10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Big Love (2006)

Description: 'Mildred Pierce' and 'Big Love' both center on strong female protagonists navigating challenging family dynamics. While 'Mildred Pierce' is a period drama about a single mother's struggles, 'Big Love' focuses on a polygamous family. Both shows explore themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the complexities of maternal love.

Fact: 'Mildred Pierce' is a miniseries starring Kate Winslet. It is based on James M. Cain's novel. The show won multiple Emmy Awards, including one for Winslet's performance.

Description: Similar to 'Big Love' (2006), 'Sister Wives' explores the dynamics of a polygamous family, focusing on the emotional and social challenges they face. Both shows delve into the complexities of plural marriage, the relationships between the wives, and the family's interaction with society. The themes of love, loyalty, and societal judgment are central to both.

Fact: 'Sister Wives' is a reality TV show that follows the Brown family, who practice polygamy. The show sparked controversy and legal battles over polygamy laws in the United States. It provides a rare glimpse into the daily lives of a modern polygamous family.

Description: 'Rectify' and 'Big Love' both focus on individuals navigating complex family and societal dynamics. While 'Rectify' deals with a man reintegrating into society after wrongful imprisonment, 'Big Love' follows a polygamous family. Both shows explore themes of redemption, identity, and the search for belonging.

Fact: 'Rectify' was created by Ray McKinnon. The show was critically acclaimed for its slow-burn storytelling. It was one of the first original series on the SundanceTV network.

Description: Both 'The Leftovers' and 'Big Love' deal with the impact of belief systems on individuals and families. 'The Leftovers' explores grief and meaning in the aftermath of a mysterious event, while 'Big Love' examines faith and family in the context of polygamy. The emotional depth and exploration of existential questions are similar.

Fact: 'The Leftovers' is based on Tom Perrotta's novel. The show was created by Damon Lindelof of 'Lost' fame. It is known for its haunting soundtrack and surreal tone.

Description: While 'Big Love' portrays a polygamous family from within, 'Escaping Polygamy' shows the darker side of polygamy, focusing on individuals trying to leave such communities. Both shows address the themes of control, freedom, and the search for identity within polygamous structures, albeit from different perspectives.

Fact: 'Escaping Polygamy' is a reality series that follows three sisters who escaped a polygamous cult. The sisters help others leave similar situations. The show sheds light on the dangers and abuses within some polygamous groups.

Description: 'The Path' shares with 'Big Love' a deep exploration of belief systems and their impact on family dynamics. Both shows examine the tension between personal faith and family loyalty, set against the backdrop of unconventional religious practices. The emotional tone and the struggle for power within a closed community are also similar.

Fact: 'The Path' stars Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan, and Hugh Dancy. The show is inspired by real-life cults and new religious movements. It was praised for its psychological depth and character development.

Description: 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Big Love' both examine the role of women in patriarchal, religiously-driven societies. While 'Big Love' focuses on polygamy, 'The Handmaid's Tale' presents a dystopian world where women's rights are severely restricted. Both shows explore themes of control, resistance, and the resilience of women.

Fact: 'The Handmaid's Tale' is based on Margaret Atwood's novel. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards. It has become a symbol for women's rights movements worldwide.

Description: Both 'The Righteous Gemstones' and 'Big Love' center around families involved in religion, though the former is a comedy. They share themes of power, corruption, and family dynamics within a religious context. The exploration of how faith intersects with personal and familial ambitions is a key similarity.

Fact: 'The Righteous Gemstones' stars John Goodman, Danny McBride, and Adam Devine. The show is a dark comedy about a televangelist family. It satirizes the excesses and hypocrisies of megachurch culture.

Description: This show, like 'Big Love', focuses on non-traditional family structures and the challenges they face. Both series highlight the emotional complexities, societal stigma, and personal growth associated with polyamorous relationships. The intimate portrayal of family life and the emphasis on communication and trust are key similarities.

Fact: 'Polyamory: Married & Dating' is a documentary-style reality series. It features real-life polyamorous families navigating their relationships. The show aims to demystify polyamory and promote understanding.

Description: Similar to 'Big Love', 'Seeking Sister Wife' explores the modern practice of polygamy, focusing on the search for new wives and the integration of new members into the family. Both shows highlight the emotional and logistical challenges of plural marriage, as well as the societal reactions to it.

Fact: 'Seeking Sister Wife' is a reality TV show that follows families practicing or considering polygamy. It features families from various backgrounds and beliefs. The show has been both criticized and praised for its portrayal of polygamy.