10 More Crackling Chemical Reactions
Lessons In Chemistry is an intriguing and well written series, airing on AppleTV+ and featuring plenty of drama throughout.
If you’ve finished this one and are looking for something similar, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Lessons In Chemistry.
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Similarities – Characters and Tone
Funny, emotional and beautifully shot, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel is quite simply marvelous. Boasting a unique charm, quick wit and a tightly written script, Amazon Studios knock it out the park with this excellent comedic drama set in the 1950’s.
The story follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a picturesque housewife to husband Joel. After Midge’s life is turned upside down, our heartbroken, drunk protagonist may just be the next hot comedy talent and sets out to see that dream come to fruition.
It’s a wonderful blend of period drama and character-driven struggle, split across 3 seasons and with more to come on the horizon too.
You can read our thoughts on The Marvelous Mrs Maisel in our full season reviews here!
Cable Girls
Similarities – Characters & Romance
Set in Madrid during the roaring 20’s, Cable Girls is an absorbing Spanish period drama that balances romance, humour and tension to great effect.
The first season mainly focuses on Alba (later known as Lidia under a new alias), but as the series grows and the plot thickens, there’s a shared focus between the four women.
Given this one has run for multiple seasons, there’s a lot of story to get through but one certainly worth the plunge if you’re a fan of The Queen’s Gambit.
You can read our thoughts on Cable Girls in our season reviews here!
The Queen’s Gambit
Similarities – Challenging Gender Norms
As Aristotle once said, ‘No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.’ This quote encapsulates the entirety of Netflix’s wonderful mini-series, The Queen’s Gambit. Serving up a delightful blend of period drama and a rags-to-riches story, The Queen’s Gambit stitches these two genres together with a compelling coming-of-age narrative about a brilliant but troubled young chess prodigy.
On paper, it’s a simple narrative that’s been played out repeatedly in different mediums. Only here, it feels like it’s been given fresh legs thanks to an equal amount of empowering femininity and a troubled, haunting past for Beth to overcome.
Mrs. America
Similarities – Challenging Gender Norms
Mrs America is a historical drama that captures the political movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970’s. It predominantly highlights the clash between feminist activists and conservative women led by Phyllis Schlafly.
The series has sharp writing and standout performances, particularly from Cate Blanchett as Schlafly, while also offering insight into a powerful and pivotal moment in history.
Minx
Similarities – Empowering Drama & Characters
Set in the 1970s, Minx follows an ambitious young feminist who joins forces with a low-rent publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women. The show was a breakaway hit, and although it was cancelled, HBO thankfully revived this series to air on its own platform.
The show shines with its humorous take on the era’s cultural shifts, and a surprisingly fresh perspective on female empowerment and sexuality.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung
Similarities – Challenging Gender Norms & Drama
Rookie Historian is a quirky and romantic historical drama, that’s as much a love story as it is a social commentary. This drama tells the story of Goo Hae-ryung, a noblewoman in the Joseon era who becomes one of the kingdom’s first female historians.
Armed with a strong female lead, an engaging plot, and challenging gender norms, fans of Lessons In Chemistry should be right in their element with this one!
Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Similarities – Themes
Another K-drama on this list is Sungkyunkwan Scandal. This historical series follows a smart young woman who disguises herself as a man to attend the prestigious Sungkyunkwan University during the Joseon Dynasty.
The show has an engaging love story, plenty of witty humor, and, like Rookie Historian, commentary on gender roles, making it ideal for fans of Lessons In Chemistry.
Call The Midwife
Similarities – Characters & Social Themes
Call The Midwife is pretty much exactly what you’d expect it to be. Centering on a group of midwives living in East London, this period drama is both well written and a cleverly disguised commentary on social class, the role of women in the late 50’s and a stark look at poverty.
The first season begins with a nurse called Jenny Lee arriving at Nonnatus House in London ready to begin working as a midwife. Playing out the “fish out of water” trope, Call The Midwife cleverly works this around a more expansive story that encapsulates several other nurses, lots of romance and plenty of drama along the way.
The Law According to Lidia Poët
Similarities – Drama, Tone & Themes
This Italian series is a historical legal drama inspired by the life of Lidia Poët, Italy’s first female lawyer. It was a smash hit when it aired on Netflix in 2023, and it has some great, witty dialogue to boot too.
The show skilfully combines societal challenges and a strong feminist message, making it an engaging and empowering series.
Masters of Sex
Similarities – Tone & Drama
Based on the real-life story of sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson, Masters of Sex explores the complexities of work and personal relationships during the mid-20th century. Many critics and fans alike have lauded this show for its mature handling of sexual themes and strong performances throughout.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Lessons In Chemistry.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!