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7 Shows to Watch If You Like “Friday Night Lights”

The worst thing about the show is that there are only five seasons. So, if you binge-watched the series in a few weeks, you’re probably missing Dillon, Texas, and its intriguing cast of characters.

Here are TV shows you'll enjoy if you liked Friday Night Lights
Joker Mag Illustration

There are a lot of reasons to love Friday Night Lights. The last-minute game-winning drives, the emotional storylines, Coach Taylor’s epic speeches, and the small-town underdog spirit.

The worst thing about the show is that there are only five seasons. So, if you binge-watched the series in a few weeks, you’re probably missing Dillon, Texas, and its intriguing cast of characters.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of great TV series to fill the void. Here are 7 shows like Friday Night Lights.

What Shows Are Like Friday Night Lights?

Table of Contents

Titletown High (2021 – )

Newly released on Netflix, this reality series follows the ups and downs of a Georgia high school football team playing under a controversial coach.

As many are aware, Friday Night Lights the show is a spinoff of the movie based on a book about a real high school football team. Along the same lines, Titletown High follows a town hungry for its first title since 1992.

Similar Themes: High school football, teenage drama, high stakes

Where to Watch: Netflix

Playmakers (2003)

This controversial ESPN series ran for just one season. Canceled due to pressure from the NFL, the series gives a glimpse of what really happens behind the scenes in professional football.

Playmakers depicts steroid use, drug addiction, domestic violence, and more edgy topics that league execs would rather be kept out of the public eye. It’s a bit darker than what FNL fans are used to, but it’s a solid sports drama nonetheless.

Similar Themes: Football, team atmosphere, gritty

Where to Watch: You can find episodes free on YouTube

All American (2018– )

Inspired by the life of former NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger, this football drama follows fictional wide receiver Spencer James. As the show’s protagonist, James (played by Daniel Ezra) is reminiscent of Michael B. Jordan’s Vince Howard – a star player coping with his troubled family life.

While it takes a few episodes to find its footing, the series is worth trying out for anyone missing their Dillon Panthers.

Similar Themes: Football, family drama

Where to Watch: Netflix

RELATED: 7 Shows Like ‘All American’ You Need to Watch

Ted Lasso (2020– )

Since its mid-pandemic release on Apple TV+, Ted Lasso has garnered praise from a variety of demographics. From my friends in their mid-20’s to family friends kicking off their retirement, I’ve heard rave reviews from everyone.

The dramatic comedy follows an American football coach who crosses the pond to coach a struggling U.K. soccer club. It’s a feel-good underdog story full of characters you’ll love to root for.

Similar Themes: Underdog spirit, inspiring coach

Where to Watch: Apple TV+

Blue Mountain State (2010–2011)

I loved this show in high school. If you’re in that age bracket, you’ll probably like it too. However, if you’re a little older (and more mature), I’d probably skip this one.

More like American Pie than Friday Night Lights, this sitcom follows a fictional college football powerhouse. Full of over-the-top characters and ridiculous storylines, it takes a look at the lighter side of competitive sports.

Similar Themes: Football, locker room atmosphere, likeable characters

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

One Tree Hill (2003–2011)

One Tree Hill follows two half-brothers growing up in the same small town – separate from one another. Their biological father raised his one son but refused to claim the other.

The Scott brothers’ paths ultimately converge, driving a dramatic narrative beginning with high school basketball and branching out into more sensitive issues later on.

If you enjoy the pilot, you’ll be happy to know there are 186 more episodes to watch. The show ran for 9 seasons, spanning 10 years across two networks.

Similar Themes: Small town, teenage drama, high school sports

Where to Watch: Hulu

Outer Banks (2020– )

While it isn’t sports-related, Outer Banks is a show with a similar coming-of-age feel to Friday Night Lights. Its main characters are high schoolers who find themselves in the middle of a high stakes treasure hunt.

The critically-acclaimed series deals with familial struggles, relationship trouble, and the meaning of friendship. It’s fast-moving, so you’ll get wrapped into the plot immediately.

Each character has an interesting backstory that provides depth not typically found in teen dramas.

Similar Themes: High stakes, teenage drama

Where to Watch: Netflix

Is there a show like Friday Night Lights that we missed? Let us know on Twitter.

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Written By

Division III baseball alum (McDaniel College) and founder of Joker Mag. Sharing underdog stories to inspire the next generation.

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