I Really Miss The Sopranos, But These 5 Dramas Helped Me to Let Go

There are few shows that have managed to change me (along with the entire TV history) forever, and The Sopranos is one of them. The journey of Tony Soprano and his complex world of family drama, loyalty and crime has been an unforgettable one for many people, myself included.

Despite the fact that the drama dives deep into the worst possible subjects and explores the darkest sides of every character it follows, I still can't stop rewatching it from time to time. As you can see, I’m having a hard time letting this show go, so I’m always desperately searching for something to feel the void.

If you crave more of that morally gray atmosphere, but the last rewatch just happened, here are 5 captivating dramas to watch — as a true fan of The Sopranos, I promise they’re just as good.

1. The Wire (2002-2008)

One of the most universally acclaimed shows of all time, The Wire offers an in-depth look at life in Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on both the police and the drug trade. While it takes a more institutional approach compared to the personal one from The Sopranos, both shows share an unapologetically gritty, realistic depiction of crime and its impact on society.

Just as Tony Soprano's empire is built on secrets and betrayal, The Wire shows the fragility of systems, both law enforcement and the drug trade, and how personal choices intersect with social issues. Add to this premise the amazing performance of Idris Elba, and The Wire is a must-see.

2. Breaking Bad ( 2008-2013)

No list of intense, character-driven dramas is complete without Breaking Bad. Like The Sopranos, this show takes a morally conflicted lead, Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine kingpin, and delves deep into his transformation. As Walter spirals into the criminal underworld, viewers are drawn into another story of family drama and power struggle.

However, there may be a small but important difference in the audience's attitude toward the main character. Despite everything, Tony Soprano remains a somewhat lovable character, but Walter White is a guy everyone hates.

It may be a very obvious recommendation, but if you’ve been avoiding Breaking Bad for some reason, you simply have to check it out already.

3. Mad Men (2007-2015)

If The Sopranos is known for its deep exploration of family dynamics, Mad Men offers an equally detailed dive into the complexities of its characters' personal and professional lives. Set in the 1960s, the show follows the life of Don Draper, an enigmatic advertising executive struggling with his own identity.

Much like Tony Soprano, Don Draper is a man whose external success masks his internal turmoil, and both characters often use their work as an outlet to express their unaddressed emotions. Mad Men explores themes of deception, infidelity, and the search for meaning.

4. Boardwalk Empire ( 2010-2014)

This is also a perfect show for those who prefer period dramas, but with the same gritty criminal vibe. Boardwalk Empire is another riveting experience. Set in Atlantic City during Prohibition, the show follows Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician and businessman, as he navigates the violent world of organized crime. The series offers an in-depth exploration of power, loyalty and ambition.

“Watched the whole series for the first time recently and loved it. There are so many amazing characters and fun performances, and storylines can go in genuinely shocking directions. I think seasons 4 and 5 do get messier, but they were far better than I expected based on the way people talked about them. I think it’s worth watching all the way through, the ending is reasonably satisfying,” Redditor captainnermy said.

5. Fargo ( 2014-2024)

Inspired by the Coen Brothers' 1996 film, the show features a mix of quirky characters involved in complicated criminal schemes. While The Sopranos focuses on the traditional mob family, Fargo introduces a wider range of eccentric characters caught in morally ambiguous situations.

It’s a pretty eclectic choice if you want something exactly like The Sopranos, but hey, just give it a chance. It has a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating (93% from the critics and 85% from the viewers) for a reason.