So you’ve wrapped up Desperate Housewives and now you’re missing all the drama, deception, and trimmed hedges hiding scandalous secrets. No judgment – we get it. Life without Wisteria Lane feels a little… boring. But don’t worry, because we’ve rounded up 15 shows like Desperate Housewives that will fill that drama-sized hole in your soul. Whether it’s murder in the suburbs, powerful women with messy lives, or picture-perfect neighborhoodshiding chaosunderneath – you’ll find your next obsession here.
Let’s dive in.
15 Shows Like Desperate Housewives You Can’t Miss
1. Why Women Kill (JioHotstar)
From Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry. It follows three women in different decades dealing with infidelity, betrayal, and murder – all while living in the same house. Each woman’s story spirals into unexpected mayhem, and the way it all connects? So juicy. It’s stylish, scandalous, and darkly funny – basically Desperate Housewives with a time-jumping twist. Think housewives with secrets… just in the ’60s, ’80s, and now. This show is so underrated and absolutely binge-worthy. IMDb: 8.3/10
2. Big Little Lies (JioHotstar)
A group of wealthy moms in a picturesque town hide dangerous secrets. Gorgeous setting, complex women, and a central murder mystery – very Wisteria Lane. On the surface, it’s all wine nights and school fundraisers. But underneath? Abuse, lies, and one big mystery that slowly unravels. If you loved Bree’s perfect exterior hiding dark truths, you’ll be obsessed. Also: Reese Witherspoon. Nicole Kidman. Enough said. On the 15 Shows Like Desperate Housewives list for a reason! IMDb: 8.4/10
3. Devious Maids (Amazon Prime Video)
Another Marc Cherry creation. Latina maids working for the rich and famous in Beverly Hills uncover deadly secrets – with humor and heart. It’s got glitz, drama, and murder, but with a fresh perspective and lots of sass. You’ll get Wisteria Lane vibes, just from the other side of the fence. The friendships are just as strong as the plot twists. And the cliffhangers? Deliciously evil. IMDb: 7.8/10
4. Revenge (Hulu / Disney+)
A young woman returns to the Hamptons to destroy the wealthy family who framed her father. High drama, designer clothes, and dark secrets. Emily Thorne is basically Bree, if Bree went full-on cold-blooded avenger. There’s scandal, lies, love affairs, and perfectly calculated takedowns. Each episode peels back more secrets -and trust me, it gets addictive fast. It’s high stakes, high fashion, and high drama. IMDb: 7.8/10
5. Sex and the City (JioHotstar/ HBO)
Strong female friendships, love lives gone wrong, and fabulous fashion – but set in NYC rather than the suburbs. More sass, less murder. It’s less about mystery, more about men, heartbreak, and brunches. Still, if you loved the “girlfriends telling it like it is” vibe of Desperate Housewives, this one delivers. The fashion is iconic. The dating disasters are hilarious. And Carrie Bradshaw? A mess we love to root for. Don’t forget to check out the reboot, And Just Like That. IMDb: 7.4/10
6. The Affair (JioHotstar / Prime Video)
Explores relationships, secrets, and consequences of infidelity. Like Desperate Housewives, it peels back seemingly “normal” lives to expose chaos underneath. What makes this show really interesting is how each episode shows the same events from different characters’ points of view. It’s intense, emotional, and sometimes a little messy – in the best way. There’s cheating, guilt, love, and a twist you won’t see coming. Suburbia’s not safe here either. IMDb: 7.9/10
7. Scandal (Hulu / Disney+)
Powerful, smart women hiding major secrets. More political and intense, but the emotional drama and betrayals hit the same notes. Olivia Pope fixes problems – but her own life? Total chaos. This show is fast-paced, dramatic, and full of secrets. Every episode ends like “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” If you loved Desperate Housewives’ messy queens, Olivia will be your next obsession. IMDb: 7.7/10
