What To Watch If You Love 'Ugly Betty'

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Updated February 7, 2025 45 items

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1.5K votes

439 voters

Voting Rules

Vote up the television series that you know other fans of 'Ugly Betty' will love.

Are you missing the charm and humor of Ugly Betty? This list features movies and TV shows that echo the heartwarming and humorous spirit of Ugly Betty. Whether you're in the mood for something like Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, a romantic comedy with a musical twist, or The Devil Wears Prada, a film about a determined woman navigating the high-stakes fashion world, you'll find plenty of options to fill the void left by Ugly Betty.

What makes this list special? It's curated by fellow TV enthusiasts and powered by crowd ranking. Fans of Ugly Betty, just like you, have contributed their recommendations and voted for their favorites, ensuring that each title resonates with the show's unique appeal. The order of the list is determined by these votes, constantly evolving to reflect the preferences of viewers.

1
236 votes
Jane the Virgin
Jane the Virgin is a delightful TV series starring Gina Rodriguez in the titular role of Jane Villanueva. The show revolves around Jane, a young woman who becomes accidentally artificially inseminated, leading to a series of comical and dramatic events in her life. The ensemble cast also includes Andrea Navedo, Yael Grobglas, and Justin Baldoni. With its unique blend of humor, romance, and telenovela-inspired storytelling, Jane the Virgin keeps viewers engaged throughout its five-season run.
Fans of Ugly Betty will find Jane the Virgin to be a captivating choice due to its similar themes of strong female protagonists navigating complex lives. Both shows offer a mix of humor and heartwarming moments, all while exploring the challenges and triumphs of the lead characters. Like Betty Suarez, Jane Villanueva is a relatable character who embodies resilience and determination, making Jane the Virgin a perfect recommendation for those seeking a delightful and engaging series in a similar vein.
2
156 votes
The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada is a film adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's novel, featuring a stellar cast that includes Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. Streep portrays the formidable Miranda Priestly, the icy and demanding editor-in-chief of a prestigious fashion magazine. Anne Hathaway plays Andy Sachs, a young aspiring journalist who lands a job as Miranda's assistant. The film follows Andy's journey as she navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion under Miranda's tutelage.
Fans of Ugly Betty may find The Devil Wears Prada captivating due to its similar themes of personal growth and transformation within the fashion industry. Just like Betty Suarez, Andy Sachs faces challenges in a glamorous but ruthless environment, leading to her evolution and self-discovery. The film offers a mix of humor, drama, and fashion-forward storytelling, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoyed the trials and triumphs of Betty's world.
3
108 votes
Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is a popular TV series starring Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Eva Longoria. The show revolves around the seemingly perfect lives of four women living in a suburban neighborhood. However, beneath the surface, their lives are filled with secrets, scandals, and dark humor. Each character brings a unique blend of drama and comedy to the series, making it a captivating watch.
Fans of 'Ugly Betty' may find 'Desperate Housewives' appealing due to its similar blend of drama and comedy, albeit in a more suburban setting. Both shows feature strong female protagonists navigating complex social dynamics and personal challenges. 'Desperate Housewives' offers a mix of mystery, humor, and intrigue that can provide a delightful and addictive viewing experience for those who enjoyed the charm of 'Ugly Betty.'
4
107 votes
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is a television series starring Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, and Chace Crawford, among others. Set in the glamorous world of Manhattan's Upper East Side, it follows the lives of privileged teenagers navigating the complexities of wealth, status, and scandal. The show revolves around an anonymous blogger known as "Gossip Girl" who exposes the secrets and intrigues of this elite social circle.
Fans of Ugly Betty might find Gossip Girl intriguing due to its compelling blend of high-society drama and intricate character relationships. Like Ugly Betty, it delves into the intricacies of social hierarchy and the challenges of fitting in. Additionally, both series feature strong female leads navigating the fashion and media industries, albeit in vastly different contexts. If you enjoyed the fashion-forward and socially relevant aspects of Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl offers a similarly addictive and stylish narrative set against a backdrop of privilege and power.
5
103 votes
Superstore
