- Photo:
- Sex Education
- Netflix
The 30 Best Shows Like 'Sex Education', Ranked By Fans
Vote on the shows that fans of Sex Education are sure to love.
- Photo:
1Derry Girls
Derry Girls, set during the '90s Northern Ireland conflict, offers a unique perspective on growing up amidst political turmoil. The story revolves around Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland) and their friends Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), and the "wee English fella" James (Dylan Llewellyn). In spite of the backdrop, the show is infused with humor, showcasing how normal life persists even in chaotic times. The ensemble's chemistry and comedic timing have made Derry Girls a pop culture phenomenon.
Derry Girls captures the essence of teenage camaraderie and the impact of historical and cultural influences on adolescents, similar to Sex Education's approach in blending humor with meaningful narratives.
- Actors: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Ian McElhinney, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Nicola Coughlan
- Premiered: January 4, 2018
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever, co-created by Mindy Kaling, showcases the life of Devi Vishwakumar (played brilliantly by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a first-generation Indian American teenager. The show is lauded for its refreshing take on teenage life, blending American and Indian cultures, while addressing grief and identity struggles. It has garnered critical acclaim for its representation of South Asian culture in mainstream media.
Never Have I Ever tells the story of teens with thoughtfulness, similar to the rich cultural representation seen in Sex Education.
- Actors: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison, Darren Barnet
- Premiered: April 27, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
Skins, a British television series, delves into the tumultuous lives of a group of teens in Bristol, England as they grapple with issues like substance abuse, mental health, sexuality and identity. The show is known for its raw and honest representation of adolescence, pushing boundaries in its exploration of challenging themes. Its ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Nicholas Hoult and Dev Patel who deliver riveting performances.
Skins is an unflinching look at the lives of teen characters similar to Sex Education's exploration of challenging themes.
- Actors: Kaya Scodelario, Jack O'Connell, Hannah Murray, Alexander Arnold, Dakota Blue Richards
- Premiered: February 15, 2007
Love this show?subscription
paid
- Photo:
- 13 Reasons Why
In 13 Reasons Why, we delve into the aftermath of high school student Hannah Baker’s suicide through cassette tapes she left behind explaining why she took her life. Katherine Langford brilliantly portrays Hannah while Dylan Minnette plays Clay Jensen, who embarks on an emotional journey listening to these tapes. A poignant exploration of teen angst and bullying, 13 Reasons Why has sparked important discussions about mental health among viewers globally.
13 Reasons Why aligns with Sex Education's commitment to addressing sensitive issues faced by teenagers.
- Actors: Dylan Minnette, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Amy Hargreaves, Brandon Flynn
- Premiered: March 31, 2017
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Trinkets
Trinkets is a captivating coming-of-age comedy-drama that centers on the unique bond between three teenage girls who meet at Shoplifters Anonymous. Each character wrestles with their own personal struggles and family issues, from substance abuse to dealing with loss. The trio, played by Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, and Quintessa Swindell, form an unlikely friendship that helps them navigate through the complexities of adolescence. The show serves as a poignant reminder of the power of friendships in overcoming life's challenges.
Trinkets follows teen characters who rely on each other through thick and thin, similar to the themes explored in Sex Education.
- Actors: Brianna Hildebrand, Kiana Madeira, Quintessa Swindell, Odiseas Georgiadis, Henry Zaga
- Premiered: June 14, 2019
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Love, Victor
In Love, Victor, audiences are introduced to Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino), a new student at Creekwood High School — the same setting as Becky Albertalli’s book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. As Victor grapples with his sexual orientation amidst familial challenges and high school dilemmas, the series provides an authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences often overlooked in mainstream media.
Love, Victor aligns with Sex Education's commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling.
- Actors: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding
- Premiered: June 17, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Atypical
7Atypical
Atypical follows Sam Gardner (played by Keir Gilchrist), a teenager on the autism spectrum navigating his way through life's trials - love interests, independence, and self-discovery. While being humorous in its approach, Atypical delicately handles the subject of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) bringing attention to the everyday struggles faced by those affected by it. Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his protective mother whose journey parallels Sam’s search for independence.
Atypical mirrors Sex Education's sensitive approach to diverse teenage experiences with heart and humor.
- Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Michael Rapaport, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Amy Okuda
- Premiered: August 11, 2017
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
Euphoria, featuring a star-studded cast led by Zendaya, is an unflinching look at the trials and tribulations of modern youth. The show delves deep into complex issues like addiction, mental health, and identity struggles. Zendaya's stirring portrayal of Rue Bennett - a teenager battling drug addiction - has left a significant mark on pop culture, with her performance earning widespread critical acclaim. Euphoria pushes boundaries in its genre by offering a starkly realistic depiction of contemporary teenage life.
