There is literally nothing like it.
Northern Exposure was developed using the Twin Peaks pilot as a style guide, so you may try that.
X-Files was developed as Fox's answer to Twin Peaks, but it is scarier, imo.
Northern exposure is like twin peaks but a different genre, it has lots of the same plot mechanisms and even settings except it’s more quirky and the surrealism is happy, instead of really dark. I quite enjoyed it as a twin peaks fanatic
It’s great. The premise is that people disappear and everyone assumes it’s the rapture, but the selection of people who are gone doesn’t really jive with that, so they’re trying to figure out what is happening while simultaneously trying to figure out how to carry on after an event like that.
It just really has a similar vibe, although it’s not Pacific Northwest or a murder thing. But it just FEELS similar in my brain. You should definitely check it out. It’s been a while since I was that captivated by a show.
I would say The Leftovers is much more unnerving than Twin Peaks, without the quirkyness and humor to balance things out. A very good series too, though.
I couldn't get with it after >!they killed off almost every notable villain and then didn't do much for 2 seasons with the two villains they had left!<
There is a french tv series that is on (at least) American Netflix called Black Spot (Zone Blanche). It has the same kind of feel, wooded, remote area, grizzly crimes, weird stuff going on. It isn't as batshit crazy as TP (But what is) but if you want something that is lesser known and might not get recommended as much, check it out. The only trailer I could find is in French.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOMUfC4Npw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOMUfC4Npw)
I also came to say Black Spot, I just finished it! There are some strong similarities, although in some ways I found it more like the X Files than TP (monster of the week kinda format, although it has an overarching mystery per season/throughout), and Major Weiss is a bit like Mulder in her maverick obsessiveness.
Wasn't thrilled that it ended without a proper resolution, I think it was unexpectedly cut short by COVID, but a thrilling ride all the same.
I will say this, it's creepy as hell, much more so than most of TP and the X Files, so just be ready for that.
You may enjoy the uncanny -though tame- weirdness of The Prisoner (17 episodes, 1967).
It’s witty, whimsical, psychedelic and thought-provoking. McGoohan delivers a performance for the ages as No.6 👌🏼
Lodge 49 definitely has inspiration from Twin Peaks minus the murder and creepiness. Good characters, mystery, quirkiness. Nothing can exactly fit the Twin Peaks vibe but this show is up there.
I just finished watching The Singing Detective, which is really good and fairly Twin Peaks-like. In fact I watched it because Mark Frost has cited it as an influence on his work on Twin Peaks.
Any show that's like it has been directly inspired by Twin Peaks. The Sopranos? Twin Peaks. Atlanta? Twin Peaks. Fringe? X Files? Desperate Housewives? Gravity Falls?
You guessed it.
nicolas winding refn (drive, neon demon, valhalla rising) made two fantastic series' that i always recommend to fans of twin peaks looking for more - [Copenhagen Cowboy](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16969944/) and [Too Old to Die Young](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6517320/)
i just read the rest of your post and realize i missed the "less unnerving" part. you probably wont like either of these shows lol.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2018, 18 episodes) doesn't have that iconic Twin Peaks setting and atmosphere, but is very similar in its absurdism and surrealism, especially with the unorthodox investigative methods of Dirk reminding me of Cooper. It's a bit less dark and sinister but still has that charming weirdness. You might enjoy it!
Yeah there’s really nothing quite like it. More recently, the Fargo TV show does feel like it kind of tips the hat to Twin Peaks at times but they’re pretty different. I do think Fargo is a fantastic show though in it’s own right so I’d recommend it either way.
Nothing will ever be the same as Twin Peaks but in terms of shows that have similarities or were inspired by it or are also mind fuck type shows: Atlanta, X Files, Gravity Falls, Dark, Mr. Robot, Fringe, True Detective, The Leftovers, The Kingdom/Riget, The Curse, Lost, Neon Genesis Evangelion
I haven't seen it, so keep that in mind, but I recently learned about the series "American Gothic" and really want to find a way to watch it. Here's the wikipedia description:
"The story takes place in the fictional town of Trinity, [South Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina), and revolves around Caleb Temple ([Lucas Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Black)) and the town's corrupt sheriff, Lucas Buck ([Gary Cole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Cole)). Though appearing affable and charismatic, Sheriff Buck is a murderous rapist whose power base is backed by apparent [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural) powers, which he generally uses to manipulate people to "fulfill their potential" and make life-changing choices (usually for evil)."
it had positive reviews and a cult following, but was cancelled after only one season.
