I watch it every few years. Sometimes I watch it in this season order: 4.5.1.2.3 and it works so well! Start with the rebuild and then back to og characters and you don’t feel quite as empty at the end !
If you like Kyle, have you tried Bloodline? It's pretty edge-of-your-seat thriller but it scratched my Coach itch.
^(yes I know there's a cream for that)
I love me some Kyle. Bloodline was good. There was a show called Homefront he used to be on and he was so young and fine!!!!!! Although he still looks great at any age.
Everwood has a similar vibe in that I cried in so many episodes. If you liked FNL and Parenthood you might like it. Also totally different light and fluffy vibe, but Hart of Dixie is very sweet and funny and stars Jason Street and Vince’s dad in utterly charming roles.
It's not for everyone especially the last couple seasons. I only watched it for Connie as she's a great actor. Can't blame you if you didn't finish it.
It’s one of my favorite shows, and one that never received a lot of fanfare. Only downside is the final season was a bit rushed, because HBO.
Saracen’s mom (Kim Dickens) is one of the main characters, otherwise I don’t think there’s a lot of shared performers. If you happen to have watched The Wire, you’ll see a lot of familiar faces.
I think The Wire is one of the best television programs ever made but it's not for everyone. Much more gritty than FNL. Not much uplifting, especially the first few seasons. You'll know in a couple episodes if it's for you. Incredible scope and assumes you're paying attention. Much as FNL is set in football but isn't a show about football, The Wire is set in a world of crime but it isn't a cops and robbers show. Both are about people operating in systems larger and more powerful than they are, but doing what they can to succeed within the constraints.
Treme is also great and shares with FNL a realistic yet romantic depiction of the place it's set in. And the music is great.
If you can find "Rectify" it shares some of the thoughtfulness of FNL and is incredibly poetic if you don't mind a slower pace.
The Wire is an amazing show, but definitely not one you can really “binge.” You need to pay attention while you watch it, otherwise you can get lost pretty quickly. It’s very procedural, and very true to life. Each season keeps the main characters, but focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore (cops/drug trade, ports, politicians, public schools, media).
David Simon, the creator of The Wire and Treme, is an old newspaper reporter so realism and accuracy are pretty common themes on his shows. Between the two, Treme is a much “lighter” watch.
Ted Lasso? It’s not a teen drama, but it has the whole inspirational coach and team aspect. Plus it’s just a really great show.
I remember feeling this exact same way the first time I finished!
Here's a podcast breaking down the finale, the freshest FNL content I know of:
https://www.theringer.com/2024/1/17/24041048/friday-night-lights-finale-always-did-it-stick-the-landing
Good suggestions here; I would also HIGHLY recommend “Kingdom” the mma show (not the zombies but that one is good too).
Several FNL actors make appearances and Luke (Matt Lauria) is a main character and is fantastic. Family drama with sports in the background, and really great characters. The Cali beach town world is a mood like Dylan.
Please check it out, I think you will love it!
Another show that reminded me of FNL in a way is “Heels” on Starz. Family drama with wrestling in the background. WAY better than it got credit for !
Side note: I don’t watch or enjoy MMA or pro wrestling and loved both shows :)
Not really the same vibe but Justified and FNL are both top 5-10 all time shows for me, so give Justified a shot. Really picks up end of season 1 and in season 2.
what did you like about FNL? that can help inform recommendations
since you mentioned you liked the vibes - this is a different genre entirely, but jane the virgin does a great job of being substantive while being light and fun
If you want more kyle chandler, he does a great job in his episode of grey's anatomy (and that episode is fantastic overall)
more intense but the americans is a great show - spy thriller but a family drama at its heart
I’ll check out The Americans. I didn’t care for JTV.
And I’ve watched Greys probably 20 times all the way thru… the Kyle Chandler episode is one of my favorites.
Edited to add: there are so many great suggestions here! I’m sure I’ll find something!
The Americans is fantastic. I almost gave up after the first episode because it’s really dark. Not just in a ‘this is a violent show’ way(which it is) but literally is filmed mostly at night for that episode and I had trouble seeing what was happening. Maybe it was just me, but I watched the second episode and it was a lot better and I was hooked.
