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19 TV Shows Like The Sopranos You Must Watch

The Sopranos is often hailed as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time, blending elements of crime, family, and psychological complexity. If you’re a fan of this genre and are looking for more shows that capture a similar essence, you’re in luck. Here are 19 TV shows that will keep you glued to the screen, just like The Sopranos.

1. Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad follows the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this series delves into the moral decay of its characters, making it a must-watch for fans of intense, character-driven drama.

2. The Wire

The Wire offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in Baltimore, focusing on the city’s drug trade and its impact on various institutions. With a stellar cast including Dominic West and Idris Elba, the show is known for its deep, multi-layered storytelling.

3. Mad Men

Mad Men explores the lives of advertising executives in the 1960s, centering on the enigmatic Don Draper. Starring Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss, the show is celebrated for its period-accurate setting and complex characters.

4. Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire takes viewers into the Prohibition era, focusing on the political and criminal activities in Atlantic City. Steve Buscemi stars as Nucky Thompson, a political figure who controls the town’s illegal activities.

5. Ozark

Ozark follows financial planner Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman, as he relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. The show offers a dark and thrilling narrative, with standout performances by Laura Linney and Julia Garner.

6. Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad, focusing on the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally dubious lawyer Saul Goodman. Bob Odenkirk stars in this critically acclaimed series that blends legal drama with dark humor.

7. Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy delves into the lives of an outlaw motorcycle club in California, with Charlie Hunnam playing the lead role of Jax Teller. The series explores themes of loyalty, family, and crime, making it a gripping watch.

8. Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is set in post-World War I Birmingham and follows the Shelby crime family. Cillian Murphy stars as Tommy Shelby, the cunning leader of the gang, in this stylish and intense drama.

9. Narcos

Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Starring Wagner Moura, the series offers a gripping look at the complexities of the drug trade and law enforcement.

10. Ray Donovan

Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber as a professional “fixer” for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. The show delves into his complicated family life and the moral ambiguities of his profession.

11. Justified

Justified follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant, as he enforces his own brand of justice in rural Kentucky. The series is praised for its sharp dialogue and compelling characters.

12. True Detective

True Detective is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is particularly renowned for its dark, philosophical themes.

13. Fargo

Fargo is another anthology series, inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name. Each season presents a new crime story with a blend of dark humor and suspense, featuring actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Kirsten Dunst.

14. The Shield

The Shield centers on a corrupt LAPD unit led by Detective Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis. The show is known for its gritty realism and complex moral questions.

15. Deadwood

Deadwood transports viewers to a lawless town in the late 1800s, featuring characters like Al Swearengen, played by Ian McShane. The series is acclaimed for its rich dialogue and historical authenticity.

16. The Americans

The Americans follows two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple during the Cold War. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys deliver standout performances in this tense, espionage-driven drama.

17. Billions

Billions explores the high-stakes world of finance, focusing on the rivalry between hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod and U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades. Starring Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti, the show delves into power, greed, and manipulation.

18. Homeland

Homeland follows CIA officer Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, as she navigates national security threats. The series is known for its intense, suspenseful storytelling and complex character dynamics.

19. The Night Of

The Night Of is a limited series that follows the story of a young man accused of murder. Starring Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, the show offers a compelling look at the criminal justice system and its flaws.

These shows provide a rich array of narratives that echo the complex, character-driven storytelling found in The Sopranos. Happy watching!