Grounded TV Shows Recommendations For Fans Of Euphoria And Better Call Saul
If you're a fan of television shows that delve into the complexities of human nature, explore morally ambiguous characters, and offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of life, then you've likely been captivated by series like Euphoria and Better Call Saul. These shows have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following for their compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and unflinching exploration of challenging themes. But what do you watch once you've finished these captivating series? Fear not, fellow connoisseurs of grounded television! This article delves into a curated list of grounded TV shows that share similar thematic elements, stylistic approaches, and overall quality with Euphoria and Better Call Saul, ensuring your next binge-watching session is just as rewarding.
What Makes a TV Show "Grounded"?
Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's clarify what we mean by a "grounded" TV show. This term encompasses several key characteristics:
- Realism: Grounded shows strive for authenticity in their portrayal of characters, settings, and situations. They avoid fantastical elements or overly dramatic plotlines, opting instead for narratives that resonate with real-world experiences.
- Moral Ambiguity: Characters in grounded shows are rarely purely good or evil. They grapple with complex moral dilemmas, make questionable choices, and exhibit a full spectrum of human flaws and virtues. This moral grayness makes them relatable and compelling.
- Character-Driven Narratives: Plot is important, but grounded shows prioritize character development. We become invested in the characters' journeys, their relationships, and their internal struggles. The story unfolds organically from their actions and decisions.
- Exploration of Complex Themes: Grounded shows often tackle difficult and thought-provoking themes such as addiction, mental health, social inequality, and the consequences of one's choices. They encourage viewers to reflect on these issues and engage in meaningful discussions.
- Stylistic Choices: Visually, grounded shows often employ a more naturalistic aesthetic, favoring realistic settings, subdued lighting, and authentic dialogue. This stylistic approach enhances the sense of realism and immerses the viewer in the world of the story.
Shows Like Euphoria
If you were drawn to Euphoria's unflinching portrayal of teenage life, its exploration of addiction and mental health, and its visually stunning aesthetic, here are some shows that might resonate with you:
1. Skins (UK)
Skins, the groundbreaking British teen drama, is a must-watch for Euphoria fans. This grounded TV show series, which ran from 2007 to 2013, follows the lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol, England, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including drug use, mental health issues, sexuality, and identity. Like Euphoria, Skins doesn't shy away from depicting the darker aspects of teenage life, but it also captures the joy, humor, and camaraderie of youth. The show is known for its realistic characters, its unflinching portrayal of difficult topics, and its talented ensemble cast. Each generation of characters offers a fresh perspective on the trials and tribulations of growing up, making Skins a timeless and relevant series.
Skins' raw and honest approach to storytelling is what sets it apart. The show doesn't shy away from portraying the messy realities of teenage life, including drug use, sex, and mental health struggles. This commitment to authenticity is what makes the characters so relatable and the stories so impactful. The grounded TV show series also features a rotating cast, with new characters introduced every two seasons, which keeps the show fresh and allows it to explore different perspectives on the teenage experience. If you appreciated Euphoria's willingness to tackle difficult topics and its focus on character development, you'll find Skins to be a compelling and rewarding watch. The show's exploration of identity, relationships, and the search for belonging resonates deeply with viewers, making it a truly unforgettable television experience.
2. Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama that has garnered a loyal following for its realistic portrayal of high school life. This grounded TV show, which ran for 14 seasons, tackles a wide range of issues relevant to teenagers, including bullying, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and mental health. Like Euphoria, Degrassi doesn't shy away from difficult topics, and it often explores these issues with sensitivity and nuance. The show is known for its diverse cast of characters and its commitment to representing a wide range of experiences. Degrassi distinguishes itself through its long-running format, allowing viewers to grow alongside the characters and witness their evolution over time. The show's consistent focus on social issues and its dedication to realism make it a standout in the teen drama genre.
The characters in Degrassi feel like real people, grappling with the challenges of adolescence in a way that is both relatable and thought-provoking. The grounded TV show series' willingness to address sensitive topics head-on has made it a valuable resource for teenagers and educators alike. Degrassi is not afraid to show the consequences of choices, both good and bad, and it often presents multiple perspectives on complex issues. This commitment to realism and authenticity is what has made Degrassi such a long-lasting and impactful series. If you appreciate Euphoria's willingness to explore difficult themes and its focus on character development, you'll find Degrassi to be a compelling and worthwhile watch. The show's exploration of identity, relationships, and the challenges of growing up will resonate with viewers of all ages.
