10 Best TV Shows Like Netflix's Kaos

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Kaos!

Many great shows like Netflix’s Kaos exist that explore mythology and power dynamics while incorporating fantasy and dark humor elements. Since its release, Kaos has quickly become a fan favorite, reimagining beloved Greek myths within a fresh, contemporary story. Unfortunately, the ending of Kaos includes a major cliffhanger that leaves viewers yearning for a second season.

While Kaos‘ creator offered a hopeful update, no official word has come out as to the fate of Netflix’s Greek mythology series. There’s good reason to be concerned, since Netflix has canceled shows after one season, even when they’ve performed well. If Kaos gets renewed, it will also likely be at least a year before another season comes out, based on the streaming platform’s usual patterns. Luckily, plenty of shows already exist that can fill in the gap when it comes to shows focused on mythology, dark comedy, and fantasy.

10

Blood of Zeus (2020-Present)

A Young Man Learns Of His Deity Lineage And His Fate

One of the best shows for Kaos fans to watch is Netflix’s animated series Blood of Zeus, another original story incorporating real mythology. In this story, a human named Heron learns he’s the son of Zeus and is fated to defeat a demonic army. Both Blood of Zeus and Kaos incorporate the gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures – making them perfect for Greek mythology enthusiasts.

Additionally, they both explore the question of determinism versus free will, highlighting the nuances in between. The stories include a group trying to overthrow the gods. Lastly, the series have strong worldbuilding that’s impressive to watch. Blood of Zeus will especially appeal to Kaos viewers who enjoy animated adult series. The show includes beautiful animation that fuses together American styles, Japanese styles, and art nouveau – taking clear inspiration from the Netflix series Castlevania.

9

The Decameron (2024)

Nobles Hide Away From The Black Plague

For viewers who enjoyed the dark comedy and historical perspective, The Decameron is the perfect choice after Kaos. The Decameron follows a group of noble people and their servants who go to a villa to escape the Black Plague. Both The Decameron and Kaos are macabre, historically focused, and hilarious in twisted ways. The settings are beautiful, a fun contrast with the dark narrative elements. The two series also show off the incredible acting abilities of up-and-coming star Leila Ferzad, showcasing her comedic timing and dramatic chops.

There is one significant difference between the two series. While both allude to the terrible behavior of the privileged and powerful, The Decameron has a pandemic angle that will feel especially poignant, given that the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred so recently. As such, viewers should consider whether they would enjoy jokes on that topic before engaging with the show. It’s an excellent choice for those who used gallows humor to get through lockdown.

8

Ragnarok (2020-2023)

The Norse Gods Are Reincarnated In Modern Times

Kaos is notable for its modernization of Greek mythology, and viewers who enjoy this aspect of the show might also enjoy the Norwegian Netflix series Ragnarok, which modernizes Norse mythology. In the series, a boy named Magne, who is the reincarnation of Thor, must fight to prevent another Ragnarök – the events that lead to the end of the world in Norse myths.

Like Kaos, the story is fresh rather than recycled. The visuals in the two series are impressive, though Ragnarok leans moody, whereas Kaos leans whimsical. Both series also comment on modern issues and messages through the lens of fantasy and mythology. Ragnarok will be especially appealing to individuals who prefer a more dramatic tone, as opposed to the dark comedy angle in Kaos. Additionally, Ragnarok offers a glimpse into a different pantheon of gods that is equally chaotic and entertaining.

7

Atlantis (2013-2015)

An Outsider Tries To Survive In A World Of Greek Mythology

For fans of Greek mythology, the British adventure-fantasy series Atlantis will keep the excitement going after finishing Kaos season 1. The name Atlantis is a misnomer because the series doesn’t focus on the highly advanced, utopian lost city as it’s typically known in the stories. Instead, the protagonist, Jason, washes up on the shores of Atlantis, where the world of Greek mythology is real. Kaos and Atlantis have many of the same mythological characters, showing how the stories can be interpreted differently. Both series also explore the concept of destiny.

While Netflix’s Kaos isn’t appropriate for kids due to mature themes and visuals, Atlantis is more teen-friendly, receiving a rating of 13+ on Common Sense Media. The series only includes allusions to drinking alcohol and some sexual innuendos, which could appeal to parents who want a more child-appropriate alternative focusing on Greek mythology.

6

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)

Xena Tries To Rectify Her Dark Past

Kaos shakes up Greek mythology by centering on the voices of women characters who were previously overlooked or minimized in favor of the surrounding men. After watching Kaos, viewers can move on to the series Xena: Warrior Princess to continue watching women’s empowerment within the context of Greek myths. The show follows the eponymous character who sets out to make up for her dark past with the help of a bard named Gabrielle. During this quest, she crosses paths with numerous other mythological figures.

