Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Envious’ or ‘Envidiosa’ is an Argentine comedy-drama series that centers on the life of Victoria Mori AKA Vicky (Griselda Siciliani). At 40, she finds herself increasingly frustrated as her friends settle into marriage while her own relationship remains unchanged. Determined to force a turning point, she tells her longtime boyfriend to commit to marriage or lose her. When the plan fails, Vicky abruptly ends the relationship and throws herself into finding a new partner who can fulfill her dream. Driven by jealousy and comparison, she spirals into a series of chaotic situations, often disrupting social gatherings and straining friendships.
As her search intensifies, Vicky turns to therapy, where she begins confronting her insecurities, leading her on an unexpected and often turbulent path toward self-discovery. Directed by Gabriel Medina, the narrative is a wild and unpredictable journey into the intrigues of the female experience. In this list, we bring you shows similar to ‘Envious’ that capture the essence of human emotions while also exploring the complexities of modern life.
8. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015-2019)
Created by Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ is a romantic musical comedy-drama show that centers on Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom), a highly accomplished lawyer working at a prestigious NYC firm. Despite her success, she struggles with anxiety and dissatisfaction rooted in her past. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Josh Chan (Vincent Rodriguez III), a former boyfriend, and learns that he is living in California, she moves there hoping for a fresh start.
Once there, she joins a new law firm, forms bonds, and attempts to reconnect with Josh. Rebecca becomes entangled in chaos while facing resistance from Josh’s girlfriend, Valencia Perez (Gabrielle Ruiz). Forced to confront her own motivations, Rebecca must make tough choices. The show complements ‘Envious’ by exploring relationship issues, fresh starts, obsession, and jealousy through the main character’s experiences.
7. Shrill (2019-2021)
Hulu’s ‘Shrill’ follows the ups and downs of Annie Easton (Aidy Bryant), an aspiring journalist who is determined to transform her life. As she navigates toxic boyfriends, ailing parents, and a demanding boss, Annie constantly battles a world that marginalizes her due to her weight. Throughout her journey, she experiences a profound shift in perspective, realizing her intrinsic worth and choosing to assert herself in a world that doesn’t take her seriously or give her the value she deserves. The show is based on ‘‘Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman’ written by Lindy West, who served as a co-creator alongside Aidy Bryant and Alexandra Rushfield. It explores the complexities of self-acceptance and the pursuit of personal fulfillment despite external pressures and setbacks, akin to ‘Envious.’
6. Starstruck (2021-2023)
Rose Matafeo is the creator of BBC’s ‘Starstruck,’ which delves into the world of Jessie (Rose Matafeo), a young woman navigating life in East London while juggling various jobs and living with her best friend, Kate (Emma Sidi). Her routine is disrupted following a chance encounter and hookup with Tom Kapoor (Nikesh Patel), a high-profile actor. Though their lifestyles are worlds apart, Jessie and Tom find themselves repeatedly drawn to one another.
Their intricate dynamics profoundly influence their personal growth and futures in ways they never anticipated. As they navigate the complexities of their connection, their relationship endures a series of emotional highs and lows, marked by cycles of separation and reconciliation. The British comedy series shares similarities with ‘Envious’ in that it digs deep into the female experience through chaotic relationship struggles, funny moments, and moments of personal realization.
5. Too Much (2025)
Netflix’s ‘Too Much’ is a romantic comedy series that explores the trials of Jessica Salmon (Megan Stalter), a fiercely independent New Yorker who relocates to London after a painful breakup with her boyfriend, Zev (Michael Zegen). Hoping to rebuild both her life and career, she tries adjusting to a new city, which proves challenging. But her path shifts when she meets Felix Remen (Will Sharpe), a struggling musician whose presence draws her into an intense and complicated romantic connection. As their relationship deepens, moments of closeness are tested by insecurities and emotional baggage. Through Jessica’s journey, the Lena Dunham and Luis Felber creation captures the essence of Vicky’s struggles in ‘Envious.’ Both shows explore the search for love and belonging in intricate ways.
4. This Way Up (2019-2021)
Created by Aisling Bea, ‘This Way Up’ offers a poignant and grounded exploration of family bonds and the search for purpose. The British comedy-drama follows Aine (Aisling Bea), an Irish woman living in London, as she comes to terms with the consequences of a nervous breakdown. While her protective older sister, Shona (Sharon Horgan), encourages her toward a more stable and fulfilling life, Aine begins working as an English teacher. As she navigates her recovery, she becomes romantically interested in Richard (Tobias Menzies), attempting to win him over with her eccentric personality while simultaneously managing her mental health. The series is spiritually related to ‘Envious’ with its representation of female mental well-being and chaotic relationship troubles, where a determined woman tries to find love at any cost.
3. Fleabag (2016-2019)
Adapted from her one-woman stage production, creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays the titular role in the BBC’s ‘Fleabag.’ The British comedy-drama series centers on a witty yet troubled Londoner known only as Fleabag, who manages the chaos of urban life while grappling with personal loss, strained family dynamics, and romantic entanglements. A significant part of the story is the enigmatic relationship she maintains with her sister, Claire (Sian Clifford).
Fleabag must reckon with her history, her questionable choices, and her inherent vulnerabilities as her romantic life grows more puzzling and her sense of self-worth is challenged. She frequently engages the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall with unfiltered commentary that hides her underlying emotional pain. The show’s portrayal of desperation, angst, the obsessive nature of love, and a woman’s perspective on life connects it to the world and characters of ‘Envious.’
2. Insecure (2016-2021)
HBO’s ‘Insecure’ is the story of Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and her best friend, Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji), two women navigating their personal and professional lives while confronting their own insecurities. Though often expected to embody confidence and strength, both struggle with self-doubt, relationships, and career challenges. As they navigate a series of awkward, emotionally charged situations, their friendship becomes a constant source of support.
Through its experiences, the comedy-drama series offers an honest portrayal of modern African-American womanhood, blending humor with the racial realities of life in the modern generation. Created by Larry Wilmore and Issa Rae, the show is adapted from the latter’s web series ‘Awkward Black Girl.’ The series, akin to ‘Envious,’ explores the female experience in all its complexities, focusing on the trials and tribulations of finding love and meaning in a chaotic world.
1. Valeria (2020-2025)
‘Valeria’ is a Spanish comedy-drama series based on Elísabet Benavent’s novel series ‘En los zapatos de Valeria.’ The María López Castaño creation is set in the vibrant world of Madrid, and follows Valeria (Diana Gómez), a writer facing a creative dead end while simultaneously feeling a growing disconnect in her marriage to Adrián (Ibrahim Al Shami). In the midst of her personal and professional crisis, she finds solace and strength in her three best friends, including Carmen (Paula Malia), Lola (Silma López), and Nerea (Teresa Riott).
Together, the four women go through a whirlwind of experiences, from the nuances of love and career anxieties to the crises of infidelity and jealousy. As Valeria struggles to find her voice and redefine her future, the story explores the intricate dynamics of female friendship and the pursuit of self-fulfillment. Much like ‘Envious,’ the Netflix show delves into the complexities of modern relationships, friendships, and the emotional highs and lows that define a woman’s life as she seeks a sense of value and stability. The visual and thematic elements connect the shows on a deeper level.
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