10 Shows and Movies Similar to The Blacklist (2013)

Description: Like 'The Blacklist', 'Alias' combines spy thriller elements with personal drama, featuring a protagonist with multiple identities and allegiances. Both shows feature intricate plots, high-tech espionage, and a mix of standalone missions with overarching conspiracy storylines.

Fact: Jennifer Garner's performance launched her film career. J.J. Abrams created the show while working on 'Felicity'. The show popularized the use of 'mission of the week' format with serialized elements.

Description: Sharing 'The Blacklist's' blend of action and humor, 'Burn Notice' features a disgraced spy using his unique skills to help people while uncovering a larger conspiracy. Both shows mix procedural elements with serialized storytelling and feature charismatic leads with specialized knowledge.

Fact: The show was filmed in Miami to take advantage of tax incentives. Bruce Campbell's character was originally written as much younger. The voiceover narration became a signature element of the show.

Description: Similar to 'The Blacklist', 'The Mentalist' features a brilliant, unconventional protagonist with a mysterious past working with law enforcement. Both shows blend crime procedural elements with personal vendettas and long-term story arcs about bringing powerful criminals to justice.

Fact: Simon Baker based his character on real-life mentalists. The Red John storyline was inspired by the Zodiac killer. The show was originally conceived as a more traditional detective series.

Description: Like 'The Blacklist', 'Covert Affairs' follows intelligence operatives navigating dangerous missions and office politics. Both shows balance personal drama with professional challenges, featuring strong leads who must constantly adapt to new threats and shifting alliances.

Fact: Piper Perabo trained with real CIA operatives for her role. The show's tech consultant was a former CIA officer. Many locations were filmed on actual diplomatic properties in Washington, D.C.

Description: Similar to 'The Blacklist', 'Nikita' features a rogue operative working against a powerful secret organization. Both shows blend action-packed sequences with complex character relationships and themes of redemption, featuring strong female leads who challenge authority.

Fact: This was the second TV adaptation of the 'La Femme Nikita' franchise. Maggie Q performed many of her own stunts. The show was filmed in Toronto, standing in for various international locations.

Description: Sharing 'The Blacklist's' themes of espionage and national security threats, 'Homeland' similarly explores the psychological toll of intelligence work. Both shows feature brilliant but unstable protagonists navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and personal demons.

Fact: The show is based on an Israeli series called 'Prisoners of War'. Claire Danes studied bipolar disorder to prepare for her role. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of intelligence operations.

Description: Like 'The Blacklist', 'Person of Interest' combines crime-solving with deep conspiracy elements. Both shows feature a highly intelligent, morally ambiguous protagonist who operates outside the law to prevent crimes before they happen, often using a vast network of resources and informants.

Fact: The show was created by Jonathan Nolan, brother of Christopher Nolan. The machine's perspective shots were inspired by video games. The show was originally pitched as a more straightforward crime procedural before evolving into its sci-fi conspiracy format.

Description: Like 'The Blacklist', 'The Americans' delves deep into the world of spies and deception, exploring the moral complexities of intelligence work. Both shows feature protagonists with hidden identities operating in plain sight, balancing personal lives with dangerous professional obligations.

Fact: The show was praised for its historical accuracy regarding Cold War espionage. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys (the leads) began a real-life relationship during filming. Many scenes were shot using actual 1980s equipment and props.

Description: Similar to 'The Blacklist', 'Blindspot' revolves around a mysterious woman with no memory of her past, covered in tattoos that hold clues to crimes. Both shows feature a strong, enigmatic lead character working with law enforcement to solve complex cases, blending crime procedural elements with overarching conspiracy theories.

Fact: The tattoos on Jane Doe's body were designed by a real tattoo artist. The show was created by Martin Gero, known for his work on 'Stargate: Atlantis'. The pilot episode was filmed in New York City, though the series is set in Washington, D.C.

Description: Both '24' and 'The Blacklist' feature high-stakes counterterrorism operations with real-time tension. They share themes of government corruption, moral ambiguity, and protagonists who must often work outside official channels to achieve justice. The fast-paced, serialized storytelling keeps viewers engaged with constant twists.

Fact: Each season represents 24 hours of real time. Kiefer Sutherland won an Emmy for his role as Jack Bauer. The show popularized the split-screen technique in television drama.