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Shows for Fans of Pretty Little Liars

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Plenty of teens love the mystery, intrigue, and drama of Pretty Little Liars. Parents? Not so much. If you're looking to get your teen hooked on something similar -- but a little less backstabby -- check out our list of alternatives. Some of these shows have teen drama in spades (My Mad Fat Diary), others are filled with binge-worthy murder mysteries (Ugly Betty), and a few have a little of both (Veronica Mars). All show teens supporting each other through challenges. In fact, teen viewers may see their own issues played out a little more realistically than on Liars.

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Supergirl Poster Image
TV

Supergirl

age 11+

Strong female lead shoulders the weight of superhero series.

CBS Drama (2015)
See full review
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster Image
TV

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

FX Science Fiction (1997)
See full review
Degrassi TV poster: Eight different characters, mostly teens, around the title on a purple background
TV

Degrassi

age 13+

Socially conscious teen drama deals with tough issues.

TeenNick Drama (2001)
See full review
Degrassi: Next Class TV Poster: Cast members of "Degrassi: Next Class" in front of blue lockers, logo above.
TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Netflix Drama (2016)
See full review
Gilmore Girls Poster Image
TV

Gilmore Girls

age 13+

Fun coming-of-age drama that's great for teens.

Freeform , CW Drama (2000)
See full review
Ugly Betty Poster Image
TV

Ugly Betty

age 13+

Underdog fashion-industry comedy has language, fat-shaming.

ABC , Syndicated Comedy (2006)
See full review
Freaks and Geeks Poster Image
TV

Freaks and Geeks

age 14+

Stellar teen dramedy explores angst, experimentation.

Syndicated Drama (1999)
See full review
Friday Night Lights Poster Image
TV

Friday Night Lights

age 14+

Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.

Freeform , NBC Drama (2006)
See full review
East Los High Poster Image
TV

East Los High

age 15+

Edgy Latino teen soap raises timely issues in sensitive way.

Hulu Drama (2013)
See full review
My Mad Fat Diary TV poster: A group of teenagers with doodle-style background
TV

My Mad Fat Diary

age 15+

Edgy but heartfelt British coming-of-age tale wows.

Hulu Drama (2015)
See full review
Veronica Mars Poster Image
TV

Veronica Mars

age 15+

Strong female teen private eye digs into serious topics.

CW Drama (2004)
See full review
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