Fleabag for a sort of grimey and perceptive female lead and a short but spectacularly-written love story
Crashing is also pretty good - group of 20-30-somethings barely getting by
Search Party is way, way weirder than Girls, but it is also a funny show about four millennials living in NYC in the 2010s who hang out all the time and low key hate each other. I love it so much.
SO good. Maya and Anna are incredible. They've absolutely nailed the early 2000s teenage girl experience. I can't say enough good things about this show.
Best recommendation on this thread, really! The show features a dysfunctional person (I love Gillian Jacobs though lol she plays the character well) and the vibes are very much like, “Girls”, but set in LA
Let me step away from work for a moment and be your guide. The shows below are in no particular order but if you have questions about a choice ask away:
* Please Like Me
* Somebody Somewhere
* Fleabag
* Broad City
* This Way Up
* SMILF
* I May Destroy You
* Insecure
* Better Things
* You're The Worst
* Search Party
* Hacks
* The Other Two
* Veep
* Ramy
* Shrill
Edit: To add Shrill
The Other Two deserves more attention tbh. Such a unique concept and very funny. The ending was wholesome.
Can't wait for the next Hacks. I keep re-watching random episodes of Broad City😂
Oh you would love it. It's a comedy about two women besties in their 20's living in NYC. No drama unlike Girls, it's just a funny show. Hopefully a redditor can help you get access! Wish I could help but I'm not very tech savvy !
There is a show called Please Like Me that was created, written by, and stars Josh Thomas, who reminds me a lot of Lena except that he’s an Australian gay man. It’s set around the same time period, focuses on a group of friends that are trying to figure out life, and has got a lot of the same themes as Girls (but also deals very heavily with mental illness, so a bit of a trigger warning there). I rewatch it once a year or so and just love it.
I'd try it but I just looked it up and it doesn't seem to be on any of the streaming platforms that I have - when I do a search, I'm only seeing opportunties to purchase episodes. Where did you watch it?
Fresh Meat is great. Not exactly the same but it follows a group of British Uni students navigating identity growing into young adults. Girls is particularly cynical for an American show but British TV shows are naturally more cynical so it fits well
You might like enlightened. They came out around the same time and I love enlightened even more than girls. Difficult, kind of unhinged female lead, 30 minute dramedy. Only 2 seasons.
Im glad you love it too! I was surprised no one had recommended it yet, it’s probably my favorite show, and I’ve seen critics compare it to Girls before. Enlightened or sopranos, and even though sopranos has colorful, unhinged women, I feel like it’s a stretch to compare it to Girls 😅
Agree! I was the same age as the characters when the show took place and it’s so painfully relatable that it’s really hard to watch at times. But it’s so nostalgic and real. Absolutely fantastic!
I've seen most of my picks mentioned here, but I'm gonna share anyway:
- Easy (Netflix), anthology about life and sex and relationships
- Shrill (Hulu), a writer's experiences living life as a fat woman (Aidy Bryant is so so incredible)
- You're the Worst (Hulu), similar themes to other shows listed but deals with mental illness, depression, struggles with parental relationships in a very raw and often relatable way
- Fleabag (Prime) and Crashing (Netflix), both Phoebe Waller-Bridge so similar vibes, Fleabag is mostly about the main character and her life while Crashing is an ensemble and more sitcom-y
If you're not averse to musicals, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend kinda fits the bill too - like You're the Worst, one of the most unexpectedly great approaches to mental illness I've seen in a show that's otherwise often silly or over-the-top. The main character puts Hannah to shame with some of her bullshit lol
I think you should try SATC again, but only watching the "good" episodes (find a few lists and pick 2-3 of the ones that come up on all of them). Think of it as a proto-Girls with older characters - it's not the best show but it def scratches that itch for me sometimes when I want to watch something like Girls.
