If you're a fan of 'McLeod's Daughters' (2001), the beloved Australian drama that captured hearts with its strong female leads, rural setting, and family dynamics, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that share similar themes of sisterhood, resilience, and life on the land. Whether you're craving more heartfelt storytelling or strong, independent women navigating challenges, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Northern Exposure (1990)
Description: Like McLeod's Daughters, Northern Exposure features an urban professional adapting to rural life, with strong emphasis on quirky community members and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Both shows blend drama with humor and explore the tensions between tradition and progress.
Fact: The show was initially conceived as a vehicle for Rob Morrow. It won multiple Emmy awards during its run. The fictional town of Cicely was based on real Alaskan communities.


Everwood (2002)
Description: Everwood shares with McLeod's Daughters themes of family, community, and personal growth in a rural setting. Both shows feature medical professionals as main characters and explore how urban transplants adapt to small-town life.
Fact: The show launched the careers of several now-famous actors including Chris Pratt and Emily VanCamp. It was one of the first dramas on The WB network. The series was critically acclaimed for its writing and character development.


A Place to Call Home (2013)
Description: Similar to McLeod's Daughters, A Place to Call Home is a drama series set in rural Australia, focusing on family dynamics, romance, and community struggles. Both shows explore themes of resilience, love, and the challenges of maintaining a family legacy in a changing world.
Fact: The series was created by Bevan Lee, who also worked on popular Australian soaps like Home and Away. It was initially canceled after two seasons but was revived due to fan demand. The show is set in the 1950s, providing a historical perspective on Australian rural life.


The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013)
Description: While primarily a mystery series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries shares with McLeod's Daughters a strong sense of community and Australian rural setting. Both shows feature complex characters dealing with personal and professional challenges in small-town environments.
Fact: The lead character is based on a real historical figure, Dr. Lucien Blake. The show is set in the 1950s in rural Victoria. It was canceled after five seasons but revived as a series of TV movies due to popular demand.


Cedar Cove (2013)
Description: Similar to McLeod's Daughters, Cedar Cove is set in a small, picturesque community and focuses on interpersonal relationships and community issues. Both shows feature strong female leads navigating personal and professional challenges.
Fact: Based on a series of novels by Debbie Macomber. It was Hallmark Channel's first original scripted series. The show was filmed in Canada but set in the Pacific Northwest.


When Calls the Heart (2014)
Description: Like McLeod's Daughters, When Calls the Heart features strong female characters in a rural setting, dealing with community challenges and personal growth. Both shows emphasize traditional values and the importance of community support.
Fact: Inspired by the novels of Janette Oke. The show's fanbase is known as 'Hearties'. It was developed by Michael Landon Jr., son of the famous Little House on the Prairie star.


The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014)
Description: This New Zealand crime drama shares with McLeod's Daughters a rural setting and strong community focus. While the genres differ, both shows explore the interconnected lives of people in small communities and feature beautiful countryside backdrops.
Fact: The show is filmed in New Zealand but set in a fictional town. It follows the 'cozy mystery' format with quirky characters. The series has been successful internationally, particularly in European markets.


Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002)
Description: While set in an urban environment, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye shares with McLeod's Daughters themes of overcoming adversity and female empowerment. Both shows feature strong female leads facing professional and personal challenges.
Fact: Based on the real-life story of deaf FBI agent Sue Thomas. The show was one of the first to feature a deaf lead character. It was produced by the same company that created Touched by an Angel.


Hart of Dixie (2011)
Description: Hart of Dixie shares with McLeod's Daughters the theme of a professional woman adapting to rural life and becoming part of a close-knit community. Both shows blend drama and romance with beautiful rural settings.
Fact: The show was created by the same team behind The O.C. Rachel Bilson's character was originally written as a man. The fictional town of Bluebell was inspired by real Southern small towns.


800 Words (2015)
Description: Like McLeod's Daughters, 800 Words is set in a small rural community and focuses on family relationships and personal growth. Both shows feature strong female characters and explore the challenges of adapting to rural life after urban experiences.
Fact: The show's title refers to the weekly newspaper column written by the main character. It was filmed in New Zealand but set in Australia. The series was a ratings success in both Australia and New Zealand.
