7 Shows That Tried (And Failed) to Recreate Big Little Lies’ Magic

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Big Little Lies wasn’t the first show of its kind, but it definitely sparked a trend. Now there are many series that follow a similar formula: a mystery centered around a shocking crime in an affluent community, often involving children. People often refer to these shows simply as ‘a Big Little Lies type show’.

These series, often adapted from novels, typically feature dramatic plot twists and a high-quality, visually appealing style. Big Little Lies was particularly successful and emotionally resonant, even its second season, which some considered a risk. (It’s still unclear what the third season will be like.) Subsequent shows have tried to replicate this success with mixed results.

The Undoing

2020

Like Big Little Lies, The Undoing stars Nicole Kidman and was created by David E. Kelly, but unfortunately, that isn’t enough to make this series compelling. It tries to capture the same kind of shocked, whispered conversations a real-life scandal would create, and often relies on unclear characters and questionable motives to keep viewers guessing.

To justify sacrificing in-depth character development, a story needs truly unexpected plot twists that dramatically change everything and reveal hidden layers to the characters. Initially, The Undoing appears to be fairly straightforward – it’s largely what you expect.

As a big fan of a good mystery, I noticed a few attempts at misdirection, but honestly, they felt a little forced. It wasn’t that the story was cleverly building to a surprise – it just felt like the show was holding back information to make it seem mysterious. I prefer when twists feel earned, not just hidden!

Nine Perfect Strangers

2021-2025

Despite the successful pairing of Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelly in the past, their recent series Nine Perfect Strangers hasn’t lived up to expectations. While based on a solid novel by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty, the first season was just okay, and the second season is even worse. It seems this collaboration hasn’t recaptured the magic of their previous work.

The people attending Masha’s strange retreat felt incredibly vulnerable, particularly Frances, who was tricked in a romance scam. Melissa McCarthy plays Frances in the series, and it’s unclear if she’s meant to be playing a comedic role. The show itself also seems unsure whether to fully develop its supporting characters or simply use them to move the story forward.

Season 2 features a new retreat led by Masha, and it actually does a better job of showing genuine connection between the participants. They’re interesting people, and their relationships feel real. However, the show spends too much time revealing Masha’s complicated past, even though we’d already figured out a lot of it from earlier episodes.

Defending Jacob

2020

“Defending Jacob” is a gripping thriller that keeps you guessing until the final moments, thanks in part to Jaeden Martell’s strong performance. It evokes the feeling of shows like “Adolescence” and “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” creating a truly suspenseful and frightening atmosphere. However, its resemblance to “Adolescence” hints at a different direction the show could have taken, one that might have been even more effective.

Even with its final secrets intact, Defending Jacob stays a suspenseful thriller, but misses a chance to really explore its characters. By focusing on whether Jacob committed the crime, the show doesn’t delve into how the events affect the people involved.

While there are some clues along the way, Defending Jacob is primarily a fast-paced mystery that focuses on keeping you hooked and wanting to find out what happens next. Unlike Adolescence, it’s the plot’s progression, rather than deeply developed characters, that drives the show. The best shows, like Big Little Lies, successfully combine both compelling characters and a captivating storyline.

Under The Bridge

2024

Based on a true story, Under the Bridge is a deeply sad show that’s hard to look away from. It offers a comprehensive look at life in Saanich, British Columbia, delving into various aspects of the town – from gang activity and the experiences of Indian Canadian immigrants, to youth group homes and the work of the local police. Each of these elements is explored with impressive detail.

The show doesn’t fully explore the personal history of Rebecca Godfrey, the author whose book inspired it. While hints of a difficult past for her and her parents are dropped throughout the series, it never leads to a satisfying resolution or big reveal. There’s an obvious tension between Rebecca and her parents that feels unresolved, and the show largely sidesteps the issue by having her avoid them.

Even though the competition is tough, Under the Bridge is a compelling and moving account of a true tragedy.

All Her Fault

2025

Sarah Snook’s latest series is full of unexpected twists and turns, constantly revealing shocking secrets that keep you hooked and wanting more. The characters in All Her Fault, including Marissa’s in-laws and her colleague Colin, initially come across as exaggerated stereotypes, each with a noticeable flaw that makes you question their motives.

The story takes surprising turns, revealing that initial misleading clues were actually important pieces of the puzzle. This leads to a deeper understanding of each character, showcasing their true selves in a satisfying way. The show’s twists aren’t simply reveals of hidden information, but rather the natural result of the story unfolding organically.

While the show sometimes overemphasizes the challenges faced by working mothers versus fathers, especially when comparing Jenny Kaminsky to her husband, the character of Marissa, played by Snook, is compelling. She’s a smart and determined investigator, and her performance drives the story to a powerful and surprising ending.

Bad Sisters

2022-Present

《Bad Sisters》stands out from the rest of the shows on this list. Unlike the others, it wasn’t adapted from a book or made by an American company. This gives it a unique vibe, and interestingly, it became even better as it took on characteristics similar to shows like 《Big Little Lies》.

The first season was very funny, with a lot of physical comedy. It felt like a complete story on its own, but like shows such as Big Little Lies, Bad Sisters came back for a second season that was also popular. This second season focused on the emotional consequences of what happened in season one, and it really delved into the personalities of the characters we already knew and loved.

Season two of Bad Sisters presented a new, gripping mystery, swapping the show’s previous comedic moments for suspense, emotional depth, unexpected twists, and a cast of characters you can’t quite trust. The season’s focus on Blánaid’s troubled youth solidifies the show’s position alongside dramas like Big Little Lies.

Sharp Objects

2018

Sharp Objects is a show that’s as compelling as Big Little Lies. It consistently evokes a sense of sadness, and this mood is reinforced by both the characters and the storyline, making it a rewarding watch. The main character, Camille Preaker, is complex and feels like she stepped out of a novel, struggling with deep internal issues, and Amy Adams delivers a heartbreaking performance as her.

The mystery in the story is cleverly connected to Camille’s own life, constantly building both the emotional impact and the suspense. Each new revelation affects both the plot and the characters, throwing Camille off balance and pushing the story forward. While Sharp Objects has a surprising twist at the end, it doesn’t sacrifice developing its characters to get there.

The final twist in Sharp Objects feels like a cruel but effective culmination of everything the show – which shares similarities with Big Little Lies – had built up. While shocking, it’s deeply upsetting for Camille and viewers alike, as in hindsight, the signs were always there.

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2025-12-08 19:11