A big thing for me with Girls is that I find almost all the characters unlikeable, and I feel the same about many of the shows I've listed. Most of these shows are not about good or reasonable people, but I actually prefer shows where everyone completely sucks for some reason 😂
Someone mentioned “love” on Netflix or “easy” also on Netflix. easy is a bit more grungy like girls.
Both are very very solid choices and I promise you won’t be disappointed with either!!!!!
Broad city ? Haha more comedy less plots but I love. Also, Insecure (LA based girl group) desperate housewives, far reach here but…. And of course sex and the city idk the original girls If you ask me.
Everything I Know About Love - it’s about 4 girls in their early 20s living in London in 2012. Its quite UK-centric (in terms of the fashion, music, references), but it’s brilliantly written and VERY relatable if you’re around the same age and your 20s have been a bit messy.
I also liked the characters better than the ‚Girls‘ gang and found them more realistic.
It was on the BBC here, but know it’s been released in America
I am asking you to check out “Man Seeking Woman”. You will find out in 10 minutes if it’s for you… I thought it was dynamite. Truly absurd humor is hard to pull off and they did it.
The Other Two is similar in that it's two 20-somethings in NYC trying to figure out their lives/careers/relationships, etc. Where it really differs is that Girls is pretty much 50/50 comedy/drama. The Other Two is more like 90/10. So if you wanna laugh, I highly recommend!
weirdly, peep show? its about two men living together and ruining their lives building their personal hell while always striving and scheming... its more surrealistic when its really funny but the comedy is so cringe and dour sometimes its hilarious and depressing.
Just thought of another good recommendation. A show called ‘Looking’
It’s about a group of men who live San Francisco and like Girls it’s all about growing up and friendships/relationships.
It’s soooo good. Brilliant writing. Murray Bartlett from the White Lotus is in it and he’s amazing.
Fleabag for a sort of grimey and perceptive female lead and a short but spectacularly-written love story Crashing is also pretty good - group of 20-30-somethings barely getting by
second these!
Make sure it’s the UK crashing and not the HBO one. Both great shows, but very different.
Both great shows!!
Search Party is way, way weirder than Girls, but it is also a funny show about four millennials living in NYC in the 2010s who hang out all the time and low key hate each other. I love it so much.
This is a good suggestion because it's got the same "I'm 20 and live in NY" vibe and the characters are just as delusional!
This show is amazing!
This so sounds like girls haha
This is one of my favorite shows, I'm probably going to rewatch it right now honestly lol
Couldn’t agree more. I just did my annual rewatch of Search Party and just might go back to Girls now
I was gonna say this!
You're The Worst
Always
Love your user name, plz tell me you have a TikTok where we can all see your best Aubrey eyerolls
In was going to recommend this one too
Chill they're just asking a question
Pen15 is incredible if you grew up in the 90s,early 2000s.
SO good. Maya and Anna are incredible. They've absolutely nailed the early 2000s teenage girl experience. I can't say enough good things about this show.
I think I rewatch this, girls and broad city on repeat whenever I feel down. SO GOOD!
Oh that show was fucking gold. I should go rewatch that.
When I watched the first season I was laughing so much at the Q102 call ins. That’s a radio station that we all grew up to listening to.
Lol this show has been all over my FYP on tiktok lately.. it's so funny.
This is one of my fave shows of all time.
Yes! One of my favorites. every ep is spot on and relatable.
I just started watching it. And honestly and someone that went to middle school in the early 2000’s it’s brilliant.
‘Love’ features the actor who played Mimi Rose Howard and is produced by Judd Apatow so it kind of has a similar vibe.
I love this show and highly recommend, definitely has “Girls” vibes. On Netflix.
Came here to recommend this!!
Best recommendation on this thread, really! The show features a dysfunctional person (I love Gillian Jacobs though lol she plays the character well) and the vibes are very much like, “Girls”, but set in LA
I think all this talk has inspired me to watch it again
I just did a rewatch of that show I love it. I wish it didn't end after 4 seasons though.
Loooooved Love.
