What TV Series Should I Watch After The Wire?

If you enjoyed The Wire, you might appreciate the following TV series that share similar themes of complex storytelling, character development, and social commentary. These series will provide a rich and thought-provoking follow-up to an already thought-provoking show.

Rich Storytelling and Complex Characters

The Wire

is renowned for its intricate plotlines and character development. Similar shows that delve deep into the lives and struggles of complex characters while addressing social issues include:

The Sopranos

A The Sopranos is a deep dive into the life of Tony Soprano, a mob boss, as he navigates the challenges of family and organized crime. This Emmy Award-winning series offers a nuanced look at a man grappling with his dual lives as a family man and a crime lord.

Breaking Bad

Or you might want to explore a completely different angle with Breaking Bad, a show that follows a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, who turns into a methamphetamine manufacturer. The series delves into the moral dilemmas and the consequences of his choices, making it a compelling and intense watch.

True Detective

If you're looking for an anthology series with each season featuring a new cast and story, consider True Detective. Each season explores crime investigations and the psychological complexities of the characters. For instance, Season 1 looks at a murder case in Louisiana, while Season 2 focuses on sex trafficking in Alaska.

Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire, set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era, examines political corruption and organized crime through the eyes of Enoch L. Bolger. The series offers a gritty and violent portrayal, complete with rich character dynamics and historical context.

Other Highly Recommended Series

If you have a penchant for different genres and themes, these series also offer rich storytelling and character depth:

Ozark

Ozark centers on a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. The series highlights themes of desperation and survival, making it a chilling and engaging watch.

Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad that follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. The series provides deep character exploration and legal drama, bridging the gap to the original series with a compelling storyline.

The Shield

The Shield is a raw and gritty portrayal of a corrupt police unit in Los Angeles, tackling themes of morality and the complexities of law enforcement. This series offers a relentless and unflinching view of the dark side of the police force.

Additional Recommendations

If you're interested in a wide range of genres and themes, these series could be a great addition to your viewing list:

List of Additional Recommendations

Sons of Anarchy: A series focused on a motorcycle club in California, dealing with family, conflict, and crime. Empire: A show about the music industry, exploring the dynamics of the business and the pressures faced by the characters. Homicide: Life on the Street: A realistic police procedural series set in Baltimore that showcases the difficulties and complexities of law enforcement. Oz: A prison drama that highlights the brutality and moral dilemmas faced by both inmates and guards. Yellowstone: A western drama focusing on the Montana ranching family, dealing with the conflicts and challenges they face. The Mayans: A show set in Southern California, centered around gang life and the drug trade. Animal Kingdom: A series about a family involved in organized crime and the consequences of their actions. Dexter: A crime drama focusing on a serial killer who operates within the legal system as a blood spatter analyst. Deadwood: A period drama set in the 1870s where gold mining transforms a wild town, exploring themes of power, corruption, and morality.

Each of these series offers their unique take on complex storytelling and character development, providing a rich and engaging follow-up to The Wire.