Shows Like Teen Wolf That Supernatural Drama Fans Need To See
For decades, "Teen Wolf" was known as a 1985 comedy starring Michael J. Fox as a basketball-dunking werewolf. In 2011, a new "Teen Wolf" hit screens courtesy of MTV, but this was not your parents' werewolf story. For six seasons, the drama "Teen Wolf" explored the supernatural side of the small town of Beacon Hills, as a group of high school students led by the titular werewolf Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) went up against all sorts of threats, from demons and ghouls to hunters and fellow were-creatures.
Originally an asthmatic underdog, after he's bitten by a wolf, Scott becomes a force to be reckoned with both on the lacrosse field and off, but even as a werewolf, he never loses his connections to family and friends. It's those connections that made "Teen Wolf" the ideal combination of endearing characters and thrilling entertainment, with just the right amount of wit, romance, and teen angst thrown in to ground the show's supernatural elements. However, "Teen Wolf" isn't the only series to master this mix, leaving plenty of options available if you're looking for a similar show. Here are 12 supernatural dramas that fans of "Teen Wolf" should check out.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
If you adored the engrossing blend of typical teen travails and larger-than-life supernatural storylines of "Teen Wolf", then "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is essential viewing. Now considered a cult classic, "Buffy" is where the current spate of supernatural high school dramas began, and there are few shows that have managed to so effectively explore the demons that threaten us during our teen years with poignance and insight.
While you may be inclined to shy away from the series now, due to numerous accusations of abusive on-set behavior against creator Joss Whedon, "Buffy" was far more than the work of one person. The stellar cast, led by Sarah Michelle Gellar, brought intelligence, wit, and deep feeling to their roles, and the series also included the work of writers and producers like Marti Noxon (who went on to create "Sharp Objects") and Drew Goddard (who went on to write the movie "The Martian" and create the show "Daredevil"). "Buffy" shines because its brilliant premise is brought to life by so many creative voices.
While they don't play a huge role in the series, werewolves are part of the Buffyverse. In fact, witch Willow's (Alyson Hannigan) too cool for school (often literally) high school boyfriend Oz (Seth Green) is turned into a werewolf in the show's second season, leading to some nail-biting werewolf-centric episodes sure to please anyone who's especially fascinated by the concept of a lycanthrope.
Supernatural (2005-2020)
If six seasons of "Teen Wolf" were just too few for you, spend some time with "Supernatural," which made it to a whopping 15 seasons and more than 300 episodes. There's a reason fans couldn't get enough of the demon-hunting Winchester brothers, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles). Brave, bold, and dedicated to their calling, the pair's battles against everything from witches to werewolves to wendigos could be hilarious one episode, action-packed in the next, and heartbreaking the episode after that.
Throughout the series, now streaming on Netflix, the world of "Supernatural" became increasingly fantastical — eventually even God became a major character. Yet despite its longevity, the show never stopped experimenting with form and style. That includes two stand-out episodes that focus on werewolves, Season 2's "Heart" and Season 8's "Bitten," as well as a recurring character, Garth (DJ Qualls), who married into a werewolf family and became one himself. The werewolf episodes of "Supernatural" are not only likely to be especially tantalizing for "Teen Wolf" fans, they're also a good demonstration of the breadth of storytelling exhibited by the show. But don't stop there; there has never been a more infectious series to explore the ins and outs of strange things that go bump in the night than "Supernatural."
True Blood (2008-2014)
Given its reputation for seductive vampires, telepathic waitresses, and southern-gothic storytelling, HBO's "True Blood" may not seem like it has all that much in common with "Teen Wolf." The series, adapted from "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" books by Charlaine Harris, undeniably treads more graphic territory, full of nudity, blood, and gore that often sends the story off in all sorts of unexpected directions. However, one thing "True Blood" can boast that will surely entice "Teen Wolf" fans is a killer werewolf character in Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello), a hulking man whose obvious chemistry with main character Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) makes him the only non-vampire to successfully vie for her affections during the series.
While Alcide, and werewolves in general, aren't introduced until the third season of "True Blood" there are other lycanthropes that appear throughout the series. This includes Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell), a shapeshifter who likes to take the form of a border collie and a clan of werepanthers that Sookie's brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) becomes involved with. Yet, for werewolf action, Alcide is definitely the show's main attraction. The world that "True Blood" creates is a fascinating metaphor for prejudice and acceptance, as vampires come out of the coffin and make themselves known to the world — but their experience also makes it easy to see why werewolves and other supernatural creatures would look on and realize remaining hidden from humans is their best option.
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
The show may be called "The Vampire Diaries," but werewolves play a significant role in this tale, based on L.J. Smith's book series. This isn't always evident throughout its first season, but by Season 2, Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino) learns he comes from a family of werewolves and becomes one himself. This ushers in the ongoing inclusion of werewolf characters in the world of "Diaries," including stories revolving around the unique rules for becoming one, their lengthy history, and the introduction of different packs.
