10 Shows Like Ray Donovan (2013) You Need to Watch

Description: Like 'Ray Donovan', 'The Sopranos' delves into the complexities of a morally ambiguous protagonist balancing family life with a criminal underworld. Both shows explore themes of loyalty, power, and psychological trauma, with a strong emphasis on family dynamics. The storytelling is character-driven, blending drama with dark humor.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the 'Golden Age of Television'. James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) initially turned down the role three times before accepting. The show's finale remains one of the most debated in TV history.

Description: This police drama shares with 'Ray Donovan' a morally compromised protagonist operating in legal gray areas. Both shows explore themes of corruption, redemption, and the consequences of violence. The storytelling is similarly intense and character-driven, with shocking plot developments.

Fact: Michael Chiklis was the first actor cast in a lead FX drama series role. The show's handheld camera style influenced many subsequent police dramas. The series finale remains one of the most acclaimed in television history.

Description: Like 'Ray Donovan', 'The Wire' presents a gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life and institutional corruption. Both shows feature complex characters operating in morally ambiguous spaces, with a focus on how systems shape individual behavior. The storytelling is similarly layered and character-driven.

Fact: Many actors were real-life Baltimore residents with no prior acting experience. Creator David Simon based characters on people he knew as a police reporter. Each season examines a different facet of Baltimore's social institutions.

Description: Similar to 'Ray Donovan', 'Breaking Bad' features a protagonist who operates outside the law while trying to protect his family. Both shows explore moral decay, the consequences of one's actions, and the duality of their main characters. The tension between professional and personal life is a central theme in both series.

Fact: Bryan Cranston based his portrayal of Walter White on Michael Corleone from 'The Godfather'. The show's iconic pink teddy bear appears in multiple episodes as a symbol of impending doom. Vince Gilligan originally planned to kill Jesse Pinkman in season

Description: This period crime drama shares with 'Ray Donovan' a focus on organized crime and political corruption. Both shows feature protagonists who are fixers navigating dangerous power structures, with themes of family loyalty and personal redemption. The visual style is similarly cinematic and atmospheric.

Fact: Steve Buscemi prepared for his role by studying 1920s dance moves. The show's Atlantic City boardwalk set was one of the largest ever built for television. Many characters are based on real historical figures from the Prohibition era.

Description: Like 'Ray Donovan', this biker drama focuses on family loyalty, criminal enterprises, and moral ambiguity. Both shows feature protagonists trying to balance legitimate and illegitimate lives while protecting their families. The emotional tone similarly blends intense drama with moments of dark humor.

Fact: Creator Kurt Sutter appeared in multiple episodes as prison inmate Big Otto. Many cast members didn't know how to ride motorcycles before filming began. The show's Hamlet-inspired storyline wasn't revealed until after season

Description: Like 'Ray Donovan', this spy drama features protagonists living double lives while trying to maintain a family. Both shows explore themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of deception. The emotional tone similarly balances intense drama with domestic moments.

Fact: Real KGB agents consulted on the show's authenticity. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys began a real-life relationship during filming. The series finale was filmed in near-total secrecy to prevent leaks.

Description: Like 'Ray Donovan', this British crime drama centers on a family-run criminal organization with a charismatic but troubled leader. Both shows blend family drama with criminal enterprises, featuring stylish cinematography and a strong sense of place. The protagonists share a similar mix of ruthlessness and vulnerability.

Fact: The Shelby family was inspired by a real 1920s Birmingham gang. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the lead role before being convinced by the script. The distinctive haircuts were historically accurate for working-class men of the era.

Description: As a 'Ray Donovan' counterpart, this prequel shares the theme of a skilled professional navigating ethical gray areas. Both protagonists use their legal knowledge (or lack thereof) to solve problems, often making morally questionable choices. The shows share a similar tone of dark comedy mixed with intense drama.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack during season 6 filming but recovered fully. The show's timeline spans nearly a decade before merging with 'Breaking Bad' events. Many scenes were shot on the same Albuquerque locations used in 'Breaking Bad'.

Description: This crime family drama shares with 'Ray Donovan' its focus on a tight-knit, dysfunctional criminal family. Both shows explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in dangerous environments. The visual style similarly emphasizes sun-drenched Southern California settings.

Fact: The series is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. Ellen Barkin's character was originally written as male in the film version. Many surfing scenes were filmed by real professional surfers as camera operators.