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10 Crime Shows That Are Perfect Replacements for ‘The Sopranos’
The article suggests ten crime dramas and character-led series for viewers looking for something after *The Sopranos*. It argues that the show’s mix of criminal power struggles, flawed anti-heroes and family relationships can be found in stories set in different eras and worlds.
Among the examples discussed are *Boardwalk Empire*, created by former *Sopranos* writer Terence Winter and executive-produced by Martin Scorsese; *Peaky Blinders*, centred on the Shelby family; and *The Penguin*, which follows a Gotham crime boss. *Mad Men* is also cited for its creative link: Matthew Weiner joined *The Sopranos* writing team after David Chase was impressed by the *Mad Men* pilot. The supplied article text ends part-way through its discussion and does not include all ten recommendations.
In short
- The article recommends shows for fans finishing *The Sopranos*.
- *Boardwalk Empire* shares a writer and Scorsese connection.
- *Peaky Blinders*, *The Penguin* and *Mad Men* are also discussed.
Explained simply
The Sopranos is a crime drama about New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano, whose criminal life is closely tied to his relationships with his wife, children and associates. Its appeal comes from combining struggles over power in organised crime with the pressures and conflicts of family life.
Crime dramas that share some of those features can be set in very different places and periods. Boardwalk Empire, created by former Sopranos writer Terence Winter, follows criminal and political rivalries during Prohibition; Peaky Blinders centres on the Shelby family in post-war Birmingham; and The Penguin follows a crime boss in Gotham. Mad Men is a different kind of drama, but its creator Matthew Weiner later joined the Sopranos writing team.
These connections help explain why viewers might look beyond stories about mobsters for similar character-focused drama. The programmes vary in setting and subject, but some explore ambition, family ties and the costs of holding power.