Euphoria aligns with Sex Education's commitment to portraying the challenges of adolescence authentically.
- Actors: Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie
- Premiered: June 16, 2019
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
Good Trouble, a spin-off from The Fosters, follows sisters Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) as they transition into adulthood in Los Angeles. The show addresses social issues such as racial injustice, LGBTQ+ rights, sexism in tech industries, among others. It leverages its characters' growth to provoke important conversations about contemporary societal norms.
Good Trouble echoes the socially relevant themes explored in Sex Education.
- Actors: Cierra Ramirez, Zuri Adele, Sherry Cola, Emma Hunton, Tommy Martinez
- Premiered: January 8, 2019
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
- Degrassi: Next Class
Degrassi: Next Class is another engaging teen drama that doesn't shy away from addressing hard-hitting topics like racism, mental illness, homophobia, and substance abuse. As part of its long-standing Degrassi franchise legacy, it continues to push boundaries by reflecting real-life issues faced by teenagers today. Its diverse cast includes Amanda Arcuri and Reiya Downs among others who play characters grappling with high school life in an era dominated by social media.
Degrassi: Next Class tackles the modern teen experience similar to Sex Education's exploration of contemporary challenges.
- Actors: Amanda Arcuri, Jamie Bloch, Chelsea Clark, Reiya Downs, Ana Golja
- Premiered: January 4, 2016
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
- Photo:
The Fosters, on the other hand, delves into the dynamics of a multi-ethnic family led by a same-sex couple. This series explores themes such as foster care, adoption, and LGBTQ+ acceptance through its ensemble cast featuring Teri Polo and Sherri Saum. It offers a fresh perspective on what constitutes a “traditional family,” challenging societal norms while providing laughter and tears along the way.
The Fosters echoes the inclusive and diverse portrayal of relationships seen in Sex Education.
- Actors: Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Noah Centineo, Hayden Byerly, David Lambert
- Premiered: June 3, 2013
Love this show?featured
subscription
free
paid
- Photo:
Switched at Birth, revolves around two teenagers Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano) and Daphne Vasquez (Katie Leclerc) who discover they were switched at birth. The show, while being a family drama, also uniquely explores Deaf culture and identity as Daphne is deaf. This innovative storyline not only provides representation for the deaf community but has also made significant contributions to pop culture discourse on inclusivity and diversity.
Switched at Birth highlights underrepresented groups, contributing to pop culture discourse on inclusivity, similar to Sex Education's commitment to diverse and authentic storytelling.
- Actors: Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D.W. Moffett, Lea Thompson
- Premiered: June 6, 2011
Love this show?featured
subscription
free
paid
The Secret Life of the American Teenager portrays the trials and tribulations of Amy Juergens, an ordinary high school student whose life takes a dramatic turn after an unexpected pregnancy. This ABC Family drama explores teen pregnancy with depth, highlighting societal judgment and self-discovery. Shailene Woodley's portrayal of Amy played a significant role in cementing her status as a talented young actress.
The Secret Life of the American Teenager parallels Sex Education in its exploration of teenage challenges and relationship drama.
- Actors: Molly Ringwald, Shailene Woodley, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Daren Kagasoff
- Premiered: July 1, 2008
Love this show?featured
subscription
free
paid
- Photo:
- Insatiable
Insatiable is a dark, twisted comedy-drama that tells the story of Patty Bladell, played by Debby Ryan, a teenager who had been bullied for being overweight but after losing weight seeks vengeance on her tormentors. Patty's transformation isn't just physical; it's psychological too. The series delves into themes such as body image, identity and revenge while infusing humor in its narrative. Dallas Robert’s portrayal of Bob Armstrong Jr., a disgraced attorney turned beauty pageant coach adds another layer to this complex show.
Insatiable provides a unique take on adolescent challenges and societal expectations, paralleling Sex Education's willingness to address unconventional themes.
- Actors: Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts, Alyssa Milano, Christopher Gorham, Erinn Westbrook
- Premiered: August 10, 2018
Love this show?featured
subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Everything Sucks!
- Netflix
Everything Sucks takes viewers back to the mid-'90s, portraying the awkwardness of adolescence through the lens of Boring High School’s A/V and Drama clubs. This coming-of-age series navigates first loves, self-discovery, and societal expectations with a nostalgic touch. Peyton Kennedy and Jahi Di'Allo Winston lead as Kate Messner and Luke O’Neil respectively, their characters experiencing trials and tribulations typical to teenage life.
Everything Sucks mirrors Sex Education's nostalgic and humor-infused portrayal of teenage life.
