If you are craving more shows to binge after ‘Rivals‘, we have found some worthy successors. Filled with enticing chaos, well-written characters, and plots driven by ambition, these 10 shows like Hulu’s ‘Rivals‘ are perfect for anyone craving scandal, gossip, romance, and deliciously messy drama.
10. Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
This historical drama is based on the diaries of landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, following her time at Shibden Hall in the 19th century. When Lister inherits Shibden Hall from her uncle, she embarks on a journey to restore the estate’s glory.
Only to find fierce rivalry and cutthroat competition, especially from neighbors stealing from her own land. At the same time, a potentially dangerous romance blooms between Lister and fellow estate owner Ann Walker.
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9. Mad Men (2007-2015)
It is set in 1960s New York, following the titular advertising agency and its employees through their workplace drama, affairs, and a quest for status and recognition.
At the center of it all is creative genius Don Draper, a man who is ready to cross all lengths to sell a product. In doing so, he isn’t afraid to bend the boundaries of morality. He leads his double life, masking his deep insecurities and flaws with a charismatic front.
8. Bridgerton (2020-)
This lush period piece is a reimagining of alternate Regency London and tells the story of the Bridgerton family. As each Bridgerton sibling comes of age, they enter the highly competitive social season where reputation is everything and romance is strategy.
The series is known for its vivid world-building and compelling characters. Especially the gossip, secrecy, hidden desires, and fierce rivalry form the central premise, which viewers of ‘Rivals’ will appreciate.
7. The Gentlemen (2024-)
After his father’s death, Eddie Horniman inherits his father’s estate and becomes the next Duke. While dealing with the responsibilities that come with this title, he discovers that the estate is hiding a marijuana empire thriving beneath its respectability.
As Eddie tries to come to terms with this secret operation building right under his nose, he learns that he must seize control of it all before the British underworld consumes him.
6. Succession (2018-2023)
If you are looking for something that puts a modern twist on the premise of ‘Rivals’, you must watch ‘Succession’. It is the saga of a fictional American global media family. When patriarch Logan Roy refuses to step down and hand over control of the company, they are left in chaos.
Family dynamics start revealing their true bitterness, loyalties begin to shift, and everyone is fueled by fierce rivalry. And they are not afraid to put their morals behind them to fight for power.
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5. Masters of Sex (2013-2016)
Set in the 1950s, this period piece explores the lives of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, two people who are trying to do groundbreaking research in the field of human sexuality.
As their research sends shocks all around the world, they deal with the conservative societal judgment and the cutthroat rivalry of the time. The theme of sexual intimacy is closely tied to the conservative era, resulting in a tension reminiscent of ‘Rivals’.
4. Dynasty (2017-2022)
Set in the high society of Atlanta, ‘Dynasty’ centers around the two affluent families of the Carringtons and the Colbys, who are stuck in a feud over fortune and prestige.
Fallon Carrington comes home one day to find she has a new stepmother who stands between her and her father’s empire. She teams up with her biggest rival, Jeff Colby, setting off a story filled with endless scheming and backstabbing.
3. Industry (2020-)
Five young graduates face the ruthless corporate arena when they enter London’s elite investment bank, Pierpoint & Co. Desperate to make a mark, they are willing to go to extreme lengths.
The series follows them in the world of high finance, filled with personal betrayals, professional rivalries, and moral compromise. If you liked to watch the industry-specific storytelling and cutthroat competition in ‘Rivals’, you will definitely like ‘Industry’.
2. The Great (2020-2023)
Subtitled “an occasionally true story,” this satirical period piece depicts Empress Catherine’s rise in 18th-century Russia. The twist is that it has no intention of staying historically accurate and instead chooses a scandalous and satirical tone.
After getting married, Catherine gets stuck in royal court politics driven by ambition and power plays with high stakes. Her only path to survive is to become a part of it and strategize.
1. Harlots (2017-2019)
In 18th-century London, Margaret Wells runs a brothel while trying to secure a safer future for her daughters. In a society where a woman’s only survival methods are marriage or prostitution, she must constantly scheme to stay alive.
Soon, a rival madame targets her business, and growing religious backlash threatens to take over. Margaret is forced into a fight for survival in a world that has little mercy for women. ‘Harlots’ excellently explores themes of sex, power, and competition in the setting of the 18th century.
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