Shows like Fringe
15 picks with a similar feel
What defines Fringe, going by its Boxlist taste profile: Expect an otherworldly, original sci-fi series, dark rather than wholesome. Best if you like surprises over comfort. Its strongest markers on Boxlist are themes of deep rivalry, social commentary and mysteries that are not what they seem, plus tags such as alternate dimension, mad scientist and fbi.
Here are 15 shows with a similar feel, ranked by how closely they match that profile. Treat them as picks to try, not a definitive list.
Based on Fringe (2008).
- 1
La Brea (2021)
TV7.4Warmer in tone
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: alternate dimension.
- 2
Clarice (2021)
TV7.2More intricate
Why it's like Fringe: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of deep rivalry and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: fbi.
- 3
Twin Peaks (1990)
TV8.2More intricate
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and weighty, with themes of deep rivalry and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: fbi.
- 4
Humans (2015)
TV7.5
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of social commentary and mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 5
Haven (2010)
TV7.5
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of deep rivalry and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: fbi, supernatural.
- 6
The Originals (2013)
TV8.6
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and dark, with themes of deep rivalry and mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 7
Nancy Drew (2019)
TV7.9
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: supernatural.
- 8
Supernatural (2005)
TV8.2
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and dark, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: supernatural.
- 9
American Horror Story (2011)
TV8.1
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and dark, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: supernatural.
- 10
Westworld (2016)
TV8.1
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of social commentary and mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 11
The Strain (2014)
TV7.5
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and dark, with themes of social commentary and mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 12
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
TV8.1
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and dark, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: supernatural.
- 13
The Expanse (2015)
TV7.9More intricate
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of social commentary and mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 14
The Society (2019)
TV7.8
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and weighty, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem.
- 15
The OA (2016)
TV7.6More intricate
Why it's like Fringe: Also heightened and inventive, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: alternate dimension.
Boxlist compares Fringe with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point. Ratings are TMDB audience scores out of 10.
Which of these suit you?
Take the taste test and every pick shows how well it matches you.
Take the taste testQuestions
- What should I watch if I like Fringe?
- Picks with a similar feel include La Brea, Clarice, Twin Peaks and Humans. Each shares part of Fringe's taste profile, themes or tags; the full list has 15 shows.
- How are these shows like Fringe chosen?
- Boxlist compares Fringe with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point.