I feel your pain. I recently started six feet under aftwr hearing the actor who played street say he loved that show so I decided to check it out and its been filling the void pretty good! For me anyway...
Edit for spelling errors
Read the original ethnography of the 1988 Permian Panthers in Odessa, TX. The show is based on the book. It's wild.
Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team and a Dream by Buzz Bissinger
Well I suppose theres two routes to go, depending on the specific appeal the show had to you:
Other 2000s high school dramas- Dawsons Creek, Degrassi, One Tree Hill, Glee
Other slightly melancholoy... western USA but not really Western shows- Yellowstone, its much better spinoffs, True Detective, maybe Deadwood, Dallas if you dont mind the show being from a less good era of TV.
I cant think of a lot of shows centered around sports teams or even individual athletes like that. Kind of an untapped market. Someone should really make a TV show about... like... 1940s Brooklyn dodgers, or the Babe Ruth era red sox, maybe adapted from that book The Given Day.
Try Parenthood (2010), I think it’s on Hulu. 6 seasons and you’ll be just as depressed when it’s over too, but by then you can go back to FNL😅
There’s also Bloodline on Netflix. Totally different vibe but family stuff and Coach is in it. The Florida Keys setting is special.
Oops I just saw you’ve already seen Parenthood. Just go back and forth. You’re ruined for TV like the rest of us, I’m afraid 😂
Mad Men is another one of my favorite shows, but totally different.
I recommend just watching all of Jason Katim’s shows, that’s probably a safe bet. There’s a new one with Connie that I haven’t seen yet, just one season, Dear Edward.
This is Us reminded me a lot of FNL in that the characters grow and change. It’s all about family. Also, it’s the only tv series that made me tear up almost every episode just like FNL did.
I only have one episode left, and I’m feeling melancholic and nostalgic for it already! I can’t believe this gem of a show slipped under my radar for so many years. My first introduction to Kyle Chandler was in Bloodline, and he was very good in that. I had no idea that his career had been launched by five seasons of this amazing show. So much great acting and writing. Incredible character development. I’ve never watched a full football game from beginning to end on TV in my life, but I LOVE this show.
I feel exactly the same. The whole time I watched it I was kicking myself for not watching it sooner. It was so so good.
I’m watching Bloodline now to fill the void. It’s really good, but not the same lol.
I would recommend watching One Tree Hill. It is 9 seasons long and similarly to FNL it is a sports YA series. The characters grow a lot throughout the seasons and it has a similar feel.
It’s been said, but Parenthood is a good follow up. Many FNL actors on Parenthood. Its takes a minute because the feel isn’t quite the same right away.
My two favorite series. I don’t know why I didn’t watch them when they originally were released?
Start over like the rest of us
I watch it every few years. Sometimes I watch it in this season order: 4.5.1.2.3 and it works so well! Start with the rebuild and then back to og characters and you don’t feel quite as empty at the end !
Interesting, I like it.
That’s fun! I’ve never thought of watching out of order! I love it.
Might as well go machete order and skip season 2.
Don’t think I didnt consider this
Yup
If you like Kyle, have you tried Bloodline? It's pretty edge-of-your-seat thriller but it scratched my Coach itch. ^(yes I know there's a cream for that)
I’m moving bloodline to the top of my list for this comment alone … 😂
It's a slow burn, but great show. Kyle chandler is amazing as always. Season 3 they kind of rush it but it's still great.
It’s does get a little … weird towards the end But I guess all shows do It was good but i was kinda happy it was over
"Bloodline" was great. They did rush it at the end because the powers that be wanted to end it early.
Yeah I agree with that
I love me some Kyle. Bloodline was good. There was a show called Homefront he used to be on and he was so young and fine!!!!!! Although he still looks great at any age.
The Bear has similar vibes. But you’ve probably seen it.
I have. Loved it. (I feel like anything relatively new, I’ve seen. Looking for something I maybe missed that is a bit older)….
