Younger captivated audiences for seven remarkable seasons, featuring Sutton Foster in the role of Liza, a 40-year-old mother undergoing a profound transformation. Fresh from a divorce, Liza embarks on a journey to reignite her dreams, leaving behind her suburban life for a new corporate position at a New York publishing house. This series, alongside standout performances from Hilary Duff and Nico Tortorella, was celebrated for its humor, talent, and fashion flair. It graced platforms like TV Land, Paramount+, and Hulu until its conclusion.
As the curtains fell on Younger after seven successful seasons, fans were eager for more of Liza’s journey. Although a proposed spin-off centered on Kelsey, featuring Hilary Duff and creator Darren Star, was initially in the works, those plans dissolved when Duff pursued her role in the How I Met Your Mother spin-off, How I Met Your Father. Nonetheless, admirers of Younger can explore numerous similar series that capture the same wit, emotional depth, and style that defined its run.
20
Bunheads (2012-2013)
A Former Ballerina Becomes A Small-Town Teacher
Bunheads presents a contrasting narrative to Younger. Instead of a woman breaking free from suburban confines, this story follows a former ballerina and Las Vegas showgirl who relocates to a small town to teach ballet to children. Both series feature strong female leads redefining their lives through unexpected changes — Liza through a divorce and Michelle through a sudden death in her family.
Critics praised Bunheads for its storytelling and performances, but despite a brief extension of eight additional episodes for the first season, it was canceled shortly thereafter. Even so, it remains a standout entry from 2012.
19
Catastrophe (2015)
A Couple Gets Engaged After A Woman Gets Pregnant
Catastrophe, a British sitcom, shares a thematic thread with Younger through its sharp humor. Starring Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney as lead characters, the plot revolves around their impulsive engagement following an unexpected pregnancy during Rob’s visit to London.
As Rob transitions from Chicago to London, the series delves into the complexities of adapting to new phases in life, mirroring the challenges faced by Liza. Throughout its four seasons, Catastrophe showcased a relatable series of ups and downs in relationships, culminating in a memorable conclusion. Notably, the show won a BAFTA for its writing and received an Emmy nod for Carrie Fisher’s guest appearance.
18
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
A Woman Follows Her Ex From New York To California
Premiering in 2015 on The CW, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a unique romantic comedy infused with musical elements, created by Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna. Bloom takes on the role of Rebecca Bunch, a lawyer who relocates from New York City to West Covina, California, chasing after a high school ex-boyfriend. This narrative contrasts with Younger in that Rebecca’s journey begins with a pursuit rather than self-reinvention.
The series tackles important themes surrounding mental health and female empowerment, showcasing a quirky narrative style where musical numbers vividly illustrate Rebecca’s inner thoughts. Its approach to exploring these subjects offers a rich comedy-drama experience that resonates with Younger enthusiasts.
17
UnREAL (2015-2018)
A Reality TV Producer Is Forced To Create Controversy
While Younger showcases a woman navigating the publishing industry through deception, UnREAL dives into the world of reality television. Starring Shiri Appleby as Rachel Goldberg, a producer ensnared in a morally ambiguous role, the series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cut-throat nature of creating a dating competition series.
As Rachel contends with her unscrupulous boss’s demands for sensationalism, UnREAL presents dark comedic undertones, exploring themes of integrity and ambition that parallel Liza’s struggles in her own realm, albeit with a more intense backdrop.
16
The Mindy Project (2012-2017)
A Gynecologist Tries To Balance Her Personal & Professional Life
The Mindy Project, created and led by Mindy Kaling, follows Mindy Lahiri, an OB/GYN navigating her personal and professional landscapes in New York. Like Younger, it spotlights a young woman pursuing her dreams while weaving through the dynamics of her workplace relationships.
While Younger boasts a more diverse cast, Kaling’s show delivered relatable humor and charm. This acclaimed sitcom ran for six seasons, shifting from Fox to Hulu without losing its comedic appeal, despite some criticism regarding its representation.
