6 Shows Like The Knick (2014)

Description: Both 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'The Knick' are period pieces that explore the intersection of crime, politics, and social change. 'Boardwalk Empire' focuses on Prohibition-era Atlantic City, while 'The Knick' examines early 20th-century New York City medicine. Both shows feature intricate storytelling, complex characters, and a meticulous recreation of their historical settings.

Fact: 'Boardwalk Empire' was created by Terence Winter, who also worked on 'The Sopranos'. The series was partly inspired by Nelson Johnson's book 'Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City'. Steve Buscemi, who plays Nucky Thompson, won a Golden Globe for his performance in the series.

Description: Like 'The Knick', 'Ripper Street' is a period drama that combines crime-solving with a deep dive into the social and technological advancements of its time. Both shows are set in the late 19th century and feature medical professionals grappling with the limitations of their era. The gritty, realistic portrayal of Victorian London in 'Ripper Street' parallels the depiction of early 20th-century New York in 'The Knick'.

Fact: 'Ripper Street' was initially canceled after two seasons but was revived due to fan demand. The series is set in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders. Matthew Macfadyen, who plays Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, is also known for his role as Mr. Darcy in 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005).

Description: 'Peaky Blinders' shares with 'The Knick' a focus on the underbelly of society, though it shifts from medicine to organized crime. Both series are known for their stylish cinematography and strong, morally complex characters. The historical accuracy and attention to period detail in 'Peaky Blinders' are reminiscent of 'The Knick', as is the exploration of societal issues like class struggle and corruption.

Fact: The Shelby family in 'Peaky Blinders' is loosely based on a real urban youth gang of the same name. Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern music, including songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, to contrast with the early 20th-century setting.

Description: 'Penny Dreadful' and 'The Knick' both explore the darker aspects of their respective historical periods, with a focus on the intersection of science, medicine, and the supernatural. Both series feature complex characters and a richly detailed visual style. The gothic horror elements of 'Penny Dreadful' are akin to the medical horrors depicted in 'The Knick'.

Fact: 'Penny Dreadful' draws inspiration from classic Gothic literature, including characters from 'Dracula' and 'Frankenstein'. Eva Green, who plays Vanessa Ives, received critical acclaim for her performance. The series was created by John Logan, who also wrote the screenplay for 'Gladiator'.

Description: 'Taboo' shares with 'The Knick' a dark, atmospheric tone and a focus on the grim realities of its historical period. Both series feature morally ambiguous protagonists and explore themes of power, corruption, and survival. The visual style of 'Taboo', with its shadowy cinematography and attention to period detail, is similar to the aesthetic of 'The Knick'.

Fact: 'Taboo' was co-created by Tom Hardy, who also stars in the series. The show is set in 1814 London, during the Regency era. Hardy's character, James Delaney, is partly inspired by historical figures like the pirate Blackbeard.

Description: Like 'The Knick', 'The Alienist' is a period drama that delves into the darker aspects of society, focusing on crime and medicine in a historical setting. Both shows feature a strong emphasis on the advancement of medical and psychological sciences during their respective time periods. The visual aesthetics of 'The Alienist' also mirror the gritty, detailed production design of 'The Knick', immersing viewers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Fact: 'The Alienist' is based on the novel of the same name by Caleb Carr. The series is set in 1896 New York City, a time of significant social and technological change. Daniel Brühl, who plays Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, learned to speak English with an American accent for the role.