High School Rom-Coms
Well, that was a fitting finale for the iconic British sex comedy, Sex Education. It has everything from romance and comedy to melodrama and diversity. But what do we do now that it is over for good? Well, while we wait with our fingers crossed about a spin-off on Maeve or a reunion project of sorts, we can still get our fix through other R-rated high school comedies and dramas.
Well without further wait, here are 10 TV shows with a similar premise to watch if you liked the Netflix Original show Sex Education.
Derry Girls
Similarities – comedy, retro aesthetic, coming-of-age, outcasts, educative, LGBT+
Set in the city of Derry during the 1990s, Derry Girls revolves around the lives of Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and her “annoying” cousin James, a diverse group of teenagers attending a Catholic girls’ school (yeah, we don’t know how Sister Michael allowed James either).
Well, amid the backdrop of the Northern Ireland troubles, the series follows their hilarious misadventures, friendships and family dynamics. The show blends humour with the challenges of growing up in a politically charged environment, making it a unique coming-of-age comedy that sheds light on important topics through wit just like Sex Education.
Degrassi: Next Class
Similarities – romance, coming-of-age, educative, LGBT+
Degrassi: Next Class is part of the long-running Degrassi franchise and continues to explore the lives of high school students dealing with contemporary issues. The show addresses topics such as bullying, LGBTQ+ representation, cyberbullying and consent, but takes a more serious approach in comparison to Sex Education. Season 1 begins with Maya, Grace, Zoe, Shay, Miles and Frankie trying to make the most out of their new school year.
Everything Sucks
Similarities – rom-com, retro aesthetic, coming-of-age, outcasts, LGBT+
Everything Sucks transports viewers to the nostalgic 1990s in the fictional town of Boring, Oregon. The series centers on the A/V club and the drama club at Boring High School. As members of these two groups clash due to romantic entanglements, they discover more about themselves, form unexpected friendships, and experience the rollercoaster of high school life while celebrating ’90s pop culture, music and fashion.
Gilmore Girls
Similarities – rom-com, coming-of-age, single mom dynamic
Gilmore Girls focuses on the relationship between Rory Gilmore and her mother, Lorelai. The show is set in the charming town of Stars Hollow and highlights their best friend-like mother-daughter bond. As they navigate love, education and career aspirations, the eccentric and endearing side characters who make up the town’s community also contribute to Gilmores’ rollercoaster of a life.
Never Have I Ever
Similarities – rom com, coming-of-age, outcasts, LGBT+, single mom dynamic
Created by Mindy Kaling, Never Have I Ever follows the life of Devi Vishwakumar, a high school student in California. Devi is determined to improve her social standing and gain the attention of her crush while dealing with the recent loss of her father. The series explores her Indian-American identity and the complexities of teenage life all while trying to get the guy of her dreams who may or may not be the annoying rival from school.
On My Block
Similarities – comedy, drama, coming-of-age, outcasts, educative, LGBT+
On My Block is set in a tough Los Angeles neighbourhood and centers around a tight-knit group of friends. Monse, Ruby, Jamal and Cesar navigate the challenges of adolescence while facing gang violence and the pressures of their community. The series explores themes of friendship, identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Skins
Similarities – drama, coming-of-age, LGBT+
Skins is a British teen drama that follows the lives of a group of teenagers as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Each episode focuses on a different character like Tony, Cassie, Jal and so on, offering a deep dive into their experiences with issues such as family, relationships, addiction and mental health. The series is known for its frank and unflinching portrayal of these issues.
Gossip Girl
Similarities – romance, coming-of-age, LGBT+, single parent dynamic
In the glamorous world of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, “Gossip Girl” is an enigmatic blogger who chronicles the lives of the privileged and scandalous high school students. The series begins with the newcomer, Dan getting obsessed with those of the Upper East Side and the intertwined lives of Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf.
The girls and their friends, basically the non-judging breakfast club navigate the complexities of love, friendship and betrayal, all while being watched by the omnipresent Gossip Girl who waits with bated breath for one of them to make just one mistake before pouncing on them.
Riverdale
Similarities – rom-com, retro aesthetic, coming-of-age, LGBT+
Riverdale takes the iconic characters from Archie Comics and reimagines them in a dark and mysterious setting. The series is set in the seemingly picturesque town of Riverdale, where Archie and his friends become entangled in a series of perplexing events starting with the murder of the star quarterback, Jason Blossom.
Elite
Similarities – romance, drama, coming-of-age, educative, LGBT+, single parent dynamic
Elite is a gripping Spanish drama set in Las Encinas, an elite private school. The story unfolds as three working-class students, Samuel, Christian and Nadia receive scholarships to attend the school.
It leads to a collision between their world and the privileged lives of their wealthy classmates who will do anything to kick them out. The series delves into themes of class, relationships, secrets, high-stakes investigations and murder as one of the rich girls, Marina is killed with all fingers pointing towards Samuel.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Sex Education.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!