The Ultimate TV Show Guide for a Summer Filled with Thrills

Summary

Fans of Surviving Summer seeking similar shows can now enjoy streaming The Summer I Turned Pretty and Zero Chill. These captivating series not only showcase resilient characters, but also delve into the thrilling realm of competitive sports.

Doogie Kamealoha, MD and H2O: Just Add Water present a fresh perspective on stories of growing up, yet both explore the themes of intense challenges and steadfast friendships.

Betty, The Bold Type, and Boo, Bitch deliver empowering tales showcasing diverse female friendships, while Dance Academy and Blue Water High delve into the journeys of characters as they follow their passions in fiercely competitive settings.

After making a successful debut and securing a second season, Netflix's Surviving Summer has left fans craving similar shows. This teenage series stars Sky Katz from Raven's Home as Summer Torres, a troublemaking skateboarder from New York City who is sent to a small town in Australia to live with family friends. There, she forms a bond with a talented group of surfers and develops an interest in the sport. As Summer's rebellious nature persists, she begins to realize that her impulsive behavior may not always lead her in the right direction.

From the bustling streets of New York to the captivating landscapes of Australia, teen TV series are filled with rebellious adolescents and fiercely competitive athletes. In these shows, best friends can become each other's greatest adversaries, and friendships are put to the test when characters are pitted against one another. While viewers eagerly anticipate Summer's possible return to Shorehaven for another season, there are several other series available for streaming that feature resilient characters navigating their own challenges.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-)

Watch on Amazon Prime Video

The main character in Surviving Summer is named Summer, which is fitting as the series is set during the summer surfing competition season. The storyline also includes elements from past seasons and events that occur throughout the year. Amazon's The Summer I Turned Pretty follows a similar format, making it a great choice for viewers who enjoy shows like Surviving Summer.

While both shows revolve around the coming of age of a young woman, they also have an ensemble of friends that extend beyond just one individual. In The Summer I Turned Pretty, that individual is Belly (Lola Tung), who isn't learning to surf but faces similar emotional challenges as Summer. These emotional situations reach their climax during her summer visits to a specific location.

Zero Chill (2021)

Stream on Netflix

Surviving Summer explores the world of competitive surfing and the dedication required for teenagers to pursue a professional career. Zero Chill takes a similar approach, but with a focus on pro ice hockey and figure skating. Although the training methods differ, both sports demand a high level of commitment, which is occasionally disrupted by the characters' antics.

What sets Zero Chill apart is its examination of both sides of the competitive sports world for teenagers. It explores what happens when one individual is not necessarily aiming for stardom in the professional circuit and the implications that come with it. Additionally, the series highlights rebellious behavior, mirroring Summer's rule-breaking attitude in the realm of surfing.

Doogie Kamealoha, MD (2021-2023)

Streaming on Disney+

Surviving Summer may not appear to fit in with shows like Surviving Summer at first glance, but both shows share high-pressure situations and a waterfront setting. Doogie Kamealoha, MD is a modern adaptation of the 1990s series Doogie Howser and is available in its entirety on Disney+. In contrast, the future of Surviving Summer remains uncertain after two seasons.

Lahela (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a teenager, holds the dual roles of a doctor in the same hospital as her mother and a participant in the competitive surfing world. Juggling her adult responsibilities with the pursuit of her teenage life poses a constant challenge for her.

H2O: Just Add Water (2006-2010)

Stream on Netflix

Australian teen television has a plethora of fantastic shows, and among them is H2O: Just Add Water. This show played a significant role in the global recognition of Australian teen television due to its airing on Nickelodeon in various countries and later being picked up by Netflix for streaming. Similar to Surviving Summer, the series frequently takes place on Australian beaches and revolves around a close-knit group of friends who navigate the complexities of relationships, harboring secrets, and striving for a normal life.

However, what sets Just Add Water apart is that the characters' normal lives are disrupted when they inadvertently acquire the unique ability to transform into mermaids upon contact with water. Instead of focusing on riding the perfect wave, their stories primarily revolve around safeguarding this monumental secret.

Betty (2020 - 2021)

Stream On Max is a captivating series that takes place in the vibrant Lower East Side of New York City. Betty introduces a remarkable ensemble of female skateboarders who defy gender stereotypes in their pursuit of excellence in this male-dominated sport. This tight-knit and multicultural group of friends unconditionally supports one another while indulging in their profound passion for skateboarding.

Summer, a skateboarder from New York City, is an avid enthusiast of performing daring stunts with her crew. Their thrilling acts include igniting her skateboard and fearlessly riding it off a diving board, all while sneaking into a public pool during nighttime. Resembling the gritty females portrayed in Betty, Summer takes it upon herself to empower women in the skateboarding community. In her pursuit, she endeavors to teach Honey, Ari's younger sister, the art of grinding rails in Surviving Summer.

The Bold Type (2017 - 2021)

Stream On Hulu

Kat, Jane, and Sutton forge an unbreakable bond as interns at Scarlet, a women's magazine in New York City. Amidst life's challenges, the women of The Bold Type offer unwavering support, even resorting to holding hands during moments of frustration. Comparable to Surviving Summer, The Bold Type resonates with its portrayal of female camaraderie and empowerment, as the characters navigate their intertwined lives. Meanwhile, Bodhi and Poppy's friendship evolves into a complex dynamic when they find themselves competing against each other in surfing competitions. Despite the rivalry, they remain each other's biggest cheerleaders and sources of solace during personal tragedies. Ultimately, the budding connection between Summer, Poppy, and Bodhi mirrors the underlying theme of female strength and the cathartic release of emotions found in both Surviving Summer and The Bold Type.

Boo, Bitch (2022)

Stream Boo, Bitch on Netflix for a unique off-beat comedy similar to Surviving Summer. Just like in Surviving Summer, the main characters, Lana Condor and Zoe Colletti, have a deadline to accomplish everything they want. However, in Boo, Bitch, the urgency is not due to a surfing competition, but rather because one of them is a ghost who will eventually move on from the world of the living.

Dance Academy (2010 - 2013)

Summer's carefree nature complements the idea that the two girls should seize every opportunity to live life to the fullest. This becomes evident when Summer's mother arranges for her to reside with friends in Australia, a decision fueled by Summer's free-spirited personality. They are both motivated to explore life's endless possibilities while they still have the chance. Summer actively encourages her newfound surfing companions to embrace joy and occasionally let loose.

Stream On Peacock, Pluto TV, & Amazon Prime Video

Despite the challenges she faces, Tara Webster defies all odds to secure a coveted spot in a fiercely competitive Dance Academy located in Sydney, Australia. While her unwavering passion for dance plays a pivotal role in her acceptance, it is her unwavering commitment to ballet and intricate friendships that make this drama series one of the finest depictions of the world of dance on television.

Similar to Tara's journey, Ari from Surviving Summer encounters a setback in his career due to a devastating injury. Determined to bounce back, he must put in relentless efforts to rebuild his physical strength and regain his parents' confidence in his ability to compete without risking further harm. With an equal fervor for surfing as Tara has for ballet, both characters demonstrate the extraordinary lengths they are willing to go to reclaim their positions and preserve their dreams.

Outer Banks (2020 - )

Stream On Netflix:

The Pogues in Outer Banks have an unyielding attraction to the water. They fearlessly ride waves during hurricanes, embark on deep-sea treasure dives, and spend more time cruising in their boat than driving their van. The stakes and tension escalate as John B., JJ, and Pope find themselves entangled in a web of infatuations with Kiara. However, when comparing shows like Surviving Summer, it becomes evident that Outer Banks surpasses others in its ability to deliver captivating drama.

Dive Club (2021 - )

Even though Ari and Marlon belong to the same surf team, their friendship faces difficulties due to a tragic incident and a romantic interest in the same girl that strains their bond. While the surfers of Surviving Summer generally prioritize caution, Summer, akin to the daring Pogues, embraces risk-taking and leads her newfound friends into challenging predicaments.

Stream On Netflix

In Cape Mercy, Australia, a young diver goes missing, prompting her friends to launch a search mission. Along the way, they stumble upon lavish treasures. Unlike Pretty Little Liars, Dive Club on Netflix centers on resilient female friendships that deepen with the arrival of Izzie. This strong bond is what sets Dive Club apart, much like Surviving Summer.

