If You Loved Oz, Watch These 10 Gritty Shows Next

Description: A groundbreaking series that blends crime drama with psychological exploration, focusing on the life of a mob boss juggling family life and criminal enterprises. The show's deep character studies and moral complexities resonate with audiences.

Fact: The series was one of the first to popularize the antihero protagonist, paving the way for many modern TV dramas.

Description: A hard-hitting police drama that follows a corrupt strike team in Los Angeles, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The show's unflinching look at police brutality and moral decay makes it a compelling watch.

Fact: The series was known for its handheld camera work, which added to its gritty, realistic feel.

Description: A gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life, crime, and the institutions meant to combat it. The series examines the interconnectedness of law enforcement, politics, and the criminal underworld, offering a nuanced look at systemic failures.

Fact: The show was praised for its authenticity, with many actors being real-life former law enforcement officers or ex-convicts.

Description: A gripping drama set within the confines of a high-security prison, focusing on themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of the penal system. The show delves into the psychological and physical challenges faced by inmates and those trying to navigate the system from the outside.

Fact: The show's iconic blueprints tattoo on the protagonist's body was actually designed by the show's writers and took hours to apply for filming each day.

Description: A character-driven drama that follows the transformation of a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. The series explores themes of morality, power, and the consequences of one's actions, set against the backdrop of the criminal underworld.

Fact: The show's iconic pink teddy bear, which appears in several episodes, became a symbol of the series' dark and unpredictable tone.

Description: A period drama set during Prohibition, showcasing the rise of organized crime and political corruption. The series' intricate plotting and historical authenticity provide a rich backdrop for its exploration of power and ambition.

Fact: The show's elaborate sets and costumes were meticulously researched to accurately depict the 1920s.

Description: A dark and violent drama centered around an outlaw motorcycle club, exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of life outside the law. The show's intense narrative and complex characters mirror the struggles of those living on the fringes of society.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, made frequent cameo appearances as a member of a rival motorcycle gang.

Description: A brutal and unflinching look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, Italy. The series' raw portrayal of organized crime, loyalty, and betrayal offers a stark contrast to more glamorized depictions of the mafia.

Fact: The show is based on Roberto Saviano's bestselling book, which led to him receiving death threats from the Camorra and living under police protection.

Description: This series provides a raw and often humorous look at life inside a women's prison, exploring themes of power dynamics, friendship, and redemption. It humanizes inmates by delving into their backstories and the systemic issues that led them to incarceration.

Fact: The show is based on Piper Kerman's memoir of the same name, detailing her experiences in a federal prison.

Description: A stylish and violent series about a notorious gang in post-WWI Birmingham, England. The show's exploration of family loyalty, power struggles, and the impact of war on society provides a gripping narrative.

Fact: The gang's name comes from their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, which they used as weapons.