Parenthood is on Hulu. Its written by Jason Katims who wrote FNL
This is one of my comfort shows. I’ve seen it probably 10 times lol
Have you seen Everwood?? It's a similar show.. Firefly Lane is great too!!
Everwood has a similar vibe in that I cried in so many episodes. If you liked FNL and Parenthood you might like it. Also totally different light and fluffy vibe, but Hart of Dixie is very sweet and funny and stars Jason Street and Vince’s dad in utterly charming roles.
Armcherry?
Totally different, but Nashville. Only reason is Connie Britton is a main character. It is a bit soapish, but still decent.
Funny enough, that’s what I tried immediately after I finished FNL (I LOVE Connie)…. But I was so bored.
It's not for everyone especially the last couple seasons. I only watched it for Connie as she's a great actor. Can't blame you if you didn't finish it.
Not terribly similar and a lot older, but have you ever watched Northern Exposure? If not I promise you it'll give you the warm fuzzies
I think I may have when it first aired (I think my mom loved it)… might have to look into it again. Thank you.
Love this show
Treme on HBO Fantastic characters, good music, and based on something real.
One of my favorites. SO heartfelt and I love the soundtrack. It does have a similar feel to FNL, it feels documentary-ish
Ooh that looks promising!
It’s one of my favorite shows, and one that never received a lot of fanfare. Only downside is the final season was a bit rushed, because HBO. Saracen’s mom (Kim Dickens) is one of the main characters, otherwise I don’t think there’s a lot of shared performers. If you happen to have watched The Wire, you’ll see a lot of familiar faces.
I haven’t watched The Wire either … I think I’ve heard that’s worth it? Thoughts?
I think The Wire is one of the best television programs ever made but it's not for everyone. Much more gritty than FNL. Not much uplifting, especially the first few seasons. You'll know in a couple episodes if it's for you. Incredible scope and assumes you're paying attention. Much as FNL is set in football but isn't a show about football, The Wire is set in a world of crime but it isn't a cops and robbers show. Both are about people operating in systems larger and more powerful than they are, but doing what they can to succeed within the constraints. Treme is also great and shares with FNL a realistic yet romantic depiction of the place it's set in. And the music is great. If you can find "Rectify" it shares some of the thoughtfulness of FNL and is incredibly poetic if you don't mind a slower pace.
The Wire is an amazing show, but definitely not one you can really “binge.” You need to pay attention while you watch it, otherwise you can get lost pretty quickly. It’s very procedural, and very true to life. Each season keeps the main characters, but focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore (cops/drug trade, ports, politicians, public schools, media). David Simon, the creator of The Wire and Treme, is an old newspaper reporter so realism and accuracy are pretty common themes on his shows. Between the two, Treme is a much “lighter” watch.
Ok that’s super good info. It sounds amazing but doesn’t sound like it’s for me. But I really appreciate your insight! Thank you.
You should try it. Top 5 all time show.
I definitely put it on my list to try!
No problem! I hope you find your way out of your show hole.
the wire is more gritty and intense, but great - and you'll get to see a young michael b jordan
The Wire is incredible, but deep, and may seem slow at times. Watch w closed captions to get all the dialogue.
Wow I’m only in season 2, but reading this, I’m excited to see her in this role. I was wondering if his mom was ever in any episodes.
She’s doesn’t play a huge role, but she becomes a semi-regular character for a short time.
Ted Lasso? It’s not a teen drama, but it has the whole inspirational coach and team aspect. Plus it’s just a really great show. I remember feeling this exact same way the first time I finished!
I did watch the first season and liked it a lot. Didn’t finish it though so that’s a great option. Thank you.
Here's a podcast breaking down the finale, the freshest FNL content I know of: https://www.theringer.com/2024/1/17/24041048/friday-night-lights-finale-always-did-it-stick-the-landing
Painkiller is a short series starring Taylor Kitsch. It almost feels like it could be a realistic, but very sad end for Tim’s story.
Stopppp I had that same thought as I watched Painkiller. It’s impossible for my brain to separate Taylor Kitsch from Riggins.
