10 Shows Like Love/Hate (2010) You Need to Watch

Description: The Sopranos shares with Love/Hate its exploration of criminal psychology and the duality of its protagonist's life. Both Tony Soprano and Nidge struggle with balancing family life with criminal enterprises. The series similarly blends violence with dark humor and examines the psychological toll of criminal life.

Fact: James Gandolfini initially didn't want to audition for Tony Soprano, thinking he wasn't right for the role. The series popularized the term 'antihero' in television. Many real-life mobsters were fans of the show.

Description: The Shield's raw, visceral portrayal of police corruption and street-level crime shares much with Love/Hate's unvarnished depiction of Dublin's underworld. Both feature morally ambiguous protagonists and explore how systems breed corruption. The handheld camera work and intense performances create similar gritty atmospheres.

Fact: Michael Chiklis was the first choice for Vic Mackey but had to lose 40 pounds. The series finale was filmed in real time. It was FX's first original drama series.

Description: Like Love/Hate, The Wire delves deep into the gritty underbelly of urban crime, exploring the interconnected lives of criminals, law enforcement, and the communities they inhabit. Both series are praised for their realistic portrayal of crime and the moral ambiguities faced by their characters. The Wire's multi-layered storytelling and focus on systemic issues mirror Love/Hate's exploration of Dublin's criminal underworld.

Fact: The Wire was created by former police reporter David Simon, lending it an air of authenticity. The series was initially not a ratings success but gained critical acclaim and a cult following after its cancellation. Many of the actors were non-professionals or had little prior acting experience.

Description: Breaking Bad shares with Love/Hate its examination of a protagonist's moral descent into criminality. Both Walter White and Nidge start as relatively ordinary men who become increasingly ruthless. The series similarly explores the consequences of criminal choices on family and relationships.

Fact: Bryan Cranston was not the first choice for Walter White. The show's iconic RV was purchased for $7,000 and later sold for $10,

Description: Like Love/Hate, Boardwalk Empire explores the intersection of politics, crime, and personal relationships during a specific historical period. Both series feature charismatic but flawed protagonists navigating complex criminal networks. The attention to period detail and the exploration of how systems enable criminality are shared strengths.

Fact: The series was created by Terence Winter, a writer from The Sopranos. Steve Buscemi's character is based on real-life politician Enoch Johnson. The production built an exact replica of 1920s Atlantic City's boardwalk.

Description: Sons of Anarchy shares with Love/Hate its focus on criminal organizations as surrogate families and the cyclical nature of violence. Both series explore how loyalty and revenge drive criminal behavior. The motorcycle club setting provides a similar closed-world atmosphere to Love/Hate's Dublin gangs.

Fact: Kurt Sutter created the show after being inspired by Hamlet. Many cast members actually learned to ride motorcycles for their roles. The series features numerous celebrity cameos as bikers.

Description: Gomorrah is strikingly similar to Love/Hate in its unflinching portrayal of organized crime, particularly its focus on the brutal realities of gang life. Both series are known for their raw, documentary-like style and refusal to romanticize criminal activity. The complex relationships between characters and the constant power struggles mirror those in Love/Hate.

Fact: Based on Roberto Saviano's non-fiction book, which led to the author requiring police protection. The series was shot on location in Naples' most dangerous neighborhoods. Several cast members had real-life connections to organized crime.

Description: Peaky Blinders shares with Love/Hate a focus on organized crime, family loyalty, and the struggle for power. Both series feature charismatic antiheroes navigating violent worlds, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics within criminal organizations. The atmospheric settings and period details in Peaky Blinders resonate with Love/Hate's authentic depiction of Dublin's underworld.

Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life Peaky Blinders gang from Birmingham. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the lead role but changed his mind after reading the script. The series has been praised for its anachronistic soundtrack featuring modern artists like Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys.

Description: As a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul shares with Love/Hate its focus on how circumstances and choices lead ordinary people into criminal worlds. Both series excel at character development and exploring the gray areas of morality. The legal/criminal underworld intersection mirrors Love/Hate's portrayal of Dublin's crime scene.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially thought he was being pranked when offered the lead role. The series features many Breaking Bad characters in younger forms. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win.

Description: Snowfall's exploration of the crack epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles shares with Love/Hate its unflinching look at how drugs impact communities. Both series show the intersection of politics, crime, and personal relationships. The focus on multiple characters across different social strata creates a similarly rich tapestry.

Fact: Co-created by John Singleton before his death. The series was initially conceived as a much broader look at the crack epidemic. Many storylines are based on real events and people.