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- Normal People
- Hulu
The 25 Best Shows Like 'Normal People', Ranked By Fans
Vote on the shows that fans of Normal People are sure to love.
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1Fleabag
Fleabag, created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is more than just a romantic drama; it's an intricate psychological study of its titular character. Fleabag’s story unfolds as she navigates through personal trauma, family dynamics, and compelling love interests - notably the “Hot Priest.” The show has been lauded for its raw honesty and dark humor, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture with its nuanced portrayal of womanhood.
Fleabag navigates the heartbreak of an impossible relationship in a way that is reminiscent to the depth found in Normal People.
- Actors: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Ben Aldridge, Sian Clifford, Bill Paterson, Jenny Rainsford
- Premiered: July 21, 2016
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Sweetbitter, based on Stephanie Danler’s best-selling book of the same name, weaves a captivating tale of Tess who moves to New York City and lands a job at one of the best restaurants in town. As she navigates her way through this new world, she encounters love triangles, heartbreaks and self-discovery. Ella Purnell's portrayal of Tess adds depth to this enchanting drama which explores themes like ambition, love and friendship against the backdrop of the bustling NYC culinary scene.
Sweetbitter mirrors the exploration of relationships and personal growth depicted in Normal People.
- Actors: Ella Purnell, Tom Sturridge, Caitlin FitzGerald, Evan Jonigkeit, Daniyar
- Premiered: May 6, 2018
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- Conversations with Friends
Conversations With Friends is based on Sally Rooney's debut novel. This series focuses on the complicated relationships between two college students Frances and Bobbi, and a sophisticated older couple they meet during a poetry performance. The series navigates through themes of friendship, love, self-discovery and complex human emotions with its unique narrative approach. Conversations With Friends features an impressive cast including Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Joe Alwyn and Jemima Kirke. This show has made significant contributions to the genre by exploring interpersonal dynamics in a fresh and nuanced way.
Conversations With Friends echoes the theme of Normal People by examining questions of love and trust in relationships. This parallel should come as no surprise as both series are based on books by Sally Rooney.
- Actors: Alison Oliver, Joe Alwyn, Sasha Lane, Jemima Kirke, Jafaris
- Premiered: May 15, 2022
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- Tell Me Lies
Tell Me Lies is an intriguing drama centered around Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco's intoxicating but toxic relationship. The series unravels their complex connection over time as they continually gravitate towards each other despite numerous breakups. This emotionally charged show delves deep into themes such as obsession, addiction to love and self-destruction while offering viewers an intense analysis of human psychology in relationships.
Tell Me Lies, like Normal People, is an intense series that centers around a romantic relationship.
- Actors: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, Alicia Crowder, Benjamin Wadsworth, Catherine Missal
- Premiered: September 7, 2022
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The Affair is a gripping romantic psychological drama that delves into the intimate and tumultuous world of infidelity. The narrative, which primarily focuses on two marriages and an affair that disrupts them, is presented from multiple perspectives, adding layers to its storytelling complexity. Amongst its notable cast members are Dominic West and Ruth Wilson, whose performances have earned them critical acclaim. The series brilliantly explores themes of love, betrayal, guilt and redemption making it a compelling watch.
The Affair navigates the dynamics of longterm relationships, similar to the complexities found in Normal People.
- Actors: Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney, Joshua Jackson, Catalina Sandino Moreno
- Premiered: October 12, 2014
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- Modern Love
Modern Love, an Amazon Prime anthology series, brings to life various real-life stories from New York Times' popular column. Each episode explores different facets of love - romantic, platonic or familial - through narratives that are as diverse as they are impactful. The show features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Dev Patel and Tina Fey among others, each bringing their unique touch to the stories of love and relationships in contemporary times.
Modern Love follows people navigating complicated scenarios, like the diverse exploration of relationships in Normal People.
- Actors: Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy Garcia
- Premiered: October 18, 2019
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- Patrick Melrose
Patrick Melrose is an intense psychological drama based on Edward St Aubyn’s semi-autobiographical novels about upper-class privilege and personal despair. Benedict Cumberbatch takes center stage as Patrick Melrose, grappling with substance abuse while haunted by his traumatic past. With its complex character study and exploration of inherited trauma, Patrick Melrose has had a profound impact on pop culture narratives about mental health.
Patrick Melrose is a brooding series that includes societal class exploration similar to that seen in Normal People.
- Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugo Weaving, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Dainton Anderson, Holliday Grainger
- Premiered: May 12, 2018
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- High Fidelity
High Fidelity was originally a novel by Nick Hornby that was later turned into a film before being adapted into a television series starring Zoe Kravitz in the lead role. High Fidelity follows Robyn "Rob" Brooks as she revisits past relationships through music while trying to get over her one true love. This show has been praised for its unique approach towards exploring modern-day romance with all its complications set against the vibrant backdrop of the Brooklyn music scene.
High Fidelity, which like Normal People is adapted from a novel, depicts the push and pull of a messy relationship based in love.
