Recycled Plots: 8 TV Series That are Shamelessly Similar

1. "Warehouse 13" (2009 – 2014) and "The Librarians" (2014 – 2018)

Enter the worlds of "Warehouse 13" and "The Librarians," where mystical artifacts create all sorts of problems for our protagonists. In "Warehouse 13," two Secret Service agents are tasked with hunting down supernatural objects and stowing them in a secret warehouse. Similarly, in "The Librarians," a group of librarians (who knew library science could be so exciting?) seek out dangerous magical artifacts and stow them in... you guessed it, a secret library.

While the premises are startlingly similar, both shows have their unique charm. "Warehouse 13" has a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while "The Librarians" trails slightly at 70%.

2. "Killing Eve" (2018 – 2022) and "Hanna" (2019 – 2021)

Next on our list are "Killing Eve" and "Hanna," both thrillers with powerful female leads that challenge the often male-dominated genre. In "Killing Eve," we have an MI6 operative obsessively tracking a skilled assassin, and in "Hanna," a genetically enhanced teenager is on the run from a secretive governmental agency. Although the plots unfold differently, they share a similar theme – the enthralling cat-and-mouse chase.

"Killing Eve" boasts a stellar 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, while "Hanna" stands strong with an 80% rating. Though the plotlines might sound familiar, both shows offer enough twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

3. "The Gates" (2010) and "Being Human" (2008 – 2013)

Supernatural beings trying to live "normal" lives – if that's your cup of tea, then "Being Human" and "The Gates" will serve you just right. "Being Human," a British import, revolves around a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf living together and attempting to blend in with human society. Meanwhile, "The Gates" is an American series featuring a gated community inhabited by vampires, werewolves, and witches, all trying to keep their supernatural identities under wraps.

While "Being Human" holds an impressive 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Gates" couldn't quite match up, with a modest 58%. They may share similar storylines, but the execution and tone differ significantly.

4. "Dead Like Me" (2003 – 2004) and "Pushing Daisies" (2007 – 2009)

"Dead Like Me" and "Pushing Daisies," both creations of Bryan Fuller, both explore the topic of life, death, and everything in between, with a generous serving of dark humor. In "Dead Like Me," the protagonist becomes a grim reaper after her untimely death, while "Pushing Daisies" features a pie maker with the ability to bring dead things back to life with a touch.

Despite their quirky, similar premises, they each provide a unique spin on the theme of life after death. "Dead Like Me" managed to reap a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while "Pushing Daisies" bloomedto an even more impressive 96%.

5. "Lie to Me" (2009 – 2011) and "The Mentalist" (2008 – 2015)

"Lie to Me" and "The Mentalist" are two procedurals that follow brilliant consultants aiding law enforcement. In "Lie to Me," Dr. Cal Lightman uses his expertise in microexpressions and body language to assist in investigations, while Patrick Jane from "The Mentalist" utilizes his observational skills and past as a 'psychic' to solve crimes.

"Lie to Me" garnered a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while "The Mentalist" trails slightly with 70%. Despite similar foundations, both shows manage to captivate with their intelligent leads and inventive case-of-the-week storytelling – and even the vibe of these two is distinctively unique.

6. "Catch Me If You Can" (2002) and "White Collar" (2009 – 2014)

Although "Catch Me If You Can" is technically a movie, its plot aligns almost perfectly with the USA Network's "White Collar." Both revolve around charming con artists who start assisting the FBI to catch other criminals while attempting to keep their own noses clean. The dynamic between the by-the-book FBI agents and the suave criminals they're tethered to is a common thread. "White Collar," with an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, delivers intrigue and humor in equal measure.

7. "The West Wing" (1999 – 2006) and "Madam Secretary" (2014 – 2019)

Political dramas with a moral compass, "Madam Secretary" and "The West Wing" both present an idealized version of American politics, focusing on the personal and professional lives of those in the White House. While "The West Wing" concentrates on the president and his senior staff, "Madam Secretary" zeroes in on the Secretary of State and her team.

Despite their shared genre and setting, they each provide distinct perspectives on the power dynamics of the White House. On Rotten Tomatoes, "Madam Secretary" holds a 71% rating, whereas "The West Wing" boasts an enviable 90%.

8. "Luther" (2010 – 2019) and "The Fall" (2013 – 2016)

In the final comparison of this list, we find two gripping British crime dramas, "Luther" and "The Fall." Both feature obsessed detectives and chilling antagonists in a gritty urban landscape. "Luther" stars Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, battling his personal demons while hunting down dangerous criminals. "The Fall," meanwhile, focuses on a senior investigator's hunt for a serial killer in Northern Ireland. Despite their parallel storylines, the shows stand out in their characterization and tense storytelling.