10 Shows & Movies Like The Sopranos (1999)

Description: The Shield, like The Sopranos, features a morally complex protagonist (Vic Mackey) who operates in a gray area between good and evil. Both shows are known for their gritty realism and their exploration of corruption and power. The Shield's intense, fast-paced storytelling also mirrors The Sopranos' dramatic tension.

Fact: The Shield was one of the first shows to be produced by FX, helping to establish the network as a serious player in original programming. Michael Chiklis, who plays Vic Mackey, won an Emmy for his performance. The show's finale is often cited as one of the best in television history.

Description: Like The Sopranos, The Wire is a critically acclaimed crime drama that delves deep into the complexities of its characters and the societal structures around them. Both shows explore themes of power, corruption, and morality, often blurring the lines between good and evil. The Wire's realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on communities mirrors The Sopranos' nuanced depiction of organized crime.

Fact: The Wire was created by David Simon, a former police reporter, which lends authenticity to its portrayal of law enforcement and crime. The show was initially slow to gain popularity but has since been recognized as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Many of the actors in The Wire were not professionals but real-life figures from Baltimore, where the show is set.

Description: Mad Men, like The Sopranos, is a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of its protagonist (Don Draper) and the world he inhabits. Both shows are known for their meticulous attention to detail and their exploration of themes such as identity, ambition, and the American Dream.

Fact: Mad Men was created by Matthew Weiner, who also wrote for The Sopranos. The show won numerous awards, including 16 Emmys. Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper, became a household name thanks to the series.

Description: Breaking Bad shares with The Sopranos a focus on a morally ambiguous protagonist who navigates the criminal underworld. Both Walter White and Tony Soprano are family men who become deeply entangled in crime, leading to intense psychological drama. The shows also excel in character development and explore themes of identity, power, and consequence.

Fact: Breaking Bad was initially conceived as a short-lived series, but its success led to five seasons. Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, won four Emmy Awards for his performance. The show's iconic catchphrase, 'I am the one who knocks,' has become a part of popular culture.

Description: Boardwalk Empire, like The Sopranos, is a period crime drama that explores the intricacies of organized crime. Both shows feature charismatic antiheroes (Nucky Thompson and Tony Soprano) who struggle with their dual roles as family men and crime bosses. The attention to historical detail and the exploration of power dynamics are also shared traits.

Fact: Boardwalk Empire was created by Terence Winter, who also wrote for The Sopranos. The show was heavily influenced by real-life historical figures and events. Steve Buscemi, who plays Nucky Thompson, won a Golden Globe for his performance.

Description: Ray Donovan, like The Sopranos, centers on a protagonist (Ray Donovan) who navigates the criminal underworld while dealing with family drama. Both shows explore themes of power, loyalty, and redemption. The gritty realism and complex character dynamics are also shared traits.

Fact: Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber in the title role. The show was initially set in Los Angeles but later moved to New York. The series was praised for its performances and storytelling.

Description: True Detective, like The Sopranos, is a deeply psychological crime drama that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Both shows feature complex, flawed protagonists and employ nonlinear storytelling. The atmospheric tension and philosophical undertones are also shared traits.

Fact: True Detective's first season starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show's anthology format means each season features a new cast and story. The first season was critically acclaimed and won several awards.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares with The Sopranos a focus on a crime family and its internal and external conflicts. Both shows feature complex protagonists (Tommy Shelby and Tony Soprano) who are deeply flawed yet compelling. The themes of loyalty, power, and family are central to both series.

Fact: Peaky Blinders is set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. The show's title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, has received widespread acclaim for his performance.

Description: Fargo, like The Sopranos, blends crime drama with dark comedy and features a mix of quirky and menacing characters. Both shows explore themes of morality and the unpredictability of human behavior. Fargo's Coen Brothers-inspired aesthetic also shares The Sopranos' attention to visual storytelling.

Fact: Fargo is inspired by the 1996 film of the same name but features an original story. Each season of Fargo is a self-contained narrative with new characters and settings. The show has won numerous awards, including Emmys for acting and directing.

Description: Better Call Saul, a prequel to Breaking Bad, shares with The Sopranos a focus on a morally ambiguous protagonist (Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman) and his descent into the criminal world. Both shows excel in character development and explore themes of identity, loyalty, and consequence.

Fact: Better Call Saul was created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. The show has been praised for its writing, acting, and cinematography. Bob Odenkirk, who plays Saul Goodman, has received widespread acclaim for his performance.