When The Sopranos ended, it left behind a void that no single series could completely fill. Its blend of family drama, organized crime, and moral ambiguity set a new standard for television storytelling. But for viewers who crave that same mix of tension, flawed characters, and layered plots, there are other shows that carry a similar spirit. Here are ten worth diving into.
1. The Wire
Often mentioned in the same breath as The Sopranos, this series explores Baltimore’s drug trade, political systems, and social struggles. Its sprawling cast and unflinching realism make it one of the most acclaimed dramas ever produced.
2. Boardwalk Empire
Set in Atlantic City during Prohibition, the show follows Nucky Thompson, a political figure who becomes entangled with mobsters. Stylish, violent, and morally complex, it shares much of the DNA that made The Sopranos so iconic.
3. Peaky Blinders
In post–World War I Birmingham, Tommy Shelby and his family gang build a criminal empire while clashing with rivals and authorities. Like Tony Soprano, Tommy is a ruthless leader haunted by trauma and ambition.
4. Sons of Anarchy
This modern outlaw tale dives into the lives of a California motorcycle club. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and family run deep, echoing the dynamics that defined Tony Soprano’s world.
5. Mayans M.C.
A spin-off of Sons of Anarchy, it shifts the focus to a rival motorcycle club. With intense action and layered storytelling, it captures the same raw energy and brotherhood of its predecessor.
6. Justified
Marshal Raylan Givens brings old-school justice to modern Kentucky. With whip-smart dialogue and a gallery of morally ambiguous characters, the show offers a fresh spin on crime and law enforcement.
7. Ozark
When a financial advisor is forced to launder money for a drug cartel, his family is pulled into a dangerous web of crime. The tension between suburban life and violent underworld mirrors Tony’s struggles.
8. Bloodline
Set in the Florida Keys, this slow-burning thriller follows a family with dark secrets. It explores how loyalty can turn destructive, a theme Sopranos fans will instantly recognize.
9. The Shield
This gritty drama centers on corrupt LAPD officers walking the line between justice and criminality. Its raw style and unpredictable twists keep viewers on edge, much like the darker moments of The Sopranos.
10. Mad Men
Though not about crime, Mad Men captures the same character-driven depth that made The Sopranos a landmark. Don Draper’s identity struggles and moral conflicts resonate with the complexity of Tony Soprano’s inner life.
Why These Shows Work
What unites all of these series is their commitment to storytelling that doesn’t offer easy answers. They’re filled with flawed protagonists, morally gray decisions, and the tension between personal and professional lives. Much like Tony Soprano, their central figures live in worlds where survival means compromise—and where power always comes at a cost.