- Actors: Peyton Kennedy, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Rio Mangini, Quinn Liebling, Sydney Sweeney
- Premiered: February 16, 2018
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Girlboss
16Girlboss, inspired by Sophia Amoruso's autobiography #GIRLBOSS, presents the journey of a rebellious and broke anarchist who becomes a businesswoman by starting a successful vintage clothing business on eBay. Britt Robertson leads the cast as Sophia, capturing her character’s fierce independence and entrepreneurial spirit with aplomb. With its blend of humor and drama, Girlboss explores themes like determination, friendship and self-discovery in an inspiring way.
Girlboss resonates with Sex Education's focus on individual growth.
- Actors: Britt Robertson, Ellie Reed, Alphonso McAuley, Johnny Simmons, Dean Norris
- Premiered: April 21, 2017
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Life Unexpected
Life Unexpected is another compelling addition to the canon of coming-of-age comedy-dramas. It presents the heartwarming tale of Lux, a teenager who seeks emancipation only to find herself in the custody of her biological parents - Baze and Cate. The talented ensemble cast, including Britt Robertson as Lux, Kristoffer Polaha as Baze, and Shiri Appleby as Cate, beautifully navigate the complexities of their newfound family dynamics. This unique familial setup paves way for humorous yet poignant narratives about growing up and finding one's place in the world.
Life Unexpected reflects Sex Education's emphasis on familial relationships and personal growth.
- Actors: Shiri Appleby, Kristoffer Polaha, Britt Robertson, Austin Basis, Kerr Smith
- Premiered: January 18, 2010
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Haters Back Off
Haters Back Off is a unique blend of comedy and drama that explores the complexities of growing up in our digital age. It tells the story of Miranda Sings, a talentless yet optimistic young woman who believes she's destined for stardom and uploads her performances on YouTube. Played by Colleen Ballinger, Miranda's character embodies relentless ambition despite constant criticism, offering a commentary on internet culture and its influence on personal identity.
Haters Back Off, with its focus on life online, aligns with Sex Education's exploration of modern challenges faced by teenagers.
- Actors: Colleen Ballinger, Steve Little, Angela Kinsey, Erik Stocklin
- Premiered: October 14, 2016
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Free Rein
Free Rein, set against the backdrop of picturesque British countryside, follows Zoe Phillips (Jaylen Barron), an American teenager whose life changes when she bonds with Raven, a mysterious horse. Their shared experiences mirror common adolescent issues like friendship troubles and family dynamics. The series beautifully intertwines elements of mystery with coming-of-age themes creating compelling narratives that resonate with young audiences.
Free Rein showcases a unique coming-of-age experience similar to Sex Education's ability to connect with diverse teenage experiences.
- Actors: Jaylen Barron, Freddy Carter, Manpreet Bambra, Bruce Herbelin-Earle, Celine Buckens
- Premiered: June 23, 2017
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Netflix
On My Block provides a fresh perspective on coming-of-age narratives by focusing on four bright teenagers navigating high school while living in a volatile inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood. With Monse (Sierra Capri), Ruby (Jason Genao), Jamal (Brett Gray), and Cesar (Diego Tinoco) at its heart, the show artfully balances humor with explorations of friendship, love, and societal pressures. It has been applauded for its diverse casting and compelling representation of urban youth.
On My Block strikes a tone similar to Sex Education's blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
- Actors: Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray, Diego Tinoco, Jessica Garcia
- Premiered: March 16, 2018
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Outer Banks
Set on North Carolina's picturesque but socially divided Outer Banks, Outer Banks follows John B and his friends' quest for hidden treasure linked to John’s missing father. This Netflix original series masterfully combines elements of coming-of-age drama with adventure and mystery. Its young cast including Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline have quickly become fan favorites due to their compelling performances.
Outer Banks provides an experience similar to Sex Education's ability to engage viewers with diverse and intriguing narratives.
- Actors: Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow
- Premiered: April 15, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Heartstopper
Heartstopper offers an authentic portrayal of self-discovery and young love. This British web comic turned Netflix series follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two high school students navigating their blossoming relationship while dealing with societal pressures. It's a heartwarming exploration of friendship, identity, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation. Kudos to Kit Connor and Joe Locke for their charming performances as Charlie and Nick respectively.
Heartstopper resonates with the heartfelt and nuanced storytelling seen in Sex Education.
- Actors: Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown
- Premiered: April 22, 2022
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
23Glee offers a refreshing take on the high school experience through the lens of McKinley High’s glee club members. Their shared love for music brings them together despite their diverse backgrounds, making way for heartfelt friendships and romances. Notable stars like Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer among others delivered memorable performances that resonated with audiences worldwide. Glee also left an indelible mark on pop culture by redefining musical television.
Glee strikes a watchable tone similar to Sex Education's unique blend of humor and drama in portraying teenage experiences.