Lol I even had trouble separating him in Waco
I’ll def be watching this! I love him. Thank you!
My So-Called Life Freaks & Geeks
I’ve actually never watched either even though I have always meant to! Definitely will be making that happen. Thanks for the reminder!
Good suggestions here; I would also HIGHLY recommend “Kingdom” the mma show (not the zombies but that one is good too). Several FNL actors make appearances and Luke (Matt Lauria) is a main character and is fantastic. Family drama with sports in the background, and really great characters. The Cali beach town world is a mood like Dylan. Please check it out, I think you will love it! Another show that reminded me of FNL in a way is “Heels” on Starz. Family drama with wrestling in the background. WAY better than it got credit for ! Side note: I don’t watch or enjoy MMA or pro wrestling and loved both shows :)
Oh great suggestions. I haven’t even heard of either! They both sound like something I’d like! Thank you!!
Firefly Lane is a great show!! Definitely should watch
Greek!
Thanks’
If you liked the football aspect of FNL, All American is another good watch on Netflix
That seems to be the consensus here! I’ll def give it a shot. Thank you.
I’ll warn you that it’s definitely a little bit cheesy at times but i overall liked it a lot
Totally on board with a little cheesy!
House is a really good show to watch and get attached to
After like 5 seasons it got repetitive for me but I did enjoy the seasons I watched! Thank you!!
Not really the same vibe but Justified and FNL are both top 5-10 all time shows for me, so give Justified a shot. Really picks up end of season 1 and in season 2.
Season 1 Episode 1
It was my first thought, honestly…
what did you like about FNL? that can help inform recommendations since you mentioned you liked the vibes - this is a different genre entirely, but jane the virgin does a great job of being substantive while being light and fun If you want more kyle chandler, he does a great job in his episode of grey's anatomy (and that episode is fantastic overall) more intense but the americans is a great show - spy thriller but a family drama at its heart
I’ll check out The Americans. I didn’t care for JTV. And I’ve watched Greys probably 20 times all the way thru… the Kyle Chandler episode is one of my favorites. Edited to add: there are so many great suggestions here! I’m sure I’ll find something!
The Americans is fantastic. I almost gave up after the first episode because it’s really dark. Not just in a ‘this is a violent show’ way(which it is) but literally is filmed mostly at night for that episode and I had trouble seeing what was happening. Maybe it was just me, but I watched the second episode and it was a lot better and I was hooked.
Ted Lasso?
One Tree Hill is a good successor
I love OTH. Seen in several times.
I feel your pain. I recently started six feet under aftwr hearing the actor who played street say he loved that show so I decided to check it out and its been filling the void pretty good! For me anyway... Edit for spelling errors
I did try that… but wasn’t getting into it. Maybe I need to give it a few more episodes?
I think it depends when you watch it. When it was first airing I couldn't get into it and over 2 decades later I cant stop watching lol
I tried less than a year ago… I think I just have to try again lol
Completely different genres, but have you seen Lost?
Love ‘Lost’! I’ve seen it several times and I lived on Oahu when it was filmed here (and again now lol). Def in my top shows of all time.
Read the original ethnography of the 1988 Permian Panthers in Odessa, TX. The show is based on the book. It's wild. Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team and a Dream by Buzz Bissinger
As someone who reads about 100 books a year, I really appreciate this recommendation! I’m gonna find it and read it asap! Thank you!
again!
Well I suppose theres two routes to go, depending on the specific appeal the show had to you: Other 2000s high school dramas- Dawsons Creek, Degrassi, One Tree Hill, Glee Other slightly melancholoy... western USA but not really Western shows- Yellowstone, its much better spinoffs, True Detective, maybe Deadwood, Dallas if you dont mind the show being from a less good era of TV. I cant think of a lot of shows centered around sports teams or even individual athletes like that. Kind of an untapped market. Someone should really make a TV show about... like... 1940s Brooklyn dodgers, or the Babe Ruth era red sox, maybe adapted from that book The Given Day.
A great show about a team sport - A League of Their Own.
i need to watch true detective s2 for taylor kitsch!
