10 Movies & Shows Like The Secret Life of Us (2001)

Description: 'Party of Five' and 'The Secret Life of Us' both focus on young adults facing life's challenges, with a strong emphasis on family and friendship. While 'Party of Five' centers on siblings raising themselves after their parents' death, 'The Secret Life of Us' explores a group of friends navigating adulthood. Both shows are character-driven and emotionally resonant.

Fact: 'Party of Five' launched the careers of Matthew Fox and Neve Campbell. The show won a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in

Description: 'Dawson's Creek' and 'The Secret Life of Us' both delve into the emotional and romantic lives of young adults, with a strong emphasis on dialogue-driven storytelling. Both shows feature introspective characters who grapple with love, friendship, and their futures. 'Dawson's Creek' is set in a small coastal town, while 'The Secret Life of Us' is urban, but both capture the angst and excitement of growing up.

Fact: 'Dawson's Creek' was created by Kevin Williamson, who also wrote 'Scream'. The show made stars out of James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams. It was one of the first teen dramas to feature sophisticated, fast-paced dialogue.

Description: 'Felicity' shares with 'The Secret Life of Us' a focus on young adults navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Both shows explore themes of self-discovery, love, and career aspirations, with a strong emphasis on character development. 'Felicity' is set in a New York City university, providing a similar urban, aspirational backdrop to 'The Secret Life of Us'.

Fact: 'Felicity' was created by J.J. Abrams, who later went on to direct 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek' films. Keri Russell's character famously cut her hair in the second season, a move that caused a media frenzy. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of college life and relationships.

Description: Like 'The Secret Life of Us', 'Queer as Folk' explores the lives of young adults navigating relationships, identity, and personal growth. Both shows delve into the complexities of modern urban life, with a focus on emotional authenticity and character-driven storytelling. 'Queer as Folk' stands out for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, much like how 'The Secret Life of Us' was praised for its realistic depiction of young Australians.

Fact: 'Queer as Folk' was one of the first TV shows to prominently feature gay characters and their lives. The UK version, which aired in 1999, was later adapted into a US version in

Description: 'The O.C.' shares with 'The Secret Life of Us' a focus on the lives of young adults dealing with love, friendship, and personal challenges. Both shows are set in vibrant, aspirational locales—Melbourne's beachside apartments in 'The Secret Life of Us' and Newport Beach's mansions in 'The O.C.'—and both use their settings to enhance the drama and emotional stakes of their stories.

Fact: 'The O.C.' launched the careers of actors like Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson. The show's soundtrack was hugely influential, featuring indie bands like Death Cab for Cutie and The Killers. Seth Cohen, one of the main characters, became a cultural icon for his quirky, relatable personality.

Description: Similar to 'The Secret Life of Us', 'One Tree Hill' focuses on the intertwined lives of a group of young adults, exploring themes of love, ambition, and personal growth. Both shows emphasize character development and emotional storytelling, with a mix of drama and romance. The small-town setting of 'One Tree Hill' contrasts with the urban backdrop of 'The Secret Life of Us', but both capture the intensity of young adulthood.

Fact: 'One Tree Hill' was initially centered around basketball but evolved into a broader drama. The show's theme song, 'I Don't Want to Be' by Gavin DeGraw, became a hit. Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush, who played on-screen couple Lucas and Brooke, were married in real life for a short time.

Description: 'Gossip Girl' and 'The Secret Life of Us' both explore the lives of young adults in a vibrant urban setting, with a focus on relationships, ambition, and personal drama. While 'Gossip Girl' is more glamorous and soapy, both shows capture the intensity of young adulthood and the complexities of modern relationships. The Upper East Side setting of 'Gossip Girl' contrasts with Melbourne's beachside apartments, but both locales are integral to the shows' atmospheres.

Fact: 'Gossip Girl' was based on a book series by Cecily von Ziegesar. The show made stars out of Blake Lively and Leighton Meester. It was known for its fashion and iconic voiceover by Kristen Bell.

Description: '90210', like 'The Secret Life of Us', follows a group of young adults as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth in a glamorous setting. Both shows mix drama with moments of levity, and both explore the pressures of young adulthood in an aspirational environment. '90210' updates the original 'Beverly Hills, 90210' for a new generation, much like how 'The Secret Life of Us' captured the zeitgeist of early 2000s Australia.

Fact: '90210' is a reboot of the iconic '90s show 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. The show featured cameos from original cast members like Shannen Doherty. It was known for its fashion and portrayal of wealthy teenage life.

Description: 'The Bold Type' shares with 'The Secret Life of Us' a focus on young women navigating careers, friendships, and love in a modern urban setting. Both shows are celebrated for their strong female characters and their exploration of contemporary issues like feminism and identity. 'The Bold Type' is set in a New York magazine, providing a similar aspirational backdrop to 'The Secret Life of Us'.

Fact: 'The Bold Type' was inspired by the life of former Cosmopolitan editor Joanna Coles. The show addresses topical issues like sexual harassment and LGBTQ+ rights. It was praised for its portrayal of female friendship and professional ambition.

Description: Like 'The Secret Life of Us', 'My So-Called Life' is a deeply introspective show that explores the emotional lives of its young characters. Both series are celebrated for their realistic portrayals of adolescence and young adulthood, with a focus on the complexities of relationships and identity. 'My So-Called Life' is set in high school, but its tone and themes resonate with the young adult focus of 'The Secret Life of Us'.

Fact: 'My So-Called Life' starred Claire Danes in her breakout role. The show was canceled after only one season but gained a cult following. It was praised for its honest depiction of teenage issues like sexuality and family dynamics.