Obsessed With Pretty Little Liars? Watch These Shows Now!

The mysteries surrounding the town of Rosewood, much like those in Twin Peaks, have a certain allure. If you, like many, find yourself needing a fix beyond Pretty Little Liars, then you’re definitely searching for pretty little liars similar shows. The Freeform network provided a platform for Pretty Little Liars, showcasing teen drama with suspense, which set a standard. Fortunately, several series capture that same blend of intrigue and complex relationships. Get ready to dive into a world of secrets, suspense, and captivating characters as we explore some must-watch options for those obsessed with Pretty Little Liars.

Craving More After Pretty Little Liars?

Pretty Little Liars (PLL) wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its addictive nature stemmed from its unique combination of elements that resonated deeply with viewers. It was a masterclass in teen drama, expertly blended with a gripping mystery and suspense that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Allure of PLL: A Perfect Storm

The show’s formula was deceptively simple yet incredibly effective.

At its heart, PLL was a story about friendship – the unbreakable bond between four girls tested by relentless adversity.

This core relationship was constantly challenged by a web of secrets, betrayals, and romantic entanglements, creating a compelling emotional landscape.

The omnipresent threat of "A," the anonymous tormentor, added a layer of suspense and intrigue, turning every episode into a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Key Ingredients of the PLL Addiction

Several key themes contributed to the show's immense popularity:

• Teen Drama: The show deftly portrayed the everyday struggles and triumphs of adolescence, making it relatable to a wide audience.
• Mystery: The overarching mystery of "A" and the numerous subplots kept viewers hooked and invested in uncovering the truth.
• Secrets: Hidden truths and buried secrets were central to the plot, driving the drama and creating constant tension.
• Friendship: The bond between the Liars was the heart of the show, providing a sense of loyalty and support amidst the chaos.
• Romance: The romantic relationships, both healthy and dysfunctional, added another layer of complexity and emotional investment.
• Betrayal: The constant threat of betrayal kept viewers guessing and questioning the motives of every character.

The Quest for the Next Fix: Filling the PLL Void

The finale may have provided answers, but the void left behind by Pretty Little Liars remains for many fans.

Luckily, the landscape of television is rich with series that capture similar thrills and compelling characters.

This curated list is designed to guide you toward your next binge-worthy obsession, offering shows that delve into dark secrets, complex relationships, and gripping mysteries, sure to satisfy that craving for more.

Teen Dramas with a Dark Secret: Shows with Similar Vibes

For those still reeling from the Rosewood revelations and yearning for more meticulously crafted mysteries, several series capture that same intoxicating blend of teenage angst, hidden agendas, and suspenseful storytelling. These shows offer a comparable experience, delving into the dark secrets that lurk beneath seemingly idyllic surfaces, where friendships are tested and trust is a fragile commodity.

Gossip Girl: Upper East Side Under Surveillance

Gossip Girl presents a world of privileged teens navigating the treacherous social landscape of New York City's Upper East Side. Their lavish lifestyles and impeccable wardrobes are juxtaposed with a constant undercurrent of scandal, secrets, and betrayal.

Like Pretty Little Liars, an anonymous figure wields immense power, exposing their every misstep to the world. Gossip Girl, the omnipresent blogger, is a digital puppet master, manipulating the lives of Serena, Blair, Nate, and Chuck with scandalous blasts.

The relentless exposure of hidden truths creates a similar sense of paranoia and suspense, mirroring the Liars' constant fear of "A." While the tone may be more satirical and the stakes arguably less life-threatening, the core dynamic of secrets and public shaming resonates deeply with the PLL experience. The characters, like the Liars, are constantly evolving, making you question their motives.

The Lying Game: Identity and Deception

Based on the book series by Sara Shepard (the same author who penned Pretty Little Liars), The Lying Game centers on identical twins, Emma and Sutton, separated at birth. When Sutton disappears, Emma assumes her sister's identity, stepping into a world of wealth, privilege, and, most importantly, secrets.

The show expertly explores the complexities of identity, deception, and the bonds of family. The plot thickens as Emma uncovers dangerous secrets and navigates complex relationships, all while trying to maintain the illusion of being Sutton.

The twin dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the mystery, blurring the lines between truth and lies, and forcing viewers to question everything they see. Like Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game thrives on suspense and intrigue, keeping audiences guessing until the very end. It's about a complex family dynamic, and explores deception and mystery that captivate.

Cruel Summer: A Twisted Timeline of Truth

Cruel Summer adopts a non-linear narrative, unraveling the truth behind Kate Wallis' disappearance and Jeanette Turner's alleged involvement. Set in a small Texas town, the story unfolds across three summers, shifting perspectives and revealing the shifting alliances within the community.

The show masterfully plays with perception versus reality, leaving the audience to piece together the puzzle. The unreliable narrator technique adds another layer of complexity, forcing viewers to question everything they see and hear.

Cruel Summer delivers a suspenseful and emotionally charged story that mirrors the complex mysteries and character-driven drama of Pretty Little Liars. The show explores how people will react to a scandal and how society is very quick to judge.

