12 Best Shows Like Rivals to Watch Next (2026)
Want more shows like Rivals? Discover 12 dramas, romances, and period pieces with ambition, tension, and messy relationships in the mix.
If you’re searching for shows like Rivals, the best matches tend to share its mix of ambition, power plays, and relationships under pressure. This list leans into that same energy, with picks that span drama, comedy, history, romance, and sport. You’ll find period-set stories such as Dirty Lines, GLOW, and Aema, plus character-driven titles like Firefly Lane, One Day, and Candy. If you want something sharper and more intense, Say Nothing, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Supersex each bring their own kind of tension. Whether you want workplace competition, messy romance, or stories about people trying to outrun their circumstances, there’s plenty here to explore.
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01
Aema
comedy · drama · history
In 1980s Korea, a movie star and a starlet defy male-dominated industry rules and backstage corruption while filming the provocative "Madame Aema."
Why watch: If you enjoy stories about people pushing back against industry rules, Aema should fit well. Its comedy-drama-history blend and 1980s Korea setting suggest a mix of ambition, conflict, and social change.
Directed by Lee Hae-youngCast Lee Hanee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Seon-kyu, Cho Hyun-chul, Hyun Bong-sikNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Dirty Lines
drama · history
The story of Dirty Lines starts in 1987's Amsterdam, at a time when Dutch society was changing rapidly. Psychology student Marly Salomon takes on a side job working for a brand new firm: Teledutch - a company started by two brothers, Frank and Ramon Stigter, who established Europe’s first erotic telephone lines. Frank and Ramon become rich overnight and Marly finds herself immersed in this wild and rapid transformation. The final years of the Cold War sparked a sense of hope and inspired a new generation to celebrate life to its fullest. Amsterdam became the center of that cultural revolution with a radically new form of music: house and a new love drug: XTC. The erotic phone lines offer the opportunity to experience anonymous sex in a new way, changing the morality of its consumers, but also very much the people creating it.
Why watch: If you like period dramas about fast-changing worlds and risky new industries, Dirty Lines is a strong pick. Its 1987 Amsterdam setting and focus on a disruptive business make it a good match for viewers drawn to power and transformation.
Directed by Tomas Kaan, Pieter Bart Korthuis, Anna van der HeideCast Joy Delima, Minne Koole, Chris Peters, Charlie Chan Dagelet, Abbey HoesNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
Firefly Lane
drama · romance
For decades, childhood best friends Kate and Tully have weathered life's storms together -- until a betrayal threatens to break them apart for good.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for a relationship-driven drama, Firefly Lane is a good fit. The long friendship at its center gives it an emotional angle that may appeal to anyone who likes personal stakes as much as plot.
Directed by Vanessa Parise, Michael Spiller, Fred Gerber, Peter O'Fallon, Lee RoseCast Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, Ben Lawson, Ali Skovbye, Roan CurtisNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
04
GLOW
Won 3 Emmys 3x Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series · 18 nominations
comedy · drama · sport
In 1980s LA, a crew of misfits reinvent themselves as the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
Why watch: If the appeal for you is seeing outsiders reinvent themselves, GLOW is worth a look. Its 1980s LA setting and comedy-drama-sport mix make it a lively option with plenty of personality.
Directed by Jesse Peretz, Lynn Shelton, Claire Scanlon, Mark A. Burley, Phil AbrahamCast Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Britt Baron, Sydelle Noel, Kate NashNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Rainbow
drama
Ursula Brangwen is the beautiful, naive daughter of a wealthy country squire, one of five children living in the Nottinghamshire mining heartland at the turn of the century. From wide-eyed sixteen-year-old to fully grown woman, the drama follows Ursula through the trials and tribulations of her burgeoning personal relationships in her quest to find fulfilment for her developing passionate and sensual nature. Adaptation of DH Lawrence's novel.
Why watch: If you want a more literary drama with a classic feel, The Rainbow may be the right choice. Its focus on one woman’s personal growth and relationships gives it a slower, more reflective mood.
Directed by Stuart BurgeCast Imogen Stubbs, Jane Gurnett, Colin Tarrant, Clare Holman, Tom BellFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
06
Say Nothing
1 Emmy nomination
drama · history · thriller
Through the eyes of various Irish Republican Army (IRA) members, explore the extremes some people will go to in the name of their beliefs, the way a deeply divided society can suddenly tip over into armed conflict, the long shadow of radical violence for both victims and perpetrators, and the emotional and psychological costs of a code of silence.
