Gritty Crime Dramas Similar to On the Job

Description: A groundbreaking series that delves into the life of a mob boss, blending crime drama with psychological depth. Its exploration of power, family, and moral ambiguity resonates with the darker aspects of organized crime.

Fact: The show popularized the antihero trope in television. Many of its episodes were directed by series creator David Chase, who drew from his own Italian-American upbringing.

Description: A hard-hitting police drama that follows a corrupt strike team, blurring the lines between justice and criminality. Its raw portrayal of police brutality and moral ambiguity aligns with the exploration of systemic corruption.

Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera style, which added to its gritty realism. It was one of the first series to feature an antihero as its protagonist.

Description: A deep dive into systemic corruption, crime, and law enforcement in Baltimore, showcasing the blurred lines between good and evil. Its realistic storytelling and focus on institutional failures mirror the complex narratives of crime and justice.

Fact: The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life, with many actors being non-professionals or former law enforcement. Creator David Simon was a former police reporter, lending authenticity to the series.

Description: A gripping tale of a man's descent into the criminal underworld, exploring themes of morality, power, and transformation. Its intense character study and high-stakes crime narrative align with the exploration of corruption and survival.

Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by a real-life methamphetamine called 'Blue Sky.' The series was initially pitched as a comedy but evolved into a drama.

Description: A thrilling story of a woman's rise in the drug cartel world, highlighting themes of survival, power, and betrayal. Its focus on the criminal underworld and strong character arcs mirrors the exploration of crime and ambition.

Fact: The series is based on a telenovela, which itself was inspired by a novel. It was filmed in multiple locations, including Dallas and Mexico, to capture the transnational drug trade.

Description: A visceral look at an outlaw motorcycle club, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and violence. Its depiction of organized crime and moral dilemmas resonates with the darker aspects of criminal enterprises.

Fact: The show's creator, Kurt Sutter, made frequent cameos as a member of a rival gang. Many of the motorcycle stunts were performed by the actors themselves.

Description: A brutal and unflinching look at organized crime in Naples, Italy, highlighting the ruthless dynamics of power, betrayal, and survival. Its dark tone and focus on criminal underworlds resonate with similar themes of corruption and violence.

Fact: The series is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra. It was initially rejected by Italian networks for its graphic content.

Description: A prequel that delves into the moral compromises and legal gray areas of its protagonist, showcasing the slippery slope of corruption. Its nuanced storytelling and focus on the legal and criminal worlds echo similar themes of ethical decay.

Fact: The show's black-and-white cold opens were a creative choice to signify the protagonist's future. It holds the record for the most Emmy nominations without a win for a single series.

Description: A gripping drama set during the crack epidemic in Los Angeles, exploring the intersections of crime, politics, and community. Its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and its consequences aligns with themes of systemic corruption.

Fact: The show was co-created by John Singleton, who drew from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA. It features a mix of fictional and real-life characters from the era.

Description: A gritty crime drama that explores the global cocaine trade, focusing on the interconnected lives of cartels, corrupt officials, and law enforcement. Its raw portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity aligns closely with the themes of power and corruption.

Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Senegal, to authentically depict the international drug trade. It is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, who also wrote 'Gomorrah.'