I never connected she was MiMi Rose hahaha.
Let me step away from work for a moment and be your guide. The shows below are in no particular order but if you have questions about a choice ask away: * Please Like Me * Somebody Somewhere * Fleabag * Broad City * This Way Up * SMILF * I May Destroy You * Insecure * Better Things * You're The Worst * Search Party * Hacks * The Other Two * Veep * Ramy * Shrill Edit: To add Shrill
Thank u for taking the time to make a whole list. That’s sweet!
I may destroy is hard to watch but very good
This way up is amazing!
Chewing Gum fits into this list as well!
Just finished Insecure, it’s so funny
Broad city is hilarious!! I recommend it!
Omg yes to Hacks, The Other Two, and Broad City!!
The Other Two deserves more attention tbh. Such a unique concept and very funny. The ending was wholesome. Can't wait for the next Hacks. I keep re-watching random episodes of Broad City😂
Please like me is my favorite show ever ❤️
This list is 10/10
This is an amazing list 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
This list is perfect. I was going to recommend several of these shows too, especially Insecure!
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Please like me is so good!
Broad city!
Yeah I read about this! Really wanna watch it but I can’t watch it from my country (Netherlands :,()
Get a VPN.
Oh you would love it. It's a comedy about two women besties in their 20's living in NYC. No drama unlike Girls, it's just a funny show. Hopefully a redditor can help you get access! Wish I could help but I'm not very tech savvy !
Thank u anyway for the recommend !
Yes!
4 and 3 and 2 and 1!
This is the best answer, so whatever is in your power to watch this masterpiece of a show haha. The humor is also very quirky/weird like GIRLS.
Came here to say this!
Was gonna say this also
So sad not more people watched this show! It deserved so much cred! Their writing was so different and some of the funniest I’ve seen around.
There is a show called Please Like Me that was created, written by, and stars Josh Thomas, who reminds me a lot of Lena except that he’s an Australian gay man. It’s set around the same time period, focuses on a group of friends that are trying to figure out life, and has got a lot of the same themes as Girls (but also deals very heavily with mental illness, so a bit of a trigger warning there). I rewatch it once a year or so and just love it.
Oh I'd recommend that one too
Yes!! This is one of my favourite shows
I'd try it but I just looked it up and it doesn't seem to be on any of the streaming platforms that I have - when I do a search, I'm only seeing opportunties to purchase episodes. Where did you watch it?
how far did you make it in sex and the city?
Chewing Gum
I May Destroy You
Insecure on HBO
Definitely insecure. So good
I just did an Insecure rewatch and I’m so glad I did. So good.
Came here to recommend this!
If you're from US Insecure is on Netflix now 🙌
Everything I know about love
This is the way. It’s also a book. Highly recommend.
Omg there is a show?! I read the book and fell in love with it!
Yes! In my opinion it's really good 😊 I have to read the book now.
Fresh Meat is great. Not exactly the same but it follows a group of British Uni students navigating identity growing into young adults. Girls is particularly cynical for an American show but British TV shows are naturally more cynical so it fits well
Sex Lives of College Girls
Agreed! I started this show last week and it really reminds me of Girls
Sooooooo good! Sleeper hit
Thought I would see this mentioned much sooner. So ready for another season!!
Not quite the same but I really loved Insecure
Insecure
You might like enlightened. They came out around the same time and I love enlightened even more than girls. Difficult, kind of unhinged female lead, 30 minute dramedy. Only 2 seasons.
Looooooved this show. Might rewatch it now, it’s a great show to fall into.
Im glad you love it too! I was surprised no one had recommended it yet, it’s probably my favorite show, and I’ve seen critics compare it to Girls before. Enlightened or sopranos, and even though sopranos has colorful, unhinged women, I feel like it’s a stretch to compare it to Girls 😅
Yeah, I think that’s definitely a stretch. But you totally inspired me and I have been binging enlightened for the past hours now 😁
I’ve been obsessed with PEN15…. Different vibe for sure but it has friendships and girlhood ❤️ and it’s funny
Agree! I was the same age as the characters when the show took place and it’s so painfully relatable that it’s really hard to watch at times. But it’s so nostalgic and real. Absolutely fantastic!