Why watch: If you prefer tense historical drama with political stakes, Say Nothing should be a strong match. Its thriller element and focus on divided society give it a heavier, more suspenseful edge.
Directed by Michael Lennox, Anthony Byrne, Mary Nighy, Alice SeabrightCast Lola Petticrew, Hazel Doupe, Emily Healy, Maxine Peake, Rylee Neilly-LargeHuluMore details on IMDb → -
07
Power Book III: Raising Kanan
crime · drama
Set in South Jamaica, Queens, in 1991, this prequel to "Power" revolves around the coming of age of Kanan Stark.
Why watch: If you like crime drama with a coming-of-age angle, Power Book III: Raising Kanan is an easy recommendation. The 1991 Queens setting and prequel structure should appeal to viewers who want character growth alongside crime-world tension.
Directed by Rob Hardy, Monty DeGraff, Mario Van Peebles, Eif Rivera, Hernán OtañoCast Patina Miller, London Brown, Hailey Kilgore, Mekai Curtis, Malcolm M. MaysAmazon Prime VideoStarzMore details on IMDb → -
08
Lady Love
drama
A young woman from a small town in Poland, who once hoped to live as a nun, flees to West Germany and ends up in the sex industry. She was modest by nature and dreamed of a different life, but circumstances led her to a path she never anticipated.
Why watch: If you’re interested in a more sobering drama about reinvention and survival, Lady Love may resonate. Its premise suggests a difficult personal journey shaped by circumstance rather than choice.
Directed by Bartosz KonopkaCast Anna Szymanczyk, Clemens Schick, Lise Risom Olsen, Adam Woronowicz, Anna KrotoskaMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Supersex
biography · drama · history
Inspired by true events, this is the story of how Rocco Siffredi escaped a humble life and emerged as the world's greatest porn star.
Why watch: If you want a biography-led drama with strong historical context, Supersex is a natural pick. Its premise centers on a real-life rise to fame within the adult industry, which may appeal if you like bold, adult-oriented stories.
Directed by Matteo Rovere, Francesco Carrozzini, Francesca MazzoleniCast Alessandro Borghi, Jasmine Trinca, Adriano Giannini, David Kammenos, Linda HardyNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
10
Candy
1 Emmy nomination
biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Candy Montgomery is a 1980s housewife and mother who did everything right — but when the pressure of conformity builds within her, her actions scream for just a bit of freedom. Until someone tells her to shush. With deadly results.
Why watch: If you like suburban pressure-cooker stories that turn ordinary life into something darker, Candy is a good match. The 1980s setting and crime-thriller elements give it a tense, unsettling tone.
Directed by Michael Uppendahl, Jennifer Getzinger, Ben Semanoff, Tara Nicole WeyrCast Jessica Biel, Melanie Lynskey, Pablo Schreiber, Timothy Simons, Raúl EsparzaHuluMore details on IMDb → -
11
Love Story
Won 1 Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2026) · 7 nominations
biography · drama · romance
An anthology of sweeping true love stories that captured the world’s attention.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to romance with a sweeping, story-collection feel, Love Story may be for you. The anthology format suggests a broad look at true love stories, which suits viewers who want emotion front and center.
Directed by Jesse Peretz, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Gillian Robespierre, Anthony Hemingway, Max WinklerCast Sarah Pidgeon, Paul Anthony Kelly, Grace Gummer, Ben Shenkman, Alessandro NivolaHuluMore details on IMDb → -
12
One Day
3 BAFTA TV Award nominations
comedy · drama · romance
After spending graduation night together, Emma and Dexter go their separate ways — but their lives remain intertwined.
Why watch: If you enjoy romances built around time and emotional momentum, One Day is an easy recommendation. Its mix of comedy, drama, and romance makes it a good choice for viewers who like relationships to unfold over time.
Directed by Molly Manners, Luke Snellin, John Hardwick, Kate HewittCast Leo Woodall, Ambika Mod, Amber Grappy, Brendan Quinn, Jonny WeldonNetflixMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
The best part of a list like this is the range: some picks echo the glossy power struggles of Rivals, while others lean more into romance, history, or character drama. That makes it easier to find the right follow-up based on what you enjoyed most. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want another recommendation, since it’s updated regularly. If you’re building a longer watchlist, these titles give you a strong starting point without repeating the same story beat over and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these shows similar to Rivals?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.