10 Shows & Movies Like *The Leftovers* (2014)

Description: Similar to 'The Leftovers', 'Twin Peaks' blends surrealism with deep emotional and psychological themes. Both shows explore grief, loss, and the supernatural in small-town settings. The storytelling is non-linear and filled with mystery, making the audience question reality.

Fact: Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, 'Twin Peaks' was initially conceived as a closed-ended murder mystery but evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The show's iconic theme music, 'Falling', was composed by Angelo Badalamenti. Kyle MacLachlan's portrayal of FBI Agent Dale Cooper became one of TV's most beloved characters.

Description: Like 'The Leftovers', 'Carnivàle' is steeped in mysticism and explores themes of faith, destiny, and the battle between good and evil. Both shows have a slow-burning narrative that rewards patient viewers with rich symbolism and deep character development.

Fact: 'Carnivàle' was set during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. The show was originally planned to run for six seasons but was canceled after two due to high production costs. Creator Daniel Knauf drew inspiration from his own family's carnival background.

Description: 'Lost' shares with 'The Leftovers' a focus on characters grappling with existential questions and unexplained phenomena. Both series use flashbacks and non-linear storytelling to explore deep emotional trauma and the human condition.

Fact: 'Lost' was created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof (who also co-created 'The Leftovers'), and Jeffrey Lieber. The show's pilot episode cost between $10-14 million, making it one of the most expensive TV pilots at the time. 'Lost' popularized the use of alternate reality games (ARGs) as a marketing tool for TV shows.

Description: 'Station Eleven' shares with 'The Leftovers' a post-apocalyptic setting where characters grapple with loss and the meaning of art and human connection in the face of catastrophe. Both shows balance despair with hope.

Fact: Based on Emily St. John Mandel's novel, the show was developed by Patrick Somerville, who worked on 'The Leftovers'. The series was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding eerie relevance to its themes. Unlike most post-apocalyptic stories, 'Station Eleven' focuses on the preservation of art and culture.

Description: While more grounded in crime drama, 'The Killing' shares with 'The Leftovers' a focus on grief and the long-term effects of trauma. Both shows feature atmospheric storytelling and complex character arcs.

Fact: 'The Killing' is based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The show was canceled twice by AMC before being revived by Netflix for a final season. Joel Kinnaman's performance as Detective Stephen Holder earned widespread critical acclaim.

Description: Both 'The Man in the High Castle' and 'The Leftovers' explore alternate realities and the psychological impact of living in a world that's fundamentally different from what we know. They share themes of resistance, faith, and existential questioning.

Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's novel, the show depicts an alternate 1960s where the Axis powers won WWII. The series features one of Amazon's first major forays into original programming. The show's opening sequence, featuring a distorted version of 'Edelweiss', became iconic.

Description: 'Rectify' and 'The Leftovers' both explore themes of reintegration into society after profound personal trauma. They share a meditative pace and focus on character psychology over plot mechanics.

Fact: 'Rectify' was created by Ray McKinnon, who won an Academy Award for his short film 'The Accountant'. The show was the first original series from the Sundance Channel. Aden Young's portrayal of Daniel Holden is considered one of TV's most nuanced performances.

Description: 'Legion' mirrors 'The Leftovers' in its exploration of mental health, reality, and identity through a surreal lens. Both shows use unconventional storytelling techniques and visual styles to depict their protagonists' inner turmoil.

Fact: 'Legion' is based on Marvel Comics' character David Haller, the son of Professor X. The show's visual style was heavily influenced by Stanley Kubrick and psychedelic art. Creator Noah Hawley also created 'Fargo', another critically acclaimed series.

Description: Like 'The Leftovers', 'The Handmaid's Tale' examines how societies and individuals cope with extreme circumstances. Both shows feature strong female perspectives on trauma, resistance, and the search for meaning in oppressive systems.

Fact: Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, the show has won multiple Emmy Awards. Elisabeth Moss's performance as Offred has been widely praised. The show's red cloaks and white bonnets have become symbols of women's rights protests worldwide.

Description: Like 'The Leftovers', 'The Sinner' delves into the psychological underpinnings of seemingly inexplicable actions. Both shows explore how past traumas manifest in present behaviors, with a focus on character-driven mysteries.

Fact: 'The Sinner' is based on Petra Hammesfahr's novel of the same name. The first season starred Jessica Biel in her first major television role. Each season follows a different case, with Bill Pullman's Detective Harry Ambrose as the connecting thread.