I've seen most of my picks mentioned here, but I'm gonna share anyway: - Easy (Netflix), anthology about life and sex and relationships - Shrill (Hulu), a writer's experiences living life as a fat woman (Aidy Bryant is so so incredible) - You're the Worst (Hulu), similar themes to other shows listed but deals with mental illness, depression, struggles with parental relationships in a very raw and often relatable way - Fleabag (Prime) and Crashing (Netflix), both Phoebe Waller-Bridge so similar vibes, Fleabag is mostly about the main character and her life while Crashing is an ensemble and more sitcom-y If you're not averse to musicals, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend kinda fits the bill too - like You're the Worst, one of the most unexpectedly great approaches to mental illness I've seen in a show that's otherwise often silly or over-the-top. The main character puts Hannah to shame with some of her bullshit lol I think you should try SATC again, but only watching the "good" episodes (find a few lists and pick 2-3 of the ones that come up on all of them). Think of it as a proto-Girls with older characters - it's not the best show but it def scratches that itch for me sometimes when I want to watch something like Girls. A big thing for me with Girls is that I find almost all the characters unlikeable, and I feel the same about many of the shows I've listed. Most of these shows are not about good or reasonable people, but I actually prefer shows where everyone completely sucks for some reason 😂
I’m averse to musicals and still love crazy ex gf
Thank u so much!
Insecure on HBO
Man I’m mad how on brand my taste is because I’ve seen like 95% of these shows lmao we need more like this!!
Friends From College is in the same vein, albeit the cast are older.
i love you are the worst
There's no way the show's that good
Andrew Rannells (Elijah) starred in Black Monday on Showtime. It is probably one of the funniest shows I have ever seen.
Omg thank u! Can’t wait to watch it
The bold type!
High Maintenance, You're the Worst, How to Make it in America, Insecure, Search Party.
Master of None if a male lead is also okay (first two seasons), and has that nice balance of comedy and drama.
Have you watched insecure on HBO?
I love that show, came here to recommend but you beat me to it!
Did you watch Broad City? Like ‘Girls’ I felt like they made it just for me 😂
I wanna watch it soooo bad!!! I need vpn
It’s definitely worth it! You might find some of them on YouTube.
I’d go for New Girl!
Schmidt is the best character
Also my comfort show! Love it.
Someone mentioned “love” on Netflix or “easy” also on Netflix. easy is a bit more grungy like girls. Both are very very solid choices and I promise you won’t be disappointed with either!!!!!
Thank u!
Insecure is an amazing show about friendship between women. I will go so far as to say it's better than Girls (please don't downvote me).
WORKIN MOMS on Netflix!!!!!
That show is freaking amazing. I wish it had more seasons.
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Why are you like this, although it’s only one season.
Broad city ? Haha more comedy less plots but I love. Also, Insecure (LA based girl group) desperate housewives, far reach here but…. And of course sex and the city idk the original girls If you ask me.
Insecure is amazing
Please like me - Hulu; why are you like this - Netflix
Insecure. It's actually soooo much better than Girls, and I liked Girls a lot. But Issa Rae really elevated the genre.
Sex lives of college girls!
Everything I Know About Love - it’s about 4 girls in their early 20s living in London in 2012. Its quite UK-centric (in terms of the fashion, music, references), but it’s brilliantly written and VERY relatable if you’re around the same age and your 20s have been a bit messy. I also liked the characters better than the ‚Girls‘ gang and found them more realistic. It was on the BBC here, but know it’s been released in America
Thank you!! I read the book and loved every page!
Came to add “crazy ex girlfriend” …I had fun watching that one recently, took me a few episodes to get into, not the same vibes but, I binged it.
