10 Shows and Movies Similar to Scrublands (2023)

Description: 'Mare of Easttown' and 'Scrublands' both center on small communities rocked by crime, with a focus on how the investigations reveal the town's hidden fractures. Both feature flawed, relatable protagonists grappling with personal demons while trying to solve the case. The realistic, grounded storytelling and emphasis on character development are key similarities.

Fact: Kate Winslet adopted a Delaware County accent for her role, which was praised for its authenticity. The series was inspired by real-life crime stories from the Philadelphia area. The show's twist was kept secret from the cast until the final table read.

Description: 'The Killing' shares with 'Scrublands' a slow-burning, character-driven approach to crime-solving, focusing on the emotional toll of the investigation on both the detectives and the community. Both series are atmospheric, with a strong sense of place—rainy, gloomy Seattle in 'The Killing' versus the arid, oppressive heat of 'Scrublands'. The themes of corruption, media scrutiny, and personal demons are also prevalent in both.

Fact: The original Danish version of 'The Killing' (Forbrydelsen) inspired the American remake. The show's protagonist, Sarah Linden, became an iconic female detective in television history. The series was known for its 'red herrings' and complex plot twists that kept viewers guessing.

Description: Both 'Top of the Lake' and 'Scrublands' are set in remote, rugged environments that are almost characters in themselves. They explore dark, unsettling crimes that expose the underbelly of seemingly peaceful communities. The storytelling is layered, with a focus on the psychological depth of the characters and the societal issues that the crimes bring to light. Both shows also feature strong, complex female leads navigating male-dominated spaces.

Fact: 'Top of the Lake' was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The series was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for the story's setting in Australia. Elisabeth Moss, who plays the lead, also served as a producer on the show.

Description: Like 'Scrublands', 'Broadchurch' is a crime drama that delves into the psychological and emotional impact of a crime on a small, tight-knit community. Both series explore themes of grief, suspicion, and the unraveling of secrets in a rural setting. The visual aesthetics of both shows emphasize the isolation and beauty of their respective landscapes, which play a crucial role in the storytelling.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was filmed in Dorset, England, and the location became a tourist attraction after the show's success. The show's creator, Chris Chibnall, later became the showrunner for 'Doctor Who'. The first season's mystery was kept tightly under wraps, with even the cast not knowing the killer's identity until the final episodes were filmed.

Description: 'True Detective' and 'Scrublands' share a noir-ish, atmospheric quality, with a focus on the detectives' personal struggles as much as the crimes they're solving. Both series delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of past traumas. The rural settings in both shows are integral to the mood and themes, with 'True Detective's Louisiana bayou paralleling 'Scrublands' Australian outback in their oppressive, haunting presence.

Fact: The first season of 'True Detective' was directed entirely by Cary Fukunaga, giving it a cohesive visual style. The show's opening theme song, 'Far From Any Road', became a hit in its own right. Matthew McConaughey's performance as Rust Cohle is considered one of the best in television history.

Description: 'The Night Of' and 'Scrublands' both examine how a single crime can unravel the lives of those involved, with a focus on the justice system's flaws and the media's role in shaping public perception. Both shows are character studies as much as they are crime dramas, with a slow-burning, meticulous approach to storytelling.

Fact: 'The Night Of' is based on the British series 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed won an Emmy for his performance, becoming the first Asian actor to win in the Lead Actor category. The show's cat, who plays a significant role, became a fan favorite.

Description: Like 'Scrublands', 'Sharp Objects' is a psychological thriller that explores the lingering effects of trauma and the secrets hidden beneath the surface of a small town. Both stories feature journalists returning to their hometowns to cover a crime, only to become entangled in the mystery themselves. The oppressive heat and Southern Gothic atmosphere of 'Sharp Objects' mirror the harsh, isolating environment of 'Scrublands'.

Fact: 'Sharp Objects' is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. The series features an all-female directing team. Amy Adams learned to play the piano for her role as Camille Preaker.

Description: While 'Big Little Lies' is more of a domestic drama than a crime thriller, it shares with 'Scrublands' a focus on how secrets and lies can tear a community apart. Both shows feature strong ensemble casts and explore themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption. The coastal settings in both series—Monterey in 'Big Little Lies' and the Australian outback in 'Scrublands'—are visually stunning yet serve as backdrops to dark, complex narratives.

Fact: 'Big Little Lies' was based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. The show's soundtrack, featuring artists like Fleetwood Mac, became hugely popular. Meryl Streep joined the cast for the second season, playing the mother of Alexander Skarsgård's character.

Description: Both 'The Outsider' and 'Scrublands' blend crime drama with psychological and supernatural elements, creating an unsettling, ambiguous tone. The small-town settings in both shows become characters themselves, with the communities' reactions to the crimes driving much of the narrative. The exploration of grief, guilt, and the unknown are central to both stories.

Fact: 'The Outsider' is based on the novel by Stephen King. The series was originally planned as a film before being adapted into a TV show. Jason Bateman, who directs and stars in the show, is better known for comedic roles.

Description: Like 'Scrublands', 'The Sinner' focuses on the 'why' rather than the 'who' of a crime, delving into the psychological motivations behind seemingly inexplicable acts. Both shows feature detectives who become personally invested in the cases, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal obsession. The small-town settings in both series amplify the tension and claustrophobia.

Fact: 'The Sinner' is based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr. The first season was originally planned as a limited series but was expanded due to its success. Jessica Biel, who stars in and produces the show, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.