If you've found yourself counting down the days until the highly anticipated third season of HBO's Euphoria, you're certainly not alone. Zendaya's Emmy-winning performance as Rue Bennett, coupled with the show's unflinching portrayal of adolescent life, has captivated audiences worldwide. But with the return date still a distant horizon, the craving for more raw, authentic, and often intense stories about young adulthood is palpable. Fortunately, a wealth of other compelling series exists that capture a similar spirit of drama, self-discovery, and the sheer difficulty of growing up in the 21st century. These shows like 'Euphoria' you should watch next offer diverse perspectives on the challenges of youth, from navigating identity and complex relationships to confronting mental health struggles and societal pressures.
While the wait for East Highland's return can be frustrating, it's also an opportunity to explore other narratives that delve deep into the wild, complicated lives of high schoolers and young adults. From dark comedies to gritty dramas, these selections vary in tone and style, but all share a common thread: they make it abundantly clear that being a young person today is anything but easy. Prepare to dive into worlds filled with intense emotions, difficult choices, and unforgettable characters that resonate long after the credits roll. Many of these shows like 'Euphoria' you can stream right now.
Navigating the Complexities of Youth
The journey through adolescence and early adulthood is rarely smooth, often marked by a labyrinth of self-discovery, social pressures, and the pursuit of connection. These series offer nuanced explorations of characters grappling with their identities, friendships, and the often-overwhelming transition into independence.
The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021 - 2025)
From the creative minds of Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, this comedy-drama introduces us to four distinct freshmen roommates at the fictional Essex College in Vermont. There's Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), the bright but naive scholarship student; Bela (Amrit Kaur), an ambitious aspiring comedy writer; Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), an accomplished athlete and senator's daughter; and Leighton (Reneé Rapp), a closeted sorority girl. Despite its provocative title, the series focuses more on the intricacies of female friendship and self-discovery than explicit content, echoing the spirit of shows like Sex and the City but with a fresh, queer-friendly, and genuinely funny lens. It's a lighter, yet still insightful, take on young adult life.
My Mad Fat Diary (2013 - 2015)
Transporting viewers back to the 1990s, this British comedy-drama is a poignant and often hilarious look at mental health through the eyes of 16-year-old Rae Earl (Sharon Rooney). After spending several months in a psychiatric hospital for a range of issues, including body image struggles, Rae attempts to reintegrate into school life while concealing her ongoing challenges. Rooney, who earned a well-deserved Best Actress BAFTA for her portrayal, anchors a narrative that, despite its comedic elements, provides one of the most honest and compelling depictions of growing up with serious mental health issues. It's a powerful reminder of the hidden battles many young people face.
Boarders (2024 - )
This recent British import offers a fresh perspective on the boarding school drama, reminiscent of a modern-day Skins. The series follows five Black teenagers who arrive at the prestigious St. Gilbert's on scholarships, only to find their integration into the existing cliques far from seamless. Starring talented young actors like Josh Tedeku and Jodie Campbell, Boarders expertly blends coming-of-age drama with sharp social commentary, taking a satirical jab at the "rich private school" trope while exploring themes of class, race, and belonging. It's a smashing good time that doesn't shy away from serious issues.
Overcompensating (2025 - )
Comedian Benito Skinner takes on a semi-autobiographical role in this buzzy new comedy. The series follows a former high school jock through his freshman year of college, as he desperately tries to convince himself and everyone around him of his unwavering heterosexuality. The show's charm lies in its skillful blend of raunchy college comedy with a sweet, heartfelt coming-of-age narrative about self-acceptance. Featuring Adam DiMarco (The White Lotus) and Rish Shah (Ms. Marvel), Overcompensating, while not as intense as Euphoria, offers moments of genuine drama and heartbreak, making it a relatable watch for anyone who's ever struggled with identity.
Unflinching Looks at Identity & Relationships
At the heart of many compelling teen dramas are the intricate webs of relationships and the often-turbulent journey of discovering one's true self. These shows like 'Euphoria' you will find explore these themes with a candid and often provocative gaze.
