10 Shows like Pretty Little Liars To Cure Your Post-PLL Depression

Can you believe “Pretty Little Liars” ended nearly a decade ago?

It’s hard for us to imagine for sure! Between the secrets, the drama, and the mysterious texts, we swear we’re still looking over our shoulders for “A”. No one’s there, though… as far as we can tell, anyway.

But, even though the show is long over, the loyal fan base is still going strong. And when a fan base is that loyal, we know it may take some time before you’re ready to switch to your next binge worthy title. 

But, we’re gonna be here for you when you are. Because, seriously? Post show depression is no joke. We’ve been there! And if you need to spend a few days in your “Cried Today” crew before you move on because you miss your PLL faves there’s no judgment here!

To fill that PLL-shaped void, we’re sharing a round up of similar shows that even the most dedicated fans of Pretty Little Liars would enjoy.

10 Shows like Pretty Little Liars

Before we get into the other shows, let’s talk a little bit more about our favorite, PLL. A lil’ refresh (if you even need it) will help you determine what you liked about “Pretty Little Liars.” That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for as you peruse this list of similar shows.

What Is The Show Pretty Little Liars About?

In case you did need a refresher, here’s the deal. “Pretty Little Liars” follows four high school students: Aria, Hanna, Emily, and Spencer. These four girls had their lives turned upside down when their best friend Alison DiLaurentis went missing. 

A year later, things got worse. The girls started receiving texts from a mysterious person named “A,” who seems to know everything they’ve ever done. As they work to discover who “A” is, they uncover twists, betrayals, and a dark web of lies that gets more tangled the more they look.

With seven thrilling seasons, the show became a cultural phenomenon due to the intense mystery, the weighted suspense, and the iconic fashion moments served in every episode. If you’re looking for more suspense, female friendship, and mind-blowing plot twists, these 10 shows will be right up your alley.

What Shows Are Like Pretty Little Liars?

Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

This list would not be complete without another iconic show from the 2010s: “Gossip Girl.” If you loved the mystery of “A” from PLL, just wait until you meet Gossip Girl. Who is she? No one knows. But, she’s got all the teens from the upper east side wrapped around her finger. By blasting out the latest gossip, Gossip Girl gives you a look behind the closed doors of the rich elite. She’s messy, but the rich are messier.

The end of the show reveals who Gossip Girl is, but we won’t get into that here. That’s for you to find out!

The best thing about this show is that we already have a list of shows like Gossip Girl to follow it up.  Plus, this episode of Ride will give you all the fan community content you need. No post-show depression for you, boo!

Nancy Drew (2019-2023)

If you like shows based on book series, this one might be a good option for you!

This one’s a modern take on one of the absolute classics: “Nancy Drew.” It follows an 18-year-old Nancy as she’s trying to leave for college. But, the untimely death of her mother keeps her home. As the show continues, Nancy and her friends find themselves in the middle of a deadly murder mystery with more secrets than they can handle.

For those of you who love shows with deep friendships, intense mystery, and teens doing more sh*t than they probably should, “Nancy Drew” is the perfect fit.

One Of Us Is Lying (2021-2022)

Another great book-turned-tv-show is One Of Us Is Lying. Think “The Breakfast Club,” but with a deadly twist. Five students walk into detention, and only four walk out alive. 

The ensuing mystery is a juicy one. Each student has a motive, and none of them are reliable narrators. As the show progresses, it becomes more and more confusing to discover “whodunit.” Can you figure it out before the show ends?

Scream: The TV Series (2015-2019)

If you’re a fan of teen drama coupled with constant danger, then “Scream” is for you. It’s a slasher movie turned anthology mystery series that follows the lives of teens as a serial killer picks them off, one by one. 

If you’re in the mood for teen angst, suspense, and a final girl showdown with the bad guy, check this one out NOW!

Riverdale (2017-2023)

A small town with dark secrets? Check. A group of teens entangled in drama? Check. Mysterious deaths, hidden agendas, and fashion moments to die for? Check, check check! 

“Riverdale” takes the classic Archie Comics characters and throws them into a world of crime, cults, and unexpected twists. Loved PLL? You’ll eat this up.

Plus, Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper) went on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show, so you can get some behind-the-scenes details here!

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

If you’re willing to take a turn toward the supernatural, this high school mystery is a fan-favorite. “Teen Wolf” follows Scott McCall, a teenager who gets bitten by a werewolf. After being bitten, Scott is thrown into a world of danger, secrets, and unexpected betrayals. 

It’s a little out there when compared to PLL, but it’s got the same mystery elements, intense friendships, and shocking plot twists to scratch that pretty-little-lying itch.

Scream Queens (2015-2016)

If you loved PLL’s mix of mystery and campy drama, “Scream Queens” will be your next obsession. Set in a college sorority that’s plagued by a masked killer, this show is equal parts thriller, horror, and satire. 

The murders are over the top, the one-liners are iconic (thanks Emma Roberts as Chanel #1), and the mean-girl energy is palpable. This show is the perfect balance of spooky and stylish!

The Perfectionists (2019)

This list would not be complete without the direct spin-off of “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Perfectionists.” It follows Alison DiLaurentis and Mona Vanderwaal as they move to a seemingly perfect town. But, the town’s got a secret: there’s a murder mystery at its core.

The show only ran for one season, but it’s definitely a must-watch for any die hard PLL fan!

Elite (2018-2024)

Take PLL and fly it to an elite private school in Spain. Then, you get “Elite.”

This show begins when three low-income students are offered scholarships to attend a private school in Spain. They are not welcomed by the elite students already there, resulting in a murder. But, just who committed the crime? 

This show has it all: shocking deaths, love triangles, jaw-dropping secrets, stunning cinematography, and iconic fashion moments. What more could you ask for?

Sweet/Vicious (2016-2017)

This show is an incredible hidden gem that more people should know about. “Sweet/Vicious” follows two college students who lead double lives. By day, they’re normal college students. By night, they take justice into their own hands by targeting sexual predators on campus.

The twists and turns only multiply when justice turns sideways and the girls get in over their heads. If you’re looking for strong female friendships, dark secrets, and high-stakes drama similar to PLL, you’ll find it here.

Are The Pretty Little Liars Books Like The Show?

Yes and no! The characters and locale are the same, but the plot, character development, and overall tone of the series differs from the show. You can still try to fill that PLL-void by reading the books, and maybe you’ll find a new perspective or layer to the story that the show didn’t explore. It might not be exactly the same, but who knows? You might just discover something that keeps you hooked in a different way!

There are SO many TV shows out there to scratch that Pretty Little Liars itch!

We know, we know, it’s hard to hear your favorite series as ended. But we promise you, you’ll be so much happier once you find your next binge-worthy series. Need a break from all the darkness? Here’s a list of shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty.

For more on pop culture, podcasts, and life, check out the Dear Media blog and our large catalog of shows. And while you’re at it, check out the DM shop for so many must-haves like this Valley Girl bath robe that will keep you cozy while you binge your next show!