There’s television beforeThe Sopranos, and then there’s television afterThe Sopranos. When David Chase’s seminal mafia epic first hit our screens in 1999, few could have predicted the seismic shift it would bring. And not just in crime dramas, but in storytelling itself. What seemed, on the surface, like a simple mob show evolved into something far more nuanced. It explored power, legacy, family, loyalty, and the crushing weight of existence itself. It was a Shakespearean tragedy told through the eyes of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey crime boss and conflicted antihero who became a cultural icon.
Across six seasons,The Sopranosbroke convention with its sharp, witty writing, brutal violence, anddeeply sensitive characters who’d be tornbetween the demands of their criminal past and the trials of family life. The show’s DNA is embedded in the countless series that followed - Its slow-burning tension, morally ambiguous characters, and the juxtaposition of violence and emotion. Sure, it set the gold standard. But there are a lot of lesser-known series that play with the same themes and narrative structures.
Here are 10 hidden gems that are basicallyThe Sopranos.
Inspired by the true story of the Rizzuto crime family,Bad Bloodchronicles the cutthroat world of organized crime in Montreal, where power is a never-ending game of chess, alliances are forever shifting, and betrayals are bubbling beneath harmless eyes. At the center of it all is Vito Rizzuto, a respected mob leader who has maintained stability for years, but when law enforcement catches up with him, he’s imprisoned.
A Real-Life Crime Family’s Rise and Fall
Bad Bloodfinds the protagonist leaving his once-thriving criminal empire vulnerable to power struggles. The tragic downfall of his dynasty calls various players in to maneuver for control. His son Nico and longtime lieutenant Declan Gardiner fight to keep things from imploding, but it’s not until Vito is released from prison after 31 years that he finally sets out to get revenge. Much likeThe Sopranos, it delves intothe mechanics of a crime syndicate– the inner workings, the toll of leadership, and codes of conduct.
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9’McMafia' (2018)
McMafiais based on Misha Glenny’s bookMcMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld,and it’s just what the book title reveals – a glimpse into the modern world of transnational organized crime. It follows Alex, a British-raised son of Russian exiles, trying his best to stay away from his family’s criminal past. But a murder exposes his background, and he’s forced to engage with the underworld.
Sophisticated Take on the Crime Genre
McMafiaexpands the scope ofThe Sopranosby telling a cross-border story to reflect the current nature of organized crime. The more Alex is roped into illicit dealings, like money laundering and arms trafficking, the bigger moral compromises he has to make. The show is a slow-burning character study of the protagonist’s dual identity, but the cinematic style makes it thrilling and intellectual.
8’The Black Donnellys' (2007)
The Black Donnellys
InThe Black Donnellys, four Irish-American brothers navigate New York’s criminal scene. Ashort-lived but cult-favorite crime drama, it follows Tommy, the reluctant moral center of the family, who finds himself dragged deeper into his brothers’ violent world after one bad decision puts them in conflict with the Italian mob. From then on, Tommy must decide how to balance his loyalty to his family but also shoot a shot at living a clean life.
Brotherhood and the Cost of Violence
Though it never reached mainstream popularity,The Black Donnellyscaptures the essence ofThe Sopranos– the weight of family, the price of power, and the inability to escape from a life of violence. Its grounded story is narrated by someone called Joey “Ice Cream,” a streetwise friend from prison, which gives the show a unique edge. Also, the raw aesthetic presents an unglamorized view of the gangster lifestyle, echoingThe Sopranos’rejection of the romantic mythos surrounding the mafia.
7’Gomorrah' (2014 – 2021)
Based on journalist Roberto Saviano’s exposé on the Neapolitan Camorra and the acclaimed 2008 movie of the same name,Gomorrahis a sweeping drama that follows Ciro Di Marzio, an ambitious member of the crime syndicate who wants to rise to power and sees the golden opportunity when Pietro Savastano, the head of the Savastano clan, is arrested.
Most Fearless Crime Drama Ever Made
Hailed as one of the greatest crime dramas in Italy, and yet, criminally underrated among international audiences,Gomorrahexplores the inner workings of a crime family and puts the power struggles, betrayals, and unflinching violence at the forefront. Far removed from the theatrics of the Hollywood mob series, it is steeped in documentary-like realism, which is what makes its depiction of crime feel more harrowing and soul-crushing. It spans five seasons and is riveting from start to finish.
6’Magic City' (2012 – 2013)
magic city
Set against the shimmering, sun-drenched backdrop of 1959 Miami,Magic Citycenters around Ike Evans, the charismatic owner of the city’s most glamorous hotel, the Miramar Playa. To keep his luxurious establishment afloat, he makes a Faustian bargain with mob boss Ben Diamond. And as his family, blissfully unaware, enjoys their spoiled lifestyle, Ike struggles under the weight of his criminal underworld and gets way too deep into Ben’s deals.
