If you loved the quirky, surreal, and heartfelt vibes of 'Lodge 49' (2018), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same offbeat charm, existential musings, and warm camaraderie that made 'Lodge 49' such a hidden gem. Whether you're drawn to its mystical undertones, laid-back humor, or the search for meaning in everyday life, these recommendations will keep you entertained and thinking long after the credits roll.

Northern Exposure (1990)
Description: Like 'Lodge 49', 'Northern Exposure' blends quirky humor with deep philosophical undertones, set in a small, offbeat community. Both shows explore themes of existentialism and the search for meaning in everyday life, wrapped in a warm, whimsical tone.
Fact: The show was initially conceived as a drama but evolved into a dramedy due to its quirky characters and humorous situations. It was one of the first shows to feature a Native American character in a leading role. The fictional town of Cicely, Alaska, was inspired by real-life small towns in the Pacific Northwest.


Twin Peaks (1990)
Description: Like 'Lodge 49', 'Twin Peaks' combines mundane small-town life with supernatural elements and secret societies. Both shows feature eccentric characters and a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Fact: David Lynch initially turned down the project, but changed his mind after driving through the Pacific Northwest. The iconic Red Room scenes were inspired by Lynch's own dreams. The show's cancellation led to one of the first major fan campaigns to save a TV series.


Pushing Daisies (2007)
Description: This series shares 'Lodge 49's' magical realism and whimsical storytelling. Both shows feature protagonists navigating surreal, almost fairy-tale-like worlds while dealing with themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.
Fact: The show's distinctive visual style was achieved through a process called 'digital backlot', where actors were filmed against green screens and backgrounds were added in post-production. It won multiple Emmy Awards for its art direction and cinematography. The series was canceled after two seasons due to the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike.


Enlightened (2011)
Description: Like 'Lodge 49', 'Enlightened' follows a protagonist on a spiritual journey, navigating between idealism and the harsh realities of the modern world. Both shows offer a mix of humor and pathos in their exploration of personal transformation.
Fact: Laura Dern and Mike White created the show together, with White writing every episode. The series was canceled after two seasons but has since gained a cult following. Dern won a Golden Globe for her performance in the lead role.


Rectify (2013)
Description: Both 'Rectify' and 'Lodge 49' are meditative dramas that explore themes of redemption and the search for meaning. They share a slow, deliberate pacing and a focus on character development over plot.
Fact: The show was the first original series from the Sundance Channel. Creator Ray McKinnon is also an actor, known for his roles in 'Deadwood' and 'Sons of Anarchy'. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system.


The Leftovers (2014)
Description: Both 'The Leftovers' and 'Lodge 49' delve into the human condition through the lens of mysterious organizations and unexplained phenomena. They share a melancholic yet hopeful tone, exploring how people cope with loss and the unknown.
Fact: The show is based on Tom Perrotta's novel of the same name, but diverges significantly in its second and third seasons. Justin Theroux performed most of his own stunts. The series finale is often cited as one of the most satisfying in television history.


The Good Place (2016)
Description: Like 'Lodge 49', 'The Good Place' uses humor to explore deep philosophical questions about morality, existence, and what it means to be human. Both shows feature protagonists navigating surreal, bureaucratic versions of the afterlife.
Fact: The show's philosophy consultant, Pamela Hieronymi, is a professor at UCLA. The twist at the end of the first season was kept secret from most of the cast. The series finale was filmed in two versions to prevent leaks.


Undone (2019)
Description: Both 'Undone' and 'Lodge 49' use surreal elements to explore themes of mental health, family, and the nature of reality. They share a unique visual style and a narrative that blurs the line between fantasy and reality.
Fact: The show is one of the first adult animated series to use rotoscoping, a technique where animators trace over live-action footage. Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg also created 'BoJack Horseman'. The series was renewed for a second season in


Dispatches from Elsewhere (2020)
Description: This series shares 'Lodge 49's' exploration of secret societies and the search for deeper meaning in life. Both shows feature protagonists drawn into mysterious organizations that promise enlightenment but deliver something more complex.
Fact: The show is based on a real-life alternate reality game called 'The Jejune Institute'. Jason Segel wrote, directed, and starred in the series. Each episode features a different directorial style to reflect the protagonist's evolving perspective.


Patriot (2015)
Description: Both 'Patriot' and 'Lodge 49' blend dark humor with existential themes, featuring protagonists who are struggling to find their place in the world. The shows share a unique tonal balance between comedy and melancholy.
Fact: The show's creator, Steven Conrad, also wrote the screenplay for 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'. Many of the show's folk songs were written and performed by the lead actor, Michael Dorman. Despite critical acclaim, the show was canceled after two seasons due to low viewership.
