10 Movies and Shows Like Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2007)

Description: 'The L Word' and 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' both explore the lives of women navigating love, sex, and identity, though 'The L Word' focuses on the LGBTQ+ community. Both shows are known for their candid portrayals of sexuality and relationships, blending drama with humor. They also feature strong female leads who challenge societal norms.

Fact: 'The L Word' was groundbreaking for its portrayal of lesbian and bisexual women. The show was created by Ilene Chaiken, who also worked on 'Empire'. It has a dedicated fanbase and has been credited with increasing LGBTQ+ visibility on television.

Description: 'Californication' shares with 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' a focus on the hedonistic and often chaotic life of its protagonist, who is deeply involved in the world of sex and relationships. Both shows blend comedy with drama, exploring themes of love, lust, and self-destruction. The narrative style is irreverent and introspective, with a strong lead character.

Fact: 'Californication' stars David Duchovny as a troubled writer. The show was created by Tom Kapinos, who also worked on 'Dawson's Creek'. It ran for seven seasons and developed a cult following.

Description: Like 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'I May Destroy You' tackles themes of sexuality, consent, and personal agency, though from a more traumatic perspective. Both shows feature complex female leads navigating their identities and relationships in a world that often objectifies them. The narrative styles are raw and unfiltered, with moments of humor to lighten the heavy themes.

Fact: 'I May Destroy You' was created by and stars Michaela Coel. The series is semi-autobiographical, inspired by Coel's own experience of sexual assault. It won critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and Coel's performance.

Description: Like 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'Hung' explores the world of sex work, but from the perspective of a male escort. Both shows use humor to tackle the challenges and absurdities of the profession, while also delving into the personal lives of their characters. The tone is a mix of comedy and drama, with a focus on survival and reinvention.

Fact: 'Hung' stars Thomas Jane as a down-on-his-luck teacher who turns to prostitution. The show was created by Dmitry Lipkin and Colette Burson. It was praised for its unique premise and strong performances.

Description: 'Masters of Sex' and 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' both explore human sexuality with a candid and often humorous approach. While 'Masters of Sex' is based on the real-life research of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, it shares with 'Secret Diary' a focus on the personal and professional lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of sex and relationships.

Fact: The series stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan as the pioneering sex researchers. It is based on the biography 'Masters of Sex' by Thomas Maier. The show was praised for its historical accuracy and strong performances.

Description: 'Fleabag' and 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' both feature flawed, witty female protagonists who break the fourth wall to share their inner thoughts with the audience. Both shows blend dark comedy with poignant drama, exploring themes of loneliness, sexuality, and self-discovery. The storytelling style is intimate and confessional, making the viewer feel like a confidant.

Fact: 'Fleabag' was created by and stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show originated as a one-woman play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: Similar to 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'Harlots' explores the lives of women in the sex industry, albeit in a historical context. Both shows delve into themes of empowerment, survival, and the complexities of sex work, presenting their protagonists with depth and humanity. The series also shares a blend of drama and dark humor, making the heavy themes more accessible.

Fact: 'Harlots' is set in 18th-century London and is loosely based on the lives of real brothel owners. The show was praised for its feminist perspective on sex work. It features an ensemble cast including Samantha Morton and Lesley Manville.

Description: As a sequel to 'The L Word', 'Generation Q' continues to explore themes of sexuality and identity, much like 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl'. Both shows feature diverse casts and storylines that highlight the complexities of modern relationships. The tone is a mix of drama and humor, with a focus on character development.

Fact: 'Generation Q' brings back original cast members like Jennifer Beals and Leisha Hailey. The show introduces new, younger characters to reflect contemporary issues. It has been praised for its more inclusive representation compared to the original series.

Description: Like 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'Satisfaction' delves into the world of sex work but from the perspective of a high-end male escort. Both shows explore themes of intimacy, relationships, and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives. They also share a tone that balances drama with wit and introspection.

Fact: 'Satisfaction' stars Matt Passmore as a financial advisor turned escort. The show was created by Sean Jablonski, who also worked on 'Nip/Tuck'. It was one of the first USA Network series to tackle adult themes more explicitly.

Description: 'P-Valley' shares with 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' an unflinching look at the lives of sex workers, focusing on their personal struggles, ambitions, and relationships. Both series highlight the agency and complexity of their characters, set against the backdrop of their respective industries. The shows also mix drama with moments of levity, providing a balanced narrative.

Fact: 'P-Valley' is based on the play 'Pussy Valley' by Katori Hall. The series is set in a Mississippi strip club and explores Southern culture. It has been lauded for its authentic portrayal of Black women in the adult entertainment industry.