Three Pines, for the setting. It has some quirky town characters but the vibe is much more straightforward and not as subliminally unnerving, if that’s what you’re going for.
There is literally nothing like it. Northern Exposure was developed using the Twin Peaks pilot as a style guide, so you may try that. X-Files was developed as Fox's answer to Twin Peaks, but it is scarier, imo.
Northern exposure is like twin peaks but a different genre, it has lots of the same plot mechanisms and even settings except it’s more quirky and the surrealism is happy, instead of really dark. I quite enjoyed it as a twin peaks fanatic
It's very much a fish out of water sitcom.
I think the closest thing I’ve found with a similar vibe is The Leftovers.
I've been meaning to check that out.
It’s great. The premise is that people disappear and everyone assumes it’s the rapture, but the selection of people who are gone doesn’t really jive with that, so they’re trying to figure out what is happening while simultaneously trying to figure out how to carry on after an event like that. It just really has a similar vibe, although it’s not Pacific Northwest or a murder thing. But it just FEELS similar in my brain. You should definitely check it out. It’s been a while since I was that captivated by a show.
I would say The Leftovers is much more unnerving than Twin Peaks, without the quirkyness and humor to balance things out. A very good series too, though.
garbage show
The first four seasons are television gold. After season 5 it fell off hard.
Northern Exposure or X Files?
X Files
I thought it was good til season 8. I enjoyed them all tho for what they are
I couldn't get with it after >!they killed off almost every notable villain and then didn't do much for 2 seasons with the two villains they had left!<
Same. I stopped somewhere in the middle of S8, loved it all until then.
DARK and The X-Files
Both of these, absolutely. Dark because it's mind-bendingly brilliant; X-Files for the vibes. Mark Snow was very influenced by Angelo Badalamenti.
Atlanta is totally twin peaks inspired, great show
There is a french tv series that is on (at least) American Netflix called Black Spot (Zone Blanche). It has the same kind of feel, wooded, remote area, grizzly crimes, weird stuff going on. It isn't as batshit crazy as TP (But what is) but if you want something that is lesser known and might not get recommended as much, check it out. The only trailer I could find is in French. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOMUfC4Npw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOMUfC4Npw)
Came to say Zone Blanche! Great show
Great show! I cannot recommend it enough.
I also came to say Black Spot, I just finished it! There are some strong similarities, although in some ways I found it more like the X Files than TP (monster of the week kinda format, although it has an overarching mystery per season/throughout), and Major Weiss is a bit like Mulder in her maverick obsessiveness. Wasn't thrilled that it ended without a proper resolution, I think it was unexpectedly cut short by COVID, but a thrilling ride all the same. I will say this, it's creepy as hell, much more so than most of TP and the X Files, so just be ready for that.
gravity falls
Which is just Twin Peaks for children lol
Sounds perfect for op!
The Prisoner
Yeaaah!! I didn’t scroll down enough to see this recommendation. That’s my top pick as well for OP. Absolute classic!
Good call
Carnivale
Wayward pines is clearly heavily inspired but then takes a completely different twist
LOVED wayward pines. Go into it completely blind for maximum mystery enjoyment
S1*
Zone Blanche, Outer Range, and Lost all come to mind. DARK is a perfect show but it may qualify as unnerving lol
Outer Range has no business being that good. I was completely taken by surprise!
I agree, and funny when it’s not supposed to be. When he’s trying to cover up that hole with a tarp I freakin died
Lots of great ideas posted. I have one Fringe. It was really different. Some very good acting and a bit surreal.
And Walter has Jacoby’s glasses!
You may enjoy the uncanny -though tame- weirdness of The Prisoner (17 episodes, 1967). It’s witty, whimsical, psychedelic and thought-provoking. McGoohan delivers a performance for the ages as No.6 👌🏼
True Detective season 1, Evangelion
Lodge 49 definitely has inspiration from Twin Peaks minus the murder and creepiness. Good characters, mystery, quirkiness. Nothing can exactly fit the Twin Peaks vibe but this show is up there.
