10 Movies and Shows Similar to Power Book III: Raising Kanan (2021)

Description: Both 'The Sopranos' and 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' explore the duality of their protagonists' lives—balancing family responsibilities with their criminal enterprises. The psychological depth and moral ambiguity of Tony Soprano are mirrored in Kanan Stark's journey. Both series blend intense drama with moments of dark humor and feature complex, flawed characters.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the golden age of television. James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) was initially reluctant to take the role, fearing typecasting. The show's finale is one of the most debated in TV history.

Description: 'The Shield' and 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' both feature morally ambiguous protagonists navigating corrupt systems. Vic Mackey's ruthless pragmatism and Kanan's survival instincts are central to their respective narratives. Both shows are known for their raw, unfiltered portrayal of crime and justice, with high-stakes drama and intense character arcs.

Fact: 'The Shield' was one of FX's first original series, helping to establish the network. Michael Chiklis (Vic Mackey) gained 30 pounds and shaved his head for the role. The show's finale is considered one of the most satisfying in TV history.

Description: Like 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'The Wire' delves deep into the socio-economic and systemic issues that fuel crime and drug trade in urban settings. Both shows offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of the streets, focusing on character development and the moral complexities of their protagonists. The Wire's multi-layered storytelling and exploration of institutional failures mirror the themes of power, family, and survival in Raising Kanan.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by former police reporter David Simon, lending it an authentic feel. The show was initially criticized for its slow pace but later gained acclaim as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Many actors in 'The Wire' were non-professionals or had real-life experiences similar to their characters.

Description: Like 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'Breaking Bad' follows the transformation of a protagonist from a relatively innocent individual into a hardened criminal. Both shows examine the consequences of choices and the erosion of morality, with a strong focus on family dynamics and survival. The tension between Walter White's dual identities parallels Kanan's struggle with his upbringing and ambitions.

Fact: Bryan Cranston (Walter White) was primarily known for comedic roles before 'Breaking Bad'. The show was initially rejected by several networks before AMC picked it up. The iconic 'pink bear' was inspired by a real-life event involving a plane crash.

Description: Set in a historical context like 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'Boardwalk Empire' explores the rise of organized crime during Prohibition. Both shows blend real historical events with fictional narratives, offering a rich tapestry of power struggles, family dynamics, and betrayal. The meticulous period detail and complex characters are hallmarks of both series.

Fact: 'Boardwalk Empire' was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos'. Steve Buscemi (Nucky Thompson) was almost 50 when he landed the lead role. The show's pilot was the most expensive in HBO history at the time.

Description: 'Queen of the South' and 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' both center on protagonists rising through the ranks of the drug trade, facing betrayal and violence along the way. Teresa Mendoza's journey from poverty to power mirrors Kanan's ascent, with both shows emphasizing the cost of ambition and the resilience required to survive in a ruthless world.

Fact: 'Queen of the South' is based on the novel 'La Reina del Sur' by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Alice Braga (Teresa Mendoza) learned to speak Spanish for the role. The show was filmed in multiple countries, including the U.S., Mexico, and Spain.

Description: Like 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'Peaky Blinders' follows a charismatic antihero navigating the criminal underworld while dealing with family loyalties and ambitions. Both shows are steeped in their respective time periods (1920s Birmingham for 'Peaky Blinders', 1990s NYC for 'Raising Kanan') and feature stylish, atmospheric storytelling with a focus on power and legacy.

Fact: The real Peaky Blinders were a street gang in late 19th-century Birmingham. Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby) initially turned down the role but changed his mind after meeting the creator. The show's distinctive haircuts sparked a global fashion trend.

Description: A prequel like 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'Better Call Saul' explores the backstory of a character from its parent series ('Breaking Bad'). Both shows delve into the formative experiences that shape their protagonists, blending crime drama with deep character studies. The meticulous storytelling and attention to detail in 'Better Call Saul' are akin to the narrative craftsmanship in 'Raising Kanan'.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman) suffered a heart attack during the filming of the final season. The show's black-and-white episodes are a nod to classic film noir. 'Better Call Saul' holds the record for the most Emmy nominations without a win.

Description: 'Snowfall' shares with 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' a focus on the rise of a young man in the drug trade, set against the backdrop of a specific cultural and historical moment (1980s LA for 'Snowfall', 1990s NYC for 'Raising Kanan'). Both shows explore themes of ambition, family loyalty, and the consequences of power, with a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'Snowfall' was co-created by John Singleton, the acclaimed director of 'Boyz n the Hood'. The show is loosely based on the real-life crack epidemic in Los Angeles. Damson Idris, who plays Franklin Saint, is British and had to master an American accent for the role.

Description: Set in the same era as 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan', 'Godfather of Harlem' explores the intersection of crime, politics, and race in 1960s New York. Both shows feature charismatic leaders navigating treacherous environments, with a strong emphasis on historical context and the impact of systemic inequality. The themes of power, loyalty, and reinvention are central to both narratives.

Fact: 'Godfather of Harlem' stars Forest Whitaker as real-life crime boss Bumpy Johnson. The show features a soundtrack by hip-hop legend Swizz Beatz. Vincent D'Onofrio (Vincent Gigante) gained weight to portray the notorious mobster.