- Actors: Zoë Kravitz, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, David H. Holmes, Jake Lacy, Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Premiered: February 14, 2020
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- Scenes From a Marriage
Scenes From A Marriage, adapted from Ingmar Bergman's 1973 Swedish miniseries, presents an intense dissection of marital life. Starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac as Marianne and Johan respectively, this remake explores the psychological intricacies that can occur within a seemingly perfect marriage. Its thought-provoking narrative offers profound insights into love’s endurance amidst life's trials.
Scenes From A Marriage aligns with the patient, yet combustable narrative in Normal People as both stories are brought to life with incredible performances.
- Actors: Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Nicole Beharie, Corey Stoll, Tovah Feldshuh
- Premiered: September 12, 2021
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10Lovesick is an evocative romantic drama that brings a fresh perspective on the complexities of love and relationships. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Dylan, played by Johnny Flynn, who after being diagnosed with chlamydia, decides to contact all his past sexual partners. This premise paves the way for an exploration of past relationships and unearths hidden feelings, providing a blend of romance and psychology. The show's unique narrative style has left a significant impact on the genre.
Lovesick takes an unflinching look at modern relationships similar to the unique narrative style in Normal People.
- Actors: Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas, Daniel Ings, Joshua McGuire
- Premiered: October 2, 2014
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11Love is a captivating exploration of the romantic journey between two Los Angeles residents, Mickey and Gus, played by Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust. This series dives deep into the complexities of modern relationships, weaving in elements of both romance and humor. The narrative not only traces the central love story but also delves into themes such as addiction and personal growth, making it a stand-out addition to the genre.
Focusing on the ups and downs of one central relationship, Love is a stand-out addition to the genre similar to Normal People.
- Actors: Paul Rust, Gillian Jacobs, Mike Mitchell, Claudia O'Doherty
- Premiered: February 19, 2016
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The Leftovers stands out in this list due to its supernatural backdrop: 2% of the world's population mysteriously disappears one day. However, at its core lies an intricate network of relationships, particularly between Kevin Garvey and Nora Durst, portrayed by Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon. The series delves into themes like grief, faith, and human resilience in the face of inexplicable loss. Its unique blend of romance, psychological drama, and speculative fiction has left a lasting impact on the genre.
The Leftovers portrays the love and heartbreak of one relationship over many years, similar to the exploration in Normal People.
- Actors: Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Chris Zylka, Carrie Coon
- Premiered: June 29, 2014
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- The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a romantic drama based on Jenny Han's popular trilogy. It chronicles the life-changing summer of Belly Conklin as she navigates love triangles and familial ties at a beach house she visits every year. The show is an exploration of young love and self-discovery with its unique blend of nostalgia, romance and coming-of-age themes.
The Summer I Turned Pretty, reminiscent of the examination of personal connections in Normal People, follows characters finding themselves within the context of their relationships.
- Actors: Lola Tung, Jackie Chung, Rachel Blanchard, Christopher Briney, Gavin Casalegno
- Premiered: June 17, 2022
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The Girlfriend Experience is Starz’s anthology series that delves into the world of high-end escorts. Each season presents a new narrative with characters navigating complex relationships while dealing with personal demons. Notably, Season 1 features Riley Keough as Christine Reade, a law student turned escort who experiences the psychological implications of her lifestyle choices. This provocative show has sparked conversations about perceptions on sex work and relationships in modern society.
The Girlfriend Experience, like Normal People, follows young adults grappling with their identities as they find their place in the world.
- Actors: Julia Goldani Telles, Anna Friel, Louisa Krause, Carmen Ejogo, Riley Keough
- Premiered: April 10, 2016
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Sharp Objects, an HBO miniseries, is a dark and haunting romantic psychological drama that explores the depths of human psyche. Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, it tells the story of Camille Preaker, portrayed by Amy Adams, a troubled journalist who returns to her hometown to cover a series of unsolved murders. The show skillfully weaves in themes of mental illness, substance abuse and family dynamics against a backdrop of suspenseful romance.
Sharp Objects parallels the exploration of psychological depths, in both familial and romantic relationships, found in Normal People.
- Actors: Amy Adams, Chris Messina, Patricia Clarkson, Elizabeth Perkins, Eliza Scanlen
- Premiered: July 8, 2018
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- Vida
- Starz
16Vida, a groundbreaking series from Starz, offers viewers a glimpse into the lives of two Mexican-American sisters from East Los Angeles who return home following their mother's death. Their journey involves confronting past traumas, grappling with identity issues, managing romantic entanglements all while dealing with gentrification in their neighborhood. Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada deliver compelling performances as Lyn and Emma Hernandez respectively.
Vida mirrors the themes of love and societal challenges in Normal People.
- Actors: Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Maria-Elena Laas, Carlos Miranda
- Premiered: May 6, 2018
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- Love Life
In Love Life, viewers are taken on a roller-coaster journey through Darby Carter's romantic endeavors from first love to lasting love. Anna Kendrick stars as Darby and delivers a charming performance that beautifully encapsulates the highs and lows of modern dating. Through exploring different stages of Darby’s love life with each episode, this series conveys the universal longing for connection, contributing greatly to its genre.
Love Life examines modern relationships, akin to the exploration of love in different chapters depicted in Normal People.
