Shows like lost that will keep you guessing
If you're a fan of the mystery and intrigue that made Lost a phenomenon, you're in luck. We've compiled a list of shows that capture that same feeling of the unknown and the search for answers.



Lost captivated audiences with its intricate mythology, compelling characters, and cliffhanger endings that left us theorizing for days. The show masterfully blended science fiction, drama, and mystery, creating a unique viewing experience. Finding a series that replicates that exact formula can be challenging, but there are many shows that share similar elements.
Think about the feeling of being dropped into an unfamiliar situation with a group of people trying to survive and understand what's happening. That sense of disorientation and the slow reveal of secrets is key. Many of the shows on this list explore similar themes of fate, destiny, and the interconnectedness of seemingly random events. Some delve into parallel universes and unexplained phenomena, while others focus on the psychological impact of extraordinary circumstances.
For instance, you might find the blend of science fiction and character-driven drama in Fringe appealing, or the unsettling mysteries of Twin Peaks intriguing. If you enjoyed the ensemble cast and the unfolding secrets in Lost, then a show like Manifest could be right up your alley. Get ready to dive into some new mysteries that will keep you guessing until the very end.
9. The Oath (2018)
The Oath delves into the world of corrupt police units, where loyalty and betrayal are constantly tested. The series follows a group of police officers who are part of a secret, gang-like organization within the force. When they come under investigation, their bonds and their lives are put in jeopardy.
While not featuring sci-fi or supernatural elements like Lost, The Oath shares the intense focus on a tight-knit group of people with shared secrets and allegiances who must navigate external threats and internal conflicts. The serialized nature of the show, the moral complexities faced by the characters, and the high stakes of their situation can appeal to viewers who enjoyed the interpersonal drama and the feeling of a group against the world that was central to the survivors' story in Lost. It's more grounded in reality, but the themes of loyalty, survival, and hidden truths resonate.

8. The Darkest Minds (2018)
The Darkest Minds, based on the young adult novel, presents a world where a pandemic has killed most of the children, and the survivors have developed mysterious abilities. Fearing these powers, the government rounds them up and places them in internment camps. A group of these powered teens escapes and goes on the run, searching for a safe haven.
While a movie rather than a series, it shares thematic similarities with Lost in its focus on a group of young people with extraordinary circumstances forced together to survive and uncover secrets. The dynamics within the group, their struggle against an oppressive force, and the mystery surrounding their abilities echo some of the core elements that made the survivor dynamics and island secrets in Lost so compelling. It's a quicker watch, but touches on similar themes of survival, trust, and uncovering a larger conspiracy.

7. Twin Peaks (1989)
Enter the quirky and deeply unsettling world of Twin Peaks, a series that redefined television mystery. When the body of popular high school student Laura Palmer is found, FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper arrives in the seemingly idyllic town of Twin Peaks, only to discover that beneath the surface lies a dark and surreal underbelly filled with eccentric characters, cryptic clues, and supernatural forces.
While tonally very different from Lost, Twin Peaks shares the fundamental premise of a central mystery that unravels to reveal something far more complex and strange than initially imagined. It features a large cast of interconnected characters, each with their own secrets, and a narrative style that embraces ambiguity and the unexplained. If you enjoyed Lost's willingness to delve into the bizarre and explore abstract concepts alongside its plot, Twin Peaks offers a uniquely artistic and influential take on the serialized mystery.

6. Stranger Things (2013)
Step back into the 1980s with Stranger Things, a show that perfectly captures the nostalgic feel of classic sci-fi and horror while delivering a compelling modern mystery. When a young boy vanishes in a small town, his friends, family, and the local police uncover a series of supernatural events, secret government experiments, and a terrifying alternate dimension.
Like Lost, Stranger Things features a fantastic ensemble cast, with a core group of kids whose bond is central to the story. It excels at building suspense and exploring a complex mythology centered around the Upside Down and the creatures within it. While leaning more into horror and adventure than Lost's philosophical leanings, it shares that same sense of unfolding mystery, the feeling that something vast and unknown is lurking just beneath the surface, and a strong focus on character relationships driving the plot.

