The Best TV Shows to Watch When You’re Feeling Petty

Sometimes, you just need to indulge your inner snark.

For those days when you’re feeling petty, nothing beats a good TV binge-packed with shade, drama, and characters who know how to throw down.

From scandalous romances to epic rivalries and high-stakes power plays, these shows are loaded with the kind of pettiness that makes for addictive entertainment.

Whether it’s elite high schoolers battling for the top spot, feuding Hollywood legends, or ruthless family dynasties, this list has you covered.

So grab some popcorn and get ready for the best shows to watch when you’re feeling a little — okay, maybe a lot — petty.

Succession

Succession takes family drama and corporate warfare to deliciously petty heights.

The Roy family’s billion-dollar empire is matched only by their ruthless ambition and brutal one-liners.

From Logan’s domineering grip on his children to Kendall, Shiv, and Roman’s relentless battles for power, every scene is packed with tension, betrayal, and dark humor.

It’s a masterclass in snark, with every character out for themselves and no one afraid to play dirty.

If you’re in the mood for jaw-dropping moments and epic takedowns, Succession serves up pettiness on a silver platter.

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Revenge

Revenge is all about payback, served ice-cold with a side of high-society flair.

Emily Thorne arrives in the Hamptons with one goal: to destroy the wealthy Grayson family who wronged her.

With every calculated move, hidden scheme, and unexpected turn, Emily turns manipulation into an art form.

The show drips with drama as allies become enemies and layers of deceit unfold at every corner.

When you’re in that petty kind of mood and craving a good tale of retribution, Revenge is the ultimate binge for high-stakes snark and scheming.

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The White Lotus

The White Lotus takes luxury and privilege and flips it into pure chaos.

Set in a tropical paradise, this show reveals the dark — and often hilariously petty — side of its wealthy guests and staff.

From passive-aggressive insults to jaw-dropping power plays, every character brings their own brand of snark to the vacation from hell. W

With each new guest’s arrival, tensions build, secrets unravel, and the drama escalates to shocking heights.

If you’re feeling petty and craving some top-tier satire, The White Lotus is the perfect getaway…from sanity.

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Gossip Girl

When it came to scandal, shade, and high society snark, Gossip Girl was the show to tune into.

From Blair’s iconic takedowns to Serena’s endless drama, the Upper East Side turned into a battlefield where pettiness reigned supreme.

Gossip Girl’s anonymous posts exposed everyone’s secrets, ensuring that no one — not even the queen bees — was safe.

This was backstabbing and betrayal with a glamorous twist, where every schemer played to win.

If you’re feeling a little petty, this is your perfect binge.

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House of Cards

House of Cards is political pettiness at its finest.

Frank and Claire Underwood redefine ruthless ambition, clawing their way to the top with calculated manipulation, cutting remarks, and ice-cold revenge.

Every episode is a masterclass in power plays, as the Underwoods pull strings and eliminate rivals without a hint of remorse.

Watching them scheme their way through Washington is thrilling, darkly entertaining, and satisfyingly petty.

If you’re in the mood for a high-stakes game where loyalty is non-existent, House of Cards delivers drama with zero mercy.

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Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies brings all the pettiness of small-town drama wrapped in a gorgeous beachside setting.

Monterey’s seemingly perfect moms have secrets simmering beneath the surface, and as tensions rise, so do the stakes.

From subtle digs to explosive confrontations, every character brings their own blend of snark and shade to the story.

The layers of friendship, rivalry, and betrayal keep things intense, especially when the truth threatens to unravel.

If you’re craving a binge filled with twists, secrets, and deliciously petty moments, Big Little Lies is calling your name.

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Veep

Veep is the ultimate in political pettiness, following the sharp-tongued Selina Meyer as she navigates Washington with zero filters and plenty of insults.

Her ruthless ambition and her team’s chaotic incompetence turn every episode into a whirlwind of snarky one-liners, cringe-worthy mishaps, and brutal takedowns.

Nothing and no one is off-limits in her quest for power, and every setback is met with razor-sharp sarcasm.

If you’re ready to laugh at some of the pettiest political shenanigans imaginable, Veep serves shade like no other.

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Dynasty

Dynasty is pure, unapologetic pettiness wrapped in glitz and glamour.

The Carrington family’s power struggles, betrayals, and fierce rivalries make every episode a showcase of backstabbing at its finest.

From Alexis and Krystle’s iconic catfights to Blake’s relentless scheming, the Carringtons know how to keep the drama high and the stakes even higher.

With wealth, power, and scandal at every turn, Dynasty is the ultimate binge for anyone looking to indulge in classic soap opera-style shade.

It’s the kind of deliciously petty drama that’s impossible to resist!

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The Real Housewives

The Real Housewives franchise sets the gold standard for reality TV pettiness, with each city bringing its own mix of glitz, feuds, and unforgettable drama.

Whether you’re tuning into Beverly Hills, New York, or Atlanta, these ladies deliver shade with every brunch, charity event, and vacation meltdown.

