Since its release on September 5, 2024, the Netflix mystery drama The Perfect Couple has quickly become one of the platform’s most popular series.
Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel by Jenna Lamia, the show is set against the backdrop of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Reflecting the peculiar behaviors of wealthy socialites, it promises a gripping portrayal of their flaws. If you’ve binge-watched all six episodes of The Perfect Couple and are eager for similar narratives, check out our list of ten comparable series that satisfy your craving. We’ve ranked them, placing our top pick at the number one position.
10. The Undoing
In this psychological thriller, Nicole Kidman stars as Grace, a role from the novel You Should Have Known written by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Adapted for HBO by David E. Kelley, the series debuted on October 25, 2020.
The Undoing tells the story of a privileged couple in New York City, Grace (Kidman) and Jonathan Fraser (Hugh Grant), whose lavish lifestyle is shattered when a young woman (Matilda De Angelis) is found murdered, and Jonathan becomes the prime suspect. The plot intricately weaves through various potential suspects, leaving viewers reflecting on what they “should have known” by the finale.
9. Sharp Objects
Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, Sharp Objects, published in 2006, serves as the basis for this psychological thriller created by Marti Noxon. The series premiered on HBO on July 8, 2018, and features Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a journalist with a troubled past who returns to her hometown in Missouri to cover the grisly murders of two girls. Camille’s investigation leads her to clash with her overbearing mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson, a Golden Globe winner for the role), as she delves into unsettling truths.
8. Revenge
Airling from 2011 to 2015, ABC’s drama Revenge captured audiences every Wednesday. Created by Mike Kelley, it draws inspiration from Alexandre Dumas’s classic 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The narrative follows Emily VanCamp as Emily Thorne, a young woman on a vengeful mission in the affluent Hamptons after a scandal devastates her family’s reputation. She’s determined to settle scores, particularly against Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe).
7. Nine Perfect Strangers
Developed by David E. Kelley alongside John-Henry Butterworth, Nine Perfect Strangers is a drama adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel, which debuted on Hulu on August 18, 2021, and was renewed for a second season in June 2023.
The plot revolves around several wealthy individuals on a ten-day retreat at Tranquillum House, a fictitious wellness center led by the enigmatic Masha (once again portrayed by Nicole Kidman). The guests soon uncover sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface, especially after Masha covertly administers Psilocybin, leading to chaos. The ensemble cast shines with performances by Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, and Regina Hall.
6. Bad Sisters
Contrary to other entries on this list, Bad Sisters is an original concept developed by Sharon Horgan (who also stars), along with Dave Finkel and Brett Baer, inspired by the Belgian show Clan. The series premiered on Apple TV+ on August 19, 2022, with a second season set to debut on November 13, 2024.
The story centers around five sisters in Dublin: Eva (Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson), who devise a plan to eliminate Grace’s abusive spouse. However, once he dies unexpectedly, they find themselves under scrutiny as prime suspects by an insurance investigator (Brian Gleeson) eager to uncover fraud and save his business.
5. The Staircase
This miniseries, created by Antonio Campos, is based on a 2004 true crime docuseries by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Colin Firth stars as Michael Peterson, a wealthy crime novelist whose wife (Toni Collette) is discovered dead at the foot of their staircase, leading to a complex investigation where everyone is a suspect. The Staircase serves as a harrowing exploration of a real-life murder that raises more questions than it answers.
4. Little Fires Everywhere
Both Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon star in this Hulu series, also serving as producers. Based on Celeste Ng’s novel, Witherspoon plays Elena, the perfect suburban mother whose life takes a turn when artist Mia (Washington) and her daughter Pearl (Lexi Underwood) enter the picture. Across eight suspenseful episodes, the story delves into the lengths a mother will go for her child.
3. Ripley
Patricia Highsmith penned five novels featuring Tom Ripley between 1955 and 1991. This Netflix series, based on the first novel The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955), marks a groundbreaking adaptation for television.
The psychological neo-noir thriller showcases Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, a con artist who ingratiates himself into the lives of wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning). Over the course of eight episodes, Ripley’s motives intensify as he schemes to displace Dickie and seize his luxurious lifestyle.
2. The White Lotus
The White Lotus is a fully original series, not derived from any book or previous adaptations. Initially conceived as a limited series, its unexpected success led to its evolution into an anthology, with two seasons (set in Maui and Sicily) already aired and a third, located in Thailand, scheduled for 2025.
Featuring a stellar cast, including Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, F. Murray Abraham, Michael Imperioli, and Jennifer Coolidge, this dark comedy sees Coolidge as the only cast member returning for the second season.
1. Big Little Lies
At the forefront, Big Little Lies delves into the influence of wealth and privilege, exploring the lives of those who possess it or long for it. Like Nine Perfect Strangers, it’s based on Liane Moriarty’s work and adapted by David E. Kelley. Initially a limited series, it was extended following its overwhelming success and favorable reception.
The narrative revolves around the “Monterey Five,” a group of affluent women in California who unite to conceal a crime during the first season. Nicole Kidman portrays Celeste, a wealthy woman entrenched in an abusive relationship with her husband (Alexander Skarsgard). Joining her on this captivating journey are Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz, each grappling with their own dilemmas. Meryl Streep is introduced in season two.
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