10 Gripping Movies & Shows Like Taboo (2002)

Description: A Depression-era fantasy series following a traveling carnival with supernatural elements. The show's dark mysticism, morally ambiguous characters, and rich historical atmosphere create a similarly unique and immersive world.

Fact: The series was planned as a six-season story but was canceled after two seasons due to high production costs. Many carnival acts featured were based on real sideshow performances from the 1930s.

Description: A prohibition-era crime saga exploring the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City. The show's intricate plotting, period detail, and exploration of power dynamics share thematic and stylistic similarities.

Fact: The production rebuilt a 300-foot section of the Atlantic City boardwalk for filming. Many characters are based on real historical figures, including Al Capone and Lucky Luciano.

Description: A crime drama set in Whitechapel during the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders, focusing on the police investigation of gruesome crimes. The show's dark tone, historical authenticity, and exploration of societal decay create similar thematic resonance.

Fact: Despite being set in 1889, the show features surprisingly accurate portrayals of early forensic techniques. The series was initially canceled after two seasons but revived due to strong fan support and Amazon's intervention.

Description: A prequel to Treasure Island that portrays the golden age of piracy with brutal realism and complex character dynamics. The show's morally gray world, political intrigue, and visceral violence share thematic similarities.

Fact: The series was filmed in South Africa, where they built full-scale replicas of 18th century ships. It's notable for blending historical pirates like Blackbeard with fictional characters from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel.

Description: A gritty period drama set in post-WWI England, featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist navigating a world of crime, power struggles, and family loyalty. The dark, atmospheric storytelling and complex characters mirror the tone of the reference.

Fact: The show's iconic flat caps became a fashion trend after its release. Many scenes were filmed in the actual Black Country Living Museum, giving it an authentic industrial-era feel.

Description: A Gothic horror series that weaves together classic literary monsters with original characters in Victorian London. The show shares a fascination with the macabre, psychological depth, and a richly atmospheric portrayal of its historical setting.

Fact: The title refers to the cheap 19th century British fiction publications that featured sensational stories. The series features characters from Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Picture of Dorian Gray, all reimagined in a shared universe.

Description: A historical horror drama based on the ill-fated Franklin Expedition, blending real events with supernatural elements. The show's slow-burning tension, isolation themes, and period authenticity create a similarly immersive and unsettling experience.

Fact: The series combines two actual historical events: the lost Franklin Expedition and Inuit mythology about a creature called the Tuunbaq. Many scenes were filmed in the same Hungarian studio where parts of 'The Martian' were shot.

Description: A medical drama set in early 20th century New York, featuring a brilliant but troubled surgeon. The show's unflinching portrayal of medical practices, addiction, and societal issues creates a similarly raw and immersive historical experience.

Fact: Director Steven Soderbergh shot all 20 episodes himself, serving as his own cinematographer under a pseudonym. The show's surgical scenes were so accurate that medical schools used clips for teaching purposes.

Description: A psychological thriller set in late 19th century New York, exploring the dark underbelly of society through gruesome crimes. The show's meticulous attention to historical detail and its exploration of taboo subjects create a similarly intense atmosphere.

Fact: The series was based on Caleb Carr's bestselling novel, which pioneered the historical psychological thriller genre. Production recreated 1896 Manhattan with incredible accuracy, including building a full-scale replica of the Williamsburg Bridge.

Description: A British crime drama with Gothic horror elements, reimagining Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in a police investigation context. The show's blend of historical fiction, body horror, and moral dilemmas creates similar thematic depth.

Fact: Sean Bean's character was originally written to die in the first episode, but the creators changed their minds after casting him. The series combines elements from multiple Gothic horror stories beyond just Frankenstein.