10 series like The Kardashians you must watch

By Amanda Guarragi
Published: September 30, 2022 (Last updated: last month)
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This article discusses 10 series like the Hulu reality series The Kardashians you must watch.

For many reality show fans, Keeping Up With the Kardashians was a staple growing up, and the entire family became this gigantic empire. After wrapping with E! over two years ago with their finale, Kris Jenner wanted to go in a different direction. It looks like streaming is always the way to go. When Hulu launched The Kardashians, it became a separate series, with the family taking more control over narratives. It wasn’t as scripted as before; this time, they appeared more candid than usual. The family has grown even more, and the bond between them has changed a lot. They are more laidback with each other, and it seems as though they are more supportive. Reality shows are always fun to watch; there have been many incredible ones over the years. Many of them were trainwrecks, but it made them, so fun to watch. Even some television series acted as reality shows, and they all shaped the early 2000s.

Like For Like – 10 series like The Kardashians you must watch

The Hills (2006) 

When this series came out, it was almost like an obsession. The Hills chronicle the lives of several young men and women living in Los Angeles. Reality shows are only as good as the personalities on them, and even though they all seemed so bland, their arguments made everything so interesting. They were all privileged, but they never got what they wanted relationship-wise. It was unnecessary drama, but it was so hard to look away.

The O.C. (2003)

Some television series in the early 2000s brought more drama than reality shows. And the teen drama series was bumping at the time. The O.C. centers on Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), a troubled and gifted young man from a broken home who is adopted by the wealthy and philanthropic Sandy (Peter Gallagher) and Kirsten Cohen (Kelly Rowan). Ryan and his foster brother Seth (Adam Brody), a socially awkward, quick-witted teenager, deal with life as outsiders in the high-class world of Newport Beach. The whole cast worked well together, and the things that would happen to these teens haven’t been seen since Beverly Hills 901210. 

Jersey Shore (2009)

Living through the reign of Jersey Shore on MTV was a moment in pop culture. Much like other iconic reality series on this list, this one, in particular, made a lasting impact. Again, it comes down to the cast of people that signed on to create this drama. Eventually, they all became friends, and the drama got worse than anticipated. Especially between Ron and Sam. The series follows the lives of eight housemates spending their summer in a summer share in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, known as The Jersey Shore House, and other locations in other seasons. Residences include a confessional room for cast members to self-record their thoughts on daily house drama. The first four seasons had drama in every episode, which was fun to watch.

Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami (2009)

Naturally, the Kardashians had spin-off shows, and in hindsight having Kourtney and Khloe together on a show didn’t work. Kourtney goes on a boy-crazy rampage; Khloe gets approached to host a transsexual “Khloe Kardashian Look-A-Like” contest. Kourtney’s ex-boyfriend Scott makes an unexpected return, and she must decide whether or not to stay single. Was it as entertaining as Keeping Up With The Kardashians? It wasn’t. But it feels like an extension of the series and fills in the gaps in their lives that people were fascinated with.

Real Housewives of Orange County (2006)

When it comes to The Real Housewives, each cast is entertaining in their own way. But the women out in California have a different vibe entirely that does mesh with the personalities of The Kardashians. The series focuses on the personal and professional lives of several women residing in Orange County, California. The women have drama that normally wouldn’t happen in anyone’s daily life, making it fun to watch.

Southern Charm (2014)

The series chronicles the personal and professional lives of several socialites in Charleston, South Carolina. The show focuses on the Southern culture, along with the area’s political history, and has featured local historical places, including Lewisfield Plantation and Mikell House. Of course, different sections of any country have different values and live their lives differently. That’s why Southern Charm can be appealing to many people.

Laguna Beach (2004)

The series aired for three seasons and was primarily focused on the personal lives of several students attending Laguna Beach. Similar to The O.C. and The Hills, this series felt the most authentic to how teenagers lived on the coast. Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavalleri started on Laguna Beach and made their way to The Hills shortly after. The two of them would go on to have their own arguments with each other and then drag different people into their mess.

The Simple Life (2003)

Much like Jersey Shore, this series defined an entire generation of teenagers. It became a cultural phenomenon, and MTV was booming with the shows they had on their channel. The series depicts two wealthy socialites, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, who struggle to do manual, low-paying jobs such as cleaning rooms, farm work, serving meals in fast-food restaurants, and working as camo counselors.

Siesta Key (2017)

It follows a group of young adults confronting love, heartbreak, betrayal, and looming adulthood as they spend the summer together. Nothing is off limits while they come of age, figuring out who they are and who they want to become. When the age range of reality series started to get older, the drama did become more attractive. The age range offered different waves of emotions and communication issues.

Summer House (2017)

For years this group of friends has spent their weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day in one of the most exclusive beach areas on the East Coast. These professionals may keep together during the week, but as soon as they hit the beach on the weekend, they let loose in a way that is exclusive to this high-end lifestyle. With a scandalous secret looming over Lindsay and Everett’s relationship, the pressure is on for the power couple to sink or swim.

Do you have any other recommendations for series like The Kardashians? Let us know!


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