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| Loved Elle? Here Are 24 Teen Comedy-Drama Shows That Feel Just as Fun. (Image via: Prime Video) |
Prime Video's Elle has barely settled into viewers' watchlists, yet plenty of fans are already searching for what to stream next. It is hardly surprising. The series blends coming-of-age comedy, teenage romance, culture clashes, fish-out-of-water humour and a nostalgic 1990s backdrop into one colourful package. Add Elle Woods' signature optimism and determination, and suddenly people are wondering why every stressful school transfer cannot be solved with confidence, kindness and a wardrobe full of pink.
Social media has been filled with viewers praising Elle for expanding the famous character's backstory without simply copying the original films. Many enjoyed seeing a younger version of Elle Woods navigating high school long before Harvard entered the picture.
Others loved the nostalgic fashion, while plenty admitted they stayed for the awkward teenage romances and stayed even longer for the sharp one-liners. Of course, there are also viewers debating whether Seattle was really that gloomy in 1995, but that might be a discussion for another rainy afternoon.
Shows Like Elle
If you loved the upbeat humour, retro setting, emotional character growth and outsider storyline, these 24 shows should easily earn a place on your watchlist.
1. Clueless (TV Series) (1996)
If Elle feels familiar, Clueless is probably the reason. Based on the iconic 1995 film, the series follows cheerful fashion-loving teenager Cher as she navigates friendships, school drama and romance in sunny Beverly Hills.
It shares the same colourful style, bubbly humour and lovable blonde lead who is far smarter than people assume.
2. The Carrie Diaries (2013)
This prequel explores Carrie Bradshaw's teenage years. Like Elle, it focuses on how an iconic female character develops her confidence, style and ambitions while surviving high school heartbreak and growing up.
3. Never Have I Ever (2020)
Created by Mindy Kaling, this witty comedy-drama follows Devi as she attempts to reinvent herself after personal tragedy. Both shows balance emotional coming-of-age moments with chaotic teenage romance and plenty of awkward comedy.
4. Suburgatory (2011)
Instead of moving from Beverly Hills to gloomy Seattle, this series sends a sarcastic New York teenager into an overly cheerful suburb. The fish-out-of-water formula is reversed, but the humour about culture shock feels remarkably similar.
5. Se Education (2019)
Although slightly more mature in tone, Se Education combines teenage awkwardness, emotional growth and hilarious school situations with surprisingly heartfelt storytelling. Like Elle, it proves kindness often wins over popularity.
6. The Se Lives of College Girls (2021)
Written with the same quick-fire comedic energy found in Elle, this college comedy follows four freshmen navigating friendship, romance and adulthood. Fast dialogue and emotionally grounded humour make it an easy recommendation.
7. Greek (2007)
College fraternities replace high school hallways, but the themes remain familiar. Outsiders trying to fit in, personal growth and clever comedy all echo the appeal of Elle.
8. Freaks and Geeks (1999)
Set in another nostalgic decade, this beloved coming-of-age drama explores teenagers struggling to find where they belong. It captures the same emotional honesty beneath its comedy.
9. Derry Girls (2018)
The setting may be Northern Ireland during the 1990s, but the nostalgic humour, unforgettable friendships and teenage disasters create a similar blend of laughs and heart.
10. My So-Called Life (1994)
This classic teen drama dives deeper into adolescence and identity while still exploring friendships, family life and first love. Fans who appreciated Elle's emotional journey should enjoy this one.
11. Cruel Summer (2021)
If your favourite part of Elle was the 1990s atmosphere rather than the comedy, Cruel Summer delivers another nostalgic trip back in time. Just expect considerably darker secrets.
12. Gilmore Girls (2000)
Fast dialogue, charming humour and an optimistic central character help make this one feel familiar. While the setting differs, both series celebrate intelligent women who remain unapologetically themselves.
13. Jane by Design (2012)
Fashion plays a major role as a teenage girl secretly works in the fashion industry while balancing school life. It shares Elle's colourful aesthetic and determined heroine.
14. Hart of Dixie (2011)
Fish-out-of-water comedy returns as an ambitious doctor relocates to a quirky Southern town. Like Elle, it explores adapting without abandoning your identity.
15. Awkward. (2011)
High school misunderstandings, teenage relationships and dry humour define this underrated comedy-drama. It perfectly captures how one embarrassing moment can suddenly become everyone's business.
16. Bunheads (2012)
This heartfelt dramedy follows a former dancer adjusting to a completely different lifestyle. Much like Elle, it highlights personal growth through unexpected circumstances.
17. Everything Sucks! (2018)
Set during the 1990s, this nostalgic coming-of-age comedy explores first love, identity and high school friendships with plenty of retro charm.
18. Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (2023)
This stylish musical prequel tells the origin story of one of cinema's most famous girl groups. Fans of prequel storytelling and confident female leads will feel right at home.
19. Young Sheldon (2017)
Although centred on comedy rather than fashion, the series explores how an unusual young protagonist learns to fit into an environment that rarely understands them. Different personality, same outsider energy.
20. Gossip Girl (2007)
Swap Seattle rain for Manhattan glamour and you still have teenage social politics, romance and plenty of fashionable chaos. Thankfully, not everyone here judges outfits quite as dramatically as they judge life choices.
21. Emily in Paris (2020)
Technically not a high school series, but the culture shock comedy, colourful fashion and endlessly optimistic heroine make it feel like an adult cousin to Elle.
22. Atypical (2017)
This heartfelt comedy-drama focuses on finding confidence, independence and belonging. While the stories differ, both series celebrate embracing individuality rather than changing to satisfy others.
23. Zoey 101 (2005)
Boarding school replaces Seattle, but teenage friendships, romance and humorous school adventures deliver a similarly comforting viewing experience.
24. One Tree Hill (2003)
Blending romance, friendship and emotional coming-of-age storytelling, this long-running teen drama remains one of the strongest recommendations for viewers wanting more heartfelt character development after finishing Elle.
One reason Elle has connected with audiences is that it refuses to treat optimism as weakness. Instead, it turns kindness into a genuine strength, even when surrounded by cynical classmates and endless teenage drama.
That same spirit runs through many of these recommendations, whether they lean more towards comedy, romance or emotional storytelling. Online reactions continue to be overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers calling Elle one of the most charming surprise releases of 2026.
Fans have praised its nostalgic soundtrack, colourful fashion and relatable coming-of-age themes, while others are already hoping the story continues beyond its first season. Some viewers have jokingly admitted they suddenly miss 1995 despite not actually living through it, which might be the biggest compliment a period drama can receive.
If you're still looking for your next comfort series after Elle, this collection should keep your watchlist busy for quite some time. Did your favourite make the list, or is there another hidden gem that deserves a spot?