Gossip Girl (2007 - 2012)
A quintessential teen drama, Gossip Girl chronicles the scandalous lives of a group of young Upper East Side socialites and their hangers-on. The tangled romantic and social lives of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), and their peers are meticulously detailed by the mysterious, omnipresent blogger, Gossip Girl (voiced by Kristen Bell). While it might seem tame compared to Euphoria's explicit nature, Gossip Girl carved its own path of scandal in the mid-aughts, captivating audiences with its impeccable fashion, sharp dialogue, and relentless drama. It's a foundational piece in the modern teen drama landscape.
Prisma (2022 - 2024)
This Italian hidden gem introduces twin brothers, Andrea and Marco (both played by Mattia Carrano), and their broad circle of friends. Marco grapples with a history of self-harm that has impacted his swimming career, while Andrea leads a secret social media life, messaging men while presenting as a woman. Sexual and gender exploration are central to Prisma, which also realistically addresses issues like drug use, bullying, and other common coming-of-age trials. It offers a sensitive yet candid portrayal of youth navigating complex identities in contemporary Italy.
Elite (2018 - 2024)
With a stylish edge and plenty of juicy drama, Spain's Elite follows a group of working-class friends who receive scholarships to Las Encinas, the nation's most exclusive private school. What they encounter there is not just snobbery, but a whirlwind of mystery, murder, and an abundance of sex across various sexual orientations and relationship dynamics. This smart, wonderfully trashy series ran for an impressive eight seasons, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. It's a perfect binge for those who appreciate high-stakes drama with a generous helping of scandalous twists.
Blood & Water (2020 - )
This top-tier South African teen drama stars Ama Qamata as Puleng Khumalo, a teenager haunted by the disappearance of her sister, abducted as a baby by human traffickers. When Puleng meets the popular Fikile Bhele (Khosi Ngema) at an elite Cape Town school, she notices striking similarities and transfers to the school to uncover the truth. While brimming with high school drama and family secrets, the show is elevated by its unexpected dramatic weight and a rich tapestry of queer characters and storylines. Though often considered a spiritual successor to Elite, Blood & Water possesses a unique flavor and strong sense of identity, making it a standout series.
Sex Education (2019 - 2023)
This popular British series offers a refreshing take on adolescent sexuality. Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), the son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson), initially has an ambivalent attitude towards sex. However, he soon realizes his unique upbringing provides him with valuable insights, leading him to establish an underground sex clinic with classmates to help his peers with their sexual concerns. The show, also starring Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa, tackles a wide array of topics--from contraception and abortion to masturbation and developing sexual identities--with humor, sensitivity, and a deeply sex-positive philosophy. It's a brilliant exploration of the messy, confusing, and often hilarious aspects of growing up.
High Stakes & Darker Realities
For those drawn to Euphoria's grittier side, these series explore environments where young people face immense pressure, moral dilemmas, and the seductive pull of dangerous temptations. They highlight the high stakes involved in navigating complex adult worlds while still coming into one's own.
Industry (2020 - )
While set far from high school hallways, Industry shares Euphoria's intense atmosphere and focus on young people under immense pressure. The series follows a group of ambitious graduates competing for limited permanent positions at Pierpoint & Co., a fictional investment bank in London. Coming from diverse backgrounds, these aspiring bankers will stop at nothing to secure their spot at the top. The cutthroat world of high finance, rife with traps, temptations, and moral compromises, creates a definite vibe match with Euphoria, as young protagonists fight to stay afloat and succeed in a demanding, unforgiving environment.
We Are Who We Are (2020)
From director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers), this limited series centers on two American teenagers, Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer) and Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón), living on a U.S. military base in Chioggia, Italy. Fraser, new to base life with his two army moms, and Caitlin, who has lived there for years with her conservative father, gradually bond over shared feelings of isolation and their mutual explorations of gender and sexuality. The series offers a contemplative, artful, and deeply personal look at identity, connection, and the quiet intensity of self-discovery during a pivotal summer.
Baby (2018 - 2020)
This Italian teen drama kicks off at an elite boarding school but takes a dark turn, loosely inspired by a real-life scandal involving teen sex workers. Chiara (Benedetta Porcaroli), a rich kid, befriends Ludovica (Alice Pagani), who is in desperate need of money and falls in with a sketchy character who offers a dangerous solution. While the premise suggests a highly salacious tone, the series often focuses more on the psychological and social ramifications of their choices. It explores themes of rebellion, desperation, and the blurred lines of morality in a privileged yet precarious teenage world, though the sex-work-as-rebellion angle is certainly not for every viewer.
