Arka Mukhopadhyay
‘The A List’ is an intriguing and anxious teen adventure drama series containing mystery, horror, and supernatural elements. Created by Dan Berlinka and Nina Metivier, the series revolves around a group of teenagers who begin their summer camping trip with zeal and enthusiasm. But as the story moves forward, much of the early excitement withers to make room for an unfolding drama of hair-raising tension.
Set on an island potentially detached from the world and comprising a mysterious cabin in the woods, a manipulative antagonist who seems like a lab experiment gone wrong, a ghost that may still be alive, and some heartfelt moments of bonding, the series is a binge-worthy package indeed. If you are looking for shows that fit the same genre segment, we have a few recommendations for you. You can find most of the shows similar to ‘The A List’ on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
6. Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)
The beginning of the wildly popular mystery teen drama series ‘Pretty Little Liars‘ is a bit shaky. However, as the story takes off, the audiences are plunged into the vortex of a sinister mystery. Created by I. Marlene King from the titular young-adult fiction series by Sara Shepard, the drama revolves around the lives of four pretty teenagers, but don’t be beguiled by their appearance – they hold dark secrets in their hearts. After the leader of the group Alison goes missing, the teenagers disperse, only to be reunited in the face of an emerging threat. If you have just finished watching ‘The A List,’ this series is exactly what you need to watch next!
5. Riverdale (2017-)
Based on the characters from the famous ‘Archie’ comic series and developed for the screen by the Chief Creative Officer of Archie Comics Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, ‘Riverdale’ is a near-perfect blend of teenage drama and suspense thriller. Set in the eponymous township, the story follows the misadventures of Archie Andrews and his friends Betty Cooper, Jughead Jones, and Veronica Lodge.
Nothing in this sleepy and picturesque township strikes as extraordinary until a body floats up the river stream. Archie and his motley crew, in turn, are plunged into the center of a mind-boggling mystery. Sensuous, energetic, and replete with pop culture references, this show must be on your bucket list if you have liked the genre-blend of ‘The A List.’
4. Elite (2018-)
Created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona, ‘Elite’ is a visceral and energetic teen thriller drama series with a slick Europop touch. Although the series involves a lot of teen drama staples, it stands apart from others through its exploration of themes like class conflict and sexual liberation. The story follows the lives of classmates in the elite private school Las Encinas. While some feel that they naturally belong in the environment, some find themselves as outcasts.
Cliques, heartbreaks, love, friendship, coming to terms with one’s inner self – the vibrant and emotive teenage series has it all, with a mystery element as a cherry on top. Deep down, ‘The A List’ is about finding your true self, and as the show revolves around the same themes of friendship, love, and self-realization, it should be appealing to your palette and easy on your eyes.
3. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
The show does pretty much what it says, albeit with a bit of teenage confusion thrown into the mix. Created by Joss Whedon of ‘The Avengers’ fame, supernatural-philosophical-teen drama mashup ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ has been a classic in the genre segment, inspiring many of the similar shows that came after it. The series follows the life of the titular character, who is having a hard time adjusting to school life.
On top of it, Buffy is endowed with supernatural powers and the duty to deal with bloodthirsty vampires and other evil creatures. With compelling characters, complex story arcs, and its own mythical universe, the show matches the essence of ‘The A List.’ If that does not convince you, we would be compelled to tell you that this is the favorite show of Nina Metivier, the co-creator of ‘The A List.’
2. Stranger Things (2016-)
Twin brothers and creator duo Matt and Ross Duffer manage to weave an intricate and complex tale of supernatural intrigue in this enthralling and captivating teen drama. The story takes the viewers back in time to the fictional small town of Hawkins, Indiana. A lab in town is performing sinister experiments, a boy goes missing, and a supernatural world lays itself bare.
Fraught with unnerving horror and filled with grotesque creatures from an unearthly realm, this atmospheric sci-fi horror should not be taken lightly. Featuring ‘Edward Scissorhands’ fame Winona Ryder alongside a slew of talented young actors, ‘Stranger Things’ is a must-watch for all teen sci-fi mystery drama fans.
1. Twin Peaks (1990-2017)
Helmed by the psychological horror maestro David Lynch along with novelist and screenwriter Mark Frost, ‘Twin Peaks’ is a mystery thriller series replete with ample Lynchian eerie visuals, a healthy dose of supernatural intrigue, a magical soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti, a talented ensemble cast, and topped off with a bit of romance.
The story begins with the discovery of a high school student’s corpse by the riverbank in the titular township. FBI agent Dale Cooper comes aboard to initiate an investigation, and the deceptively innocent whodunit spirals out of control in the blink of an eye. If you have found the premise of ‘The A List’ interesting, this universally acclaimed show will catch you by surprise.
Read More: Is The A List Based On A True Story?
