The Doctor Will See You Now
Ratched blends the best parts of Ryan Murphy productions with a lot of melodrama that’s sure to resonate with fans of mysteries and dramas. At the same time, the show also whets the appetite for something a little more horror-orientated but never quite pulls the trigger and follows through.
Have you finished streaming Ratched? Wondering what to watch next?
Well, fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle of having to try and find something similar with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have.
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 Ratched.
American Horror Story
Similarities – Tone & Sarah Paulson
Probably the most obvious one on the list, American Horror Story is an anthological series that utilizes the same cast across a myriad of different situations each season. Many fans agree that the second is the best but each differing locale offers up lots to whet the appetite.
From creepy asylums to fun-loving circuses that aren’t quite right, there’s an ever-evolving set-up that should keep you busy for a while.
Much like Ratched, there’s a lot of great costume and set design working overtime across the expansive 9 seasons. With the show renewed for a further 3 years there’s lots more in the pipeline to come from this one.
Hollywood
Similarities – Time Period & Themes
If thematic messaging and the 1940’s setting is more your jam, Hollywood is definitely worth checking out. Also produced by Ryan Murphy, this mini-series is a lavishly produced, gorgeous show that oozes charisma and charm right the way through its 7 episodes.
The story essentially reimagines Hollywood as a more open and inviting place with equal opportunities for all. The gorgeous aesthetic is backed up by a solid soundtrack that oozes big band and Jazz vibes.
The show does slip up by going a bit overboard with its central themes but on the whole the series is an enjoyable enough romp.
You can read our thoughts on Hollywood in our full season review here!
High Seas
Similarities – Mystery & Time Period
If campy mystery and spooky shenanigans are your thing, you should probably check out High Seas. This Spanish thriller blends elements of history, romance and mystery into one deliciously twisty series set in the 40’s.
With 3 seasons of action and a fourth green-lit for the future, the story begins with Eva and Carolina who become the central part of this show. They board a lavish vessel heading to Brazil from Spain. Housing over 1600 souls, the two women look forward to their voyage until disaster strikes.
The first season is the strongest by far but the mystery continues across 2 more seasons. Despite some questionable plot choices, this one is an easily bingeable watch.
You can read our thoughts on High Seas in our full seasons review here!
Breaking Bad
Similarities – Drama & Evolving Characters
Breaking Bad manages to transcend beyond excellent TV into something timelessly epic on the small screen. From the tight writing and memorable characters to the constant juxtapositions and changing character fortunes, this slow-burn thriller is a non-stop rollercoaster ride.
There’s a reason this is one of the best shows ever produced and if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and check it out. In terms of this list though, if you want an example of how to turn a character from a beloved icon to something very different indeed, this is definitely a solid choice to check out.
You can read our thoughts on Breaking Bad in our full season reviews here!
Castle Rock
Similarities – Characters & Tone
While the first season of Castle Rock was much more of a mystery and mind-bending trip, the second changed its approach slightly with its new ensemble of characters. The result is a more action-orientated story combining elements of Misery and Salem’s Lot.
Annie’s suffering is certainly similar to Mildred Ratched too and her maniacal descent foreshadowed what we’ve got to look forward to in the seasons to come for Ratched.
You can read our thoughts on Castle Rock in our full season review here!
Killing Eve
Similarities – Characters & Action
Playing on the archetypal tropes you’d expect to see in the spy genre, Killing Eve confidently walks a fine line between dark comedy and gritty drama. The story predominantly revolves around two women; bored, excitement-starved MI6 agent Eve and illusive assassin Villanelle.
Their stories run parallel to one another during the opening few episodes before converging together in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Across three seasons, some excellent acting make this a unique slice of the crime drama pie. It’s not perfect, and at times the story does suffer from some serious contrivances. Despite that though, Killing Eve is a great option for anyone looking for similar romantic and dramatic vibes seen in Ratched.
You can read our thoughts on Castle Rock in our full season review here!
The Politician
Similarities – Ryan Murphy & Tone
The Politician is a show you’ll either love or hate. The story revolves around Payton Hobart, a student from Santa Barbara who has big dreams of becoming the President of the US. Before he gets there though, he has to tackle high school.
If you can go into this one with an open mind and expect a wacky, over-the-top satirical dramedy that plays on American politics, you’re sure to enjoy this. The production design is great and the lavish sets play nicely into all the usual Ryan Murphy tropes.
You can read our thoughts on The Politician in our full seasons review here!
Sharp Objects
Similarities – Mystery & Characters
Psychologically charged murder mystery Sharp Objects is as engaging as it is technically impressive. From the exquisite sound design to the perfect editing, every part of Sharp Objects has been finely tuned and crafted to create a compelling mystery.
The story follows troubled reporter Camille who begrudgingly finds herself assigned to reporting a violent murder case in her hometown Wind Gap. Haunted by a troubled past mired in violence and depression, Camille feels alienated from the adults, growing closer to the young girls whom the killer in town is targeting.
The show is as engaging as it is enthralling and definitely a must-watch if you’re looking for a compelling character-driven mystery.
You can read our thoughts on Sharp Objects in our full season review here!
Pose
Similarities – LGBTQ & Ryan Murphy
Set in 1987, Pose examines the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York. In particular the series covers the rise of the luxury universe, the downtown social and literary scene and the ball culture world. What’s particularly great about this series though is just how realistic the depiction of the LGBTQ scene is and how far it’s come now.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go but this show is a definite step in the right direction. Tonally, it ticks all the right boxes and Pose looks absolutely fantastic too. This one is certainly worth a watch.
Nip/Tuck
Similarities – Tone & Ryan Murphy
“So…tell me what you don’t like about yourself?” Nip/Tuck is a series revolving around 2 plastic surgeons – Sean McNamara and Christian Troy. The latter is a modern-day Playboy living the high life and using his lucrative position to bed a number of different women. By comparison, Sean is stuck in an unfulfilling relationship with his wife Julia. To make matters worse, his son Matt approaches the treacherous teenage years.
This episodic ensemble combines a soapy character-driven melodrama with episodic cases-of-the-week. There’s absolutely no holding back with this either and from breast implants to rhinoplasties, the surgeries are shown in all their glory.
The series really hits its stride around seasons 2 and 3 – with the latter going full-on slasher for bouts of the show. As the seasons tick by, the writing does suffer but there’s to enjoy across this expansive series.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show picks to keep you busy while you eagerly await the second season of Ratched.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!