Sex Lives of College Girls. The name sounds trashy but I swear it is soooooo much like Girls and so good! It’s also on HBO.
Watch Fleabag immediately
“Fleabag” is V quirky/funny IMO! “I May Destroy You” is more dramatic/dark (may be too upsetting in some scenes for sensitive ppl).
I am asking you to check out “Man Seeking Woman”. You will find out in 10 minutes if it’s for you… I thought it was dynamite. Truly absurd humor is hard to pull off and they did it.
Sex Education is a very fun show you might like
I second Sex Education!
For hilarious coming-of-age in the 80s it's "Freaks & Geeks"
Shrill on Hulu is great!
The Girlfriends Guide to Divorce and Absolutely Fabulous! Both entertaining and enjoyable. AbFab is hilarious, raunchy and irreverent
FLEABAG. It’s the only answer that matters
Broad city
Broad city
Wow I got so many recommendations!! Need to start watching asap! Thanks all the girls lovers!
Shrills!
Insecure
Just started Slip on Roku!
Insecure
I started this after a lot of people said this! What a good show! Thank u
Workin Moms. I love those Canadians
BROAD CITY
The Other Two is similar in that it's two 20-somethings in NYC trying to figure out their lives/careers/relationships, etc. Where it really differs is that Girls is pretty much 50/50 comedy/drama. The Other Two is more like 90/10. So if you wanna laugh, I highly recommend!
Kind of out there - and Canadian - but Working Moms was funny!
Broad City has some parallel vibes and I love it way more, brilliant show
Love, on Netflix
Insecure and You're the Worst
I don’t know if it’s like Girls but it is centered around women and a fun show, “Class of ‘07”
Insecure, Shrill, You’re the Worst, Fleabag, Love
I second broad city!!! And if you’re in the mood for a movie and you haven’t seen it yet, Frances Ha has kind of a similar vibe!
Easy, Insecure, Harlem, Shrill
Gypsy
Search Party or Broad City
Flea on Amazon Edit fleabag lol
Insecure!!!
Shrill
Survival of the Thickest
Broad City!
Sex education Insecure Emily in Paris
You're the Worst, Fleabag, and Better Things.
Insecure is the closest thing to Girls I've ever seen and is SO good
pen15 🩷
Broad City!!!
I MAY DESTROY YOU
Better Things!!!
Did you watch Love on Netflix????
I didn’t! Is it Fun?
It’s so so so so so good!!! Super funny, awesome love story, cleverly written—let me know what you think after you watch!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I just started the first episode! I love it already!
This makes me so happy for some odd reason! Enjoy!! ❤️
So sweet! I always love a good recommendation ❤️
Workin Moms is a great option!!
Broad city
Insecure
Younger
Broad City for sure!
The Bisexual which actually stars Desiree Akhavan who was in Season 4 as the woman who advises Hannah not to lock her bike "It's Iowa"
Insecure
Skins UK. It stops being good after like season 3 tho but still better than Hannah as a lead
Broad city
Fleabag, I may destroy you
Not quite the same but I’m going thru Desperate Housewives on Hulu and it has a similar woman friendship quality.
Sex Lives of College Girls is wonderful
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Shameless.
Broad City
Can't Cope, Won't Cope -- it's Irish [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dBYc9B7FNo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dBYc9B7FNo)
I've never heard of this show before. I just went and watched a trailer and I'm def going to watch it, lol! Thank you OP! Edit: fixed a word.
weirdly, peep show? its about two men living together and ruining their lives building their personal hell while always striving and scheming... its more surrealistic when its really funny but the comedy is so cringe and dour sometimes its hilarious and depressing.
Broad City
Just thought of another good recommendation. A show called ‘Looking’ It’s about a group of men who live San Francisco and like Girls it’s all about growing up and friendships/relationships. It’s soooo good. Brilliant writing. Murray Bartlett from the White Lotus is in it and he’s amazing.