The Shards isn't necessarily scary, but it's certainly gotten under my skin. Created by Ryan Murphy and adapted from Brett Easton Ellis' cult 2023 novel, the series transports us to 1980s Los Angeles, where a group of wealthy teenagers' lives are being upturned by a string of unsolved murders. And with each new episode, it becomes increasingly likely that someone among them is responsible.
Every Thursday evening, I find myself devouring a new episode, and being left on the edge of my seat about what could possibly happen next. Of course, in addition to an addictive plot, there are plenty of other details hooking me in – from a captivating cast (including Kaia Gerber, Ivy Wolk and Homer Gere), to even more captivatingly camp 80s costuming.
So, if waiting a week for the next episode is proving difficult for you too, there are plenty of other series to fill the void. Below, seven shows like The Shards to watch in the meantime.
The White Lotus
In short, if its beautiful wealthy people and a sinister twist you're looking for, The White Lotus will deliver. Each season takes us to a different White Lotus resort in some far-flung corner of the world. But, despite the beautiful surrounds, there's always a sense that something terrible is coming – and by the last episode, it always does.
Where to watch: HBO Max
Sharp Objects
Another book to series adaptation, Sharp Objects is based on Gillian Flynn’s novel by the same name. It follows a journalist who returns to her small hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls. But of course it's not a simple solve, and she is forced to confront trauma from her own past along the way. Similar to The Shards in that it's about the pursuit for the truth, and the unreliability of perception.
Where to watch: HBO Max
You
There’s no world in which You wouldn't make this list. Joe Goldberg is charming on the surface, but deeply disturbed – particularly when it comes to romantic fixations that descend into obsession and violence. This is darker than The Shards, but shares its interest in desire, paranoia, and charismatic people who aren't necessarily what they seem.
Where to watch: Netflix
Scream Queens
If it’s the Ryan Murphy of it all that you're into, Scream Queens should be your next point of call. The 2015 series follows a group of wealthy sorority girls whose university is terrorised by a masked killer. It’s unbelievably camp and full of scathing one-liners (that probably wouldn't go to air in 2026). A perfect show.
Where to watch: Disney+
Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets is admittedly more brutal than The Shards, but it's centred around a group of teenagers whose lives are (literally) upended by a plane crash. The series switches between the girls’ time stranded post-crash and their adult lives, gradually revealing what happened to them and what they were willing to do to survive.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Twin Peaks
For something considerably stranger, there’s Twin Peaks. David Lynch’s cult series begins with the murder of high-school student Laura Palmer, sending FBI agent Dale Cooper to the seemingly idyllic town to investigate. What follows is a murder-mystery-meets-surrealist-nightmare. Its dreamlike quality and fixation on the hidden lives of teenagers strike strong resemblance to The Shards.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is kind of like a grown-up, modern-day version of The Shards. Instead of the 80s its the present day, and instead of a group of teenagers it's a clique of wealthy mothers. Their complicated lives only get more complicated when someone dies, leaving a murder to solve and plenty of secrets to reveal...
Where to watch: HBO Max