15
How I Met Your Mother (2015-2019)
A Man Tells His Kids The Story Of How He Met Their Mother
How I Met Your Mother shares thematic elements with Younger, exploring the lives of a group of twenty-somethings in New York City as they navigate relationships and careers. What sets this series apart is its inventive storytelling through flashbacks, presented as a retrospective love story directed at the main character’s children.
While it differs from the unique premise of Liza disguising her age, the quirky narrative might appeal to Younger fans. Both series feature humor intertwined with complex love dynamics, although How I Met Your Mother is less diverse and female-centric, particularly noteworthy given Duff’s transition to How I Met Your Father.
14
Emily In Paris (2020-)
A Young Woman Moves To Paris For A Fashion Job
Emily in Paris is the latest creation from Darren Star, the mastermind behind Younger, ensuring an appealing continuity for fans. This series follows an American woman who relocates to Paris for a career in marketing, encountering cultural challenges and romance.
Similar to Younger, it features strong friendships, romantic entanglements, and stunning fashion. With four seasons already released on Netflix and a fifth on the horizon, Emily in Paris has captured audiences, earning accolades including two Golden Globes.
13
Jane The Virgin (2014-2019)
A Latina Virgin Becomes Pregnant After An Artificial Insemination Mishap
Jane the Virgin, airing concurrently with Younger, presents a vibrant narrative reminiscent of Liza’s struggles. Jane’s unexpected pregnancy due to a medical error thrusts her into a whirlwind of challenges, balancing motherhood, relationships, and career aspirations.
The show, rich in color and humor, pays homage to the telenovelas Jane adores, winning critical acclaim and securing a spot on numerous top ten lists throughout its five-season journey. With perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores and various prestigious awards to its name, Jane the Virgin remains a cherished series among fans.
12
Insecure (2016-2021)
The Awkward Experiences Of A Contemporary African American Woman
One prominent criticism of Younger is its lack of diversity. In contrast, Insecure addresses the experiences of Black millennials, bringing a refreshing and relatable perspective to the screen. Creator Issa Rae portrays the everyday complexities of navigating life, love, and career in Los Angeles.
Stemming from her successful web series, Insecure delves into friendships similarly to Liza and Kelsey’s dynamic. This series captures the modern struggles of young women while remaining stylish and relevant, earning Rae three Golden Globe and three Primetime Emmy nominations during its run.
11
Girlfriend’s Guide To Divorce (2014-2018)
A Self-Help Author Finds Solace In Friends During An Impending Divorce
While many shows similar to Younger focus on the trials of twenty-somethings, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce resonates with those who enjoyed Liza’s journey post-divorce. The narrative revolves around Abby, a self-help author navigating her own turbulent relationships in Los Angeles.
Although the settings differ, this series shares comparable themes of self-discovery, style, and relationships within the same industry. Over five seasons, it underwent a title transition, ultimately showcasing empowering narratives aligned with Liza’s journey.
10
The Bold Type (2017-2021)
Three Women Who Work At A New York Publication
The Bold Type features a trio of best friends working at Scarlet, a fictional NYC women’s magazine, combining their personal lives with career goals. Starring Katie Stevens, Alisa Dee, and Meghann Fahy, this series reflects themes of friendship, ambition, and romance over five seasons.
Fans of Younger will appreciate the high-fashion aesthetic and dynamic female relationships showcased in The Bold Type. While it may not include themes of age deception, the strong bonds and workplace challenges resonate well with audiences familiar with Liza’s world.
9
Sex And The City (1998-2004)
Female Friends Navigate Life In New York City
Before creating Younger, Darren Star brought us the trailblazing series Sex and the City, which explored the intricacies of female friendships in New York City. With its focus on fashion, dating, and women’s empowerment, echoes of Younger resonate powerfully in this iconic show.
Despite facing criticisms regarding the portrayal of diverse narratives, Sex and the City pioneered candid discussions about women’s desires, relationships, and societal challenges, making it an influential series of its time.
8
Faking It (2014-2016)
Two High School Girls Pretend To Be In A Relationship
Faking It tells the story of two high school girls who pretend to date in order to gain popularity, exploiting the dynamics of adolescence. Although aimed at a younger audience, the comedic and dramatic elements may appeal to fans of Younger, as both series highlight complex relationships and self-discovery.
Starring Katie Stevens from The Bold Type, it’s intriguing to witness her navigate romance from different stages of her life. Despite its youthful focus, it carries relatable themes allowing it to resonate with a broader audience.
7
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)
A Housewife Sets Out To Become A Stand-Up Comedian In The 50s
Set in the 1950s, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows Midge, a housewife turned aspiring stand-up comedian. After her marriage dissolves, Midge embraces her comedic talents. Much like Liza’s narrative, the series explores the obstacles women face in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Both series celebrate friendship and the pursuit of self-identity; however, Midge faces gender biases while Liza tackles age-related hurdles. Recognized for its remarkable storytelling and impeccable period costumes, it has garnered multiple awards and critical acclaim.
6
New Girl (2011-2018)
A Newly Single Young Woman Becomes Roommates With Three Guys
New Girl, featuring Zooey Deschanel as Jess, offers a lighthearted perspective as she navigates life with three male roommates. This straightforward sitcom echoes familiar themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery akin to Younger, despite its different storytelling approach.
Although New Girl does not delve into identity deception, it successfully evolves from a character-focused narrative into an ensemble piece, which may charm viewers who appreciate dynamic relationships.
5
Teachers (2016-2019)
Six Female Teachers Work At An Elementary School In Chicago
While Teachers and Younger diverge in their professional settings, both series explore the amusing struggles of women in demanding environments. With a strong female cast, Teachers follows educators navigating their lives while balancing personal and professional challenges.
Lasting three seasons, it’s noted for its sharp humor and relatable storylines, reflecting themes of resilience and camaraderie akin to those found in Liza’s world, even if it lacks the same level of style.
4
Dead To Me (2019-2022)
Two Women Become Friends In A Support Group
Dead to Me intricately weaves the lives of Jen, a widow, and Judy, a woman with a hidden agenda. Their friendship blossoms in a grief support group, but Judy harbors a life-altering secret unbeknownst to Jen. This dramatic series, while darker than Younger, revolves around the complexities of female relationships similar to Liza and Kelsey.
Though darker in tone, the exploration of flawed yet relatable characters resonates strongly, making it an intriguing watch for fans looking for depth beyond the lighter-hearted humor of Younger.
3
Cable Girls (2017-2020)
Four Young Women Begin Work In A Telecommunications Company In The 1920s
Set in the 1920s, Cable Girls chronicles the journey of four women in Spain who embrace newfound independence as they secure jobs at a telecommunications company. Each woman harbors her secrets, mirroring Liza’s concealed identity, creating a rich narrative of empowerment and societal challenges.
The series captivated audiences over five seasons, showcasing the evolving roles of women while retaining an elegant sense of fashion true to its era, thus appealing to fans of Younger.
2
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2019)
A Woman Escapes From A Cult & Makes It On Her Own
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a vibrant, quirky series where Kimmy’s optimism contrasts with her traumatic past. Having escaped a doomsday cult, she embodies resilience as she navigates adult life in New York City. Much like Liza, Kimmy’s charm and distinct viewpoint create a captivating narrative.
The show’s comedic edge and focus on self-discovery appeal to fans seeking a unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments, with stylistic choices that diverge yet echo the fashion-forward themes of Younger.
1
Fleabag (2016-2019)
Based On The One-Woman Play Of The Same Name
This critically acclaimed British comedy, Fleabag, chronicles the life of a young woman grappling with personal tragedy while navigating relationships in London. Filled with clever humor and poignant moments, it shares commonalities with Younger, particularly in its exploration of identity.
Although it presents a grittier perspective and uses a unique narrative style that limits character names, the core themes of love and self-identity resonate deeply, creating a heartfelt viewing experience intertwined with romance.
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