5. Westworld (1973)
Westworld (the series, building on the 1973 film concept) is a masterclass in complex, layered storytelling that will completely consume you, much like Lost did. Set in a futuristic theme park populated by artificial hosts, the series explores consciousness, reality, and the dark side of human nature. When some hosts begin to gain sentience, chaos and rebellion ensue.
While different in setting, Westworld shares Lost's penchant for non-linear narratives, philosophical questions, and a sprawling ensemble cast whose true motivations are constantly in question. It demands your attention, rewarding close watching with reveals that reframe everything you thought you knew. If you appreciated Lost's ambition and its ability to spark intense fan theories and discussions, Westworld offers a similarly deep and rewarding puzzle box experience.

4. Alcatraz (2018)
Alcatraz brings a different kind of mystery, centered around the sudden reappearance of prisoners and guards from the infamous island prison, decades after they vanished without a trace. A detective, a history buff, and a mysterious government agent team up to track down these returnees, who seem to be picking up right where they left off with their criminal activities.
Produced by J.J. Abrams, one of the creators of Lost, this show shares a similar DNA in its serialized mystery and the focus on uncovering the secrets behind an inexplicable event. Each episode often centers on a specific returnee, while the larger narrative delves into the 'why' and 'how' of their disappearance and reappearance. It combines procedural elements with a compelling overarching mythology, perfect for those who enjoyed Lost's blend of episodic problems and long-term questions.

3. The Event (2003)
Prepare for a high-stakes conspiracy thriller with The Event. This series begins with a seemingly ordinary man whose life is turned upside down after investigating the disappearance of his girlfriend. He soon stumbles into a vast government cover-up involving a mysterious group of detainees who crashed on Earth decades ago and haven't aged since.
Like Lost, The Event features a large ensemble cast, multiple intertwining storylines, and a narrative structure that utilizes flashbacks to reveal crucial pieces of the puzzle. It poses big questions about identity, humanity, and government secrets. While perhaps shorter-lived than some others on this list, it offers a concentrated dose of mystery and intrigue that will appeal to viewers who enjoyed Lost's blend of personal drama against a backdrop of global-scale secrets and sci-fi elements.

2. Manifest (2020)
If the central mystery of a vanished and reappeared group of people is what drew you into Lost, then Manifest is your next obsession. The series kicks off with a plane full of passengers experiencing a brief burst of turbulence, only to land five years later to discover the world has moved on without them. They haven't aged a day, but they soon realize they've returned with strange new abilities and visions guiding them toward an unknown destiny.
Much like the Oceanic Flight 815 survivors, the passengers of Montego Air Flight 828 grapple with their inexplicable return, the impact on their families, and the growing sense that they are part of something much larger and more mysterious. The show weaves together individual character arcs with a compelling, serialized narrative about the 'calling' they all share. It's packed with secrets, twists, and a deep dive into the 'why' behind their disappearance and return, making it a perfect fit for fans of Lost's long-form mystery.

1. Fringe (2023)
Dive headfirst into the thrilling world of Fringe, a series that masterfully blends science fiction, mystery, and procedural drama. Much like Lost, it excels at building a complex mythology and keeping you guessing with each new bizarre phenomenon. The show follows a team investigating unexplained, often horrifying, events that defy the laws of nature – think parallel universes, time travel, and genetic manipulation gone wild.
Led by the quirky and brilliant Dr. Walter Bishop, his skeptical daughter Olivia Dunham, and the resourceful Peter Bishop, the ensemble cast is utterly captivating. Their relationships evolve beautifully against a backdrop of escalating stakes and a looming, overarching threat. If you loved Lost's blend of character-driven stories and mind-bending mysteries, Fringe is an absolute must-watch that will satisfy your craving for the extraordinary and the unexplained.