"The Vampire Diaries" makes it clear that werewolves and vampires are natural enemies, especially since a werewolf's bite is deadly to a vampire. Yet, more than once Tyler joins his friends, who are vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, to take on the latest enemies threatening the town of Mystic Falls. This is one of the reasons the show is likely to resonate with "Teen Wolf" fans, as Tyler's group is made up of far more than his fellow werewolves, just like Scott's pack. Plus, like "Teen Wolf," the high school setting of "Diaries" depicts teenagers learning to navigate love, loss and the intricacies of supernaturally-enhanced powers.
The Secret Circle (2011-2012)
"The Secret Circle" is the only show mentioned here that doesn't include a nod to werewolves. However, this CW series, which only lasted one season, created its own intriguing witch-focused story.
Adapted, like "The Vampire Diaries," from a book series by L.J. Smith, the show kicks off when Cassie Blake (Britt Robertson) moves to the small town of Chance Harbor to live with her grandmother after losing her mother in a terrible accident. She's soon approached by five of her classmates who insist that, like them, she's the latest in a long line of hereditary witches, the sixth and final member of their circle. Cassie's presence helps the group come into their full powers, starting them on new adventures of their own while they also piece together what happened between their parents before they were born, when they were members of their own circle.
Like the characters on "Teen Wolf," the characters in "The Secret Circle" maintain strong ties to their parents and guardians, who play an important role in the show. What may be even more interesting to fans of the MTV series, however, is the inclusion of some familiar faces. Shelley Hennig, who plays werecoyote Malia on "Teen Wolf," is Diana, one of the members of the coven on "The Secret Circle." In addition, JR Bourne (Chris Argent on "Teen Wolf") shows up for a handful of episodes of "The Secret Circle" as (what else?) a witch hunter.
Being Human (2011-2014)
If there's one thing we know about supernatural dramas, it's that if a show features one fantastical being, others are likely to emerge at some point. Just like "Teen Wolf" initially focused on werewolves but eventually expanded to include kitsune, banshees, and dread doctors, other shows have started by focusing on vampires only to introduce witches, werewolves, demons, and more.
"Being Human" takes this tendency to its logical conclusion, centering on a trio of roommates who happen to be a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost. Based on a British series of the same name, the characters of "Human" decide to cohabitate, in hopes of bringing some human normalcy back into their supernaturally altered live. This, of course, comes with decidedly mixed results.
Over 4 seasons, "Human" introduced creature-specific cultures through the eyes of its three main characters, as they attempted to support one another through their individual supernatural challenges. Werewolf Josh (Sam Huntington), in particular, uproots his entire existence when he realizes what he's become, yet continues to mourn the life he has lost. That doesn't prevent him from landing in all kinds of sticky situations due to his fellow werewolves, his association with a vampire, or his own animalistic nature. Anyone who loves the depictions Scott's challenges on "Teen Wolf" when he is first bitten will appreciate the "Human" deep dive into the ongoing challenges of a lone wolf.
Grimm (2011-2017)
If your favorite character in "Teen Wolf" is Sheriff Stalinski (Linden Ashby), "Grimm" is an ideal option for your next binge. The show, which is currently available on Amazon Prime Video, takes a procedural approach to supernatural drama, centering on Portland detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) who learns that he's a so-called Grimm, people who protect the world from evil supernatural creatures referred to as wesen. Soon, Nick realizes many of the crimes he's investigating are linked to beings from fairy tales, some who he hunts, some who he defends, and some who he takes on as allies.
Nick's first and most steadfast ally is Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), a wolf-like wesen who is modeled on the big bad wolf, but could also be seen as a riff on werewolves. Despite his species' bad reputation, Monroe has reformed his ways and becomes Nick's connection to the largely hidden wesen community. Over six seasons, the universe of Grimm becomes increasingly strange, but it also largely stays true to its supernatural procedural roots, making it one of the more unique options listed here.
Wolfblood (2012-2017)
If you're looking for a series reminiscent of "Teen Wolf" but aimed at a slightly younger audience, British series "Wolfblood" should scratch that itch. Over five seasons, "Wolfblood" followed the stories of a number of young teenage characters who looked human but were actually wolfbloods — the preferred name for werewolves. In this tale, you can't become a wolfblood by being bitten, you must be born into the species.
That's why Maddy (Aimee Kelly), the main character of the first and second seasons, knows exactly what's going on when new boy Rhydian (Bobby Lockwood) joins her class. Rhydian is an orphan who recently turned into a wolf for the first time, and without a family to guide him, has no idea what's going on. Fortunately, Maddy and her family are there to educate him on the ways of the wolfblood. Furthermore, the fact that wolfbloods' first wolf transformation more or less coincides with the start of puberty makes this period even more dire for these young adolescents.
