after Netflix initially cancelled it following its first season.

Sex and the City is available to stream on Max, Fubo TV, and NBC

If Girls successfully captured the essence of the 2010s, then Sex and the City paved the way and became a significant cultural phenomenon during the '90s and early 2000s. Columnist Carrie Bradshaw (portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker) attempts to navigate the complexities of dating in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, with her close-knit group of friends consisting of Samantha (played by Kim Cattrall), Miranda (portrayed by Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte (played by Kristin Davis). Renowned for its authentic portrayal of the NYC lifestyle and its impeccable fashion sense, Sex and the City, much like Girls, was not without its fair share of controversies. Nonetheless, it left an indelible mark by fearlessly highlighting female sexuality, which was a departure from the norm in media during that era.

8 Looking (2014-2015)

Looking is available to stream on Max

Though HBO's Looking was short-lived, it was instrumental in paving the way for LGBTQ+ representation on major cable networks. This series is set in the vibrant city of San Francisco and revolves around the lives of three gay men: Patrick (portrayed by Jonathan Groff), Augustín (played by Frankie J. Alvarez), and Dom (brought to life by Murray Bartlett). Together, they navigate the challenges of balancing their professional endeavors with their pursuit of love and personal fulfillment. While Looking shares thematic similarities with shows like Girls, it distinguishes itself by placing a greater emphasis on the dramatic aspects of its dramedy format. The choice of San Francisco as the backdrop adds a refreshing change of pace from the typical New York City setting, and the exceptional performances of Groff and Bartlett infuse the material with a heartfelt authenticity.

7 Sort Of (2021-Present)

Sort Of is available to stream on Max

The 2010s brought significant changes to the media landscape, and shows like Girls played a crucial role in this transformation. However, it was not until series like Sort Of came along that the focus shifted towards previously overlooked communities. Bilal Baig, a gender-fluid individual based in Toronto, portrays Sabi, who navigates the challenges of young adulthood while also dealing with the expectations of their conservative immigrant parents. Unlike Girls, which primarily centered around white characters, Sort Of tackles big-city romance while delving into the immigrant experience and the lives of non-binary individuals. Despite addressing these complex topics, Sort Of maintains a comedic tone and is both relatable and genuinely hilarious.

6 The Sex Lives Of College Girls (2021-Present)

The Sex Lives of College Girls is available to stream on Max

5 Pen15 (2019-2021)

"The Sex Lives of College Girls" masterfully captures the turbulent journey of transitioning between different life phases, mirroring the essence of shows like "Girls." Following the trials of four first-year students (played by Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott) at Essex College, the series delves into their newfound independence and the challenges that come hand in hand with it. Unlike "Girls," "The Sex Lives of College Girls" boasts a remarkably diverse cast of relatable protagonists, representing various orientations and identities. Moreover, the show's humor takes on a more playful tone, infusing the struggles with an abundance of joy.

Pen15 is available to stream on Hulu

Coming of age is a messy journey, and in the comedy series Pen15, the raw moments of youth are presented without any sugarcoating. Maya and Anna, two middle school friends, navigate the challenges of being social outcasts in a constantly changing society. Unlike the show Girls, which follows young adults being thrust into adulthood, Pen15 delves into the equally tumultuous period of early adolescence. The show's cringe-inducing moments are intensified by the brilliant choice to have Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle portray their younger selves, despite their older ages. Alongside its absurd and uncomfortable humor, Pen15 also offers insightful reflections on the process of growing up.

4 Chewing Gum (2015-2017)

Chewing Gum is available to stream on Max and Hoopla

Other shows exploring the transition to adulthood, such as Girls, have managed to put a fresh spin on the themes, but Chewing Gum stands out as one of the most unique. Following the dreams of Tracey (played by Michaela Coel), a shop assistant from London, as she strives to break free from the constraints of her religious upbringing, Chewing Gum delves into issues that Girls largely overlooked, such as race. This theme subtly underlies the series, which skillfully addresses body image and sexuality with a touch of poignant humor. In addition, Chewing Gum sheds light on the Black experience in England, a perspective seldom depicted in mainstream media.

3 Insecure (2016-2021)

Insecure is available to stream on Max and Netflix

2 Fleabag (2016-2019)

In contrast to the criticisms faced by Girls, HBO's Insecure managed to address these concerns while also inclusively portraying a captivating storyline. By depicting the challenges faced by Black women in society, Issa (played by Issa Rae) and Molly (portrayed by Yvonne Orji) navigate through their personal insecurities while pursuing their careers and love lives. One of the show's greatest strengths lies in its ability to succinctly capture the contemporary Black experience, with its cast consistently delivering outstanding performances. Despite its focus on one community, Insecure's relatable struggles and well-balanced blend of drama and comedy make it a universally relatable journey throughout its five seasons.

Fleabag is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's soaring success in the film and television industry can be largely attributed to the breakthrough show, Fleabag. As the brash and unapproachable protagonist, Fleabag, played by Waller-Bridge, navigates her way through grief and chaos, refusing to confront her problems even as her world crumbles around her. Unlike shows such as Girls, which focus more on romance and the transition to adulthood, Fleabag hones in on the specific challenges faced by young adults without resorting to generalizations. Despite its short run of two seasons, Fleabag takes viewers on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the depths of the human soul.

1 Broad City (2014-2019)

Broad City is available to stream on Hulu, Paramount+, Comedy Central, and Fubo TV

Broad City effectively showcased the significance of shows like Girls through its clever parody. Abbi and Ilana, two determined young women navigating life in New York City, masterfully transformed minor inconveniences into amusing spectacles. While Girls portrayed the disaffected millennial mindset with raw honesty, Broad City humorously highlighted the most exasperating traits of its own generation. By embracing absurd humor instead of dramatic elements, Broad City emerged as a remarkable comedy triumph, surpassing Girls with its outrageously hilarious moments.