6 Shows to Watch If You Love 13 Reasons Why
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13 Reasons Why is coming back for season two this month, but what will you do in the meantime? If you're looking for something to fill the hole in your heart as you wait to see how the series continues Clay and Hannah's tragic story, there are a handful of shows you can binge-watch ahead of the premiere. While you're still thinking about those massive cliffhangers in the finale, and the upcoming second season — which looks like it's going to be a dramatic doozy, to be totally honest — take a look to see what else is out there for you to watch.
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Skins
Before it was poorly adapted for US audiences by MTV, Skins was a phenomenon in the UK. The show, which helped launch the careers of Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult, and Kaya Scodelario, focuses on a group of teens as they navigate relationships, drug use, and depression. Like 13 Reasons Why, it's one of the only shows to accurately portray how young people interact with each other.
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My So-Called Life
Jay Asher himself has confirmed that My So-Called Life was a big influence on him while he was writing Thirteen Reasons Why. "The tone of that show was constantly in mind while writing that book," he wrote in 2012. "I played the soundtrack repeatedly to set the right atmosphere." Thus, it should come as no surprise that we're recommending the '90s one-season staple for those who (shame!) haven't seen it yet. It's also set in high school and features a cast of talented young folks. In fact, Wilson Cruz got his start playing Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life, and he stars in 13 Reasons Why as Dennis Vasquez, the Bakers' lawyer.
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Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights, which ran from 2006 to 2011, isn't just about football. Sure, on the surface, the show revolves around a Texas high school football team, but the show is really about complex family dynamics (including the impact on parents), the struggle to grow up, and the reality of everyday tragedies. It's brilliant, and like 13 Reasons Why, it also has a killer soundtrack.
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Degrassi: The Next Generation
Woo, boy. It doesn't get more dramatic than Degrassi: The Next Generation. I may be biased, but this iteration of the classic '80s series is definitely the best. It's a bit heavy-handed with the after-school-special vibe, but the episodes deal with every issue under the sun; drugs, teen pregnancy, rape, and bullying are just the tip of the iceberg.
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Veronica Mars
While Veronica Mars has a completely different tone than 13 Reasons Why, it also deals with a central mystery and features a unique young cast. When Veronica's (Kristen Bell) friend is murdered, she takes it upon herself to figure out why, uncovering a lot of unsavory activity at her high school in the process.
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Freaks and Geeks
Though it only lasted one season, Freaks and Geeks will live on in the hearts of everyone who watched and loved the Paul Feig-created series. The somewhat dark comedy explores two very different high school social circles, through the eyes of a brother and sister. You'll also see Jason Segel, Jason Franco, and Seth Rogen in their pre-superstar days.