10 Shows and Movies Similar to Weeds (2005)

Description: While more dramatic than Weeds, both shows examine crime through the lens of family dynamics and suburban life. They pioneered the antihero protagonist trend in television, blending organized crime stories with domestic drama.

Fact: James Gandolfini kept his Tony Soprano suits after filming. The famous therapy scenes were improvised. It popularized the term 'bada bing'.

Description: While more realistic than Weeds, both shows offer nuanced portrayals of drug culture's impact on communities. They blend social commentary with character-driven storytelling about the drug trade's complexities.

Fact: Many actors were real Baltimore residents. David Simon based characters on real people. It initially had low ratings but became a cult classic.

Description: While less criminal than Weeds, both shows offer satirical takes on California lifestyles and the entertainment industry. They share a similar mix of comedy, drama, and aspirational/self-destructive behavior.

Fact: Based loosely on Mark Wahlberg's experiences. Jeremy Piven improvised many Ari Gold lines. The series finale was a feature film.

Description: Like Weeds, Breaking Bad explores the transformation of an ordinary person into a criminal, driven by financial desperation and moral ambiguity. Both shows blend dark comedy with intense drama, and feature suburban settings that contrast with their illicit activities.

Fact: Bryan Cranston initially auditioned for the role of a drug dealer, not Walter White. The show's iconic RV was nicknamed 'The Crystal Ship'. Vince Gilligan originally planned to kill Jesse Pinkman in season

Description: Shares Weeds' blend of raunchy humor and emotional depth, set against California's backdrop. Both feature self-destructive protagonists navigating complicated love lives and creative careers.

Fact: David Duchovny based his character on Charles Bukowski. The show was originally pitched as a movie. The title references the Red Hot Chili Peppers song.

Description: Like Weeds, this show explores criminal enterprises operating within seemingly ordinary communities. Both feature strong family dynamics and moral ambiguity in their storytelling about illegal businesses.

Fact: Charlie Hunnam almost quit after season The motorcycles were real, not props. Kurt Sutter appeared as Otto.

Description: Shares Weeds' mix of outrageous comedy and heartfelt drama about dysfunctional families surviving through questionable means. Both feature strong female leads navigating poverty and crime while raising children.

Fact: The US version is adapted from a British series. William H. Macy did most of his own stunts. Emmy Rossum directed several episodes.

Description: This series shares Weeds' focus on female protagonists navigating criminal worlds, blending humor with serious social commentary. Both shows explore themes of identity, survival, and the American justice system through an ensemble cast.

Fact: The show is based on Piper Kerman's memoir. Uzo Aduba (Crazy Eyes) was only meant to appear in one episode. It was Netflix's most-watched original series until

Description: As a Breaking Bad spinoff, it shares Weeds' exploration of moral descent in the drug world. Both shows feature charismatic protagonists using humor and wit to navigate increasingly dangerous situations.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk suffered a heart attack during filming. The Cinnabon scenes were shot in a real mall. It holds a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Description: Similar to Weeds' Nancy Botwin, Jackie Peyton is a morally complex female lead balancing family life with addiction and illegal activities. Both shows use dark comedy to explore flawed protagonists in healthcare/drug-related settings.

Fact: Edie Falco never watched The Sopranos while filming Nurse Jackie. The pill bottles used were filled with Skittles. The show's medical advisor was a real ER nurse.