Each season of "Wolfblood" introduces new characters that reveal more sides of the world this strange breed of werewolves inhabit, from a pack that chooses to live wild to a biotech company run by wolfbloods. While the series was created for a tween/teen audience, its story becomes complex and fascinating enough that it has the good to also satisfy curious adults.
Bitten (2014-2016)
Canadian show "Bitten," based on the "Otherworld" novels by Kelly Armstrong, establishes its sexy supernatural bona fides from the very first scene. Elena Michaels (Laura Vandervoort) is mid-coitus with her boyfriend Phillip (Paul Greene) when another, more powerful urge overtakes her. To Philip's astonishment, Elena makes an excuse, gets dressed, and leaves suddenly, only to make her way to a nearby alley and strip again. This time however, Elena transforms into an enormous wolf.
Elena is a werewolf who abandoned her pack in upstate New York a year ago in the hopes of carving out a normal life for herself in Toronto. However, when a girl is murdered by a rogue werewolf near her pack's territory, she's called back home, and things only get more complicated from there.
Like Posey in "Teen Wolf," Vandervoort, who is perhaps best known for playing Supergirl on "Smallville," is an appealing lead on "Bitten" and is surrounded by an alluring cast of mostly male characters that make being a werewolf look good. While there's some nudity in "Bitten," it's mostly organic to the plot — after all, no one wants to ruin their clothes when they transition from human to werewolf. Overall, "Bitten" is a great choice for anyone craving a supernatural story that focuses its attention squarely on werewolves.
Shadowhunters (2016-2019)
Based on the book series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare, "Shadowhunters" centered on Clary Fray (Katherine McNamara), who until her 18th birthday led a completely ordinary life, with loyal friends, a loving mother, and a coveted acceptance to the Brooklyn Academy of Arts.
But, while out celebrating her special day, she bumps into a blonde guy only she can see — and then, after following him into a nearby club, she witnesses him battling demons. Unsure what's going on, Clary tells her mother what she saw — only to have dear ol' mom reveal the same markings on her skin as the demon-killing blonde. It turns out Clary is a shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid tasked with protecting the humanity from demons.
This revelation launches Clary into a new world full of magic and creatures galore. As her journey continues, she learns her long-time father figure Luke (Isaiah Mustafa) is a werewolf, and her best friend Simon (Alberto Rosende) becomes a vampire. But it's the story's focus of new allies and steadfast old friends banding together to take on supernatural challenges that should strike a chord with "Teen Wolf" fans. Even as Clary becomes more involved with her fellow shadowhunters, she always retains ties to the people who knew her long before she learned about her unique powers.
Legacies (2018-present)
The third show in "The Vampire Diaries" Universe, "Legacies," like "Teen Wolf," is set during its main characters' high school years. However, in this case, those characters attend the Salvatore School, specifically created for vampire, witch, and werewolf students (the three main supernatural species featured in the series).
Hope Mikaelson (Danielle Rose Russell) happens to be all three, making her the world's one and only tri-brid, and powerful in ways she has yet to completely unlock. In "Legacies" she and the other students become a supernatural frontline against the demons and other monsters that seem to constantly plague the town of Mystic Falls, the backdrop for "The Vampire Diaries."
Now in its fourth season on The CW, "Legacies" includes enough werewolf stories to satisfy "Teen Wolf" fans, mostly involving the Salvatore School's very own werewolf pack. In Season 3, the episode "All's Well That Ends Well" includes what could be seen as an homage to the MTV show, as vampire student MG tracks and confronts a rogue werewolf among the school buses of Mystic Falls High — an unusual location for "Legacies" but one that was regularly seen on "Teen Wolf."
The Order (2019-2020)
Over two seasons, Netflix's "The Order" told the story of an ongoing war between werewolves and magicians — and the college freshman involved with both groups.
Jack Morton (Jake Manley) has schemed with his grandfather (Matt Frewer, "Max Headroom") for years to get into Belgrave University so he can join the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose, a secret society that is rumored to be behind the ascendance of all kinds of successful people. But it's not wealth, power, or fame that Jack and his grandfather are after. Instead, they want to exact revenge on Jack's father, Edward Coventry (Max Martini), who they blame for the suicide of Jack's mother; he has no idea Jack exists.
While Jack manages to join the Order and put his plan in motion, he also inadvertently joins another secret society: the Knights of Saint Christopher, a group of students who have each been chosen by a different Hide to become a werewolf. The mission of the Knights of Saint Christopher is to detect and fight against magic, which makes Jack's status as a member of both groups singularly complicated.
If you love "Teen Wolf" but want something with a bit more dark magic, you'll love "The Order." Plus, it introduces a whole new werewolf mythology that reimagines the way someone is turned, while giving the werewolves a noble mission and a rich backstory that makes them far more than mindless animals.