Though the two series share similar feminist sentiments, Xena: Warrior Princess includes more swordfights, actions, and serious moments than Kaos. The older series also only includes sapphic subtext between the two main characters, whereas Kaos is rife with LGBTQ+ representation. Watching these two series back-to-back will show just how far Hollywood has come in the past three decades.

5

Kamigami no Asobi (2014)

The Gods From Multiple Pantheons Learn About Being Human

After finishing Kaos, viewers might want to watch a show that’s based on mythology but different in every other way. Kamigami no Asobi, translated to Mischief of the Gods, is the perfect choice. The anime miniseries follows Yui Kusanagi, the daughter of a Shinto shrine, who is chosen to teach at a school created by the Greek god Zeus. She must teach the students, who are other gods, human nature and emotions to mend the divide between mortals and gods.

Aside from Kamigami no Asobi obviously being animated instead of live-action, the Japanese show is also much more grounded and heartwarming than Kaos, despite both shows falling into the fantasy genre. Kaos contrasts normal human emotions with the grandiosity of the gods, making it more fantastical. Additionally, rather than taking from one faith system, Kamigami no Asobi includes gods from Greek, Norse, and Japanese mythology.

4

Cupid (2009)

The God Of Love Takes On The Modern World

Cupid is an underrated and binge-able TV show that’s perfect to watch after Kaos. In the 2009 show, a man named Trevor Pierce believes that he’s Cupid (though he’s more similar to his Greek mythology counterpart Eros). He thinks he must match 100 couples before returning to Mount Olympus but quickly gets placed under the care of a psychiatrist and self-help guru named Dr. Claire McCrae.

Like Kaos, Cupid is a contemporary story under the framework of mythology. Because the series only lasted one season on ABC, the show is a quick watch, but it will offer plenty of laughs. Unlike Kaos, Cupid isn’t dark or morbid, leaning more into the tone of a sitcom. However, both shows feature fantastic actors, with the Kaos cast featuring Janet McTeer and Jeff Goldblum and Cupid starring Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson.

3

What We Do In The Shadows (2019-2024)

Vampires Try To Survive In Modern-Day Staten Island

If Kaos gets picked up for a second season, it will likely take a while before new episodes are released. What We Do in the Shadows can effectively fill that gap for viewers who enjoy the blend of dark comedy and fantasy. The FX TV show follows four vampires named Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, who live together in Staten Island and struggle to fit in with modern society.

At face value, these series seem drastically different, especially since What We Do in the Shadows is formatted as a comedic mockumentary. However, both shows lean heavily into gallows humor and dark themes that could be off-putting to anyone outside the target audience. In addition to being tonally similar, they both feature non-human characters alongside humans. Ultimately, with five seasons out and What We Do In the Shadows season 6 on the way, there are plenty of episodes to maintain viewers during the gap between Kaos seasons.

2

American Gods (2017-2021)

A Battle Of The New Gods Versus The Old Gods

While the story of Kaos is set in the world of Greek mythology, the show explores important themes that resonate with modern viewers. Another show that follows this framework is the Starz show American Gods. Based on the titular novel by Neil Gaiman, American Gods centers on a man named Shadow Moon who gets caught up in the battle between the old gods and new gods in modern-day America, a world with which he’s unfamiliar.

Unlike Kaos, American Gods isn’t set within the construct of a single existing pantheon, blending together multiple faith systems to create the old gods. They go up against personifications of concepts like technology, media, and globalization – which represent the new world. Kaos and American Gods may have different theological systems, but they both explore a shift in power and values.

1

Percy Jackson And The Olympians (2013-Present)

A Greek Mythology Story Aimed Towards A Young Audience

Quickly after its release, Kaos was dubbed Percy Jackson for adults due to the shows’ similar themes, pacing, and Greek mythology foundation. Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians follows the titular young hero who learns that he’s the son of Poseidon and gets caught up in a conflict between the gods. The series incorporate the same cynical depiction of the gods, albeit Percy Jackson downplays some of the more mature aspects.

Both shows have the same feeling that the characters are on an epic quest with world-changing stakes, propelling the stories forward. Kaos and Percy Jackson also both offer a contemporary take rather than a period piece. The most significant difference between the series is that Percy Jackson is aimed towards a younger audience, making it perfect for viewers who want to introduce children to the mythology of Kaos without the more risqué elements of the original myths.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians

Created by

Rick Riordan

First Film

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

First Episode Air Date

December 19, 2023

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Source: Common Sense Media