Already finished “Vladimir” on Netflix and craving more shows like it? You’re in the right place. This darkly comedic drama delivers chaotic, seductive, obsession-fueled storytelling, making it a provocative, binge-worthy watch. Starring Rachel Weisz in the lead role, the series follows her character’s growing infatuation with a younger professor, with most of the story unfolding through her perspective.
If you’re looking to keep that momentum going, there’s no shortage of series that capture similar thrills of obsession and desire. From complex romances to clever humor and character-driven drama that pulls no punches, we’ve rounded up five must-watch shows that will satisfy your cravings and keep the “Vladimir” energy alive.
‘You’ (2018)
A perfect follow-up to the series is “You,” a Netflix drama praised for its addictive psychological tension and darkly engaging tone. The story is told almost entirely through the protagonist, Joe Goldberg’s, perspective, letting viewers experience his thoughts, rationalizations, and escalating obsession firsthand. It’s much darker than typical romance, leaning fully into thriller territory, where the suspense comes not just from what happens, but from being inside the mind of someone whose desire quickly turns dangerous.
“You” follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a seemingly ordinary bookstore manager whose life takes a chilling turn when he becomes fixated on a charming woman he meets in his shop. Using the tools at his disposal — from social media sleuthing to carefully planned encounters — Joe inserts himself into Beck's (Elizabeth Lail) world, gradually insinuating himself into her life while removing obstacles that stand in his way.
Stream on Netflix
‘The Chair’ (2021)
While tonally different on the surface, “The Chair” shares with “Vladimir” a focus on sharp character work, personal stakes, and the messy dynamics of adult relationships. Both series mix comedy and drama to explore flawed but compelling leads managing complex social and professional worlds. The show offers plenty of witty dialogue and emotional depth, featuring awkward interactions and interpersonal tensions that resonate with viewers looking for character‑driven storytelling that doesn’t shy away from awkwardness.
“The Chair” stars Sandra Oh as Dr. Ji‑Yoon Kim, who steps into her new role as chair of the English department at the fictional Pembroke University. Tasked with overseeing a struggling academic department, she must manage budgetary pressures, course enrollments, and the personalities of her faculty colleagues while trying to keep everything running smoothly. Alongside her professional challenges, Ji‑Yoon also has to manage her personal life, including her relationship with her daughter.
Stream on Netflix
‘One Day’ (2024)
If “Vladimir” hooked you with Leo Woodall’s magnetic performance, “One Day” is the perfect next stop, though be prepared for a slower, more heart‑aching pace. Unlike the frenetic obsession and dark comedy of “Vladimir,” this Netflix limited series unfolds as a traditional slow‑burn romance, following Woodall’s Dexter alongside Ambika Mod. Across 14 episodes, Woodall delivers one of his most grounded and emotionally resonant performances on the small screen.
“One Day” is adapted from the bestselling novel by David Nicholls and begins on July 15, 1988, the night Emma Morley (Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Woodall) meet at their university graduation, and then follows them on that same date each year as their lives take different directions. Viewers see where Emma and Dexter are on that one day every year, from career moments and personal milestones to evolving relationships and life changes.
Stream on Netflix
‘Fleabag’ (2016)
Much like “Vladimir,” “Fleabag” follows a sharp, messy and completely captivating female lead. What makes it similar is how she breaks the fourth wall, talking straight to the audience and letting us in on all her thoughts, insecurities, and humor. We also get to watch her juggle complicated relationships, family drama, and life’s messes, all while staying funny, honest, and utterly relatable. Anyone who enjoyed that aspect in “Vladimir” will want to stream this Prime Video original next.
“Fleabag” stars Phoebe Waller‑Bridge as the title character, a witty and outspoken young woman living in London. Across two seasons, the show follows her day‑to‑day life as she deals with family, friendships, and romantic relationships, often speaking directly to the audience for context and commentary. Many of the main characters — including Waller‑Bridge’s own role — are never formally named, contributing to the show’s distinctive style.
Stream on Prime Video
‘The Affair’ (2014)
“The Affair” is also deeply rooted in the tangled world of forbidden desire, focusing on the emotional fallout when people pursue connections outside their committed relationships. The series centers on an extramarital relationship between two individuals who are already partnered, and it explores how their choices upend not just their own lives but also those of the spouses, families and friends around them. “The Affair” captures that same messy, seductive pull you see when Rachel Weisz’s character in “Vladimir” finds herself drawn to someone who’s off limits.
The series follows the unfolding consequences after two strangers meet and begin a relationship that alters the course of their lives. The story centers on Noah Solloway (Dominic West), a married schoolteacher and aspiring writer, and Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson), a waitress trying to move forward after a personal tragedy. The narrative structure often presents events from different characters’ perspectives, revealing how each person’s version of shared experiences can vary.
Stream on Paramount+
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