You want twistiness, romance, and drama. Those are all the reasons you tuned into Cruel Intentions on Prime Video.
Okay, it was also because of the love of the movie. You’ll definitely want to rewatch the Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon movie again, and there are sequels to check out as well. But what about TV shows to binge-watch? After all, there’s a long wait for season 2—presuming we get it.
The good news is there are a few options available across streaming networks. We have five shows to start with, both old and new.
Gossip Girl
You need to start with one of the earlier steamy romance dramas. Gossip Girl has everything you could need, whether it’s the entitlement of the elite, the joy the rich get in playing with the poor, and the gossip that spreads like wildfire. Oh, and there are a few shocking romances throughout the series.
The main premise is about teenagers from the Upper East Side. There’s a blog that is divulging all the dirty secrets, and this anonymous blog wants people to share the details and juicy gossip. By the end of the series, we do get to find out who is behind the blog as well.
There was a revival series, but it wasn’t quite as good as the original series. You can watch both shows on Max.
One of Us Is Lying
While not strictly a romance show, there are some romances that pop up throughout the two seasons. One of Us Is Lying is more of a crime drama, but it’s a teen drama and based on a book of the same name.
The series brings us plenty of twists and turns. It all starts with a group of five students who go into detention, but only four make it out alive. Who killed Simon, and how did they do it without anyone else realizing? Of course, there is much more at play than you would initially think, and it doesn’t help that everyone had a reason to want Simon dead considering he’s spreading gossip about everyone.
One of Us Is Lying is available to stream on Peacock.
Panic
Again, not strictly a romance drama. In fact, there’s little romance involved, but that’s not the only reason you’re watching Cruel Intentions is it? You’re watching for the games and the bet. You want to see how lives intertwine.
Panic offers that. It follows a town where every year, seniors get a chance to win money by completely challenges. These challenges put their fears to the test, and some need the money more than others, while others want to boast about how great they are. Of course, while they aim for safety, there are dangers involved in the game, and there is the chance of death.
Panic is available to stream on Prime Video.
Pretty Little Liars
We go back to another older series. Pretty Little Liars is also based on a book series, and it brings the story of a group of teenage girls with a secret that they don’t want the town to know. Of course, that grows to more secrets, including one girl sleeping with her teacher.
The series brings in multiple couples that we end up rooting for. There are also many twists and turns as new threats and friends come to town. The question for everyone is who is A? And what does A want?
Pretty Little Liars is available on Max. You can watch the spin-off shows The Perfectionists, Original Sin, and Summer School on Max as well.
Obsession
Finally, we turn to a British thriller to get us something similar to Cruel Intentions. Obsession only has one season, but you will be, well, obsessed after it. Richard Armitage stars as William Farrow, a surgeon who starts up an affair with Anna, who happens to be the fiancée of William’s son, Jay.
What was meant to be a little bit of fun turns into an obsession. William’s career and family are on the line for this one woman, but is she everything that she says she is? This is sure to play into those who were obsessed with Lucian and his stepmom in Cruel Intentions.
Obsession is available to stream on Netflix.