3. Thirteen
Thirteen is a 2003 film directed by Catherine Hardwicke that offers a raw and unflinching look at the life of a teenage girl as she navigates the complexities of adolescence. This grounded TV show film, starring Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed, portrays the descent of a young girl into a world of drugs, sex, and petty crime. Like Euphoria, Thirteen doesn't shy away from depicting the darker aspects of teenage life, and it does so with a visceral and realistic style. The film is known for its strong performances and its unflinching portrayal of teenage rebellion and self-destruction. Thirteen is a powerful and disturbing film, but it's also a cautionary tale about the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of parental guidance.
The film's gritty realism and its focus on the emotional lives of its characters make it a compelling and thought-provoking watch. The performances of Wood and Reed are particularly strong, capturing the vulnerability and desperation of their characters. Thirteen is not an easy film to watch, but it's an important one, as it sheds light on the challenges faced by many teenagers. This grounded TV show movie's exploration of identity, friendship, and the search for belonging resonates deeply with viewers, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. If you appreciated Euphoria's willingness to tackle difficult topics and its focus on character development, you'll find Thirteen to be a powerful and moving film.
Shows Like Better Call Saul
If you were captivated by Better Call Saul's intricate storytelling, its morally complex characters, and its slow-burn suspense, here are some shows that might appeal to your sensibilities:
1. Breaking Bad
It's impossible to talk about Better Call Saul without mentioning its predecessor, Breaking Bad. This grounded TV show, created by Vince Gilligan, tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine to secure his family's financial future after being diagnosed with cancer. Breaking Bad is a masterclass in character development, suspenseful storytelling, and morally ambiguous characters. Like Better Call Saul, the show explores the consequences of one's choices and the slippery slope of moral compromise. The series is renowned for its tight writing, its compelling performances, and its shocking plot twists.
Breaking Bad is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-crafted television. The show's exploration of themes such as identity, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The grounded TV show series is also visually stunning, with its use of striking cinematography and its attention to detail. Breaking Bad's legacy as one of the greatest television shows of all time is well-deserved, and its influence can be seen in many other shows that have followed in its wake. If you enjoyed Better Call Saul, you owe it to yourself to experience the brilliance of Breaking Bad. The show's complex characters, intricate plotlines, and morally ambiguous themes will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
2. The Sopranos
The Sopranos is a groundbreaking HBO series that follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who struggles with anxiety and depression. This grounded TV show, created by David Chase, is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, and it paved the way for many of the complex, character-driven dramas that followed. Like Better Call Saul, The Sopranos explores the moral gray areas of human behavior and the challenges of living a double life. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime, its sharp writing, and its stellar performances. The Sopranos also delves into themes of family, identity, and the American Dream, making it a culturally significant and enduring series.
The show's ability to balance violence and humor, drama and introspection, is one of its greatest strengths. The grounded TV show characters are complex and flawed, and their motivations are often ambiguous. This makes them feel incredibly real, and it allows viewers to connect with them on a deeper level. The Sopranos also features a remarkable ensemble cast, with each actor delivering a nuanced and memorable performance. The series' exploration of mental health, family dynamics, and the complexities of the human condition is both insightful and thought-provoking. If you appreciate Better Call Saul's morally ambiguous characters and its slow-burn suspense, you'll find The Sopranos to be a compelling and rewarding watch.
3. Mad Men
Mad Men is a critically acclaimed AMC series set in the 1960s advertising world of Madison Avenue. This grounded TV show, created by Matthew Weiner, follows the personal and professional lives of Don Draper, a charismatic and enigmatic advertising executive. Like Better Call Saul, Mad Men is a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of human relationships, ambition, and identity. The show is known for its meticulous attention to detail, its stylish visuals, and its nuanced performances. Mad Men also offers a fascinating glimpse into American culture and society in the 1960s, making it a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating series.
The show's slow-burn storytelling and its focus on character development allow viewers to become deeply invested in the lives of the characters. The grounded TV show series explores themes of identity, infidelity, and the search for happiness in a materialistic world. Mad Men's attention to historical detail and its exploration of the social and political issues of the 1960s add another layer of depth to the series. The show's writing is sharp and witty, and the performances are uniformly excellent. If you appreciate Better Call Saul's intricate storytelling and its morally complex characters, you'll find Mad Men to be a captivating and rewarding watch. The show's exploration of human nature and its stylish presentation make it a truly unforgettable television experience.
Conclusion
If you're searching for your next television obsession after being enthralled by Euphoria or Better Call Saul, there are many grounded TV shows out there waiting to be discovered. From teen dramas that tackle difficult issues with honesty and sensitivity to character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of human nature, the shows on this list offer a diverse range of stories and styles. So, grab your remote, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by these compelling and thought-provoking series. You might just find your new favorite show!