- Actors: William Jackson Harper, Punkie Johnson, Chris Powell, Jessica Williams, Zoe Chao
- Premiered: May 27, 2020
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- Work in Progress
Work in Progress is a captivating series that delves into the life of Abby, an overweight queer woman battling depression. The show subtly explores themes of self-acceptance, mental health and LGBTQ+ struggles through Abby's perspective. It features Abby McEnany in the lead role, whose performance has been widely appreciated for its authenticity. Work in Progress has pushed boundaries within the genre by offering a raw and unfiltered portrayal of mental health issues.
Work in Progress aligns with the psychological depth depicted in Normal People.
- Actors: Abby McEnany, Theo Germaine, Karin Anglin, Celeste Pechous, Julia Sweeney
- Premiered: December 8, 2019
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- Life & Beth
Life & Beth takes viewers on an introspective journey through life's unpredictable turns. Amy Schumer plays Beth - a woman grappling with her past following her mother's death which triggers her to reassess her life choices and personal relationships. It beautifully weaves elements of romance and psychology while exploring themes such as grief, self-discovery, and growth. The show features noteworthy performances from Michael Cera as John.
Life & Beth examines themes of love and regret, similar to the existential issues found in Normal People.
- Actors: Amy Schumer, Michael Cera, Michael Rapaport, Violet Young, Susannah Flood
- Premiered: March 18, 2022
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- This Way Up
20This Way Up
This Way Up is another striking romantic psychological drama that follows Aine, an English language teacher trying to put her life back together post-nervous breakdown. Sharon Horgan and Aisling Bea star as sisters in this series, their chemistry adding depth to the narrative. The underlying theme revolves around overcoming personal traumas while maintaining relationships. This show has made significant contributions to pop culture by shedding light on seldom-discussed topics such as mental health recovery.
This Way Up follows complicated people dealing with messy relationships, similar to Normal People.
- Actors: Aisling Bea, Sharon Horgan, Aasif Mandvi, Kadiff Kirwan, Indira Varma
- Premiered: July 4, 2019
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- Run
21Run is another riveting romantic psychological drama that keeps viewers on their toes. Starring Merritt Wever as Ruby Richardson and Domhnall Gleeson as Billy Johnson, two ex-lovers who fulfill a pact made 17 years prior to escape their mundane lives if one texts "RUN" to the other. As they embark on this journey together, secrets unravel and emotions resurface creating a thrilling mix of romance and suspense. This series reflects on themes like second chances in love and existential crisis.
Run follows two people who are continually drawn to one another, resonating with storytelling explored in Normal People.
- Actors: Domhnall Gleeson, Merritt Wever
- Premiered: April 12, 2020
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22Divorce offers audiences a close examination of Frances' (Sarah Jessica Parker) tumultuous journey through separation from her husband Robert (Thomas Haden Church). Though a romantic drama at its core, the series also incorporates elements of comedy. It delves into themes of reinvention and personal growth amid heartbreak. "Divorce" has been praised for its realistic portrayal of matrimonial dissolution, adding depth to the genre’s exploration of love and relationships.
Divorce echoing the true portrayal of self-discovery and relationships found in Normal People.
- Actors: Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church, Molly Shannon, Talia Balsam, Tracy Letts
- Premiered: October 9, 2016
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- Betty
23Betty is not your typical romantic drama but it does delve into the intricacies of young love amidst New York City's skateboard culture. It follows a diverse group of young women navigating their way through heartbreaks, friendships, and societal expectations while embracing their passion for skateboarding. Dede Lovelace shines as Janay - one of the leading ladies whose strong character stands out in the series.
Betty showcases compelling characters in a series that shines within modern television, similar to the serious and thoughtful tone of Normal People.
- Actors: Dede Lovelace, Kabrina "Moonbear" Adams, Nina Moran, Ajani Russell, Rachelle Vinberg
- Premiered: May 1, 2020
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24Mosaic, helmed by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, is a thrilling yet romantic psychological drama featuring Sharon Stone as Olivia Lake. The plot intricately unfolds the mystery surrounding Olivia's disappearance and murder while also unraveling complex relationships and hidden motives. With its interactive storytelling format, Mosaic has left an indelible mark on both the genre and pop culture. It’s a show that pushes boundaries, offering viewers an immersive experience like no other.
Mosaic, with its suspenseful examination of relationships, is a must-see for fans of Normal People.
- Actors: Sharon Stone, Garrett Hedlund, Frederick Weller, Beau Bridges, Paul Reubens
- Premiered: January 22, 2018
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- I Hate Suzie
I Hate Suzie, starring Billie Piper as Suzie Pickles, is a rollercoaster ride through various stages of grief following a scandalous leak that upends her life. While there are elements of romance woven throughout the series, it primarily focuses on Suzie's emotional turmoil as she grapples with her public image versus her private reality. It is a bold exploration of fame’s impact on identity—a unique take within the genre.
I Hate Suzie, similar to the bold exploration in Normal People, portrays the consequences of the characters' actions.
- Actors: Billie Piper, Leila Farzad, Daniel Ings, Nathaniel Martello-White, Matthew Jordan-Caws
- Premiered: August 27, 2020
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