- Actors: Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Chord Overstreet, Jane Lynch
- Premiered: May 19, 2009
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
- I Am Not Okay With This
I Am Not Okay With This is a riveting exploration of the tumultuous and often confusing journey to adulthood. The show centers on Sydney, a teenage girl grappling not only with common adolescent struggles but also her burgeoning superpowers. Sophia Lillis' captivating performance as Sydney gives depth to this coming-of-age saga, providing an authentic portrayal of teen angst intertwined with superhero tropes. The series offers a fresh perspective on the genre by painting these extraordinary circumstances against the backdrop of everyday high school life.
I Am Not Okay With This with its thoughtful approach to adolescence is akin to Sex Education's unique storytelling..
- Actors: Sophia Lillis, Wyatt Oleff, Sofia Bryant, Kathleen Rose Perkins
- Premiered: February 26, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Grand Army
Grand Army delves into the lives of five students navigating their way through Grand Army High School in Brooklyn. The diverse cast represents various socio-economic backgrounds, each character wrestling with issues like racial injustice, sexual politics and economic disparity. Its raw depiction of contemporary youth culture makes it stand out within its genre; it doesn't shy away from addressing pressing societal issues that shape modern adolescence.
Grand Army follows the lives of high school students in a way similar to Sex Education's exploration of modern adolescence.
- Actors: Odessa A'zion, Odley Jean, Maliq Johnson, Amalia Yoo, Amir Bageria
- Premiered: October 16, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Tiny Pretty Things
Tiny Pretty Things is a captivating series that expertly blends the grit of adolescence with the grace of ballet. The story unfolds at an elite ballet academy in Chicago, where competition is fierce and only the strongest survive. The show explores themes like ambition, betrayal, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of a murder mystery. Casimere Jollette shines as Bette Whitlaw, a dancer who struggles with her identity amidst demanding expectations.
The series, through its ensemble cast, skillfully addresses the pressures faced by young dancers, presenting a narrative that mirrors the complexities of adolescence depicted in Sex Education.
- Actors: Jess Salgueiro, Lauren Holly, Kylie Jefferson, Casimere Jollette, Daniela Norman
- Premiered: December 14, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Dare Me
27Dare Me, based on Megan Abbott's novel, is an intense drama set amidst high-stakes competitive cheerleading. It explores themes like friendship, rivalry and power dynamics through its central characters Addy Hanlon (Herizen Guardiola) and Beth Cassidy (Marlo Kelly). While being rooted in teen drama territory with its cheerleader backdrop, Dare Me stands apart by incorporating elements of mystery and noir into its narrative fabric.
Dare Me combines teen drama and mysterious elements akin to Sex Education's ability to blend drama with diverse narrative elements.
- Actors: Willa Fitzgerald, Herizen F. Guardiola, Marlo Kelly, Rob Heaps, Zach Roerig
- Premiered: December 29, 2019
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
- Photo:
- Spinning Out
Spinning Out centers around Kat Baker (Kaya Scodelario), an aspiring Olympic figure skater struggling with bipolar disorder while navigating personal relationships amidst fierce competition on ice rinks. Despite its short run on Netflix, it garnered praise for addressing mental health issues often overlooked in sports dramas, and featured a standout performance from January Jones as Kat's mother.
Spinning Out features standout performances and compelling narratives, similar to Sex Education's commitment to exploring diverse and sensitive themes.
- Actors: Kaya Scodelario, Willow Shields, Evan Roderick, Johnny Weir, Sarah Wright
- Premiered: January 1, 2020
Love this show?subscription
- Photo:
- Photo:
Normal People, based on Sally Rooney's acclaimed novel, paints an intimate portrait of Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron’s (Paul Mescal) complex relationship from high school through university years. Set in Ireland, it delves into class differences, mental health issues, love and loss with raw honesty. Edgar-Jones' and Mescal's nuanced performances garnered critical acclaim making Normal People a standout in its genre.
Normal People mirrors Sex Education's exploration of intimate relationships and the complexities of growing up. Through the evolving connection between its protagonists, the series provides a nuanced portrayal of love, communication, and the impact of societal expectations on young adults, resonating with the depth and authenticity characteristic of Sex Education.
- Actors: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Eliot Salt, India Mullen, Aislin McGuckin
- Premiered: April 26, 2020
Love this show?featured
subscription
- Photo:
- The Sex Lives of College Girls
The Sex Lives of College Girls dives into the chaotic world of four freshman roommates at Essex College - Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), Leighton (Reneé Rapp), Bela (Midori Francis), and Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott). Their journey through college life is marked by humor, drama, romance but also important discussions about feminism and self-acceptance. Mindy Kaling's distinctive writing style brings these eclectic characters to life in this modern take on coming-of-age stories.
The Sex Lives of College Girls aligns with Sex Education's commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling by navigating the challenges of college life, including relationships, self-discovery, and the exploration of identity.
- Actors: Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Midori Francis
- Premiered: November 18, 2021
Love this show?featured
subscription
paid
- Photo:
