11 Gripping Shows to Watch After ‘Baby Reindeer’ That Tackle Tough Topics

Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” is a masterful exploration of consent and sexual assault, drawing from the creator’s own harrowing experiences. The series follows Arabella, a young novelist who wakes up one morning with no recollection of the previous night, only to realize she was the victim of a sexual assault.

Coel’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing as she navigates Arabella’s journey for justice and healing. Like “Baby Reindeer,” “I May Destroy You” is a poignant testament to the bravery of survivors who turn their trauma into art, allowing audiences to bear witness to their stories with empathy and understanding.

“I May Destroy You” doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of sexual assault, but it also celebrates the strength and resilience of its characters. Arabella’s friends rally around her, offering support and understanding, while she grapples with the complexities of her experience. The series masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, exploring the nuances of consent, toxic masculinity, and the lasting impact of trauma. Through its unflinching honesty and emotional depth, “I May Destroy You” emerges as a powerful and essential viewing experience.

While “Beef” might not revolve around a stalker-victim dynamic like “Baby Reindeer,” it explores the depths of human obsession and self-loathing with a darkly comedic twist. The series follows two individuals, played by Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, who become embroiled in a destructive cycle of revenge after a road rage incident spirals out of control.
Like “Baby Reindeer,” “Beef” delves into the psyche of characters consumed by their own demons, unable to let go of their fixations. The performances by Yeun and Wong are nothing short of captivating, as they navigate the fine line between humor and tragedy with remarkable skill.

“Beef” is a masterclass in exploring the darker aspects of human nature, while still finding moments of levity and humor. The series examines how our obsessions and grudges can consume us, leading to self-destructive behavior that ripples outward, affecting those around us. With its sharp writing and compelling character arcs, “Beef” offers a twisted and darkly entertaining look at the consequences of letting our demons take control.

Based on the iconic Patricia Highsmith novel, “Ripley” is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a sophisticated con artist. Andrew Scott delivers a mesmerizing performance as Tom Ripley, a man who insinuates himself into the lives of the wealthy, adopting their personas and stopping at nothing to attain the life he desires.

Like Martha in “Baby Reindeer”, “Ripley” is a master of deception, crafting elaborate lies and personas to fulfill his twisted ambitions. The series is a taut and suspenseful exploration of the lengths one might go to escape their reality and inhabit the life of someone else.

“Ripley” is a captivating study of obsession, identity, and the dark corners of the human psyche. As Ripley’s web of lies grows more intricate, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering just how far he’ll go to maintain his charade.

With its lush cinematography and impeccable attention to detail, “Ripley” is a visual feast that perfectly complements its gripping narrative. For fans of “Baby Reindeer,” this series offers a chilling glimpse into the mind of a master manipulator, exploring the depths of human desire and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

From the minds of Donald Glover and Janine Nabers comes “Swarm,” a darkly comedic and unsettling exploration of obsessive fandom. The series follows Dre, played by Dominique Fishback, a young woman whose infatuation with a pop star spirals into a dangerous and violent obsession.

“Swarm”serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked obsession, but it does so with a unique blend of satire and horror. Fishback’s performance is a tour de force, as she navigates Dre’s descent into madness with equal parts humor and terror.

“Swarm” is a biting satire on celebrity worship and the toxic culture of fandom. As Dre’s actions become increasingly unhinged, the series holds a mirror up to society’s unhealthy fixation with fame and the dangerous lengths some will go to feel connected to their idols.
With its bold storytelling and unflinching exploration of violence, “Swarm” is not for the faint of heart. However, for those willing to embrace its darkly comedic tone, the series offers a thought-provoking and entertaining examination of the extremes of human obsession.

“You” is a gripping psychological thriller that takes viewers on a disturbing journey into the mind of Joe Goldberg, a charming yet deeply disturbed serial stalker and killer. Penn Badgley delivers a captivating performance as Joe, whose internal monologue provides a chilling glimpse into the twisted rationalization of his actions.

Joe’s obsessions are fueled by his own delusions and misinterpretations of reality. As he insinuates himself into the lives of his victims, the series masterfully builds tension and suspense, leaving viewers both horrified and enthralled. While “You” is undoubtedly a thrilling and suspenseful series, it also serves as a poignant exploration of toxic masculinity and the dangerous consequences of unchecked entitlement.