8. Brothers & Sisters (Prime Video/ Hulu)
A family of adult siblings navigates secrets, lies, and love – with a tone that mixes drama and warmth, much like Desperate Housewives. There’s political scandal, family drama, sibling fights, and a lot of wine. The Walkers are chaotic in a lovable way. It’s heartfelt with just the right amount of OMG moments. Definitely a must if you liked the family bonds in DH. IMDb: 7.5/10
9. Gilmore Girls (Netflix)
Quirky town, female relationships, witty dialogue – not as dark or scandalous, but fans of the “small-town feels” will love it. It’s more cozy than chaotic, but it still hits on complicated mother-daughter relationships and juicy town gossip. Stars Hollow is no Wisteria Lane, but it has its own lovable charm. The drama here is low-key but super satisfying. And the dialogue? Lightning fast and hilarious. IMDb: 8.2/10
10. You (Netflix)
If you loved the darker, more twisted elements of Desperate Housewives, You delivers with obsession, murder, and suburbia gone wrong. Joe Goldberg is charming, terrifying, and dangerously romantic – basically a walking red flag. Suburban life gets a lot darker in this one. It’s thrilling, creepy, and somehow, still emotional. Guilt, secrets, love, and murder – it’s got everything. IMDb: 7.6/10
11. Good Girls (Netflix)
Three suburban moms turn to crime to fix their financial problems – leading to secrets, lies, and danger behind PTA meetings. What starts as a quick heist turns into full-on crime chaos. The friendships are strong, the stakes are high, and the tension is chef’s kiss. If you liked how DH blended humor with danger, this one’s a perfect match. Also, moms gone bad is always a fun time. IMDb: 7.7/10
12. The Good Wife (Prime Video)
A woman rebuilds her life after her husband’s scandal. Strong female lead, mix of legal drama and personal betrayal. Alicia Florrick is smart, composed, and quietly savage. She handles court cases while dealing with political drama and personal heartbreak. It’s classy, intense, and deeply satisfying to watch. Think Desperate Housewives… in a courtroom. All of this makes it one of the best of 15 Shows Like Desperate Housewives. IMDb: 8.3/10
13. Dead to Me (Netflix)
Two women bond over grief… and a shared murder cover-up. Darkly funny, emotional, and packed with suburban secrets. Jen and Judy are not your average besties. Their friendship is messy, real, and full of hidden truths. If you miss the mix of heart and mayhem in DH, you’ll love this duo. It’s emotional, sharp, and totally bingeable. IMDb: 7.9/10
14. Dynasty (Reboot) (Netflix)
Ultra-glamorous drama filled with scheming, betrayal, and family secrets. Soap opera energy meets Desperate Housewives flair. Rich people problems, but make it extra dramatic. There’s catfights, plot twists, and fashion that screams “I’m richer than you.” It’s glossy, ridiculous, and impossible to stop watching. Perfect for fans who miss DH’s over-the-top side. IMDb: 7.2/10
15. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
If you liked the twisty, mysterious elements of DH, this one adds a supernatural layer. Dark, dramatic, and full of layered female characters. Yes, it’s witches and demons – but the drama? So real. Sabrina juggles teen problems, magical politics, and secrets galore. It’s gothic, intense, and surprisingly emotional. Wisteria Lane never had Hell portals, but it could’ve. IMDb: 7.4/10
Bonus: Ginny & Georgia (Netflix)
Think Desperate Housewives with a modern twist – Ginny & Georgia mixes small-town gossip, dark secrets, and complicated relationships. With Georgia’s mysterious past and Ginny’s coming-of-age drama, it’s a juicy blend of family, lies, and intrigue. Also Read: 15 Must-Watch Shows Like Ginny & Georgia
Ready for More Secrets and Scandal? If you’re missing the drama, glamour, and emotional chaos, these 15 Shows Like Desperate Housewives will totally hit the spot. Trust me – Susan, Gabrielle, Bree, and Lynette would definitely approve.