Shows Like Pretty Little Liars Original Sin
Hey there, fellow binge-watchers and mystery aficionados! Are you still nursing a little bit of a heartache because Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin wrapped up its deliciously creepy story? Yeah, me too. That show really knew how to deliver the thrills, the chills, and yes, even those surprisingly deep moments. It left us all craving more of that perfect blend of teen angst, dark secrets, and just enough over-the-top drama to keep us glued to the screen. So, what’s a dedicated viewer to do when the credits roll on another killer season?
Fear not, my friends! The good news is, the world of teen mysteries, dark academia vibes, and characters who are way too smart for their own good is vast. You just need to know where to look. And lucky for you, I've done some digging (with copious amounts of popcorn, naturally) to unearth some shows that hit all the right notes. If you loved the spooky, the stylish, and the absolutely unpredictable nature of Original Sin, then buckle up, because your next obsession is waiting.
Dive Back into the Twisted World of Mystery
Let's be honest, the allure of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin wasn't just about the "who done it." It was about the atmosphere. That sense of unease, the feeling that danger lurks around every corner, and the incredible bond between the girls as they navigated this terrifying labyrinth. It’s that feeling of "what will happen next?!" that keeps us coming back for more, right?
So, if you’re looking for that same intoxicating mix of suspense and character-driven drama, let’s explore some of the prime contenders. We’re talking about shows that understand the art of a good cliffhanger and the power of a well-placed secret. Get ready to add some new titles to your watchlist; your nights just got a whole lot more exciting!
The Nostalgic Chill: What if the Past is Truly Haunting Us?
One of the things that made Original Sin so compelling was its connection to the past. The way the sins of the parents were literally coming back to haunt the children was a stroke of genius. If that concept tickled your fancy, then you absolutely have to check out:
Cruel Summer (Hulu)
Oh, Cruel Summer. If you haven't dived into this one yet, prepare yourself. This show is a masterclass in unreliable narration and fractured timelines. We follow the story of Kate, a popular teen who goes missing, and Jeanette, a seemingly awkward girl who somehow ends up living Kate's life. The twist? The story unfolds across three different summers in the 90s, and you're constantly questioning who is telling the truth. It’s a psychological thriller wrapped in a teen drama, and the tension builds so beautifully. You’ll be theorizing faster than you can say "what's in the basement?"
It's got that distinct 90s aesthetic, a killer soundtrack, and characters with enough baggage to fill a moving truck. Plus, the way it plays with your perception and makes you doubt everything you see? Chef's kiss. If you loved figuring out the motivations behind the "A" text messages, you'll be obsessing over the truth in Cruel Summer.
The Society (Netflix)
Okay, this one is a little different but shares that core feeling of being trapped in a dangerous mystery. Imagine a whole town of teenagers suddenly finding themselves in a mysterious, empty version of their hometown. No adults, no internet, just them. Sounds like a party, right? Wrong. It quickly devolves into a fight for survival, power struggles, and, you guessed it, secrets. It’s got that claustrophobic, "who can you trust?" vibe that Original Sin excelled at.
The stakes are incredibly high, and the characters have to make some seriously tough choices. It’s a bit more dystopian than PLL:OS, but the underlying theme of young people forced to confront darkness and their own moral compasses is definitely there. Plus, the sheer mystery of why they are there is a hook that’s hard to resist. Think Lord of the Flies, but with better fashion.
Gothic Vibes and Supernatural Suspense
Millwood, with its creepy history and spooky folklore, felt like a character in itself. If you enjoyed the atmospheric horror and the feeling of a place being inherently unsettling, then these next picks are for you. Get ready for some serious goosebumps!
Riverdale (Netflix)
Now, hear me out. Before you roll your eyes and say, "But that's so different!" let's talk about the early seasons of Riverdale. Before it went full-on, interdimensional, musical-theater wildness, it was a surprisingly dark and twisty teen noir. The Archie comics characters were reimagined as brooding teenagers with dangerous secrets, and the town of Riverdale was shrouded in a perpetual sense of dread. If you loved the mystery of who "A" was and the escalating stakes, Riverdale in its prime offered a similar thrill.
It had the central friend group trying to uncover dark secrets, a charismatic but menacing villain, and a general air of small-town corruption. While it definitely got crazier over the years (and that's part of its own kind of charm, dare I say?), the initial seasons captured that classic mystery-solving, dark-teen-drama vibe that fans of Original Sin might find appealing. It's like a comfort watch, but with more questionable life choices.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
This one is for the fans of the supernatural, the occult, and a healthy dose of dark magic. While not strictly a mystery in the same vein as PLL:OS, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina shares a similar gothic aesthetic and a feeling of foreboding. Sabrina Spellman navigates the treacherous waters of high school while also being a powerful witch destined for greatness (or doom?).
The show dives deep into witchcraft, demonology, and the constant battle between good and evil. If you enjoyed the darker elements of Original Sin and the idea of characters being caught in forces beyond their control, then Sabrina’s journey into the dark arts might be right up your alley. It’s stylish, it's spooky, and it's got a cast of characters you'll root for, even when they're dabbling in forbidden rituals. Think Salem the cat, but with more existential dread.
The "Too Smart for Their Own Good" Trope
Let’s face it, the Liars were brilliant. They were resourceful, tenacious, and weren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with a shadowy antagonist. If you enjoy watching intelligent young women solve complex problems and uncover hidden truths, then this next recommendation is a must-see.
Nancy Drew (The CW)
Yep, the classic detective gets a modern, dark, and mysterious makeover! This version of Nancy Drew is a bit more haunted, a bit more jaded, but just as sharp. She and her friends find themselves embroiled in a chilling supernatural mystery in their seaside town. It’s got that perfect blend of character development, intriguing puzzles, and a creeping sense of dread. If you loved seeing the PLLs piece together clues and outsmart their tormentor, you’ll feel right at home with Nancy and the Drew Crew.
This show really leans into the atmosphere, with misty nights, old houses, and secrets buried deep within the town’s history. The mysteries are intricate, and the stakes feel genuinely high. It’s a show that respects its audience’s intelligence, much like Original Sin did. Plus, who doesn't love a good old-fashioned detective story, especially when it involves ghosts and local legends?
So, What's Your Next Obsession?
See? The world of compelling teen dramas with a dark, mysterious edge is alive and well! Whether you're craving the psychological twists of Cruel Summer, the isolated danger of The Society, the early gothic charm of Riverdale, the supernatural thrills of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, or the classic sleuthing of Nancy Drew, there’s a show out there ready to capture your imagination.
These series offer a similar kind of escapism, a chance to get lost in intricate plots, flawed but fascinating characters, and the irresistible pull of a good mystery. They remind us that even in the face of darkness, friendship, resilience, and a bit of cleverness can go a long way. So go ahead, pick one, grab your favorite snack, and prepare to be hooked. Your next binge-watching adventure awaits, and I have a feeling you're going to love it!