In Surviving Summer, Poppy and Bodhi introduce Summer to the community by inviting her to a party on her first night in Shorehaven. Eventually, Poppy teaches her how to surf. Both shows emphasize the importance of proper training, as the Dive Club assists Izzie in obtaining her scuba diving license. Additionally, Dive Club and Surviving Summer explore the challenging theme of grief, as one of the main characters tragically loses their mother. These shared elements make Dive Club and Surviving Summer compellingly similar.

Blue Water High (2005 - 2008)

Watch FreeVee and Tubi for the thrilling series, "Blue Water High," which follows a group of talented young surfers chosen to reside and train at a co-ed Surf Academy in Sydney, Australia. Sponsored by Solar Blue, they must adhere to strict rules while balancing their intense school curriculum and competitive surfing events. With its captivating storyline, "Blue Water High" is reminiscent of the beloved show "Surviving Summer" and is even considered a precursor to the series, set almost twenty years prior.

The O.C. (2003 - 2007)

Despite not having a corporate sponsor, the Shorehaven Surf Club provides Bodhi with a chance to represent a surfwear company as a model. This opportunity is crucial for Bodhi as she aims to enhance her online presence and personal brand. The characters in the Netflix series are fortunate to experience their busy surf season during the summer in Australia, eliminating the concern of attending school during this period.

Stream On Max and Hulu

Sandy Cohen often mentions his passion for surfing and even rents a law office near the beach. However, it is Johnny, an aspiring surfer seeking professional success, who manages to catch the most remarkable waves. During the third season of The O.C., Johnny befriends Marissa. Upon securing a sponsorship, Johnny becomes thrilled at the prospect of participating in a world tour of surfing. Unfortunately, he does not ultimately achieve this goal.

Johnny shares many similarities with Ari from Surviving Summer. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both individuals harbor unrequited feelings for their closest female friends and display a reluctance to seek assistance for their mental well-being. Additionally, Ari and Johnny face comparable obstacles, including debilitating injuries that necessitate a period of recovery before they can resume surfing.

90210 (2008 - 2013)

Stream 90210 on The CW and Amazon Prime Video to join Ivy, Dixon, Teddy, and Liam as they ride the waves for the West Beverly High surfing team. Brace yourself for thrilling plot twists as Ivy's love interests and a harrowing accident intertwine, placing her at the heart of the gripping surfing narratives.

Ari and Ivy both face significant challenges in their lives following their surfing accidents, but they respond to their situations in contrasting ways. While Ari displays determination to overcome his injury and conquer his panic attacks in the series Surviving Summer, Ivy resorts to feigning an injury to avoid participating in surfing activities at school. Eventually, both characters discover the strength within themselves to seek the necessary support and guidance on their own timelines, thereby placing 90210 alongside shows such as Surviving Summer in terms of the compelling narrative.

Make It Or Break It (2009 - 2012)

Stream On Hulu

The Freeform series, Make It Or Break It, is inspired by the acclaimed gymnastics movie, Stick It. It revolves around Emily Kmetko, who joins a prestigious gym in Colorado, bringing her exceptional talent and causing a stir among the existing team members. While they compete against each other for individual honors, they must also collaborate for team events, all while guarding their personal lives from prying eyes.

In the story Surviving Summer, the protagonist initially lacks the same excitement as Emily about starting afresh in a new place. Desperate to leave Australia, she hastily tries to book a flight out. However, as time passes, Summer discovers her hidden gift for surfing and simultaneously helps the Shorehaven team navigate complex work-life dynamics.

Secrets Of Summer / Cielo Grande (2022 - )

Stream "Secrets of Summer" on Netflix. The riveting wakeboarding competition makes a stunning comeback after years of absence at a luxurious resort in Argentina. Steffi finds herself irresistibly drawn to the resort and the intriguing past her father shares with the competition. Meanwhile, other characters find themselves entangled in a sizzling summer romance.

Summer is sent to Shorehaven due to her mother's past as a professional surfer in the small Australian town. Despite initially appearing uninterested when Poppy excitedly discusses her mother's achievements, Summer begins to form a bond with the town and even starts surfing. As the summer progresses, the distinction between friendships and romantic relationships becomes unclear in Shorehaven, mirroring the situation in Cielo Grande.