5 Best Shows To Watch Like Twin Peaks

Though released back in 1990, Twin Peaks remains a cult classic TV series, and though its unique ambiance and plot is hard to replicate, the following series come as close as it gets to emulating the beloved show. Twin Peaks is a surrealist mystery horror series which centers on the shocking murder of small-town teen, Laura Palmer. Following the crime, quirky FBI agent, Dale Cooper, arrives on the scene, hoping to figure out who killed Laura. It turns out to be a much stranger and scarier crime than anyone could have imagined.

Twin Peaks is a difficult show to find follow-ups for because it has such a distinct atmosphere and story. David Lynch, who created the series, imbued Twin Peaks with uncanny details that make the viewer feel like they are part of the mystery itself. To say the least, Twin Peaks is far from your average commercial TV show. However, that makes it all the more important that viewers can find other series that present a similar vibe. Luckily, there are a number of projects that share at least a fraction of Twin Peaks’ special energy.

5

The X-Files (1993)

FBI Special Agents Investigate Strange Occurrences

A go-to series for those who enjoy mysteries is The X-Files. Released just a few years after Twin Peaks, this series follows FBI agents Scully and Mulder as they try to solve inexplicable and out-of-this-world cases. While Mulder is a believer in all things paranormal, Scully is a doctor and a skeptic who must try to make sense of Mulder’s unusual findings. Over the course of 11 seasons, the two must come to terms with what is really out in the world.

Although The X-Files is a bit more procedural than Twin Peaks, the two shows share a love for the weird and unexplained. Arguably, The X-Files’ form benefits it, as the show presents stories like the Laura Palmer case in a much quicker form, with a new crime every episode. On top of that, The X-Files comes with an intriguing relationship between Scully and Mulder. Overall, The X-Files is a sci-fi show that audiences should not overlook.

4

The Leftovers (2014)

Society Is Broken By A Shocking Phenomenon

Another show that never tries to be “normal,” is The Leftovers. Based on a novel by Tom Perrotta, this series tells the story of “The Sudden Departure,” wherein 140 million people disappeared off the face of the planet. Three years later, society is still trying to regain its bearings with great difficulty. Individuals have begun joining a dangerous cult. All the while, a local police chief tries to keep his town and his family together.

Though a different kind of weird, The Leftovers should definitely be strange enough for Twin Peaks lovers. Right off the bat, the show presents an intriguing premise that becomes more and more captivating the longer it goes on. Plus, like Twin Peaks, The Leftovers is all about small towns and the people in them. Just like in the fictional Twin Peaks, The Leftovers sees regular people torn apart by the unexplainable.

3

Dark (2017)

The Disappearance Of Two Children Sparks Revelations

A creative Netflix show that has gotten a lot of attention, and for good reason, is Dark. This German sci-fi series focuses on a small town where two children suddenly go missing. As a result, four families begin to unravel and secrets are revealed. These secrets are not only shocking for residents, but they also defy space and time. Suddenly, the story is not just about one family or four, but about multiple generations of this town’s citizens.

Once again, Dark presents a different form of supernatural from Twin Peaks, but audiences will still be just as invested. Dark has an edgy atmosphere that makes it addicting to watch, and every reveal will leave audiences at the edge of their seats. Plus, one particular parallel between the shows is the presence of dense forests and bleak small town views. Those who love Twin Peaks will feel like they are in an alternate dimension of the series when they pick up Dark.

2

Fargo (2014)

An Anthology Based On The 1996 Film

One series that may not come to mind when considering shows like Twin Peaks is Fargo. This five-season crime series is a continuation of the 1996 movie of the same name, and follows a new cast every season, who get themselves into criminal schemes and violent situations. Fargo has been set over various different decades and has included stars such as Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and Chris Rock.

Fargo may not have the paranormal angle that Twin Peaks does, but it comes as close as any other show to replicating Twin Peaks’ unique ambiance.

Fargo may not have the paranormal angle that Twin Peaks does, but it comes as close as any other show to replicating Twin Peaks’ unique ambiance. Just like Twin Peaks, Fargo’s small towns are almost characters in and of themselves. Furthermore, the actual characters have the same dark yet quirky personalities that are so common in Twin Peaks. Just about anyone can find a character to relate to in Fargo, and this makes it a particularly strong follow-up.

1

Northern Exposure (1990)

A Doctor Moves To Rural Alaska

A series that is a perfect companion to Twin Peaks, though it doesn’t get much praise anymore, is Northern Exposure. In this series, Dr. Joel Fleischman is assigned to work in a rural Alaska town to pay for his student loans. Although Joel initially resents being in such an isolated and strange town, he eventually learns to love his odd neighbors and starts to believe in the town itself.

Northern Exposure compares well to Twin Peaks because it is yet another 1990s drama that has been somewhat forgotten by audiences. Though the show has a striking 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it has been buried by time and other TV shows. However, like Twin Peaks, it has its supporters, and for good reason. Northern Exposure is the epitome of small town oddity, and rather than leaning towards Twin Peaks’ darkness, it showcases a really big heart.