In another actor’s hands, “Your Friends & Neighbors” on Apple might be an amusing sitcom about a struggling divorcee resorting to petty crimes against his affluent peers. However, Jon Hamm’s captivating portrayal as a smooth-talking and appealing, yet questionably moral rogue, adds depth and resonance to the character, reminiscent of his role in “Mad Men.
As a devoted admirer, I’d put it like this: “In Your Friends & Neighbors,” I, as Coop (Hamm), embark on an intriguing journey into the criminal underworld. After losing my high-powered hedge fund job, I resort to questionable methods to preserve my lavish country club lifestyle. However, things take a turn for the complex when I unwittingly become entangled in a web of crime.
Delving beyond its sometimes bubbly plotlines and criminal antics, there’s an alluring charm to the nearly surreal universe of affluence and extravagance that Coop and his neighbors effortlessly traverse. After polishing off a season, here are a dozen additional series that explore tricksters, lampoon excessive wealth, and all the other elements that make “Your Friends & Neighbors” an entertaining viewing experience.
The White Lotus
In its third season, “The White Lotus” remains one of the top shows on TV today. The story unfolds around the amusing escapades of both guests and staff at an exclusive luxury resort chain. Each season takes place in a different location: Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand respectively for seasons 1 to 3. This black comedy drama has elements of an anthology series, as each installment features a distinct cast ensemble, yet a recurring narrative centered on three main characters ties all the seasons together, more like a connecting thread than a central plotline.
The White Lotus,” a show that alternates between causing nervous tension and uncontrollable laughter, boasts an impressive musical score by Cristóbal Tapia de Veer. It delves deep into human psychology, particularly at the extremes of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The series devotes significant attention to satirizing wealth while examining the intricate dynamics between the wealthy tourists and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as depicted through their encounters with both resort guests and locals. However, this show isn’t merely a critique of the affluent. As creator Mike White explains, “The White Lotus” is more about the self-inflicted problems that can ultimately lead to catastrophes – a theme that resonates strongly with Coop from “Your Friends & Neighbors.
Sneaky Pete
Sneaky Pete,” a highly praised dual-genre show (comedy-drama) about a crook leading two distinct lives, is a production jointly created by David Shore, renowned TV writer from “House” and “The Good Doctor,” and Bryan Cranston, acclaimed for his work on the Emmy-winning series “Breaking Bad.
The show features Giovanni Ribisi portraying Marius Josipović, a smooth-talking con artist who, after being released from prison, discovers that life outside isn’t as simple as he thought. Once out, Marius is pursued by Vince Lonigan (played by Cranston), a former cop turned gangster whom Marius owes $100,000 to. However, Marius has one advantage: he knows the full story of his cellmate Pete. Using this knowledge, Marius assumes Pete’s identity, meeting with Pete’s distant family as if he were the man himself and securing a job in their bail bondsman business. In the process, the imposter finds himself immersed in a world that proves to be more treacherous than the one he had left behind.
The Blacklist
In terms of captivating characters portraying criminals, it’s hard to top James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington in the acclaimed crime drama series “The Blacklist.” This Emmy-winning show revolves around a former U.S. intelligence officer who became an international fugitive and now offers his services as an FBI informant, tracking down the criminals on his list – a collection of the world’s most dangerous criminals and terrorists. However, Red has two requirements for his cooperation: full prosecutorial immunity and partnership with an FBI criminal profiler named Liz Keen, who could potentially be Red’s daughter.
The Blacklist,” a series blending episodic and serialized storytelling, offers an engaging watch. It’s the endless supply of Red’s witty remarks, banter, and lengthy self-reflections that truly captivates viewers. Plus, James Spader’s iconic fedora was a must-have for his character in this show, which he successfully negotiated to include. With 10 seasons and 218 episodes, there’s plenty of charismatic, fedora-wearing rogue to keep you entertained until the next season of “Your Friends & Neighbors.
Poker Face
Natasha Lyonne, much like Jon Hamm and James Spader, possesses an exceptional ability to make every scene her own, be it as a convict in “Orange is the New Black” or a time-looping software engineer in “Russian Doll”. She particularly excels at delivering witty one-liners, showcased brilliantly in Peacock’s “Poker Face” where she plays the role of the road-tripping detective Charlie Cale.
