10 Must-Watch Shows Like GangStars (2018)

Description: A deep dive into the life of a mob boss balancing family, therapy, and the demands of organized crime, blending dark humor with intense drama.

Fact: The series popularized the antihero trope in television and was one of the first to explore the psychological complexities of its characters.

Description: A groundbreaking police drama following a corrupt strike team in Los Angeles, blurring the lines between justice and criminality.

Fact: The show was one of the first to use handheld cameras extensively, creating a gritty, documentary-like feel.

Description: A sprawling narrative exploring the interconnected lives of law enforcement, drug dealers, and politicians in Baltimore, with a focus on systemic issues.

Fact: The show's realism was achieved by casting many non-actors, including former drug dealers and police officers.

Description: A high school chemistry teacher's transformation into a ruthless drug kingpin, showcasing moral decay and the consequences of power.

Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by real-life drug trends, and its cinematography is renowned for its visual storytelling.

Description: A lavish period drama set during Prohibition, following political corruption, bootlegging, and the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City.

Fact: The series was praised for its historical accuracy, including meticulously recreated sets and costumes from the 1920s.

Description: A high-octane biker gang saga exploring loyalty, power, and violence within a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club.

Fact: The series' creator drew inspiration from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' with the protagonist's journey mirroring the tragic hero's arc.

Description: A raw and unflinching look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, Italy, featuring brutal power struggles and intricate family dynamics.

Fact: The show's authenticity led to real-life mobsters using its dialogue and tactics, and its cast faced threats from actual criminals.

Description: A gritty crime drama set in post-WWI England, focusing on a powerful family navigating the criminal underworld with sharp wit and brutal tactics.

Fact: The show's iconic flat caps became a fashion trend, and its soundtrack features modern rock music despite the historical setting.

Description: A high-octane drama centered around a criminal family in Southern California, blending heists, betrayal, and intense family loyalty.

Fact: The series is loosely based on a real-life crime family and features adrenaline-pumping action sequences inspired by classic heist films.

Description: A gripping tale set during the 1980s crack epidemic in Los Angeles, following multiple characters whose lives intersect through the drug trade.

Fact: The series was co-created by John Singleton, who drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA.