TV Shows That Feel Like They Are in The Same Universer but Aren't

2 min read

Introduction

Every now and then, you stumble on a show that makes you think, “Wait, haven’t I felt this before?” Even when the characters, locations, or storylines differ wildly, some shows just feel like spiritual cousins — like they exist in adjacent realities, with the same DNA running through their scripts, vibes, and aesthetic choices. Whether it's the mockumentary charm of workplace comedies, the surreal slice-of-life structure of indie dramas, or gritty portrayals of urban decay, these pairings may not technically share a universe, but emotionally? Tonally? They’re neighbors. Here's a look at different shows across different genres that absolutely carry the same energy.

1. Abbott Elementary & The Office & Parks & Recreation

These workplace comedies are cut from the same mockumentary cloth. Abbott Elementary brings the warm-hearted chaos of public education into the style and rhythm perfected by The Office and Parks & Rec. Each show finds humor in institutional dysfunction, gives space for heartfelt moments, and thrives on the chemistry of quirky, lovable characters trying to make a difference in their corner of the world.

2. The Vince Staples Show & Atlanta & Insecure

This trio explores Black identity and modern life through distinct but overlapping lenses. The Vince Staples Show shares Atlanta’s blend of dry wit and surreal detours, while Insecure echoes both in its intimate character studies and cultural honesty. All three shows balance humor and introspection while pushing boundaries in narrative form and aesthetic style.

3. Tulsa King & Landman

Both shows feel like chapters in Taylor Sheridan’s rugged, masculine drama anthology. Tulsa King drops a mafia boss into cowboy country, while Landman explores oil field politics and backroom deals. They share themes of legacy, survival, and a hard-edged look at American ambition in rough landscapes.

4. Succession & Billions

Corporate power games, elite dysfunction, and deliciously sharp dialogue define both of these dramas. Succession gives us a family implosion under media empire pressure, while Billions is a ruthless battle of wits in the finance world. Both shows revel in the toxicity of wealth, ambition, and control — and make it entertaining.

5. Euphoria & The Idol

These glossy, provocative series dive into emotional damage, addiction, and the dark side of modern youth & fame. Euphoria captures high school hedonism and heartbreak, while The Idol pulls back the curtain on the music industry’s manipulation and excess. They’re both beautifully shot, deeply divisive, and tonally intense.

6. The Wire & We Own This City

David Simon’s sharp pen connects these two series, with We Own This City almost functioning as a spiritual epilogue to The Wire. Both explore the systemic rot within Baltimore’s institutions — from policing to politics — with journalistic precision, grounded characters, and the heartbreaking realism that made The Wire a gold standard.

8. Snowfall & Top Boy

Both of these gripping crime dramas dig into the socioeconomic roots of drug empires. Snowfall charts the rise of crack cocaine in 1980s Los Angeles, while Top Boy explores the drug trade in modern-day London. They share a street-level perspective, complex characters, and a deep understanding of how systemic issues fuel the cycle of crime.

9. The White Lotus & The Perfect Couple

Glamorous settings hiding messy secrets. The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple both feature ensemble casts thrown into scandal amid luxury, wealth, and privilege. They peel back the shiny surface to reveal betrayal, entitlement, and human messiness in beautiful surroundings.