From epic clapbacks to friendships in flames, Housewives shows that behind every fabulous outfit and perfect manicure is someone ready to throw down.

For jaw-dropping confrontations and a front-row seat to the pettiest disputes, pick your city and watch the chaos unfold because The Real Housewives franchise is OFF. THE. CHARTS.

Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Online

Fleabag

Fleabag is the perfect binge for anyone craving sharp wit and unapologetic honesty.

The show follows its self-destructive, sarcastic heroine as she navigates love, loss, and one messy family, all while breaking the fourth wall with her signature side-eye.

Fleabag’s petty moments are delightfully relatable, from awkward confrontations to brutally honest observations about everyone around her.

With every glance and cutting remark, she takes viewers on a hilariously raw journey through her missteps and grudges.

If you’re feeling petty and craving dark humor, Fleabag is a must-watch.

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Empire

If you’re craving family feuds and ruthless ambition, Empire delivers the drama with style.

The Lyon family’s power struggles, betrayals, and unfiltered shade turned the music business into a battlefield.

Cookie’s legendary comebacks (and sass!), Lucious’s relentless scheming, and sibling rivalries that redefine petty make Empire the ultimate binge for anyone who loves high-stakes drama with a side of attitude.

Every episode is packed with jaw-dropping twists, lavish performances, and enough family drama to keep you glued to the screen.

So, grab some popcorn — this one’s all about the art of the takedown.

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The Bold Type

The Bold Type serves up drama with style, wit, and a hefty dose of snark.

At Scarlet magazine, Jane, Kat, and Sutton juggle friendships, love lives, and career ambitions, all while throwing just the right amount of shade.

The workplace rivalries and heartfelt moments turn this show into an emotional rollercoaster, blending career highs with personal messes and plenty of office drama.

If you’re in the mood for a binge that’s equal parts snark and inspiration, The Bold Type hits all the right notes for those craving a bit of petty entertainment.

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The Royals

The Royals is royal drama at its absolute prettiest.

This modern monarchy is filled with scandal, betrayal, and enough shade to block out the sun.

Queen Helena rules with an iron fist and a razor-sharp tongue while her kids bring plenty of chaos, secrets, and snark to the palace.

Every family feud feels like a public spectacle, and every backstabbing moment is pure entertainment.

With its outrageous twists and regal rivalries, The Royals is perfect for when you’re in the mood to indulge your inner drama queen.

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Desperate Housewives

When it comes to petty drama, Desperate Housewives practically invented it.

Life on Wisteria Lane was a soap opera wrapped in suburbia, where no secret stayed hidden and every smile came with a side of shade.

Bree’s icy perfection, Gabrielle’s fierce independence, Lynette’s cunning, and Susan’s knack for getting tangled in everyone’s messes kept viewers hooked.

With every episode, friendships got tested, affairs surfaced, and power plays unfolded, all with a flair that made you want to see what these housewives would do next.

If you’re in the mood for snark and scandal, welcome to Wisteria Lane. 

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How to Get Away with Murder

How to Get Away with Murder is an ultimate showcase of manipulation, secrets, and high-stakes drama.

Annalise Keating and her band of law students are tangled in a web of lies, betrayals, and, yes, murder, making every episode a thrilling descent into chaos.

Annalise’s sharp tongue and cutthroat tactics bring the perfect mix of snark and suspense, while each character’s dark secrets add layers of intrigue.

If you’re feeling petty and want a dose of courtroom drama with ruthless ambition, How to Get Away with Murder serves up just the right amount of scandal. 

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Emily in Paris

When Emily lands in Paris, her American optimism clashes hilariously with French snobbery, sparking endless drama and passive-aggressive shade.

From love triangles to workplace rivalries, Emily navigates Parisian culture with a mix of naivety and sass, often rubbing locals the wrong way.

Whether she’s butting heads with her colleagues or stirring up romantic chaos, Emily in Paris is the perfect binge for when you’re in the mood for light-hearted, fashion-fueled drama with plenty of snark.

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Bridgerton

Bridgerton is the ultimate escape into Regency-era pettiness, where courtships, rivalries, and scandal rule high society.

With Lady Whistledown (the Gossip Girl of the Regency era) spilling secrets at every turn, the Bridgerton family and their peers face relentless public scrutiny and juicy drama.

From Daphne’s love life to Anthony’s power struggles, every episode brims with subtle shade, whispered gossip, and enough romantic tension to fill a ballroom.

Bridgerton is for anyone in the mood for lavish costumes, smoldering glances, and the delicious thrill of high-stakes romance mixed with sly, period-perfect snark.

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Sex and the City

Sex and the City is the epitome of petty friendship drama, fabulous fashion, and brutally honest conversations.

Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda navigate love, heartbreak, and career struggles in New York City, serving up shade with Cosmos and support in equal measure.

From Carrie’s dating disasters to Samantha’s legendary one-liners, every episode is packed with iconic moments that blend humor with a touch of snark.

If you’re feeling petty or just want a front-row seat to the highs and lows of single life in the city, Sex and the City has you covered in style.

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Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is a rollercoaster of secrets, lies, and non-stop drama.