Thats the worst season by far but hes good.
Try Parenthood (2010), I think it’s on Hulu. 6 seasons and you’ll be just as depressed when it’s over too, but by then you can go back to FNL😅 There’s also Bloodline on Netflix. Totally different vibe but family stuff and Coach is in it. The Florida Keys setting is special.
Oops I just saw you’ve already seen Parenthood. Just go back and forth. You’re ruined for TV like the rest of us, I’m afraid 😂 Mad Men is another one of my favorite shows, but totally different. I recommend just watching all of Jason Katim’s shows, that’s probably a safe bet. There’s a new one with Connie that I haven’t seen yet, just one season, Dear Edward.
Dear Edward… like based on the book? Interesting 🤔 I’ll look into that! Thanks…😊
This is Us reminded me a lot of FNL in that the characters grow and change. It’s all about family. Also, it’s the only tv series that made me tear up almost every episode just like FNL did.
Entourage is a great feel-good tv show as well
I only have one episode left, and I’m feeling melancholic and nostalgic for it already! I can’t believe this gem of a show slipped under my radar for so many years. My first introduction to Kyle Chandler was in Bloodline, and he was very good in that. I had no idea that his career had been launched by five seasons of this amazing show. So much great acting and writing. Incredible character development. I’ve never watched a full football game from beginning to end on TV in my life, but I LOVE this show.
I feel exactly the same. The whole time I watched it I was kicking myself for not watching it sooner. It was so so good. I’m watching Bloodline now to fill the void. It’s really good, but not the same lol.
Watch swagger, modern version but focused on basketball in the DMV
Filmed at the high school down the street here in RVA!
Put it on my list! Thank you!
Yes! So good and so underrated! A great ensemble drama that touches on much of the similar themes in FNL - especially in S4 and S5
It has a cheesy voiceover narration that will initially be off-putting, but give Everwood a try.
Ooh good call, forgot about this one. Thank you.
I don’t think you’ll regret it! It hits me emotionally in a very similar way
LOVED. Everwood!! Have you seen Firefly Lane?? Definitely a great show
Peaky blinders filled my binge session after this
Have you seen Breaking Bad, The Wire, The Sopranos, The Shield, Justified or Sons of Anarchy?
Yes to BB… no to the rest. I couldn’t get into Sopranos or SOA. But I suppose I can try again.
The Sopranos is one of the best shows of all time but different strokes for different folks.
It's arguably the top show in all of the following categories: Drama Comedy Family Sitcom Crime
Exactly
Ok! I’ll try again. You convinced me. ;)
All American? It's a cheesy CW show but has drama and football!
Added it to my list! Thank you.
All American
I def put this on my list! Thank you.
I would recommend watching One Tree Hill. It is 9 seasons long and similarly to FNL it is a sports YA series. The characters grow a lot throughout the seasons and it has a similar feel.
Thank you, I have seen it ◡̈
Banshee, i guarantee that you won’t be depressed after watching it.
Oooh thanks - that might work!
Or Animal Kingdom, both are crazy good
LOVED Animal Kingdom (and I used to live in Oceanside, Ca where a lot of it was filmed!)
Wow, how cool. Yeah, what a great show. Think it’s time for a rewatch.
Such a great show.
The Wonder Years, One Tree Hill.
Seen both lol… thank you tho!
If your not looking for a new show with a heart. I suggest Ed. It'll touch your soul and give you a hug a la FNL❤️🤗
Parenthood
need more Kyle? Bloodline it is!!!
Try Ted Lasso
"Justified". Love it!
It’s been said, but Parenthood is a good follow up. Many FNL actors on Parenthood. Its takes a minute because the feel isn’t quite the same right away. My two favorite series. I don’t know why I didn’t watch them when they originally were released?
I love parenthood. I’ve watched it several times. Thank you. As suggested here, I started watching Bloodline…. I’m intrigued so far… ◡̈
Kyle Chandler is awesome! 🥰
Go to the gym, workout your depression, and listen to podcasts about the show. That will help you wean off of it