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Following Rachel Bilson’s success on The O.C., Hart of Dixie premiered in 2011 — and despite coming a few decades later, perfectly mirrored the format of your favorite ’90s’s teen drama.
Bilson played the lead, Zoe Hart, a quick-witted and sassy New Yorker destined to be a surgeon. That is until after her residency, she was declined the opportunity to continue as a fellow because of her perspective that patients are problems to solve, instead of people to help. With nowhere else to turn, Hart ends up in Bluebell, Alabama – where she is challenged with becoming a people-person in a town where she is now considered an outsider.
Bluebell’s loveable characters and storylines will quickly capture your attention, and if you’ve already watched all 76 episodes, you might be looking for more. So here are seven other shows to watch when you inevitably finish bingeing this nostalgic dramedy.
'The O.C.'
It is time to meet Zoe Hart’s even more fabulous doppelgänger, Summer Roberts. The O.C. centers around Ryan, a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks who finds his way into juvenile detention. After being abandoned by his family, Ryan is saved by Sandy Cohen, a wealthy lawyer from Newport Beach. Sandy and his wife Kirsten decide to bring Ryan home to their mansion and adopt him. From prison to the pool house, Ryan must navigate high society, even though he far from fits in. Sandy and Kirsten’s only biological child, Seth, fits into Newport even less, as a comic-book-loving nerd. After forming an unlikely bond, Ryan and Seth team up to survive high school — but end up thriving when they become friends (maybe more than just friends) with the popular kids, Summer Roberts and Marissa Cooper.
'One Tree Hill'
If you are looking for another show about an outsider from a small town, look no further than Lucas Scott from One Tree Hill. The series tells the story of two brothers, Lucas and Nathan, who come from different families, yet share a father. The brothers begin as rivals as their Dad openly favors Nathan, and hardly acknowledges Lucas. They are both talented basketball players, yet Nathan plays for the high school team, while Lucas plays at the town park. Tensions rise when Lucas steps on Nathan’s territory and becomes his teammate. These two are left to work out their differences on the court, while balancing new relationships and family drama.
'Friday Night Lights'
Friday Night Lights takes place in Dillon, Texas, a small town where high school football is taken to the next level – and the only priority is to win the state championship. Head coach, Eric Taylor, is a family oriented man and a role model for his players – known for coining the phrase, “clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.” The motto comes to help the boys on and off the field — as a way to win games, but also tackle more serious issues. This small town bonds over football, but also really cares for one another like a family would, just like in Bluebell. (Plus, George Tucker from Hart of Dixie plays Jason Street in Friday Night Lights.)
'Gilmore Girls'
Surprise, surprise, another small town! Welcome to Stars Hollow, Connecticut! Gilmore Girls follows Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, a Mother-Daughter duo known for ordering in food, watching movies, drinking too much coffee and doling out advice. These two will soon become your comfort characters, making you crave a night in with your family. Throughout the series, Rory chooses between three notable boyfriends — Dean, Jess and Logan – fans still fight between who she should have ended with. And as for Lorelai, she has strong chemistry with the owner of their local diner.
'Gossip Girl'
Gossip Girl revolves around Serena van der Woodsen’s big comeback to NYC after a mysterious year away in boarding school. Serena lives in the penthouse of the Palace Hotel and can’t go anywhere without her best friend Blair. Though these two Upper East Siders seem to have it all, they must learn to live with an anonymous blog sending out scandalous rumors about their lives. However, the blog does not stop Serena and her friends from frolicking around clubs and attending galas at 15 years old. In later seasons, the high schoolers are grown up, showing what Zoe Hart’s life could have potentially been like if she stayed in the Big Apple.
'Dawson's Creek'
In a fictional town named Capeside, Massachusetts, three kids named Dawson, Pacey, and Joey grew up. Dawson and Joey were best friends since they were very little – spending years watching movies together and climbing through one another’s windows. But as they got older, Dawson’s friend Pacey entered the fold further. The trio became very close, up until Joey realized she would have to pick between them. This romantic triangle in a close-knit town mimics Zoe Hart’s connection to George and Wade.
'The Vampire Diaries'
Speaking of a romantic triangle… The Vampire Diaries is known for the famous debate between which brooding-vampire-brother is better for Elena: Damon or Stefan? This show takes place in Mystic Falls, a small town where there are many traditions to follow. But, at every big event, something coincidentally spooky occurs, and the Salvatore brothers must come together to save Elena.