Family Drama and Gangster Intrigue
Like Tony Soprano, Ike Evans is a complex and multifaceted protagonist whose ties to the criminal underworld force him to make difficult life choices, each one testing the limits of his principles. At one point, he’s even forced to choose between his ambition and dangerous alliances and the safety of his family. With gorgeous visuals and a tightly-wound story,Magic Cityis an irresistible series that thrives on themes of power, loyalty, and the boundaries of one’s morals.
5’Hap and Leonard' (2016 – 2018)
Hap and Leonard
Hap and Leonardis another drama that offers a thrilling mix of crime, dark humor, and Southern grit. Created by and based on Joe R. Landsdale’s novels, it follows Hap Collins, an easygoing former activist, and Leonard Pine, a no-nonsense, war-scarred veteran. When Hap’s ex-wife lures the two into a get-rich-quick scheme, they stumble into a tangled web of murder, deception, and corruption.
Darkly Comedic Spin on Male Friendship
Across three seasons,Hap and Leonardstitches together a gripping story, laces it with offbeat humor, and makes for a fresh, off-kilter addition to the crime genre. WhileThe Sopranosis known for exploring the intricacies of mafia family dynamics, this one embraces the criminal underworldthrough the lens of a mismatched duothat only has charm and survival instincts at their disposal. Michael K. Williams and James Purefoy are excellent in their roles; their performances give the show an emotional and comedic edge.
4’The Take' (2009)
The Take, adapted from the novel by Martina Cole, tells the story of the ruthless ambitions of Freddie Jackson, a volatile gangster fresh out of prison, eager to reclaim his place in the criminal hierarchy. With his cousin Jimmy at his side, Freddie courses through London’s underworld, fighting for dominance. But as his empire grows, he leaves destruction in his wake and soon, his family is forced to face irreversible consequences.
As Gripping as It Is Merciless
LikeThe Sopranos, this four-part miniseries created by Neil Biswas explores the corrosive and self-destructive effects of the criminal lifestyle. Freddie’s single-minded pursuit of wealth and his thirst for power gradually erodes his humanity. And just like Tony, this morally ambiguous protagonist tries his best to reconcile his aggression and menace with his desire for familial stability, which leads to a series of gut-punching twists and turns.
3’The Shadow Line' (2011)
The Shadow Line
When a prominent London crime boss, Harvey Wratten, is mysteriously assassinated after receiving a royal pardon, both sides of the law begin their hunt for answers. Detective Jonah Gabriel, a disgraced man recovering from amnesia and haunted by the bullet lodged in his brain, is tasked with uncovering the truth surrounding Wratten’s death. Meanwhile, Joseph Bede, a respectable businessman and Wratten’s consultant, scrambles to take control of his empire.
A Rich Literary Thriller
The Shadow Lineis a brooding seven-part thriller that sharesThe Sopranos’fascination with the ethical gray areas that define human experience. It’s filled with morally complex characters andslow-burning tension, and its labyrinthine plot cleverly subverts audience expectations at every turn. Its striking cinematography, stylized dialogue, and the commanding presence of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Stephen Rea are what sets it apart.
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2’Gangs of London' (2020 – Present)
Gangs of London
When Finn Wallace, London’s most powerful crime boss, is assassinated, the balance between the entire world’s crime factions crumbles overnight. His son and heir apparent, Sean Wallace, is thrust into leadership and is determined to avenge his father while keeping the empire intact. But Sean’s loyalty is fickle, and with government forces, foreign syndicates, and other underworld figures breathing down his throat, there’s an all-out war about to occur.
Power Struggles in London’s Underbelly
Created by Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery,Gangs of Londonis a gritty and atmospheric crime drama packed with jaw-dropping action sequences. Its intoxicating blend of gangster intrigue and family drama mirrors the winning formula that madeThe Sopranosa landmark achievement. But what sets it apart is the raw and brutal narrative, which pushes the genre into adrenaline-fueled territory. Sadly, it’s only popular with niche audiences.
1’Brotherhood' (2006 – 2008)
Brotherhood
Set in Providence, Rhode Island,Brotherhoodexplores the contrasting lives of the Caffee brothers. Michael is a ruthless gangster and Tommy is an ambitious politician. As they navigate their paths, their worlds inevitably collide, testing their relationship and moral boundaries. Also caught up in their complicated lives are Tommy and Michael’s mother Rose, Tommy’s wife Eileen, Irish mob boss Freddie Cork and Rhode Island state detective Declan Giggs.
Crime, Politics, and Family Loyalty
Featuringpowerhouse performances from Jason Isaacsand Jason Clarke,Brotherhoodis a show that thrives on complex relationships, family and loyalty, and how the corrupting influence of crime and power seeps into every facet of life – themes that also lie at the heart ofThe Sopranos. Despite strong writing and praise from critics, the show struggled to gain mainstream recognition and was overshadowed by other crime dramas of the decade.
