10 Shows and Movies Similar to Z: The Beginning of Everything (2015)

Description: Like 'Z', this show meticulously recreates mid-20th century America while exploring gender roles and personal reinvention. Both feature complex female characters navigating restrictive social expectations.

Fact: Jon Hamm's Don Draper became an iconic TV character. The show popularized 1960s fashion and design aesthetics. Known for its slow-burn storytelling and attention to historical detail.

Description: Shares with 'Z' a focus on the Prohibition era (close to Zelda Fitzgerald's time), exploring the intersection of crime, politics, and society. Both shows feature lavish period production design.

Fact: Produced by Martin Scorsese and Mark Wahlberg. Steve Buscemi's first leading TV role. Won multiple Emmys for its art direction and costumes. Based on real historical figures from Atlantic City's underworld.

Description: This series shares with 'Z' a focus on historical figures challenging social conventions, particularly regarding gender roles and sexuality. Both shows examine complex relationships against the backdrop of mid-20th century America.

Fact: Based on the biography of real-life sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan received critical acclaim for their performances. The show explores the birth of modern sexology in the conservative 1950s-60s.

Description: Like 'Z', this is a historical drama with modern sensibilities, blending serious themes with dark comedy. Both feature intelligent women navigating patriarchal systems in different eras.

Fact: Elle Fanning stars as Catherine the Great in this 'anti-historical' drama. The show deliberately plays fast and loose with historical accuracy. Created by Tony McNamara, who wrote 'The Favourite'.

Description: Shares with 'Z' a focus on the post-WWI era and its cultural upheavals. Both shows feature charismatic but troubled protagonists and explore themes of reinvention and legacy.

Fact: Cillian Murphy's breakout TV role. The Shelby family is loosely based on real Birmingham gangs. Known for its anachronistic modern soundtrack in a period setting.

Description: Like 'Z', this show presents a visceral, unconventional look at historical periods (early 1900s medicine vs. 1920s literature). Both feature brilliant but self-destructive protagonists pushing boundaries.

Fact: Clive Owen's first major TV role. Directed entirely by Steven Soderbergh. Known for its graphic surgical scenes and electronic score in a period setting.

Description: Similar to 'Z', 'Vinyl' captures the gritty, transformative energy of a specific cultural moment (1970s music industry vs. 1920s literary scene). Both shows feature flawed protagonists navigating creative industries.

Fact: Created by Mick Jagger, Martin Scorsese, and Terence Winter. The expensive series was canceled after one season despite its star-studded cast. Features authentic recreations of 1970s New York music clubs.

Description: Like 'Z', this show captures the Gilded Age with dark, atmospheric storytelling. Both explore progressive ideas clashing with traditional values in historical settings.

Fact: Based on Caleb Carr's bestselling novel. Features one of TV's first depictions of forensic psychology. The elaborate sets recreate 1890s New York in impressive detail.

Description: Like 'Z: The Beginning of Everything', this show explores the life of a strong, unconventional woman breaking societal norms in a historical setting. Both series blend drama with humor and feature stunning period costumes and sets.

Fact: The show won multiple Emmys for its writing and acting. Rachel Brosnahan's portrayal of Midge Maisel is inspired by real-life female comedians of the 1950s. The series was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, known for her rapid-fire dialogue style.

Description: Similar to 'Z' in its exploration of an alternate American history during the mid-20th century. Both shows examine how political climates affect personal relationships.

Fact: Based on Philip Roth's novel. Imagines a world where Charles Lindbergh becomes president. Created by David Simon of 'The Wire' fame.