In a contemporary (and more intense) adaptation of the structure of investigative mysteries such as “Murder, She Wrote” and “Columbo,” the show “Poker Face” introduces a clever detective protagonist who employs her extraordinary ability to discern liars to tackle fresh cases in different locations, episode after episode. The series effectively captures the “howcatchem” rhythm, sprinkling each installment with sharp, humorous dialogue against backdrops of peculiar settings and intriguing characters. A wealth of familiar character actors and esteemed guest stars adds an extra layer of allure to this under-the-radar gem of a series.
Mad Men
If you’re a fan of Jon Hamm in “Your Friends & Neighbors” and haven’t caught up with “Mad Men” yet, make sure to put it at the top of your viewing list! Over the span of a decade from 1960 to 1970, this series offers an elegant mid-century backdrop filled with martinis, cigarettes, and Danish modern aesthetics. The story unfolds around a prestigious Madison Avenue ad agency, primarily revolving around the intricate personal life of Don Draper (played by Hamm), who is both a partner and creative director. As he navigates his life, he skillfully separates various aspects of himself and his identity.
In his professional life, he excels as a dynamic and influential advertising mastermind. At home, he portrays the image of an ideal nuclear family, complete with his seemingly perfect spouse Betty (January Jones) and three children. However, behind this facade lies a complex reality: he struggles with high-functioning alcoholism, infidelity, hidden past experiences, and a reservoir of emotional pain.
Jon Hamm delivers an outstanding performance as the complex character of Draper, a role that earned him multiple Emmys from the show, totaling 16. Similar to “Your Friends & Neighbors,” “Mad Men” delves deeply into the connection between social advancement and masculinity and how these expectations influence an individual’s identity and relationships. The series also serves as a sort of historical artifact for that time, one that doesn’t shy away from showcasing the less favorable aspects of the era. The exceptional ensemble cast features Elizabeth Moss, Jared Harris, Christina Hendricks, and John Slattery.
House
House” is a unique medical drama that sets itself apart from other similar shows by focusing not just on intriguing medical puzzles, but also on its main character, Dr. Gregory House – a witty, rule-breaking, and often bitter physician played by Hugh Laurie with remarkable American accent.
For decades, House has been tormented by persistent, agonizing pain, which he’s coped with through an addiction to opioids. He openly flaunts this addiction, both to his peers and hospital management, just as openly as his contempt for most patients. Despite their best efforts, the hospital administrators can’t discipline House because they value his exceptional diagnostic skills, making him a highly gifted physician.
It’s not surprising that the intricate medical enigmas central to this show deviate from the conventional procedural structure, given that Dr. Gregory House’s name is a nod to Sherlock Holmes. What truly makes this series delightful to watch, however, are House’s unconventional behaviors and his constant stream of witty remarks.
Banshee
After finishing “Your Friends & Neighbors,” you might want to explore some Reddit conversations about what to watch next. Chances are, you’ll come across suggestions for the 2013 crime series “Banshee,” which was co-created by Jonathan Tropper and aired on Cinemax. And interestingly enough, this show features Antony Starr, who currently plays Homelander – a character with an unusual fondness for milk – in “The Boys.
The show is titled after the fictional setting where it unfolds, a small Amish town in Pennsylvania called Banshee. In the series, Starr portrays a skilled con artist and burglar who, similar to characters like Sneaky Pete and Don Draper, takes on another man’s identity to escape from a criminal boss. However, what makes this disguise more complicated is that the man whose identity he assumes was a town sheriff in Banshee.
As a dedicated gamer diving into the world of “Banshee”, I must admit it has faced criticisms about excessive sexual content and violence, but let’s not forget it was a Cinemax production. What truly stands out, though, is how the series matured over time, garnering praise from critics for its later seasons. The well-crafted action scenes throughout the four-season run make every minute of watching “Banshee” an exhilarating experience.
The Riches
The Riches” is an overlooked gem among TV dramas, having received minimal recognition during its brief two-season airing despite numerous positive reviews. This FX series centers around a family of Irish Travellers, a nomadic North American group with Irish roots, who assume another family’s identities and move into their gated community home.
In this show, Suzy Eddie Izzard plays Wayne Malloy and Minnie Driver portrays his wife Dahlia. Together with their kids, the Malloys are both con artists and petty criminals. Following Dahlia’s release from prison after two years, they meet up with their cousin Dale (Todd Stashwick) at a Travellers camp. However, things take an unexpected turn when they make off with a substantial amount of money belonging to their kin. A series of events leads them to clash with other Travelers, which unfortunately results in a lethal car crash involving the Riches – a wealthy couple en route to Baton Rouge. In response, the Malloys decide to move into the Riches’ home instead.
