Obsessed with Netflix’s Legends? Here are 5 shows just as gripping and gritty to binge next

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Lots of people are hooked on Netflix’s new crime series, Legends. The show, a realistic and intense drama set in the 1990s, is currently the most popular show on the streaming platform and has a very high rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The TV series has received widespread praise from both viewers and critics. The Financial Times called it “outstanding” and “elegant,” and the show centers around a team of inexperienced undercover agents – known as Legends – who go deep into the criminal world to dismantle the drug gangs fueling Britain’s drug crisis. They operate under false identities, working from within to bring down these dangerous organizations.

Enjoyed the true crime drama? If you’re looking for another captivating show to watch, we’ve put together a list of recommendations for you.

The Gold

We started with Neil Forsyth’s The Gold, a series that’s both tough and showcases his distinctive style.

Inspired by a true story, this BBC series recounts the incredible events surrounding the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery. It follows DCS Brian Boyce, played by Hugh Bonneville, and his determined effort to find the stolen £26 million in gold. The series details how Boyce and his team investigated the six men who carried out the heist at the Brink’s Mat security depot near London’s Heathrow Airport.

Converting that significant amount of money into actual profits was challenging, ultimately resulting in a large-scale international money laundering scheme.

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The pulsating drama also stars Jack Lowden, Tom Cullen, Adam Nagaitis and Dominic Cooper.

The Gold series 1 and 2 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Code of Silence

I loved how gripping Legends was – the constant danger because the characters were working undercover really kept me on the edge of my seat! And Code of Silence seems like it’s going to deliver that same thrill. It’s so cool to see Rose Ayling-Ellis playing Alison, a deaf canteen worker at the police station, who gets pulled into a really dangerous situation as an informant.

Alison, often ignored and underestimated, finds a chance to prove herself when she’s asked to use her lip-reading ability to help catch a group of criminals. But things get complicated when she starts to fall for Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), a new member of the gang.

Alison was already in a very dangerous situation, and now, because she’s torn between loyalties, things have become even more risky.

Having just won the 2026 BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series, Code of Silence is truly excellent television.

Code of Silence is available to stream now on ITVX.

This City Is Ours

The story explores the pursuit of power – how far people will go to gain and maintain it. Given that it’s set in the world of crime, expect plenty of violence and conflict.

James Nelson-Joyce plays Michael, facing off against Sean Bean as the powerful gangster Ronnie. As Ronnie plans to retire, he intends to pass on control of his operation, but the handover is expected to be difficult.

Michael, mentored by Ronnie, is a major threat – he’s grown up immersed in the criminal world. But Ronnie’s son, Jamie, also wants control. Everything changes for Michael when he experiences love, and his focus begins to shift.

Michael’s relationship with Diana unfolds while a criminal organization falls apart. Ronnie’s crucial choice creates chaos, leading to devastating consequences for everyone connected to the gang.

This City Is Ours is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Gangs of London

A fourth season of Gangs of London is being developed, and it’s a show worth watching if you haven’t seen it yet.

The series is known for its intense violence and doesn’t shy away from showing it. It plunges into London’s criminal world after the murder of influential gangster Finn Wallace (Colm Meaney). His death has created a power struggle, and many are vying to take control.

When rival gangs start fighting for dominance, a violent power struggle erupts. At the heart of it all is Sean (Joe Cole), Finn’s son, who teams up with his mother, Marian (Michelle Fairley), and Ed Dumani (Lucian Msamati) to both get revenge and seize control.

At the same time, police officer Elliot Carter (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù), working undercover, has to go inside the Wallaces’ dangerous operation at a particularly risky moment.

Gangs of London season 1-3 are available to stream now on Sky and NOW.

Mint

Similar to Legends, Mint explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, retelling the classic Romeo and Juliet story within a world of crime and romance.

This series beautifully tells the love story of Shannon and Arran, but their growing relationship is threatened by a long-standing feud between their families.

While Mint has romantic moments, it’s not afraid to explore darker, more serious themes, and the acting is captivating. The show features characters leading double lives, but it’s a different take than what you might anticipate if you’ve seen Legends.

Mint is available to to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

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The latest issue of Living Legends, a special collector’s edition about the royal family, is now available! You can purchase The Royals at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-13 13:20