Superstore is a comedy TV series starring America Ferrera as Amy, Ben Feldman as Jonah, and Mark McKinney as Glenn. Set in the fictional Cloud 9 megastore, the show offers a hilarious take on the daily lives of employees from diverse backgrounds. It combines humor with a dose of workplace drama.
For fans of Ugly Betty, Superstore offers a similar blend of workplace dynamics and quirky characters. Both shows explore the challenges and humor in unconventional work environments, making them a great choice for those who enjoy witty humor and a focus on relatable characters navigating their professional lives. America Ferrera's presence in Superstore might also appeal to fans of her role as Betty Suarez in Ugly Betty.
6
72 votes
Devious Maids
Devious Maids is a television series starring Ana Ortiz, Dania Ramirez, Roselyn Sánchez, and Judy Reyes. The show revolves around a group of Latina maids working for wealthy families in Beverly Hills. It delves into the personal and professional lives of these maids, uncovering secrets, scandals, and mysteries within their employers' households. With its mix of drama, humor, and intrigue, the series offers a captivating narrative driven by the complexities of both the maids and their wealthy employers.
Fans of Ugly Betty may find Devious Maids appealing due to its blend of comedy and drama, as well as its exploration of class differences and the relationships between employees and their employers. Like 'Ugly Betty,' Devious Maids offers a compelling mix of character-driven storytelling and humor, making it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate the dynamics of working in upscale settings while navigating personal challenges.
7
83 votes
New Girl
New Girl is a sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel as Jessica "Jess" Day, an eccentric and endearing teacher who moves in with three single men after a breakup. The show also features Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, and Damon Wayans Jr. as her roommates. With quirky humor and memorable characters, New Girl explores the ups and downs of their personal and romantic lives, often resulting in hilarious misadventures.
Fans of Ugly Betty may find New Girl appealing due to its engaging ensemble cast, relatable characters, and humor-driven storytelling. Like Betty Suarez, Jess Day is a lovable protagonist who navigates the challenges of work, friendships, and love, all while staying true to herself. Both shows offer a mix of heartwarming moments and comedic situations, making New Girl a delightful choice for those who enjoyed the charm of Ugly Betty.
8
69 votes
Sex and the City
Sex and the City is a popular TV series starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon. Set in the bustling metropolis of New York City, it revolves around the lives of four dynamic and fashion-forward women, each with their unique personalities and aspirations. The show delves into their romantic escapades, career pursuits, and enduring friendships, offering a humorous and insightful take on love, friendship, and self-discovery in the fast-paced urban jungle.
Fans of Ugly Betty may find Sex and the City appealing due to its witty dialogue, strong female friendships, and exploration of the challenges and triumphs of modern women in a vibrant city. Like Betty's journey in the fashion world, the characters in Sex and the City also navigate the complexities of their careers and relationships, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy stories of self-empowerment and personal growth in a glamorous setting.
9
40 votes
The Proposal
The Proposal is a 2009 romantic comedy film starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in the lead roles. The movie revolves around Margaret Tate (played by Bullock), a Canadian executive facing deportation from the U.S., who persuades her assistant, Andrew Paxton (played by Reynolds), to marry her in a sham engagement. What ensues is a series of hilarious and heartwarming moments as they navigate the complexities of their fake relationship while facing immigration officials and Margaret's disapproving family.
Fans of Ugly Betty would likely enjoy The Proposal for its delightful blend of comedy, romance, and workplace dynamics. Just like Betty Suarez, Margaret Tate is a strong-willed and career-driven woman, and her transformation throughout the film is reminiscent of Betty's journey in the TV show. The witty banter and unexpected romance between the main characters, along with a touch of family drama, make The Proposal a charming choice for those who appreciate the quirky charm of Ugly Betty.
10
50 votes
Drop Dead Diva
Drop Dead Diva is a legal comedy-drama television series starring Brooke Elliott as the main character, Jane Bingum. The show also features Margaret Cho, Jackson Hurst, Kate Levering, and April Bowlby in supporting roles. The series revolves around a shallow and aspiring model, Deb Dobkins, who dies in a car accident and is brought back to life in the body of Jane, an intelligent and plus-sized attorney. Jane navigates her new life while using her modeling knowledge to excel in the courtroom.
