Netflix announced that the fourth season of Outer Banks would return later this year. The show has become a teen drama with a great fandom since airing in 2020. It is full of mystery, adventure, breathtaking views, treasure hunting, and some feel-good romance.
Although there’s quite a wait for the new season to premiere late this year, why not binge shows similar to Outer Banks? Streaming platforms have a range of enjoyable, gripping, and thrilling teen dramas that will leave you reeling like Outer Banks did.
Let's look at 12 such shows before the new season of Outer Banks arrives!
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
12 Shows similar to Outer Banks
1) Stranger Things
Stranger Things has everything from mystery, a game of D&D, tweens with superpowers, romance, and an upside-down world. The lives of Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will are forever changed after they meet Eleven or ‘El’ - a girl with mind-controlling powers.
The group finds itself rescuing Will from the aftermath of a chilling altercation in another dimension, the Upside Down. From defeating monstrous villains to navigating romance as a teenager with the power of friendship - this show is the entire package!
2) 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is an amalgam of mind-bending suspense and drama galore. Based on the book by Jay Asher, the story deals with unraveling Hannah Baker's death. A group of 13 classmates connected to her are delivered tapes entailing how they each played a role in her taking her life.
3) Riverdale
Riverdale is based on the classic comics from the 90s - The Archies. The show is a modern twist from the original characters of Archie, Veronica, Jughead, Betty, and several other characters, including Cheryl Blossom. Although the comics are more light-hearted, this rendition of Riverdale takes on slightly darker storylines.
The show has classic high school scenes like prom and varsity, followed by a murder mystery, romance, gang wars, and more! Although Archie is one of the show's primary protagonists, it’s a very mature version of Jughead narrating the entire story.
4) On My Block
This teen comedy-drama will leave you ROFL for real on multiple occasions throughout the show. The series explores the friendship of four close friends from Los Angeles, navigating high school together. However, high school doesn’t go out as expected since one of their dear friends unintentionally gets involved in a gang.
The youngsters unearth the little and big joys of growing up, including exploring crushes and making tough choices. Although they’re thick as thieves, their friendship does strain, resulting in a shift in their dynamic.
5) A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is primarily about young Pip Fitz-Amobi solving a closed murder case that appears suspicious to date (in the show). During this endearing journey of uncovering the actual murderer, she channels her inner detective with her dear Watson, a.k.a Ravi Singh - the younger brother of the alleged killer and her romantic interest.
When she isn’t in her room building a suspect board and gathering clues and interviews, Pip confides in her best friend Cara - whom she’s known since she was four. The duo share everything, including weird party experiences.
6) Locke & Key
If your vibe is interdimensional ghouls and ghosts unlocked with magically concocted keys. Locke & Key is about a trio of siblings who move into their vintage-style abode and begin to learn the true reason why it’s been unoccupied for so long.
On their journey to collect different keys, the trio meets an interesting group of people who play crucial roles in the plot.
7) National Treasure: Edge of History
If you are a fan of the original National Treasure movie franchise or love the treasure-hunting storyline, this is, without a doubt, the show for you! National Treasure: Edge of History is about young Jess Valenzuela and the aftermath of discovering a vital clue to find her father and - a treasure worth an unfathomable amount!
The series explores Valenzuela’s intellect and determination to find both the treasure and her father. The series would be incomplete without an antagonist after the same treasure she is! Furthermore, she faces danger after danger but eventually uncovers the truth! From treasure maps to classic traps, this show embodies a good old treasure-hunting series.
8) Blood & Treasure
Another favorite among treasure-hunting fans is Blood & Treasure. This show is an adrenaline rush with many near-death scenes and adventures across different terrains. The story is based on Danny - an antique collector with a penchant for the rare and uncollectable.
Danny may or may not have a hankering for danger, given he’s also supposed to capture a fugitive of the law. Since this is a rather dangerous ordeal and isn’t a one-person job, he joins forces with renowned art thief Lexi. The duo form a partnership to share profits while putting their heads together for a job.
9) The Hardy Boys
The Hardy Boys were first introduced in 1927 via the books and have charmed readers since then. The story, on Hulu, primarily stays true to the books and features the adventures of Frank and Joe Hardy as they solve chilling crimes.
The show builds suspense with each new case and showcases unique storytelling. Its rendition of the books has a rating of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, insinuating its immense success. The show currently has three seasons and can be streamed on Hulu.
10) The Wilds
The show that is perhaps most similar to Outerbanks is Prime Video’s The Wilds. The teen drama is about a group of polar opposite teenagers on a secluded island. Although they consider it a trip gone wrong, they know nothing about the darker plan afoot.
The teens experience tumultuous tribulations as the aftermath of getting “stuck” on an unknown island. Despite the cold and harrowing nights, the hallucinations, and the risk of death at every turn, this is how they tamed The Wilds.
11) Surviving Summer
Surviving Summer is a different storyline based on wild child Summer Torres. After the teen gets dismissed from high school for her antics, she gets shipped off to Australia for a fresh start.
What she anticipated to be a bust was the adventure of a lifetime. Summer encounters the world of competitive surfing in Australia - the hub of riding the wave. Enticed by the water and the boys, Summer goes on to have quite the adventure with a side order of drama!
12) Dive Club
Last on the list is Dive Club! This teen drama revolves around the aftermath of a terrifying cyclone that struck Cape Mercy - a humble small town. As a result of the weather calamity, a beloved resident goes missing.
This young resident is part of an epic friend group that happens to be divers. The group searches every creek and reef in neighboring areas for their lost friend. Although tensions run high sometimes, the show's wholesome moments make it worth the watch!
These shows can be viewed on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney Plus.
