10 Best TV Shows Like Pam & Tommy | Screen Rant
The controversy regarding the Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape became one of the most sensationalized news stories in the mid-90s, as depicted in Hulu's new miniseries, Pam & Tommy. While this miniseries has so far been entertaining, especially Lily James and Sebastian Stan's chemistry as the titular couple, it also uncovers the sensitive biographical nature of the subsequent events. Viewers are also praising the performances by the cast, especially Lily James, who perfectly emulates Pamela's looks and mannerisms.
Of course, Pam & Tommy is not the only biographical drama series based on such cultural events. Many TV shows have uncovered similar aspects of Pam & Tommy's storytelling, such as the media's double standards towards women, the love story narrative, and the Hollywood ambiance.
American Crime Story is well-known for dramatizing the most well-known recent historical events, from the O.J. Simpson murder case to Gianni Versace's murder. The anthology series returned recently with its latest depiction of one of this presidential crisis. Impeachment follows the event regarding Bill Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
Like Pam & Tommy, Impeachment uncovers the before and after events surrounding this situation, including the subsequent impeachment proceedings. Furthermore, Impeachment highlights the unfair media scrutiny and the double standard applied to Lewinsky (the best character on Impeachment) to display the then-intern as a victim, just like how Pam & Tommy attempts to do the same with the former couple. Furthermore, Monica Lewinsky served as the executive producer and a consultant for Impeachment, making the series more genuine.
While Pam & Tommy uncovers the cultural shift of the internet with the adult industry, The Deuce unfolds the rise and legitimacy of adult entertainment in the '70s and '80s.
The Deuce uncovers the sex and adult film industry in the '70s from the perspective of pimps, sex workers, and the police. The three-season show dives into the taboos and dangers of this industry, which eventually shifts into legitimacy with the rise of adult entertainment. This series is grittier than Pam & Tommy, but the story adds social commentary and dives in-deep into the characters' personal lives.
Unfortunately, whether one is a high-profile celebrity or a political figure, there is a price of losing privacy and being eyed by the media. Such is the case for England's royal family, whose story is narrated in Netflix's The Crown.
Like Pam & Tommy, The Crown covers significant events impacting the Windsors, from Queen Elizabeth's reign to her children's marriage. Of course, the Queen's life does not come without controversy and scandals, such as the suspicion of her husband's infidelity and the doomed marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, both depicted in series. The Crown showcases a sophisticated and historical context of the royal family. The series remains one of Netflix's greatest gems.
Fosse/Verdon explores the professional and romantic relationship between the choreographer Bob Fosse and dancer Gwen Verdon. Although they work together to unlock the greatness in each others' works, fame and jealousy bring the worst in their toxic and doomed relationship.
Although Fosse/Verdon does not have scandals and controversies, the series echoes the biographical depiction of Fosse and Verdon's complicated relationship, much like Pamela and Tommy in Pam & Tommy. Of course, this miniseries is stylish and dazzling, given the Broadway atmosphere. However, the incredible chemistry between Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell enhances the exuberant storytelling, even when the non-linear sequences dampen its momentum.
Part of the focus in Pam & Tommy is the perspective of Pamela Anderson, who received the most social media scrutiny due to the different standards applied to women. Pamela Anderson is not the only real-life female figure to face unfair criticism, this was also the case for Christine Keeler in the British miniseries, The Trial of Christine Keeler.
Like Pam & Tommy, the BBC biographical drama follows the political British scandal known as the "Profumo Affari." The story covers the affair between British politician John Profumo and English model Christine Keeler and showcases how the event took a toll on British politics.
Perhaps, one of the best series that echoes the energy and incredible story of a real-life couple is the drama series Masters of Sex. The TV show follows William Masters and Virginia Johnson, pioneer researchers on human sexuality. However, even their professional relationship turns to a subsequent romantic one.
Like Pam & Tommy, Masters of Sex is adapted from a titular biography by Thomas Maier. The TV series is a bit more sophisticated and stylish with its narrative as it takes place between the 1950s and 1960s. However, Masters of Sex became one of the most praised shows on Showtime. In particular, the dynamic between Lizzy Caplan and Michael Sheen (in one of his best roles) as Williams and Virginia is incredible.
In Get Shorty, Miles Daly is an enforcer who wants to leave his criminal life. To do so, he joins the film industry and plans to launder money in the process. However, Miles soon partners with a has-been film producer to help him adjust to Hollywood.
The first few episodes of Pam & Tommy present a glimpse of the adult film industry, including the behind-the-scenes perspective and even some mob associations. In particular, Rand and Uncle Miltie receive an investment from a mob boss to start their business. This plot emulates the main narrative in Get Shorty. Furthermore, the comedy-drama is hilarious, especially the dynamic duo between Chris O'Dowd and Sean Bridgers.
Netflix released a biographical drama Halston, following the life story of the fashion icon. In this series, the designer becomes renowned as a fashion mogul, but even fame comes at a price. Soon, Halston loses his grip to hold his empire together.
This biographical drama depicts the designer's life from his highs to his lows, much like the couple in Pam & Tommy. While Pam & Tommy focuses on the drama regarding the sex tape, Halston unfolds controversial moments in his long-established career. Halston educates viewers about fashion with style, but the standout is Ewan McGregor in the titular role. McGregor showcases his charisma and versatility in his portrayal of the fashion designer.
The most notorious scandals typically involve politicians, which have become the subject of recent movies and TV shows. The most notable is the British biographical comedy-drama, A Very English Scandal, which follows Jeremy Thorpe, who hired a hitman to try and kill his former lover, Norman Josiffe.
Much like the couple's story in Pam & Tommy, A Very English Scandal dramatizes the publicized controversy, showcasing the events leading up to the murder attempt and its aftermaths. The British series received near-universal praises for its depiction of British politics, the storytelling of the event, and the impressive performances from Hugh Grant (in a less typecast role) and Ben Whishaw.
The Morning Show has become one of AppleTV+ best series since the streaming service's inception. This drama follows a morning show struck with a recent sexual misconduct scandal. Alex Levy, a co-host, attempts to save her job while the CEO plans to recruit a field reporter, Bradley Jackson.
This drama echoes some of the themes highlighted in Pam & Tommy, such as the gender inequalities and double standards in the industry. The Morning Show also dives into the depiction of the #MeToo movement. Of course, the forefront of this drama is Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, whose dynamic chemistry sets the stage for the incredible showbiz story.