5 shows to watch if you liked My Brilliant Friend, explored

Based on Elena Ferrante's bestselling novels, My Brilliant Friend spins a tale about two friends, Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. The show chronicles their lives over 60 years, focusing on the mysterious aspects of Lila, who is simultaneously Elena's closest friend and biggest rival.

In the fourth season of My Brilliant Friend, the viewers are taken into the adult years of Elena and Lila, following them through the chaos of 1980s Italy.

We experience their journey as they navigate motherhood, career pressures, betrayals, threats, and natural disasters. Eventually, the two lifelong friends end up living in the same neighborhood again.

The show is a joint HBO-RAI series. Season 4 is based on Elena Ferrante's bestseller, My Brilliant Friend: The Story of the Lost Child. The previous three seasons of the series were well received by both viewers and professional critics, amassing an average positive response of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you've enjoyed coming-of-age dramas and have fallen in love with My Brilliant Friend, don't be too disappointed about the series ending. Here’s a list of five similar shows you might enjoy watching next.

Listing out all the 5 shows like My Brilliant Friend

1) Olive Kitteridge

Frances McDormand and Richard Jenkins in Olive Kitteridge (Image via HBO)

Olive Kitteridge is a miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Strout. Set in Maine, the show stars Frances McDormand as Olive, Richard Jenkins as her husband Henry, Zoe Kazan as Denise, and Bill Murray as Jack.

This four-part miniseries depicts life in a quiet New England town through the eyes of a middle school math teacher. The series premiered in the United States on November 2, 2014, on HBO. The show has been rated at a whopping 96% by both critics and viewers.

2) Tales of the City

A still image from Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City (Image via Netflix)

Tales of the City is a drama miniseries released on Netflix on June 7, 2019. It is based on the novel series by Armistead Maupin and stars Laura Linney, Paul Gross, Olympia Dukakis, and Barbara Garrick.

The plot revolves around Mary Ann, who returns to San Francisco and reconnects with the eccentric friends she made there. Set in a converted boardinghouse apartment complex at 28 Barbary Lane, the show brings together a diverse group of people who form a tight-knit family.

Tales of the City has a flawless rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 75% audience rating.

3) Pachinko

A still from Pachinko (Image via Apple TV+)

Pachinko is an Apple TV+ drama series adapted from the novel by Min Jin Lee. Released in 2022, the show received widespread recognition for its cinematography, writing, and performances. The second season was released in 2024.

The series follows the story of a Korean family over four generations, from 1915 to 1989. Sunja begins her story as she leaves her family in Korea during Japanese rule to start a new life in Osaka, Japan. The show highlights the struggles and discrimination faced by Korean immigrants in Japan.

Pachinko boasts a 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 88% positive response from viewers.

4) The Young Pope

A still image from The Young Pope (Image via HBO)

The Young Pope is a drama series with satirical elements, similar in tone to My Brilliant Friend. Directed and created by Paolo Sorrentino, the show can be streamed on Sky Atlantic, HBO, and Canal+.

The plot revolves around Pope Pius XIII, the first American pope, played by Jude Law. The show delves into the complex politics of the Vatican.

It first premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2016, marking the first time the festival screened a TV show. It later debuted on Sky Atlantic on October 21, 2016.

The Young Pope earned two nominations for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards on July 14, 2017, becoming the first Italian TV show to receive an Emmy nomination.

5) Young Royals

A still from Young Royals (Image via Netflix)

Young Royals is a Swedish teen drama romance series that tells the story of Prince Wilhelm of Sweden and the drama that unfolds at the elite boarding school, Hillerska. The plot follows Prince Wilhelm's romance with Simon Eriksson and the complications it brings.

The series premiered on July 1, 2021. As Prince Wilhelm navigates life at Hillerska, where he meets and begins dating Simon, the public's scrutiny affects everyone around them.

Young Royals has received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive rating of over 90% across all seasons.

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Edited by Sezal Srivastava