10 Times Identical TV Shows Were Released at the Same Time

#10: “Penny Dreadful” (2014-16) & “Salem” (2014-17)

Gothic horror was having a moment in 2014, apparently. These two shows offered a new take on classic horror themes. “Salem,” the longer-lasting of the two, provides an alternative history of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, from the perspective of real witches. Meanwhile, “Penny Dreadful,” the more highly acclaimed series, pulls from a deep catalogue of Victorian Gothic public domain characters ranging from Dorian Gray to Dracula. “Penny Dreadful”’s second season even features a coven of witches, much like its counterpart “Salem.” Though set in different time periods, both are historical horror dramas with plenty of supernatural elements that were generally well regarded by fans.

#9: “Sleepy Hollow” (2013-17) & “Dracula” (2013-14)

These shows dared to make two classic horror characters look hotter than you’ve ever seen them before. “Sleepy Hollow” follows Washington Irving’s classic character Ichabod Crane in a new 21st century adventure to once again find the Headless Horseman. “Dracula” is set across the pond, with the infamous vampire in London posing as a rich American entrepreneur as he secretly exacts his revenge on the corrupt Order of the Dragon. Though different in source material, both shows include romantic intrigue, secret societies, and spooky special effects. For lovers of Gothic fantasy and romance, both shows are definitely worth a watch.

#8: “Once Upon a Time” (2011-18) & “Grimm” (2011-17)

Premiering within days of each other, these two shows had a noticeably similar premise. Both dramas are set in the modern world with one notable twist: the classic fairy-tale characters of our favorite childhood stories are real, and they walk among us. “Once Upon A Time,” airing on Disney-owned ABC, features a cast of classic Disney characters reimagined in the modern world. NBC’s “Grimm” meanwhile is a dark police procedural where the criminals are villains from “Grimms’ Fairy Tales.” Though “Once Upon a Time” is distinctly lighter in tone, both shows include darker elements that reflect the often gory and frightening nature of the original source material.

#7: “Homicide: Life on the Street” (1993-99) & “NYPD Blue” (1993-2005)

These shows set out to show the gritty reality of police work in a major city, starkly different from cop shows of the past like “T.J. Hooker” and “Miami Vice.” Set in Baltimore, “Homicide” showed a more bleak, frustrating side to police work, acknowledging the reality that justice isn’t always served. “NYPD Blue” is, of course, set in New York City and featured detectives that were deeply flawed, with rich personal lives that often affected their professional ones, and vice versa. Though “Homicide” was noticeably slower-paced and more dialogue-driven compared to “NYPD Blue”’s action-packed pace, both shows were commended for their realistic approach to crime and police work.

#6: “The Crown” (2016-23) & “Victoria” (2016-19)

Historical dramas centered on monarchs of the past aren’t uncommon topics for TV shows, but two shows focused on long-reigning queens of the United Kingdom in one year? Jenna Coleman leads “Victoria” in the retelling of Queen Victoria’s life from her coronation at 18 to the Great Exhibition of London in 1851. “The Crown” stars Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II at different stages of her record-breaking 70 years in power. While the two shows center on different figures, both use a similar tone and truly impressive costuming to tell the story of two of the most influential women in British history.

#5: “The O.C.” (2003-07) & “One Tree Hill” (2003-12)

You might be thinking, “Aren’t all teen dramas basically the same?” You might be right, but these two are especially similar. Both shows feature a pair of compelling brothers: “The O.C.” has Seth and his adoptive brother Ryan, “One Tree Hill” has half-brothers Lucas and Nathan. More so than other teen dramas, these shows delve deeper into the complicated nature of male adolescent relationships and the complicated, often suppressed emotions involved. Though set on opposite sides of the country, “The O.C.” and “One Tree Hill” marked a new era for emotional, romantic teen dramas.

#4: “30 Rock” (2006-13) & “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006-07)

NBC faced a dilemma. They had two series based on the behind-the-scenes antics of a “Saturday Night Live”-esque live sketch comedy show, both helmed by legendary writers. Unable to decide, they chose to air both. “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” was Aaron Sorkin’s highly anticipated follow-up to “The West Wing,” while Tina Fey’s “30 Rock” was thought of as the plucky underdog of the two shows. However, “Studio 60” failed to meet audience’s expectations and was highly criticized, while “30 Rock” quietly found solid comedic footing and a growing fanbase. “Studio 60” ultimately lost this battle, but there appears to be no bad blood between Fey and Sorkin, with the latter even making a super meta cameo on “30 Rock.”

#3: “ER” (1994-2009) & “Chicago Hope” (1994-2000)

These rival medical dramas premiered in the same year, were set in the same city, and even aired during the same timeslot at times. “Chicago Hope” was expected to emerge as the ratings winner, with creator David E. Kelley’s reputation for helming hit shows generating plenty of buzz. However, in a shocking twist “ER” quickly emerged as the more popular show. The show’s realistic depiction of emergency medicine and, of course, George Clooney’s charm, made it a hit with audiences in a way “Chicago Hope” never quite caught up to. Still a solid show, “Chicago Hope” took their second place position in stride, even poking fun at their “ER” rivals a few times over the course of the series.

#2: “The Borgias” (2011-13) & “Borgia” (2011-14)

With sex, murder, theft, bribery, and two popes, the story of the House of Borgia is practically tailor-made for television. This, apparently, was realized in 2011 when two separate historical dramas were made about the family. “The Borgias” was a more dramatized version created by Neil Jordan, while “Borgia” was a more historically accurate retelling from French, German, Czech, and Italian producers. Though different in their own ways, fans of dark historical tales have plenty to enjoy from both retellings of this brutal family. Some of the events portrayed could even rival those in “Game of Thrones,” another series that premiered in the same year.

#1: “The Addams Family” (1964-66) & “The Munsters” (1964-1966)

The 1950s suburbanization of America and the newfound presence of a television set in every home led to plenty of squeaky clean TV shows set in perfect suburban homes with perfect nuclear families. By the 1960s, audiences were ready for a change. In came two freaky families that were the exact opposite of typical TV clans: The Addamses and the Munsters. The similarities can be attributed to the source material, as both shows were inspired by the New Yorker cartoons by Charles Addams. Both shows also premiered within a week of each other and ended just one month apart. Though “The Addams Family” has demonstrated somewhat more cultural staying power, both are classic shows especially beloved by fans of the strange and unusual.

Can you think of any twin TV series we missed? Let us know in the comments!