10 Shows & Movies Similar to Wild Cards (2024)

Description: 'Hustle' shares with 'Wild Cards' a focus on con artists who use their skills to outsmart the rich and powerful. Both shows feature stylish, fast-paced storytelling with a mix of humor and suspense, and a team of lovable rogues who operate on the fringes of the law.

Fact: 'Hustle' was created by Tony Jordan, who also wrote for 'EastEnders' and 'Life on Mars'. The show was inspired by classic British con artist dramas like 'The Sweeney'. Each episode of 'Hustle' features a unique con, often with a twist ending.

Description: 'Psych' and 'Wild Cards' both feature a protagonist with exceptional observational skills who uses them to solve crimes, often with a humorous twist. The lighthearted tone, witty banter, and clever mysteries make both shows enjoyable for fans of comedic crime-solving.

Fact: James Roday Rodriguez, who plays Shawn Spencer, ad-libbed many of his lines. The show's theme song, 'I Know, You Know', was performed by The Friendly Indians. 'Psych' has a dedicated fanbase known as 'Psych-Os', and the show's popularity led to several TV movies after its original run ended.

Description: Like 'Wild Cards', 'Burn Notice' follows a skilled protagonist who uses their expertise to help others while navigating personal challenges. Both shows mix action, humor, and clever strategies, with a focus on resourcefulness and teamwork.

Fact: Jeffrey Donovan, who plays Michael Westen, performed many of his own stunts. The show's title refers to the term used in espionage for disavowing a spy. 'Burn Notice' was filmed in Miami, and the city's vibrant atmosphere plays a significant role in the show's aesthetic.

Description: Similar to 'Wild Cards' (2024), 'Leverage' revolves around a team of skilled individuals with unique talents who come together to solve complex problems, often involving heists and cons. Both shows blend action, humor, and clever storytelling, with a focus on outsmarting adversaries through teamwork and wit.

Fact: 'Leverage' was created by John Rogers, who also worked on 'The Librarians' and 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey'. The show was inspired by classic heist films like 'Ocean's Eleven'. Timothy Hutton, who plays Nathan Ford, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 20 for 'Ordinary People'.

Description: Both 'The Mentalist' and 'Wild Cards' center around a charming, observant protagonist who uses their unique skills to solve crimes. Patrick Jane's reliance on psychology and keen observation mirrors the clever problem-solving seen in 'Wild Cards', and both shows balance procedural elements with character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, is also a director and has directed several episodes of the show. 'The Mentalist' was originally pitched as a darker, more serious drama before being reworked into its final form. The character of Patrick Jane was inspired by real-life mentalists and psychics.

Description: 'Lie to Me' and 'Wild Cards' both feature protagonists with exceptional abilities to read people and situations, using their skills to solve crimes. The focus on psychology and deception in both shows creates a similar intellectual appeal.

Fact: Tim Roth, who plays Dr. Cal Lightman, is also known for his roles in 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs'. The show is based on the real-life work of psychologist Paul Ekman, who studies microexpressions. 'Lie to Me' was canceled after three seasons despite a strong fan following.

Description: Like 'Wild Cards', 'White Collar' features a charismatic con artist paired with a straight-laced law enforcement officer, creating a dynamic duo that solves crimes with style and intelligence. Both shows emphasize clever dialogue, intricate plots, and a mix of humor and drama.

Fact: Matt Bomer, who plays Neal Caffrey, was originally considered for the role of Superman in 'Superman Returns'. The show's creator, Jeff Eastin, is a former advertising executive. 'White Collar' was filmed on location in New York City, giving it an authentic urban feel.

Description: 'Suits' and 'Wild Cards' both feature sharp-witted protagonists who rely on their intelligence and charm to navigate high-stakes situations. The fast-paced dialogue, legal maneuvering in 'Suits', and con artistry in 'Wild Cards' create a similar sense of tension and excitement.

Fact: Meghan Markle, who played Rachel Zane, became the Duchess of Sussex after marrying Prince Harry. The show's creator, Aaron Korsh, was inspired by his own experiences working on Wall Street. 'Suits' was originally pitched as a drama about investment bankers before being reworked into a legal drama.

Description: Both 'Person of Interest' and 'Wild Cards' involve protagonists who use their unique skills to prevent crimes before they happen. The blend of action, mystery, and character-driven storytelling in both shows creates a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged.

Fact: Jonathan Nolan, who co-created the show, is the brother of filmmaker Christopher Nolan. The show's premise was inspired by increasing concerns about surveillance and privacy. 'Person of Interest' was one of the first TV shows to explore the implications of artificial intelligence in a realistic way.

Description: Like 'Wild Cards', 'Elementary' features a brilliant but unconventional detective who solves crimes with a unique approach. The dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson mirrors the teamwork and camaraderie seen in 'Wild Cards', and both shows blend mystery with character development.

Fact: Jonny Lee Miller, who plays Sherlock Holmes, is a childhood friend of Jude Law, who played Dr. Watson in the 'Sherlock Holmes' films. The show is set in modern-day New York City, a departure from the traditional London setting. 'Elementary' was the first American TV adaptation to cast a woman, Lucy Liu, as Dr. Watson.