Joe’s warped sense of ownership over his victims is a disturbing reflection of societal attitudes that enable and perpetuate violence against women. With its sharp writing and unflinching examination of complex themes, “You” is a must-watch for fans of “Baby Reindeer” who appreciate narratives that challenge and provoke, while also delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

“Fleabag” is a British dark comedy-drama series created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show follows a young, witty, and troubled woman navigating life in London while dealing with personal loss, family dysfunction, and romantic entanglements. The protagonist often breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience with biting humor and vulnerability.

“Fleabag” received widespread acclaim for its sharp writing, Waller-Bridge’s standout performance, and its innovative storytelling. It won numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards, with Waller-Bridge taking home accolades for Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actress, and writing. The show was celebrated for its originality, emotional depth, and its candid exploration of complex themes.

“Chloe” is a British psychological thriller that follows Becky, a lonely woman who becomes obsessed with the life of her estranged childhood friend, Chloe. As Becky’s obsession deepens, she assumes a false identity and insinuates herself into Chloe’s social circle, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Becky’s actions are fueled by a deep-seated desire to escape her own reality and inhabit the life of someone else. The series is a taut exploration of identity, loneliness, and the dangerous consequences of unchecked obsession.

The show is a captivating study of loneliness and the lengths one might go to feel connected to others. Erin Doherty’s performance as Becky is a tour de force, as she navigates the complexities of her character’s motivations and actions with equal parts vulnerability and menace.

With its twisting plot and atmospheric cinematography, “Chloe” is a gripping and visually stunning thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For fans of “Baby Reindeer,” this series offers a compelling exploration of the dark side of human nature and the lengths we’ll go to escape our own realities.

“Killing Eve” is a critically acclaimed television series centered around the cat-and-mouse chase between Eve Polastri, a British intelligence investigator, and Villanelle, a charismatic and psychopathic assassin. The show, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is known for its sharp writing, dark humor, and complex character dynamics. It received widespread praise for its unique blend of suspense, wit, and strong performances, particularly from Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, earning several awards and nominations, including Emmys and Golden Globes.

“Baby Reindeer,” shares thematic similarities with “Killing Eve” in its exploration of obsession and psychological complexity. Both works delve into the dynamics between their central characters with intense and often darkly humorous undertones. While “Killing Eve” presents a high-stakes chase between two women with a mix of suspense and comedy, “Baby Reindeer” focuses on the harrowing effects of a disturbing relationship from a more personal and introspective perspective. Both highlight the intricate and often unsettling nature of human connections.

“Bad Sisters” is a television series created by Sharon Horgan that follows the lives of the Garvey sisters as they navigate the complexities of family loyalty, secrets, and dark humor. The show, which blends drama with dark comedy, centers on the sisters’ increasingly strained relationship with their abusive brother-in-law, culminating in a murder mystery. It has been acclaimed for its sharp writing, strong ensemble cast, and its ability to balance tension with humor. The series received praise for its originality, strong performances, and engaging narrative, earning several awards and nominations.

Similar to “Baby Reindeer” by Richard Gadd, “Bad Sisters” delves into the darker aspects of human relationships and psychological tension. Both works explore themes of family dynamics and personal conflict, with a focus on the impact of toxic relationships. While “Bad Sisters” presents these themes through a murder mystery and dark comedy, “Baby Reindeer” examines them through a more introspective and intense lens. Both highlight the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of deeply dysfunctional interactions.

“Lady in the Lake” is a limited series based on Laura Lippman’s novel. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show centers on Maddie Schwartz, a housewife who becomes a journalist and investigates the murder of a young woman. As she delves into the case, she uncovers layers of corruption and societal issues, challenging her own beliefs and identity. The series intertwines personal and societal narratives, exploring themes of feminism, ambition, and the impact of journalism.

The series is noted for its rich period detail, complex characters, and its examination of themes such as gender roles, race, and the power dynamics of journalism. The show offers a nuanced portrayal of its characters and their struggles, set against the backdrop of a turbulent historical period.

“13 Reasons Why” is a drama series based on the novel by Jay Asher. The story begins with the suicide of Hannah Baker, a high school student who leaves behind a series of cassette tapes explaining the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Each tape is addressed to individuals who, in Hannah’s view, contributed to her emotional distress. The series unfolds as her classmates and friends listen to the tapes, revealing layers of bullying, betrayal, and personal struggles within the high school environment.

The show explores heavy and complex themes such as mental health, sexual assault, and the consequences of actions on others. It has been both praised and criticized for its raw portrayal of sensitive topics and its impact on viewers. While it aims to spark important conversations about mental health and support, it has also faced scrutiny for its depiction of graphic content and its potential influence on vulnerable audiences.