Ravenswood and The Perfectionists: Continuing the Story

For those who simply can't get enough of the Pretty Little Liars universe, Ravenswood and The Perfectionists offer a welcome return to familiar territory. Ravenswood, a supernatural spin-off, follows Caleb Rivers as he discovers dark secrets in a haunted town.

The Perfectionists picks up after the events of PLL, reuniting Alison DiLaurentis and Mona Vanderwaal as they become entangled in a new mystery at Beacon Heights University.

These shows may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as their predecessor, but they provide a satisfying continuation of the PLL saga, offering new mysteries, compelling characters, and the familiar blend of teen drama and suspense that fans have come to love.

Mystery and Mayhem: Thrillers That Will Keep You Guessing

If Pretty Little Liars hooked you with its intricate mysteries and shocking reveals, these thrillers will plunge you even deeper into a world of suspense, where no one is safe and secrets have deadly consequences.

These shows amplify the thriller elements, focusing less on typical teen drama and more on the constant threat lurking just beneath the surface.

Riverdale: Beneath the Veneer of Perfection

Archie, Betty, Veronica, and Jughead inhabit a town that appears idyllic on the surface, but Riverdale quickly descends into a pit of dark secrets, bizarre cults, and serial killers.

While maintaining the core of teen friendships and romance, Riverdale distinguishes itself through its unrestrained embrace of the absurd and macabre.

Each season introduces a new overarching mystery, often building upon the town’s twisted history and the sins of its parents. Expect the unexpected.

Characters grapple with shocking revelations about their families and are constantly placed in mortal danger.

Riverdale expertly blends the tropes of teen drama with the compelling suspense of a thriller, delivering twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

One of Us Is Lying: Who Killed Simon?

Based on Karen M. McManus's popular novel, One of Us Is Lying throws five high school students into a pressure cooker of suspicion and paranoia.

When Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies in detention, the remaining four students become prime suspects.

Each harbors secrets they desperately want to protect. The show masterfully unravels their individual motivations, painting a complex portrait of teenage angst, ambition, and hidden agendas.

One of Us Is Lying maintains a relentless pace, delivering new clues and suspects at every turn. The central mystery is interwoven with compelling character development and high-stakes drama.

Perfect for those who loved the whodunit aspect of Pretty Little Liars.

Elite: Class, Lust, and Murder

This Spanish teen drama dials up the intensity, exploring themes of class conflict, forbidden romance, and murder within the opulent walls of Las Encinas, an exclusive private school.

When three working-class students are admitted on scholarship, their presence ignites a powder keg of tension with the school's wealthy elite.

Elite does not shy away from exploring controversial themes, resulting in a compelling and provocative viewing experience.

A central murder mystery provides the framework for the series, but Elite is equally focused on social commentary, highlighting the stark disparities between the haves and have-nots.

Elite keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with shocking twists and turns, exploring the dark side of privilege and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.

Captivating Characters and Complex Relationships: Stories That Resonate

Pretty Little Liars wasn't solely about the mystery; it was the intricate bonds between the Liars that kept us coming back. For viewers who connected with the show's exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, several series offer a similarly compelling experience. These shows prioritize character development and nuanced relationship dynamics alongside their gripping storylines.

Veronica Mars: More Than Just a Teen Detective

Veronica Mars stands out for its razor-sharp wit, compelling mysteries, and, most importantly, its unforgettable protagonist. Veronica, played with effortless charisma by Kristen Bell, is a high school student turned private investigator in the fictional, sun-drenched yet deeply corrupt town of Neptune, California.

A Female Lead Unlike Any Other

Veronica isn’t just solving crimes; she’s grappling with the loss of her best friend, the crumbling of her family, and the pervasive inequality that plagues Neptune. She's tough, resourceful, and fiercely independent, but also vulnerable and deeply affected by the darkness she uncovers. This complexity makes her a truly captivating character to watch.

The Intrigue of Neptune

The mysteries in Veronica Mars are cleverly crafted, often weaving together seemingly disparate threads to reveal a larger, more sinister conspiracy. Each case Veronica takes on is not just a puzzle to be solved, but a window into the social and economic divides of Neptune, exposing the dirty secrets of its wealthy elite and the struggles of its working-class residents.

Big Little Lies: Peeling Back the Facade of Perfection

On the surface, Big Little Lies paints a picture of idyllic wealth and privilege in Monterey, California. But beneath the perfect smiles and meticulously curated lives of its central characters lies a web of secrets, lies, and simmering tensions that ultimately erupt in a shocking act of violence.

Mothers, Friends, and Rivals

The show revolves around a group of mothers, each grappling with her own personal demons and complicated relationships. Their friendships are tested by infidelity, abuse, and the pressures of maintaining a flawless image. The bond between these women is both a source of strength and a catalyst for conflict, making their interactions endlessly compelling.

The Weight of Secrets

Big Little Lies masterfully explores the themes of domestic abuse, female empowerment, and the societal pressures placed on women. The central mystery surrounding a death at a school fundraiser serves as a backdrop for a deeper examination of the lies we tell ourselves and others to protect our reputations and maintain the illusion of control. The show's power lies in its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of motherhood and the devastating consequences of unspoken truths.