10 Shows & Movies Like The Syndicate

Description: A groundbreaking crime drama that blends family life with organized crime, offering a deep psychological exploration of its protagonist and the duality of his existence.

Fact: The show's famous opening sequence was filmed in one take. The iconic theme song, 'Woke Up This Morning,' was chosen by creator David Chase after hearing it on the radio.

Description: A gritty and realistic portrayal of crime and law enforcement, focusing on the systemic issues within institutions and the interconnected lives of those involved in the drug trade.

Fact: Many of the actors in the show were non-professionals or had little acting experience before being cast. The show's creator, David Simon, was a former police reporter, which lent authenticity to the storytelling.

Description: A gripping crime drama that explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a ruthless criminal, delving deep into themes of power, morality, and the consequences of illegal enterprises.

Fact: The show was initially set to be filmed in Riverside, California, but due to budget constraints, it was moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The iconic pink teddy bear from season two was inspired by a real-life incident involving a plane crash.

Description: A historical crime drama set during the Prohibition era, focusing on the rise of organized crime and the complex relationships between politicians, gangsters, and law enforcement.

Fact: The show's pilot episode was the most expensive in HBO's history at the time, costing around $18 million. Many of the characters are based on real-life historical figures from the Prohibition era.

Description: A dark and intense series about an outlaw motorcycle club, exploring themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the violent consequences of living outside the law.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, originally envisioned it as a modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.' The motorcycles used in the show were all real bikes owned by the cast and crew.

Description: A raw and unflinching look at the Neapolitan mafia, depicting the brutal realities of organized crime and the personal toll it takes on those involved.

Fact: The series is based on Roberto Saviano's bestselling book, which led to the author receiving death threats from the real-life Camorra. The show is filmed on location in Naples, adding to its authenticity.

Description: A drama centered around a fixer for the rich and famous, who navigates the criminal underworld while dealing with his own family's dark secrets and conflicts.

Fact: The show was originally set in New York but was moved to Los Angeles to differentiate it from other East Coast-based crime dramas. The character of Ray Donovan was inspired by real-life Hollywood fixers.

Description: A period crime drama centered around a powerful family involved in organized crime, showcasing their rise to power, internal conflicts, and the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal.

Fact: The name 'Peaky Blinders' comes from the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps. The show's creator, Steven Knight, based the series on stories his parents told him about their own family's history in Birmingham.

Description: A prequel that delves into the backstory of a morally ambiguous lawyer, exploring his transformation from a small-time attorney to a key player in the criminal underworld.

Fact: The show's black-and-white cold opens were inspired by classic film noir. The character of Saul Goodman was originally intended to appear in only a few episodes of 'Breaking Bad' but became a fan favorite.

Description: A tense and violent series about a family deeply entrenched in crime, focusing on their ruthless operations and the power struggles within the family.

Fact: The show is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name. The character of Smurf was inspired by real-life crime matriarchs who controlled their families' criminal enterprises.