Fans of Ugly Betty may find Drop Dead Diva appealing due to its similar themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the importance of inner beauty. Both shows feature strong, relatable female protagonists who break societal norms and stereotypes in their respective fields. Drop Dead Diva combines legal drama with humor and heartfelt moments, making it an engaging series for those who enjoyed the quirky charm of Ugly Betty.
11
49 votes
The Bold Type
Employees of a global women's magazine lean on one another as they explore life, love and fashion.
12
75 votes
Gilmore Girls
A woman endeavors to raise a daughter on her own.
13
52 votes
Good Girls
Three best friends decide to stop playing by the rules and take control of their lives -- together.
14
53 votes
Pretty Little Liars
Four teenagers band together against an unknown foe who threatens to expose their secrets.
15
26 votes
One Tree Hill
The experiences of young adults juggling parenthood, careers and romance.
16
16 votes
The O.C.
A troubled young man makes waves in a wealthy, harbor-front community.
17
46 votes
Sex Education
Inexperienced Otis and rebellious Maeve set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school.
18
25 votes
Scrubs
A doctor works at a hospital with unpredictable staffers and patients.
19
5 votes
Happy Endings
The breakup of a couple complicates their friends' lives.
20
39 votes
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
A whip-smart computer coder suddenly hears people's innermost thoughts through popular songs.
21
32 votes
Virgin River
Seeking a fresh start, a nurse practitioner moves from L.A. to a remote Northern California town.
22
36 votes
This Is Us
The Pearsons' emotional story of love, life and family unfolds with unexpected revelations.
23
41 votes
Glee
A teacher tries to reinvent the high school's glee club.
24
29 votes
The Baker & the Beauty
A humble Miami baker and an international superstar navigate an unlikely romance.
25
21 votes
Élite
The clash between working-class teens and wealthy students at a private school leads to murder.
26
15 votes
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
A successful young woman impulsively gives up everything in pursuit of love and happiness.
27
7 votes
A Million Little Things
An unexpected death inspires some friends to take control of their lives.
28
7 votes
Lovesick
The disastrous exploits of 20-something romantic Dylan.
29
16 votes
Modern Love
Some of the most beloved stories from the New York Times column of the same name.
30
12 votes
Friday Night Lights
A small Texas town has high expectations for its top-ranked football team.
31
8 votes
Vida
Two sisters are confronted by the past when they learn the truth about their mother's identity.
32
13 votes
Parenthood
Parenthood, a heartwarming family drama, unfolds the intricate dynamics of the Braverman clan as they navigate life's triumphs and challenges. The show's stellar ensemble cast, led by Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, delivers authentic and nuanced performances, earning it multiple Emmy nominations throughout its six-season run. With storylines that touch on relatable themes such as parenthood, relationships, and personal growth, viewers find themselves emotionally invested in each character's journey. This critically acclaimed series masterfully blends humor and sentimentality, offering a poignant portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life.
33
13 votes
Mixed-ish
Rainbow Johnson recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the '80s.
34
13 votes
Friends from College
Friends who met at Harvard experience varying levels of success as they reach their 40s.
35
19 votes
Grey's Anatomy
A team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial in Seattle.
36
11 votes
Years and Years
Following the fortunes of one family over 15 years as British society is rocked by change.
37
14 votes
Hollywood
Aspiring actors and filmmakers will do almost anything to make their showbiz dreams come true.
38
14 votes
Grown-ish
When a college student leaves the nest, she discovers that everything is not going to go her way.
39
9 votes
Gentefied
Three Mexican-American cousins chase the American Dream in Los Angeles.
40
7 votes
Private Practice
Addison reunites with medical-school friends at a Los Angeles medical facility.
41
6 votes
30 Rock
The life of the head writer at a late-night TV variety show.
42
7 votes
Katy Keene
In the bustling cityscape of New York, Katy Keene (Lucy Hale) navigates her aspirations in the world of fashion. As a dramedy series, it showcases the challenges faced by ambitious young adults pursuing careers in a competitive environment. With vibrant visuals and a diverse cast, the show delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Alongside Katy, characters like Jorge/Ginger (Jonny Beauchamp) and Pepper Smith (Julia Chan) bring depth to this engaging narrative. Although short-lived, the series earned praise for its fresh take on the Archie Comics universe, leaving a lasting impression on its dedicated fanbase.
43
3 votes
Togetherness
The lives and relationships of two couples living under the same roof.
44
17 votes
Riverdale
Archie Andrews navigates the drama of small-town life while working toward a future in music.
45
7 votes
Charmed
Three sisters discover they are powerful witches with a duty to battle dark forces.