4 crime shows like The Penguin

After binge-watching these shows, I must say that my love for crime dramas has grown exponentially! Each of these series offers a unique perspective on the underbelly of society, from the streets of Baltimore to the Peaky Blinders’ Birmingham.

On Sunday, November 10th, The Penguin concludes its run on HBO and MAX. Having just witnessed one of the finest gangster/mob tales in years, it’s clear that viewers will be searching for another compelling series to engage with!

We’ve seen The Batman movie, which sparked The Penguin character, multiple times already. Unfortunately, we have a long stretch ahead until The Batman Part 2 premieres in theaters in 2026. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent crime shows for fans of The Penguin to enjoy until The Batman Part 2 arrives.

Additionally, there are rumors swirling that The Penguin might return for a second season. However, we can’t confirm whether the show will continue or not, but based on a report by The Direct, there seems to be a possibility of it happening.

As we anticipate the outcome for “The Penguin,” let’s kick off our list of crime shows to binge-watch by featuring the greatest TV series ever made, “The Sopranos.

The Sopranos

Where to watch: MAX

When discussing gangsters, the mob, and crime shows, it’s hard to overlook “The Sopranos” as the show that comes to mind first. Many have already watched it, but for those who haven’t, “The Sopranos” is a must-see if you enjoy the style of “The Penguin.” The impact of this series on “The Penguin” is evident in numerous ways.

The Sopranos follows the life of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a mob boss leading the Soprano family, as he struggles to balance his criminal affairs and family responsibilities. The show explores whether Tony remains fully committed to his criminal lifestyle or is seeking change. Throughout six seasons, viewers will uncover these answers.

Beyond just Gandolfini, me too among many others found ourselves as part of the stellar cast gracing the screens in that renowned television show.

Seriously, if you haven’t seen The Sopranos, this is the show to watch on MAX right now!

Gotham

Where to watch: MAX

We had to include one DC show on the list! Look, there are a lot of great DC shows, but I don’t think any of them really feel like The Penguin. The one that comes closest is definitely Gotham, and it’s quite similar to The Penguin in some of its representations of characters from the world of Batman. Again, it’s still very different, though. You have been warned.

The show titled “Gotham” made its debut on FOX back in 2014 and aired for a total of five seasons until 2019. This series is based in the city of Gotham, where the main character, detective Jim Gordon (played by Ben McKenzie), navigates crime-ridden streets while battling pervasive corruption.

Donal Logue, David Mazouz, Morena Baccarin, Jada Pinkett Smith, Robin Lord Taylor, Camren Bicondova, Erin Richards, Zabryna Guevara, Sean Pertwee, and others are featured in the show created by Bruno Heller.

If you’re looking for another engaging series following “The Penguin” and immersed in the universe of DC Comics and Batman, then I highly recommend “Gotham”. With all five seasons currently available on MAX, you can dive right in!

Peaky Blinders

4 crime shows like The Penguin

Where to watch: Netflix

The show isn’t set in contemporary times, but it has been hailed as the top gangster series on TV since The Sopranos. I’m talking about Peaky Blinders, created by Steven Knight. This captivating series, accessible on Netflix, concluded its six-season run in April 2022 with the final episodes airing first in the UK on BBC and later worldwide on Netflix. Now, a movie special is being developed to bring this excellent series to a close. We’re eagerly anticipating its release!

Peaky Blinders is a series that unfolds in Birmingham, England during the early 1900s. The narrative revolves around Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, and his formidable street gang, the Peaky Blinders. Throughout the storyline, we witness Tommy juggling his responsibilities as the gang’s leader, maintaining familial bonds, and grappling with the impact of each choice he makes on himself and those around him, as the head of the Peaky Blinders.

I absolutely love the show “Peaky Blinders”! While it doesn’t have many similarities to “The Penguin,” if you enjoy the narrative, themes, and overall entertainment value of “The Penguin,” then I highly recommend giving “Peaky Blinders” a watch.

The Wire

Where to watch: MAX

The Wire,” a highly acclaimed crime show, frequently ranks among the top or second-best television series ever made. This exceptional production hails from David Simon and first aired on HBO in 2002. Over the course of five seasons, it captivated audiences until its conclusion in 2008 on the same network.

In Baltimore, the TV show “The Wire” explores the complex relationships between different establishments such as police, media, government, and industry. The narrative commences with a group of detectives and officers endeavoring to dismantle Avon Barksdale’s (Wood Harris) extensive drug operation in the city.

The television series “The Wire” boasts an exceptional ensemble featuring Dominic West, Idris Elba, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, Amy Ryan, Aidan Gillen, Michael K. Williams, among numerous others.

If you haven’t seen The Wire, now is the time!

If you enjoy “The Penguin,” here’s a collection of other shows you might find interesting. Keep an eye out for updates on the show’s upcoming developments.

2024-11-11 02:28