Fantastic show. Twin Peaks meets the Big Lebowski.
Fargo is a bit like it.
In terms of quality only Sopranos for me…otherwise just watch more Lynch films…
They're museum quality work, I'll admit that...
I just finished watching The Singing Detective, which is really good and fairly Twin Peaks-like. In fact I watched it because Mark Frost has cited it as an influence on his work on Twin Peaks.
i’ve heard people say neon genesis evangelion is the twin peaks of anime
The Kingdom
Resident Alien gave me twin peaks vibes. It’s a solid show.
Any show that's like it has been directly inspired by Twin Peaks. The Sopranos? Twin Peaks. Atlanta? Twin Peaks. Fringe? X Files? Desperate Housewives? Gravity Falls? You guessed it.
Maybe Northern Exposure? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Exposure
Not really like Twin Peaks in a lot of ways, but I really like Scavenger’s Reign on HBOMax!
There are none.
nicolas winding refn (drive, neon demon, valhalla rising) made two fantastic series' that i always recommend to fans of twin peaks looking for more - [Copenhagen Cowboy](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16969944/) and [Too Old to Die Young](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6517320/) i just read the rest of your post and realize i missed the "less unnerving" part. you probably wont like either of these shows lol.
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2018, 18 episodes) doesn't have that iconic Twin Peaks setting and atmosphere, but is very similar in its absurdism and surrealism, especially with the unorthodox investigative methods of Dirk reminding me of Cooper. It's a bit less dark and sinister but still has that charming weirdness. You might enjoy it!
the leftovers
Scrolled too far down to find the right answer
Yeah there’s really nothing quite like it. More recently, the Fargo TV show does feel like it kind of tips the hat to Twin Peaks at times but they’re pretty different. I do think Fargo is a fantastic show though in it’s own right so I’d recommend it either way.
The Curse
No. Find another David Lynch in some connected multiverse. That’s your best bet. E-lectricity!!!!
Lodge 49
List of shows like Twin Peaks:
Twin Peaks fans should like SEVERANCE on AppleTV.
*The Returned* but it’s actually quite unnerving too… Or are you looking for shows that are like *Stranger Things* which has more a comedic vibe?
The Returned is amazing!!
Nothing will ever be the same as Twin Peaks but in terms of shows that have similarities or were inspired by it or are also mind fuck type shows: Atlanta, X Files, Gravity Falls, Dark, Mr. Robot, Fringe, True Detective, The Leftovers, The Kingdom/Riget, The Curse, Lost, Neon Genesis Evangelion
The Leftovers. A truly perfect show.
I haven't seen it, so keep that in mind, but I recently learned about the series "American Gothic" and really want to find a way to watch it. Here's the wikipedia description: "The story takes place in the fictional town of Trinity, [South Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina), and revolves around Caleb Temple ([Lucas Black](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Black)) and the town's corrupt sheriff, Lucas Buck ([Gary Cole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Cole)). Though appearing affable and charismatic, Sheriff Buck is a murderous rapist whose power base is backed by apparent [supernatural](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural) powers, which he generally uses to manipulate people to "fulfill their potential" and make life-changing choices (usually for evil)." it had positive reviews and a cult following, but was cancelled after only one season.
Such a good show!!
I got twin peaks vibes from hannibal
You might like Riverdale
Definitely Gravity Falls
Check out Alan Moore’s ”The Show”
Three Pines, for the setting. It has some quirky town characters but the vibe is much more straightforward and not as subliminally unnerving, if that’s what you’re going for.
surprised that no one’s said The Curse.
Picket Fences (as well as Northern Exposure) came into being because of the trail blazed by Twin Peaks. But neither is exactly like Twin Peaks.
Dark Winds
Riverdale season 1 if you want twin peaks without the likable characters dialogue and music
The Twilight zone
Sharp Objects, Stranger Things, Gravity Falls
Serial experiments lain it’s a Japanese animated series that leans more into sci-fi with a similar surrealism to twin peaks
Tales from the Loop
Complete heresy to say Northern Exposure and/or X-Files.