10 Movies & Shows Similar to Paul American (2025)

Description: The Sopranos' groundbreaking blend of family drama and organized crime would resonate with Paul American (2025)'s likely exploration of personal and professional conflicts. Both probably examine the tension between domestic life and criminal enterprises.

Fact: James Gandolfini kept his script pages in his socks. The famous therapy scenes were inspired by creator David Chase's own therapy. The show popularized the term 'antihero' in television.

Description: The Shield's raw portrayal of police corruption and moral ambiguity would align with the likely themes of Paul American (2025). Both probably feature flawed protagonists operating in gray areas of law and morality.

Fact: The show was shot documentary-style before that became common. Michael Chiklis was the first choice for Vic Mackey. The series finale was the most-watched in FX history at the time.

Description: The Wire's gritty realism and deep societal critique mirror the themes likely present in Paul American (2025). Both works examine systemic issues, crime, and the human condition within urban environments, offering a layered, almost novelistic approach to storytelling.

Fact: Many actors were real-life Baltimore residents. The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter. Each season focuses on a different institution in Baltimore.

Description: Breaking Bad shares similarities with Paul American (2025) in its exploration of moral ambiguity and transformation of the protagonist. Both narratives delve into the complexities of crime, personal downfall, and the American Dream gone awry. The intense character development and high-stakes drama are central to both.

Fact: Bryan Cranston initially auditioned for the role of Saul Goodman. The show was almost set in Riverside, California, before Albuquerque was chosen. The iconic 'Heisenberg' hat was inspired by a real-life drug dealer.

Description: Boardwalk Empire's historical crime drama and exploration of prohibition-era America might mirror the period elements and criminal enterprises in Paul American (2025). Both likely examine the intersection of politics, crime, and personal ambition.

Fact: The set was the largest ever built in New York. Steve Buscemi was nearly 20 years older than his real-life counterpart. The show used real locations from the 1920s when possible.

Description: Justified's blend of Southern Gothic atmosphere and crime procedural elements might find echoes in Paul American (2025). Both likely feature charismatic lawmen operating in morally complex environments with rich regional flavor.

Fact: Based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole'. Timothy Olyphant's hat was the same one he wore in Deadwood. The show's writers room had a 'No assholes' policy.

Description: True Detective's philosophical depth and exploration of crime's psychological impact parallel themes that Paul American (2025) might tackle. Both likely feature complex protagonists and a brooding atmosphere that examines the darker aspects of human nature.

Fact: Matthew McConaughey wrote a 450-page character diary. The show's title sequence changes each season. Season 1 was shot entirely on film, rare for TV.

Description: Peaky Blinders' stylish depiction of criminal underworlds and family power struggles shares thematic ground with Paul American (2025). Both likely feature charismatic antiheroes navigating complex social and criminal landscapes.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders were active in the 1890s, not the 1920s. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the role. The show's music is deliberately anachronistic.

Description: Fargo's blend of dark humor, crime, and Midwestern setting creates a tone similar to what Paul American (2025) might explore. Both likely examine ordinary people caught in extraordinary criminal circumstances, with a mix of violence and quirky character moments.

Fact: Each season is a standalone story. The show's creator insists it's based on a true story (it's not). Billy Bob Thornton's character was originally written as Swedish.

Description: As a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul shares the same DNA of moral complexity and character-driven storytelling that would resonate with Paul American (2025). Both explore the slippery slope of ethical compromises and feature protagonists navigating legal and criminal worlds.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially thought the role was a joke. The show's black-and-white sequences were inspired by film noir. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win.