10 Crime Dramas That Match The Sopranos' Legacy

The Sopranos: A Masterpiece and the Crime Dramas That Deserve More Attention

The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime dramas ever created. This groundbreaking HBO series follows Tony Soprano, a mob boss who struggles with the pressures of his life, leading to panic attacks and eventually seeking therapy from a psychiatrist. The show not only revolutionized television but also helped elevate HBO into a premier network. Despite its critical acclaim and lasting influence, there are several other crime dramas that deserve just as much attention and praise.

Mayor of Kingstown: A Dark Exploration of Power and Crime

Jeremy Renner stars in Mayor of Kingstown, a crime drama that delves into a town dominated by incarceration and gang violence. The series centers around the McLusky family, who attempt to maintain order between street gangs and law enforcement. Though it started with mixed reviews, the show gained momentum and delivered strong character development and a deep exploration of morality. It’s a dark, intense series that deserves more recognition than it has received.

The Killing: A Slow-Burning Mystery

The Killing, an American adaptation of the Danish series Forbrydelsen, follows the murder of a teenage girl and the subsequent police investigation. Known for its slow-burning narrative and eerie atmosphere, the show was praised for its character-driven storytelling and parallels to Twin Peaks. However, it never achieved the same level of popularity as other crime dramas, despite its critical acclaim.

Boardwalk Empire: A Glimpse into Prohibition-Era Gangsters

Boardwalk Empire is another HBO crime drama that explores the rise of real-life gangsters during the Prohibition era. Set in Atlantic City, the show features historical figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. While it received critical praise, it never reached the same level of cultural impact as The Sopranos. Nevertheless, its accurate depiction of history and stellar performances make it a standout in the genre.

Sharp Objects: A Dark and Gripping Miniseries

Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, follows a journalist returning to her hometown to investigate a series of murders. The miniseries is known for its dark tone, psychological depth, and Amy Adams’ powerful performance. Despite critical acclaim, it often gets overshadowed by other HBO shows, even though it offers compelling storytelling and unforgettable moments.

Bosch: A Police Procedural with Depth

Bosch, a police procedural series starring Titus Welliver, follows Detective Harry Bosch as he solves complex cases. Based on Michael Connelly’s books, the show is known for its intricate plots and engaging characters. Though it had a successful run on Amazon, it never gained the same hype as other crime dramas, despite its quality and the involvement of talent from The Wire.

Godfather of Harlem: A Story of Power and Resistance

Godfather of Harlem, inspired by real events, follows the fictionalized life of Bumpy Johnson, a crime boss trying to reclaim his neighborhood from the Italian mafia. The series features Forest Whitaker and explores themes of race, power, and resistance. While it shares similarities with The Sopranos, it hasn’t received the same level of attention, despite its compelling narrative and acting.

Mr Inbetween: A Unique Blend of Comedy and Crime

Mr Inbetween is an underrated crime drama that blends dark comedy with the life of a hitman named Ray. The series, based on the film The Magician, showcases Ray’s struggle to balance his dangerous job with his personal life. With sharp writing and unexpected twists, it’s a show that deserves more recognition from fans of the genre.

Line of Duty: A British Crime Drama with a Cult Following

Line of Duty is a British crime series that follows an anti-corruption unit investigating corrupt police officers. Known for its gripping storylines and shocking twists, the show has a dedicated fanbase but remains relatively unknown outside the UK. Its unique approach to police corruption makes it a standout in the crime genre.

Gangs of London: A Violent and Action-Packed Series

Gangs of London, based on a video game, follows the aftermath of a crime boss’s death and the ensuing war between rival gangs. The series is known for its intense action sequences and gritty portrayal of organized crime. Despite critical acclaim, it hasn’t gained the same level of popularity as other crime dramas.

We Own This City: A Raw Look at Police Corruption

We Own This City, created by David Simon, tells the true story of the Baltimore police Gun Trace Task Force. The miniseries exposes the corruption within the department and highlights issues like racial profiling and abuse of power. Though critically acclaimed, it didn’t receive the same attention as The Wire, despite its powerful storytelling and realistic portrayal of systemic issues.