Finished “Maxton Hall” and already experiencing serious withdrawal? You’re definitely not alone. The German series, with its addictive blend of forbidden romance, class conflict, and secrets simmering beneath the surface of an elite private school, has captivated audiences worldwide. The undeniable chemistry between Ruby Bell and James Beaufort, the dramatic tension surrounding their vastly different worlds, and the compelling storyline have left many viewers craving more. “Maxton Hall” tells the story of Ruby, a scholarship student at the prestigious Maxton Hall private school, who accidentally witnesses a compromising secret that threatens the powerful Beaufort family. To keep her quiet, James, the arrogant and privileged heir to the family fortune, is tasked with befriending her. Of course, things get complicated, and a forbidden love blossoms amidst the opulence and hidden agendas of Maxton Hall.
But don’t despair! Luckily, there are plenty of other series that capture a similar blend of drama, romance, and intrigue. If you’re yearning for more shows that explore themes of class differences, forbidden love, elite settings, and hidden secrets, your next obsession awaits. Prepare to dive into a curated list of shows guaranteed to fill that “Maxton Hall” void and keep you glued to your screen. We’ve scoured streaming services to bring you the best dramas, romantic entanglements, and captivating mysteries that share the same addictive DNA as your new favorite show.
Elite: A Spanish High School Drama of Class and Mystery
Set in Las Encinas, an exclusive private school in Spain, Elite throws together students from vastly different socio-economic backgrounds after a devastating earthquake destroys their public school. The clash between the established wealthy students and the newcomers creates a powder keg of tension, secrets, and, of course, plenty of romantic entanglements. Elite is a rollercoaster of betrayal, passion, and shocking revelations, making it impossible to look away.
The similarities to “Maxton Hall” are undeniable. Both shows delve deep into the divide between the haves and have-nots. The class conflict is a central theme, driving much of the drama and forcing characters to confront their prejudices and assumptions. Like James Beaufort, Elite features privileged and powerful characters who are used to getting their own way, and whose lives are intertwined with secrets that could unravel their carefully constructed worlds. Expect forbidden relationships, hidden agendas, and plenty of scandalous behavior. While Elite might be a little more mature in its themes than “Maxton Hall,” the core elements of societal division and passionate, forbidden love are very present. You can find Elite streaming on Netflix. It’s an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy the dark, twisted side of high school drama and aren’t afraid of morally ambiguous characters.
Gossip Girl: The Original Elite Teen Drama
Before Maxton Hall, before Elite, there was Gossip Girl. This iconic series, set amongst the privileged teenagers of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, follows the lives of Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, and their circle of friends (and rivals) as their every move is chronicled by an anonymous blogger known only as Gossip Girl. Filled with fashion, backstabbing, and complicated relationships, Gossip Girl is a timeless classic for a reason.
The allure of Gossip Girl lies in its exploration of the lives of the ultra-rich. Like “Maxton Hall,” it offers a glimpse into a world of lavish parties, designer clothes, and seemingly limitless possibilities. The social hierarchy is fiercely enforced, and the characters are constantly vying for power and status. While Gossip Girl may not have the explicit class conflict of “Maxton Hall” between scholarship students and the elite, the series features characters from different backgrounds and explores the social dynamics between them. Dan Humphrey, the outsider from Brooklyn, provides a contrasting perspective to the privileged lives of Serena and Blair. Furthermore, Gossip Girl is riddled with secrets, betrayals, and complex relationships that will keep you hooked. If you enjoyed the intrigue and drama of Maxton Hall, you’ll find a lot to love in the scandalous world of the Upper East Side. You can find Gossip Girl streaming on HBO Max. Its target audience is teens and young adults who enjoy soapy dramas with a heavy dose of fashion and glamour.
Young Royals: A Swedish Take on Royalty and Romance
This Swedish series, available on Netflix, tells the story of Prince Wilhelm of Sweden as he adjusts to life at the prestigious Hillerska boarding school. While navigating the challenges of royal life, he unexpectedly falls in love with Simon, a non-boarding student from a working-class background. Young Royals is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant series that explores themes of identity, duty, and forbidden love.
The similarities to “Maxton Hall” are clear. Both shows feature a central romance that crosses social boundaries. In Young Royals, the class difference is even more pronounced, as Wilhelm is a literal prince and Simon comes from a very different world. Like James Beaufort, Wilhelm struggles with the expectations placed upon him by his family and society. He faces a difficult choice between his duty and his heart, creating a powerful internal conflict. The boarding school setting in Young Royals also adds to the similarities, creating a contained environment where relationships are intensified and secrets are harder to keep. Unlike “Maxton Hall,” Young Royals has a more grounded and realistic feel, but it still delivers the same emotional impact and satisfying romantic payoff. This series is perfect for viewers who enjoy heartwarming and progressive stories with a touch of royalty and a focus on character development.
