Unraveling Intrigue: Must-Watch Teen Mystery Shows that Surpass Cruel Summer

Looking for something to watch while waiting for Cruel Summer season 3? Check out these ten fantastic teen mystery TV shows. Cruel Summer has captivated audiences with its surprising twists and turns, making it Freeform's most-watched series ever. As we await official confirmation of season 3, fans can dive into these shows to fill the void this summer. Each season of Cruel Summer brings a new story filled with lies, secrets, and a gripping central mystery, drawing inspiration from beloved teen shows like Pretty Little Liars, Veronica Mars, and 13 Reasons Why. With a touch of '90s and 2000s nostalgia, these ten shows offer the same addictive narrative and thrilling teen drama that fans of Cruel Summer adore.

10 Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)

9 One Of Us Is Lying (2021-2022)

: The inevitability of comparing Cruel Summer to Pretty Little Liars is undeniable due to their shared genre of teen mystery thrillers. In both shows, the focus revolves around a high school student who seems to have hidden knowledge about a disappearance. In Cruel Summer season 1, Jeanette Turner appears to be keeping secrets about the missing Kate Walsh, paralleling the "Liars" in Pretty Little Liars who withhold crucial information about Alison DiLaurentis' vanishing act. Although Pretty Little Liars had more time to develop its intricate plot compared to Cruel Summer season 1, these two shows possess significant similarities that make them perfect companions.

Netflix's adaptation of One of Us Is Lying, based on the book by Karen M. McManus, delves into a gripping story involving a group of high school students who become entangled in the mysterious death of one of their classmates. The show shares striking similarities with the first two seasons of Cruel Summer, exploring themes of friendship being put to the test as the group joins forces to uncover the truth behind the possible murder. As the title suggests, not everyone is being truthful, adding an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. Fans of Cruel Summer will undoubtedly find One of Us Is Lying equally captivating, with its abundance of unpredictable twists and turns. Additionally, attentive viewers might notice actor Barrett Carnahan, who appears in both projects, adding another connection between the two shows.

8 The Wilds (2020-2022)

At the heart of The Wilds lies the intrigue surrounding how the group of young women, and later young men, became marooned in the wilderness. Despite having a distinct narrative, it bears enough resemblances to Cruel Summer to make it an excellent recommendation for fans of the latter. The Wilds approaches similar themes in the lives of its youthful characters, such as manipulation and psychological well-being, and relies heavily on flashbacks and an anachronistic structure to weave its tale.

7 The Society (2019)

The Society depicts a group of young individuals who must adapt to their newfound independence and build a community in the absence of adults in their hometown. Although seemingly different from Cruel Summer and The Wilds, The Society resonates with the same target audience through its exploration of teenage friendships and the tumultuous consequences that arise when adolescents are left to navigate their own paths during a critical period of personal growth.

6 Outer Banks (2020-)

5 Veronica Mars (2004-2007, 2019)

while not as prominently portrayed as in Outer Banks, delves into social divisions and the resulting complications. Throughout the season, Jeanette's sensations of inadequacy in comparison to Kate, a popular student from a more affluent family, act as a driving force for her actions. Both Cruel Summer and Outer Banks captivate audiences with a blend of teenage drama and a central enigma. This winning combination has led to the overwhelming success of these shows on their respective platforms, Freeform and Netflix.

For fans of Cruel Summer, Veronica Mars is a must-watch despite its different format. While Cruel Summer captivates with its season-long web of secrets, Veronica Mars offers weekly mysteries. The show revolves around Veronica Mars, a high school student who navigates solving crimes in her town. Just like Jeannette in Cruel Summer, Veronica's life takes a tumultuous turn due to an unfortunate event, adding to the suspense and drama.

4 Twisted (2013-2014)

Almost ten years before the breakout success of Cruel Summer, Freeform introduced Twisted, an intriguing mystery thriller targeted at teenagers. The series stars Avan Jogia as Danny, a high school student who has recently been released from juvenile detention after being wrongly accused of killing his aunt. Similar to the characters Jeanette in season 1 and Megan and Isabella in season 2 of Cruel Summer, Danny must navigate the challenges of rebuilding his life and dealing with intense scrutiny following a crime. Although Twisted did not achieve the same level of popularity as Cruel Summer, this hidden gem is definitely worth watching while eagerly awaiting news about Cruel Summer season 3.

3 The Lying Game (2011-2013)

The Lying Game, another series created by the same team behind Pretty Little Liars, draws inspiration from Sara Shepherd's work. Following a strikingly parallel storyline to the first season of Cruel Summer, The Lying Game centers around twin sisters Emma Becker and Sutton Mercer, who reunite after inexplicably being separated. Much like Jeanette assuming Kate's identity in Cruel Summer, Emma, who grew up in foster care, eventually assumes the life of her more privileged sister. As the series unfolds, it unearths a web of secrets and lies. With compelling themes that span both seasons, The Lying Game is a must-see for fans of both Cruel Summer and Pretty Little Liars.

2 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)

For those seeking a captivating dual perspective and intricately woven narratives similar to Cruel Summer, 13 Reasons Why is a must-see. In the first season, viewers embark on the heartbreaking journey of Hannah Baker, a young woman driven to extreme measures due to a chain of unfortunate interconnected events in her life. Subsequent seasons delve into the aftermath of her tragic death, including a grueling court case reminiscent of the one portrayed in Cruel Summer season 1. Despite being a source of controversy, 13 Reasons Why remains a groundbreaking teenage TV series, with mystery, deception, and betrayal defining each season.

1 I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)

For those who enjoy the darker and more eerie aspects of Cruel Summer, I Know What You Did Last Summer is the ideal addition to any watchlist. This TV adaptation provides a contemporary perspective on the 1990s film series, moving away from the slasher genre and delving into the realm of teen mystery, while still delivering a powerful impact. Just like in the film series, a group of friends becomes the target of a relentless stalker after being involved in a tragic accident. Similar to Cruel Summer, the events revolve around one pivotal summer that forever alters the lives of the characters.