TV shows sometimes get spin-offs,prequels, and sequels, but sometimes, one show may have no literal connection to another despite feeling like some sort of continuation of the same ideas and tones. We all have our favorite shows. That can make us laugh, cry, giddy with excitement, or overwhelmed and upset.
However, when a beloved show comes to an end, it can be hard to find something else that fills the same gap.Yes, more shows exist in the same genre, but it’s rare to find a show that actually delivers the same feelings and vibes as anything else. Despite being rare, it does happen, and there are several series that feel as though they picked up the baton from a previous show to satisfy fans of the earlier show and fill the gap that was left behind.
Parks and Recreation
Cast
Parks and Recreation is a television series that premiered in 2009, focusing on Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in Pawnee, Indiana. She encounters various challenges from bureaucrats and citizens while striving to beautify the town through her role in the Parks and Recreation Department.
First up,The Officewas a rare sitcomthat completely owned a seemingly boring premise and turned it into something absolutely inspired. The show was actually an adaptation of a British series by Ricky Gervais, but despite remaking a show with nearly the same premise, the energy of both shows were completely different.
However, whenParks and Recreationcame out in 2009, it felt like the same goofy humor and elevating of a dull idea was back. Swapping out a paper company for a local government, both shows feature a cast of eclectic characters whose lives become the central focus while their workspace proves to be the most mundane part of their lives.Both shows are wonderful and well worth watching.
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is a television series that follows a father telling his children about his past. Released in 2005, it explores his experiences and adventures with four close friends, leading up to meeting their mother, as depicted through a series of flashbacks.
In the 1990s, everyone fell in love withFriends.A series about six friends in New York City who are all struggling through the usual challenges of being young adults. From careers, to relationships, and so much more, the show was a spectacular sitcom that was immediately endearing, and continues to stand out as an all-time favorite for many people.
HIMYMrevolves around five good friends navigating life, love, and relationships in New York City.
Then, in 2005, a new group of friends found themselves in the spotlight inHow I Met Your Mother.HIMYMrevolves around five good friends navigating life, love, and relationships in New York City. There are love connections inside the group, and these young adults struggle to make life work as they encounter day-to-day challenges. Both shows have so much in common, which sometimes leads to divisions between the competing fanbases, but honestly, both are great.
The X Files
The X Files is a science fiction film expanding from the iconic series, featuring former FBI agents Mulder and Scully, as they uncover a government conspiracy. Released in 1998, the movie delves into themes of alien colonization and explores the mysterious elements that threaten Earth.
Twin Peaksis one of the most notorious shows ever to appear on TV.In no small part, this was down to thedirection and vision of David Lynch, who usually worked on feature films or music videos previous to making the show. However, despite the format change, Lynch took over his signature style, and the story takes increasingly unusual and wild turns as things progress.
Then, in 1994, just four years afterTwin Peaksdebuted,The X Filesbegan.The show follows two detectives exploring the supernatural and the unexplainable. While nothing can really compare to Lynch’s style and innovative storytelling, the premise and the prominent featuring of aliens, sci-fi, and more make them comparable.
Supernatural
Supernatural (1977) is an anthology series where aspiring members of the “Club of the Damned” must recount a horror story as part of their application, judged on its fright factor.
Shifting from the sci-fi to the truly supernatural and mythological,Buffy the Vampire Slayerwas one of the most popular shows to come out of the 1990s for young adults.Revolving around a young hero who is tasked with protecting the world from vampires, demons, and all kinds of monsters. The show had a great run, and as Buffy developed as a hero, the series continued to gain traction.
Then, in 2005,Supernaturalbroke onto the scene two years afterBuffywrapped for good.The Winchester brothers are highly skilled hunters, who have learned how to track down and kill vampires, demons, and monsters.Supernaturaldid get more ambitious thanBuffy, as the series explored all varieties of paranormal and mythos over 15 seasons. However, both shows undeniably have the same core, and would absolutely work together in aSupernatural-Buffy the Vampire Slayercrossover.
Hannibal
Created for TV by Bryan Fuller, Hannibal is a TV adaptation/reimagining of Thomas Harris' Red Dragon novel. The show follows the exploits of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and their perpetual game of cat and mouse that unfolds over the series. When a string of murders in Minnesota requires a brilliant mind to crack the case, Will Graham is called in to investigate - but due to the intimate and terrifying nature of the crimes, he is appointed Dr. Lecter to act as his psychiatrist. The truth of Dr. Lecter is that he is Will’s target - but to complicate matters, he’s the only person that can truly understand him.