Genera+ion (2021)
This HBO Max original quickly garnered attention for its raw and honest portrayal of modern high school life. Genera+ion follows a diverse group of teenagers in Orange County, California, as they navigate their burgeoning sexualities, identities, and relationships in a world that feels increasingly complex and fluid. The series doesn't shy away from explicit content, drug use, or mental health struggles, often presenting them with a candidness that rivals Euphoria. Its ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, making it a must-watch for those seeking contemporary, character-driven teen drama. The show received praise for its authentic representation of Gen Z experiences (Cultural Commentary, 2021).
Grand Army (2020)
Set in a diverse high school in Brooklyn, Grand Army plunges into the lives of five students grappling with a chaotic and often unforgiving world. The series tackles heavy themes including sexual assault, racism, identity, and the pressures of academic achievement with a gritty, unflinching realism. From a bombing near the school to deeply personal struggles with self-worth and belonging, Grand Army explores how these young individuals fight for survival, freedom, and their futures. It's a powerful, often dark, and emotionally charged series that provides a stark look at the realities faced by many adolescents today.
Cult Classics & Modern Reboots
Sometimes, the best way to find new favorites is to look at the shows that paved the way, or those that have been reimagined for a new generation. These selections offer a blend of nostalgic appeal and contemporary relevance, proving that the struggles of youth are timeless.
Heartbreak High (2022 - )
This Australian series is a vibrant soft-reboot of a beloved 1990s show, bringing its signature blend of teen drama and comedy to a new generation. Set in a diverse Sydney high school, the story kicks off when Amelie and Harper create a detailed map of the student body's sexual exploits, leading to explosive consequences. The main characters are subsequently corralled into the "Sexual Literacy Tutorial" (SLT), providing ample opportunity for both humor and serious discussions around gender identity, race, and teen sexuality. It's a fresh, energetic, and culturally relevant take on the classic high school narrative.
Riverdale (2017 - 2023)
You might be questioning its inclusion, but hear us out. This reimagining of the wholesome Archie Comics universe is famously over-the-top, yet it tackles the trials and tribulations of growing up--including recurring storylines involving substance abuse--in a similarly "operatic" fashion to Euphoria. Riverdale veers wildly between genres, starting as a coming-of-age murder mystery with a scandalous teacher-student affair, then quickly folding in supernatural horror, alternate universes, and cults. The show's commitment to its increasingly bonkers plot twists, while taking itself absolutely seriously, makes it a unique, whackadoo comic-book version of the intense teen drama, proving that even the most outlandish narratives can explore serious themes.
Skins (2007 - 2013)
The groundbreaking and controversial British series Skins is a direct predecessor to Euphoria in its raw portrayal of adolescent life. It launched the careers of stars like Nicholas Hoult, Daniel Kaluuya, and Dev Patel, while fearlessly addressing hot-button issues such as mental illness, substance abuse, and bullying. The show never shied away from the complex and often explicit sex lives of its large, ever-changing cast of characters, making it a benchmark for realistic (and often shocking) teen drama. There's a clear lineage between the cultural impact and success of Skins and the subsequent rise of shows like Euphoria.
Looking for Alaska (2019)
Based on John Green's beloved novel, this limited series offers a poignant and deeply emotional exploration of first love, friendship, and grief. Miles "Pudge" Halter enrolls in a boarding school to seek a "Great Perhaps" and quickly falls for the enigmatic and self-destructive Alaska Young. The series beautifully captures the intensity of adolescent relationships and the profound impact of loss, all set against the backdrop of intellectual curiosity and youthful rebellion. While less explicit than Euphoria, it delves into the emotional depths of its characters with a similar raw honesty, making it a powerful watch for anyone who appreciates character-driven coming-of-age stories. Critics lauded its faithful adaptation and emotional resonance (Literary Adaptations Review, 2019).
While we eagerly await the return of Rue and the East Highland crew, these 15 compelling shows like 'Euphoria' you can stream now offer a rich tapestry of stories that capture the essence of youth in all its messy, beautiful, and often heartbreaking forms. From the comedic explorations of college life to the intense dramas of identity and survival, each series provides a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of growing up. So, grab your popcorn and settle in--your next binge-watching obsession awaits.
