Running from 2018 to 2022, Derry Girls is a coming-of-age tale set during The Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland. While some of the situations are quite tense, most of the series follows the hilarious exploits of 16-year-old Erin and her friends as they try to find their place in the world. If you enjoy comedic coming-of-age stories or shows that highlight friendships no matter what age you are, check out these ten shows like Derry Girls.
10. Chewing Gum (2015-2017)
While Tracey Gordon may be entering adulthood at 24, Chewing Gum still shows the struggles of finding your place combined with adult challenges. Tracey has conflicting interests, specifically her love of Beyonce versus her strict religious beliefs. As she tries to find her way, she moves into a new place with her friends, and comedy ensues.
IMDb score: 7.7
9. The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-Present)
Similar to Derry Girls is The Sex Lives of College Girls which also brings four young women together, but this time with the backdrop of Essex College. The four girls are starting their freshman year, equal parts lovable and infuriating as they try to navigate their new “free” lives on campus.
IMDb score: 7.8
8. On My Block (2018-2021)
While the Derry girls have to deal with The Troubles, in On My Block four street-savvy friends must navigate through high school in gritty South Central Los Angeles. The four try to get their friend out of a gang, and some of their friendships turn into something more, providing an interesting glimpse into another world few people see.
IMDb score: 7.8
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7. Lovesick (2014-2018)
Struggles come in all shapes and sizes, which is true for Dylan in Lovesick. When Dylan finds out he has an STD, he must get in touch with everyone he’s had intimate relations with. His best friend Luke helps as Dylan tracks down each of his past lovers, uncovering heartbreak in new and old forms. Similar to Derry Girls, Dylan and Luke must navigate new relationships with funny consequences.
IMDb score: 8.0
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6. The End of the F***king World (2017-2019)
An unlikely pair comes together on a road trip to find a father in The End of the F***king World. James, 17, is pretty sure he’s a psychopath, while Alyssa, also 17, is the moody new girl at school. When the two connect, they embark on a road trip full of surprises and hijinks in search of Alyssa’s real father. Just like Derry Girls, friendship is the bond that holds these two new friends together for the long ride.
IMDb score: 8.0
5. Moone Boy (2012-2015)
Our next coming-of-age series is based on actor Chris O’Dowd’s childhood experiences as he grew up in a small Irish town. In Moone Boy, young Martin Moone goes on several adventures with his friend Sean Murphy, but Murphy only exists in Moone’s imagination. He still helps the young Moone navigate his family and ridiculous schemes, just like the girls do in Derry Girls.
IMDb score: 8.1
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4. The Great (2020-2023)
If you have Hulu, perhaps you’ve already watched our fourth show The Great which takes viewers to 18th-century Russia. The anti-historical episodes catalog the comedic rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great as she is forced to marry the Emperor. Though these characters are out of their youth, the numerous escapades they incur would make the Derry girls proud.
IMDb score: 8.1
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3. Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2012)
The oldest pair of friends on our list still get into a lot of trouble in Absolutely Fabulous. The British sitcom highlights Eddy, a professional public relations agent, and Patsy, a fashion director in a top British magazine. The two are successful in their working lives, but off the clock, they indulge in cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs, all in a battle to stay young and relive their glory days. If the Derry girls were older, they would do the same thing.
IMDb score: 8.2
2. Sex Education (2019-2023)
While Derry Girls focuses on the group as they navigate high school and armed guards, Sex Education focuses on high school and intimate relations instead. Otis doesn’t have much experience but knows a lot about the subject due to his sex therapist mother. When his classmates learn about his home life, it prompts Otis to open an underground sex therapy clinic to help with their hilarious problems.
IMDb score: 8.3
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1. The Inbetweeners (2008-2010)
Our final show is a near copy of Derry Girls, but instead features the cringy antics of four teenage boys in The Inbetweeners. Friends Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil are students at Rudge Park Comprehensive who attempt to navigate the social scene, attract girls, and fit in amongst the cool crowd. Despite their best efforts to do so, the four usually end up with the nerds or in awkward scenarios.
IMDb score: 8.4
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