Dexterfollows a charming serial killer who lives by a strict code.Michael C. Hall did a fantastic job leading the series and making the character both threatening, and heroic, monstrous, and endearing. And throughout the show, Dexter struggles to make sense of the world around him as he struggles against his dark passenger.
Then, when Hannibal came out, the show delivered an adaptation of a much older story, but the tone was strikingly different from other iterations.Hannibal, played by Mads Mikkelson, was evidently dangerous, but he also had a charm and allure that was undeniable.Over the course of the show, this monstrous murderer with an appetite for red meat is seen to help law enforcement, though in the dark, his actions are less heroic.
Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction series that follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his impressionable grandson Morty Smith as they embark on perilous adventures across space and alternate dimensions. The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty’s tumultuous family life and personal challenges.
The Simpsonsis one of the most popular animated shows on TV.Since the characters initially appeared onThe Tracey Ullman Showin 1987, they have become some of the most recognizable and entertaining animated families of all time. However, while the show is about a family, it’s not always so family-friendly, with humor that is best suited for young adults and mature audiences.
The show pushes the boundaries a lot further, but it’s easy to see connections and influences between the two.
Taking that concept even further,Rick and Mortyfeatures a dysfunctional familyin an animated series that is specifically aimed at adults.The show pushes the boundaries a lot further, but it’s easy to see connections and influences between the two. And it’s likely that fans of one would enjoy the other.
The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy is based on the comic book of the same name created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The Hargreeves — collectively known as The Umbrella Academy — were born with superpowers, and their adoptive father utilized their abilities. However, as they grew older, the siblings grew apart as they dealt with their trauma. They are brought back together after their father dies and Five returns from the future with grave news: The world will end, and The Umbrella Academy has to stop it before it happens.
Misfitsis a British superhero comedy series from 2009.The show featured a group of misfit young people who acquire extraordinary powers through a random incident. Following this, they learn how to live with their powers, and occasionally step up to use them in heroic ways. However, more often than not, it leads to disaster and even a messed-up timeline.
Jump ahead to 2019, andThe Umbrella Academyfollows a group of misfit heroes who gain powers through mysterious circumstances.And while these characters are actually trained to be superheroes, they end up causing problems that may cause the apocalypse. Beyond that, both shows feature Robert Sheehan in similar roles, and a time-traveling hero who takes the lead as the show develops.
The Boys
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
In 2006,Heroesdelivered a more grounded, tense superhero story than what had been appearing in films up to that point.While several people possess powers that put them in a position to help others, many choose to use these powers to further their own selfish pursuits. Meanwhile, a secret organization sets out to control and contain the heroes.
Then, in 2019,The Boysdelivered a grounded superhero storythat sees flawed people acquire powers and use them in ways that are evidently unheroic.After chaos and tragedies caused by unaccountable heroes, a secret team of non-powered people form a task force to put the heroes back in their place, and ensure they don’t become too big for their boots.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.
Now,American Horror StoryandBlack Mirroractually released within a month of each other in 2011.AHScame out in November, and since that time, the show has had 12 seasons. Meanwhile,Black Mirrorcame out in December and over the nearly 15 years since then, the show has only had six seasons. And yet,AHShad a spectacular early run with compelling anthology seasons that explored terrifying tales of monsters and alternate realities.
Black Mirroris also an anthology series, though each episode focuses on a new story.And while the show is not explicitly a horror, the dark sci-fi and terrifying technology make the show into something that is dark and eerie. Despite all their differences,Black Mirrorfeels like a connected experience that sets out to do something similar toAHS.
Superstore
Superstore is a workplace sitcom following the employees of the St. Louis branch of a fictional big-box store. Cloud 9 sells everything anyone could ever possibly need, but its workers often leave much to be desired. Trying to organize their lives around the demanding world of retail work, Cloud 9’s staff more often end up having fun than they do working.
Communityis one of the funniest and most experimental shows on TV.As a group of mature students attend a local community college, they find themselves dissatisfied with their lives.Despite this, they form a close friendship group, and they make the best of a situation that may not necessarily be ideal.
Then, inSuperstore, a similar group of characters finds themselves settling into a point in their lives that possibly came out of the blue. Their circumstances may not be ideal, but together, they have fun, form friendships, and create genuine connections. WhileCommunityis certainly more experimentalin its format, both shows deliver a similar vibe.