Similar to “Your Friends & Neighbors,” “The Riches” provides a witty and satirical perspective on wealth, scrutinizing its facets. As the Malloys soon discover, a lifestyle brimming with supposed comfort and prosperity frequently brings about an entirely fresh batch of complications.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies” is often mentioned alongside “Your Friends & Neighbors” during online conversations. It’s a gripping two-season series that combines elements of psychology and comedy-drama. Featuring an impressive cast, including Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, and Shailene Woodley, the show revolves around a group of women living in California who become entangled in a murder mystery.
The story revolves around multiple mothers whose children attend Otter Bay Elementary School, an affluent primary institution nestled within a Monterey neighborhood. These women are known for keeping their personal mysteries hidden behind gossip and petty behavior. However, when a crime occurs within their community, the veil of secrecy starts to unravel gradually.
Essentially, while “Big Little Lies” may appear to be a mystery at first glance, it’s actually a show centered around relationships, parenthood, and the intrigues and secrets common in affluent communities where everyone knows each other too well. The narrative cleverly intertwines the stories of its main characters, presenting the mystery in a way that could seem overly dramatic or satirical, yet it’s beautifully portrayed on screen. The talented cast’s performances give depth to their privileged characters, earning comparisons to reality TV shows like “Real Housewives.
The Perfect Couple
The six-episode Netflix series, titled “The Perfect Couple”, is similar to a lighthearted, bubblegum-flavored take on “The White Lotus”, minus the biting satire. However, it carries a feel reminiscent of “Your Friends & Neighbors”, which prioritizes entertainment over critical commentary about America’s privileged class – this is a significant aspect of its appeal.
The narrative commences as Benji Winbury (Billy Howle) and Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) prepare for their wedding at Summerland Mansion, a luxurious estate owned by Benji’s affluent novelist mother Greer (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Tag (Liev Schreiber). Tragically, Amelia’s friend Merritt (Meghann Fahy), who has come to be her maid of honor, meets an untimely end. This sets off a classic Agatha Christie-style whodunit, filled with intrigue and laughter as we explore the extravagant lives of the wealthy.
Palm Royale
The story “Palm Royale” is a comedic-dramatic series that takes place in 1969 Palm Beach, Florida. In this production, Kristen Wiig portrays Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, a determined woman who yearns to be part of the exclusive Palm Royal club. Born without inherited wealth, Maxine became a member of the affluent Dellacorte family when she married her husband Dougie (Josh Lucas), a pilot and Norma Dellacorte’s nephew (played by Carol Burnett). The Dellacortes view Maxine as a social climber, and she resorts to deception, manipulation, and extortion to gain acceptance in Palm Beach high society.
In a fantastically extravagant series titled “Palm Royale,” viewers are treated to a delightful and fanciful exploration of a world that many aspire to join, despite the grim reality faced by its inhabitants. The performances stand out, particularly Kristen Wiig’s emotional mid-song breakdown, hailed as one of the most remarkable scenes on TV in 2024 by none other than Carol Burnett herself. The talented cast also includes Ricky Martin as Robert Diaz, the bartender at Palm Royale, Leslie Bibb as Dinah Donahue, a socially ambitious yet troubled figure, and Laura Dern as Linda Rollins, a strong advocate for feminism.
Revenge
Lovers of literature might spot the similarity between the storyline of “Revenge” and a dramatic retelling of Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo,” published in 1844. This novel revolves around a man who, wrongfully imprisoned by his adversaries, transforms himself under an assumed identity to move within elite circles and exact revenge on those who harmed him. Much like the story’s title character, Amanda Clarke (Emily VanCamp) from “Revenge” reinvents herself as Emily Thorne after her father was falsely accused of treason, leaving her in foster care as a child. Years later, she settles among those she believes betrayed her — with Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) at the top of that list.
In a society where income disparity continues to expand, there’s an undeniably satisfying notion of stealthily and systematically exposing the wealthy to bring them down. However, it’s worth considering that her intricate plan for retribution is feasible solely due to the wealth she gains from her father’s shrewd investments made before his incarceration.
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2025-07-05 13:31