Derry Girls is one of Netflix’s underrated breakout TV shows from 2018. The comedic hit follows best friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James through the ups and downs of high school in 1990s Londonderry, Ireland. Set during “the Troubles,” also known as the Northern Ireland conflict between Catholics and Protestants, the show’s premise may seem intense. But it’s quite lighthearted as viewers see the Derry Girls navigate relatable teenage troubles with a sense of humor and help from their friends. Fortunately for fans, Derry Girls has been renewed for a third season, but a release date hasn’t been confirmed yet. If you’re missing the Derry Girls and their mischievous ways, check out one of these 11 shows in the meantime.
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The Inbetweeners
The Inbetweeners follows four friends – Will, Neil, Simon, and Jay – who are awkward and unsure as they get into all sorts of teenage trouble. Similar to Derry Girls, the show focuses on the boys’ love lives, familial relationships, and general teen angst as they make their way through high school.
Watch The Inbetweeners on Netflix.
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Chewing Gum
Set in London, Chewing Gum follows 24-year-old, Beyoncé-obsessed, awkward but lovable virgin Tracey as she navigates her love life and her relationship with her religious family. It’s hilarious and heartwarming, just like Derry Girls.
Watch Chewing Gum on Netflix.
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The End of the F***ing World
Similar to Derry Girls, The End of the F***ing World manages to find humour and love within a dark setting. The series follows unlikely duo James and Alyssa while they’re on the run. Viewers see James and Alyssa’s relationship evolve, as they somehow make their way through the world on their own.
Watch The End of the F***ing World on Netflix.
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Alone Together
Alone Together is the perfect show for lost millennials just trying to make it through. The show centres on Esther and Benji, aspiring comedians and uncool best friends living in LA. Just like the Derry Girls, Esther and Benji always support each other and manage to figure out their unstructured lives together.
Watch Alone Together on Hulu.
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Can't Cope, Won't Cope
Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope is another Irish show full of antics, laughs, and friendship. The show is about 20-something best friends Aisling and Danielle, who have opposite personalities, as they figure out how to balance their youthful shenanigans with growing up as independent women. It’s hilarious and relatable, with the same sense of humour as Derry Girls, making it a perfect show to watch with your besties.
Watch Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope on Netflix.
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Bad Education
If you loved the crazy antics of Derry Girls, try Bad Education. Bad Education centres on Alfie Wickers, possibly England’s worst teacher. The show focuses on his antics as he attempts to navigate high school, impress his crush, and appear cooler than he actually is, which often involves the help of his students.
Watch Bad Education on Netflix.
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Lovesick
Lovesick is a British TV show about best friends Dylan, Luke, and Evie and their love lives. After Dylan contracts chlamydia, he attempts to contact all of his exes to inform them, which naturally leads to some drama, heartbreak, and laughter. If you loved watching the Derry Girls navigate awkward social situations with their friends by their sides, you’re sure to love Lovesick.
Watch Lovesick on Netflix.
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Sex Education
If you loved watching the Derry Girls fumble through dating and sexuality, try Sex Education. One of the most relatable shows about love and friendship in high school, Sex Education accurately portrays life as a sexually confused teenager. The show is about shy, awkward Otis, who starts secretly acting as a sex therapist to his peers, despite being a virgin himself. Sex Education shows what sex and friendship in high school actually look like, as Otis’s friendships change and his love life develops.
Watch Sex Education on Netflix.
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Awkward
If you’re missing the strong friendships between girls and women on Derry Girls, add Awkward to the queue. After breaking her arm over the Summer, a rumour circulates that it was the result of an attempted suicide, so sophomore year is not off to a great start for Jenna Hamilton. But Jenna handles all the drama, mean girls, and romances of high school, if a little awkwardly, with the help of her friends.
Watch Awkward on Hulu.
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Good Trouble
Good Trouble, a spinoff series of The Fosters, follows sisters Callie and Mariana as they navigate adult life in LA, even when it’s not at all what they expected. Just like the Derry Girls, Callie and Mariana can rely on each other and their friends and families to find humour and love in even the most negative situations.
Watch Good Trouble on Hulu.
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Fleabag
A breakout series with an immense following, Fleabag portrays life as an unfiltered, angry, grieving young woman living in London. If you loved the Derry Girls’ sense of individuality, you’re sure to love watching Fleabag be her unabashed self.
Watch Fleabag on Amazon Prime.