When four best friends start receiving cryptic messages from the mysterious “A,” their lives spiral into a world of manipulation and betrayal.

With each twist, they uncover darker secrets about each other and their town, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

From backstabbing frenemies to scandalous romances, every episode is packed with the kind of pettiness and suspense that make this show the ultimate binge.

If you’re craving mystery laced with a hefty dose of snark, Pretty Little Liars is for you. 

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90210

90210 brings all the high school drama, secrets, and scandal you could want, all wrapped up in Beverly Hills glitz.

The students of West Beverly Hills High are anything but innocent, with rivalries, romances, and power plays keeping things deliciously petty.

From Naomi’s queen-bee attitude to Annie’s constant entanglements, every character brings their own flair for drama and shade.

This show is packed with love triangles, betrayals, and iconic high school moments that make it a binge-worthy classic.

If you’re feeling especially petty, 90210 will deliver all the rich-kid drama you need.

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Feud: Bette and Joan

Feud: Betty and Joan captures the iconic, real-life rivalry between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Set against the backdrop of the classic 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, the series dives into the pettiness, power plays, and behind-the-scenes battles that defined their relationship.

With biting dialogue, intense standoffs, and plenty of old-school Hollywood snark, this show brings their feud to life in all its deliciously dramatic glory.

If you’re craving glamorous cattiness and classic shade, Feud: Betty and Joan delivers pure, iconic pettiness.

Watch Feud: Bette and Joan Online

The O.C.

The O.C. is the ultimate in teen angst, wealth, and West Coast drama.

When outsider Ryan Atwood moves into the elite world of Orange County, he stirs up secrets, rivalries, and endless romantic drama.

The show’s iconic characters — like Marissa, Seth, and Summer — bring plenty of snark and shade as they navigate love triangles, family feuds, and friendship fallout.

Every episode has the perfect mix of heartfelt moments and sharp one-liners, making The O.C. an addictive watch for anyone craving rich-kid drama with a side of petty.

And let’s be real, this list has plenty of it!

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Curb Your Enthusiasm

Curb Your Enthusiasm takes pettiness to a whole new level, thanks to Larry David’s knack for turning minor annoyances into full-blown fiascos.

Whether he’s arguing over the “right” way to park or getting into absurd social squabbles, Larry’s relentless nitpicking and total lack of a filter make every episode a masterpiece of awkward, petty humor.

His interactions with friends, neighbors, and total strangers spiral into chaos with hilarious, cringe-worthy outcomes.

If you’re in the mood for unapologetic, real-world pettiness, Curb Your Enthusiasm is the perfect watch to indulge your inner contrarian.

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Melrose Place

Melrose Place is ‘90s drama at its finest, with outrageous twists, backstabbing friends, and romantic entanglements that never end well.

This classic series is set in a West Hollywood apartment complex where everyone’s lives are intertwined — and nobody’s hands are clean.

From love triangles to betrayal and petty revenge, Melrose Place is packed with all the drama and shade of a prime-time soap opera.

If you’re ready to relive iconic moments and over-the-top feuds, this one is your ultimate blast from the past.

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Scream Queens

Scream Queens brings horror and humor together in the pettiest way possible.

At Wallace University, the ruthless Kappa Kappa Tau sorority sisters face a masked killer — and each other.

With sharp one-liners, campy scares, and no shortage of rivalries, Scream Queens is a slasher comedy packed with drama and over-the-top characters.

The show’s hilarious mix of horror and snark makes it the perfect watch when you’re craving something both scary and petty, with enough shade to fill a haunted house.

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BEEF

BEEF brings pettiness to an art form, following two characters whose road rage incident escalates into a full-blown feud.

What starts as a single encounter spirals into a hilarious and dark rivalry, with each one-upping the other in increasingly outrageous ways.

Fueled by revenge and grudges, BEEF explores the lengths people will go to win — even when they’re fighting a completely pointless battle.

If you’re in the mood for petty to the extreme, this show delivers it with a darkly comedic edge that keeps you guessing what they’ll do next.

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You’re the Worst

You’re the Worst is a twisted take on romance where love and snark go hand in hand.

Jimmy and Gretchen are two unapologetically selfish characters who dive headfirst into a relationship full of sarcasm, brutal honesty, and total chaos.

Their love story is anything but conventional, packed with cutting remarks and hilariously bad decisions.

This show is a rollercoaster of dark humor and relationship drama that’s impossible to look away from, and the perfect watch if you’re in the mood for a show that takes petty to a new level!

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Embrace the Drama, One Episode at a Time

Now that you’ve got the ultimate guide to petty TV, it’s time to dive in and indulge those snarky vibes.

These shows are here for all your binge-watching needs, packed with shade, secrets, and scandal in every scene.

So the next time you’re in the mood to watch characters scheme, backstab, or serve up some serious side-eye, just hit play.

Because when it comes to drama, sometimes it’s good to be a little petty.

Over to you, TV Fanatics! What’s your go-to show when you’re in a snarky mood? Share your favorite petty picks in the comments!