Bridgerton: Regency Romance with a Modern Twist
Bridgerton, a popular series on Netflix, transports viewers to Regency-era London, where the wealthy Bridgerton family navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and social standing. Each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling and their quest for love, filled with romance, scandal, and stunning costumes.
While set in a different time period, Bridgerton shares many of the same thematic elements as “Maxton Hall.” It is a story of societal rules and expectations. Class plays a vital part in Bridgerton. The rigid social hierarchy dictates who is considered a suitable match, creating obstacles for those who dare to cross social boundaries. Forbidden love is a central theme, as characters are often drawn to those who are deemed unsuitable by society. Furthermore, Bridgerton is rife with secrets and scandals that threaten to unravel the carefully constructed lives of the characters. Lady Whistledown, the anonymous gossip columnist, keeps a watchful eye on the ton, exposing secrets and fueling drama, a role that is similar to some of the gossip and secrecy in Maxton Hall. This show appeals to fans of period dramas and romance. If you enjoy the romantic entanglements and societal drama of Maxton Hall but enjoy a more historical setting, Bridgerton will be the perfect match.
Cruel Intentions: A Dark Tale of Manipulation and Revenge
While Cruel Intentions originated as a film, the premise of the show (and the film it’s based on) explores similar themes to “Maxton Hall.” The show centers around step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, who engage in manipulative games with the lives of their wealthy classmates at an elite Manhattan prep school. Filled with dark secrets, forbidden desires, and twisted power dynamics, Cruel Intentions is a story about the dangers of privilege and the corrupting influence of wealth.
The show’s focus on a wealthy private school is directly analogous to Maxton Hall. Class and privilege are central to the plot, informing the actions and motivations of the characters. The characters feel a sense of entitlement that permeates the story. Furthermore, the series is filled with secrets and forbidden desires. If you want a show that explores the darker aspects of the elite social scene, Cruel Intentions is a great choice. If you loved the underbelly of Maxton Hall, you will love Cruel Intentions.
One Tree Hill: High School Drama with Heart
One Tree Hill follows the lives of half-brothers Lucas and Nathan Scott as they navigate high school, basketball, and complex relationships in the small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. While not as overtly focused on wealth as “Maxton Hall,” One Tree Hill explores themes of family, loyalty, and overcoming adversity, all within the context of a high school setting filled with drama and romance.
The series is rooted in a high school that sees rich kids clashing with kids from the wrong side of the tracks. While the dynamic is slightly different than Maxton Hall, there are definitely moments of wealth and class differences shaping relationships within the school. Additionally, the series is about two half-brothers vying for similar things. Relationships between the characters are extremely complicated. One Tree Hill is perfect for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of romance, friendship, and drama. You can stream One Tree Hill on Hulu.
The OC: Sun, Surf, and Suburban Secrets
The OC centers on Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks, who is taken in by the wealthy Cohen family in Newport Beach, California. As Ryan navigates the world of privilege and wealth, he forms bonds with Marissa Cooper, Seth Cohen, and Summer Roberts, and uncovers the hidden secrets and scandals that lie beneath the surface of Orange County’s seemingly perfect world.
This series is similar to Maxton Hall in that it has the outside poor kid coming in and becoming a star within a high school setting, but more, becoming a part of a family. It’s a classic trope, but the drama and secrets are what make the show truly captivating. It’s similar to Maxton Hall because it sees that the wealthy are not always perfect. The same type of drama and secrets are present. You can stream The OC on HBO Max.
Pretty Little Liars: A Mystery Wrapped in Designer Clothes
Pretty Little Liars follows a group of four friends who are tormented by an anonymous figure known as “A” after the disappearance of their best friend, Alison DiLaurentis. As the girls try to uncover A’s identity and protect themselves, they must confront their own secrets and lies, all while navigating the complexities of high school life in the seemingly idyllic town of Rosewood.
This mystery series follows a group of friends after the disappearance of their friend, Alison. What follows is a string of secrets and drama that are sure to be satisfying if you enjoy the same in Maxton Hall. Pretty Little Liars can be streamed on HBO Max.
Your Next Binge Awaits
From scandalous secrets to forbidden romances, these shows offer the same addictive qualities that made “Maxton Hall” a hit. They explore themes of class conflict, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships, all within the context of compelling storylines and captivating characters. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to binge – your next favorite show is waiting!
What other shows did you enjoy after watching “Maxton Hall?” Share your suggestions in the comments below! We’re always looking for new recommendations to add to our list. Which series captured your attention and kept you hooked? Let us know your thoughts!
