12 Best TV Shows Like The Mayor Of Kingstown

Jeremy Renner, with a career spanning several decades, is most famously recognized for his portrayal of Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Disney+ series named after him. However, in 2021, Renner demonstrated that he could outshine even without the Avengers, as he excelled in the lead role of “Mayor of Kingstown,” a series produced by Paramount+.

The series unfolds in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan, a once thriving section of the Rust Belt that has since degenerated into a pale imitation of its past grandeur. The story revolves around those who remain in this forsaken place, eking out a living amidst the ruins. Renner’s character, Mike McLusky, serves as something of a mediator in this troubled town, navigating morally ambiguous situations that he is no stranger to, given his position. His family exerts significant influence over the town, particularly the local prison, and due to his role, Renner effectively leads them. Thus, he is informally known as the Mayor of Kingstown.

While you eagerly await the fourth season of Taylor Sheridan’s hard-hitting crime series, here’s a list of 12 TV shows that “Mayor of Kingstown” enthusiasts might enjoy binging in the meantime, as they follow McLusky’s tale further.

City on a Hill

On “Mayor of Kingstown” and “City on a Hill,” produced by Showtime, the prevalence of crime and corruption is a recurring theme. These series are set in Boston during the 1990s, with “City on a Hill” centering around FBI agent Jackie Rohr (played by Kevin Bacon) who clashes with the new district attorney, DeCourcy Ward (portrayed by Aldis Hodge). The latter has arrived in the city with the intention of eradicating crime, racism, and corrupt police forces. Rohr, however, is displeased with the new rules being imposed.

An unusual pairing of two unsavory characters, Rohr and Ward, join forces to dismantle a dangerous gang of car thieves who have been wreaking havoc in Boston. However, their mission to apprehend these criminals leads them to grapple with the deep-seated issues within the justice system. Despite their contrasting approaches, the atmosphere of “City on a Hill” bears a striking resemblance to that of “Kingstown” – it’s one of the TV shows closest in overall tone to the Taylor Sheridan drama.

Although it draws inspiration from actual occurrences, the series “City” is an intense drama often referred to as a crime “chronicle,” encompassing an expansive narrative that spans three captivating seasons. To further entice you, Season 3 of “Kingstown” introduced Matthew Del Negro, a cast member from “City on a Hill,” into a recurring role.

Reacher

If you’re searching for a series that shares the ruggedness and drama as “Mayor of Kingstown” and focuses heavily on action and violence, then “Reacher” is your match. This Amazon show is based on the renowned pulp novel series and offers an unapologetic thriller following Jack Reacher, a former Army major who acts alone to uphold justice. As a one-man force, he’s often referred to as a wrecking crew. The small screen adaptation deviates significantly from the Tom Cruise films, offering a more gritty and intense portrayal of the character.

Without implying any disrespect towards Tom Cruise, Alan Ritchson excels as a more fitting Jack Reacher. His impressive physique and reserved nature make him a convincing portrayal of the powerful, taciturn character. Despite having left military service behind, Reacher is constantly on the move, stirring up trouble wherever he goes. In the first season of the show, Reacher stands accused of murder and embarks on a quest to discover the true culprit, mirroring events from the series’ debut novel, “The Killing Floor.” Later seasons have adapted other books in the series.

Reacher” is an action drama that packs quite a punch, with its intense, unapologetic brutality earning it high praise. This show’s hero is as close to a superhero as one can find in a series about an ordinary man. While the acting and writing may not be award-winning, the gripping plotlines and exhilarating fight sequences will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ray Donovan

Wolverine.

As a gamer, I’d say in my own words: Similar to how Jeremy Renner’s character operates in “Kingstown”, Liev Schreiber takes on the role of Ray Donovan, a man with a shrouded past who navigates the gray areas of law. Unlike Renner’s power broker character, Ray isn’t a puppeteer of the city’s elite; instead, he’s the muscle and the problem solver. He’s the guy who keeps the dirty secrets and illegal activities of LA’s influential figures under wraps. Just like “Mayor of Kingstown”, Ray isn’t your typical law-abiding hero; he bends the rules, and when necessary, he doesn’t shy away from using raw force to achieve his objectives.

On the television show “Ray Donovan,” events such as criminal plots, secretive negotiations, and physical conflicts happen frequently. Similarly, family issues are a common theme on this series, with a significant portion focusing on Ray Donovan’s strained relationship with his father, played by Jon Voight, who is an ex-convict recently granted parole. Throughout its 7-season run, the show received nominations for 10 Primetime Emmy Awards, but the only award it managed to secure was given to guest star Hank Azaria.

Justified

The show “Justified” commences with a chaotic gunfight that might jeopardize Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens’ (Timothy Olyphant) professional standing, prompting him to go back to his roots in Harlan County, Kentucky. Over its six-season span starting in 2010, the series delves into Raylan’s hometown and the isolated, rural pockets of the state, offering a compelling watch. After his memorable performance in “Deadwood,” Olyphant reprises his role as a suave, self-assured law enforcer who operates outside traditional norms, mirroring the daring spirit of Harrison Ford’s character, Indiana Jones, complete with a fitting hat.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be blown away by the incredible roster of villains in this TV series. Actors like Margo Martindale, Jeremy Davies, and Walton Goggins have delivered Emmy-worthy performances. Among them, Walton Goggins stood out as the cunning Neo-Nazi, Boyd Crowder, who constantly challenged my character throughout the show’s duration, making our dynamic truly unforgettable.

Even though the characters from “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Justified” have distinct moral values, viewers who enjoy “Mayor of Kingstown” may find parallels between Mike McLusky’s storyline and that of Raylan Givens. Both characters return to their familiar territories after a long absence, only to discover that their home has become a breeding ground for criminal activities. Although the original series ended in 2015, “Justified: City Primeval” resumed the narrative in 2023 by following Raylan Givens as he tackled a new, dangerous threat upon his return to the western frontier.

Ozark

Following a failed plan to enrich a Mexican cartel, which results in the death of his business partner, Chicago financial advisor Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a white-collar offender in “Ozark”, finds himself in a tight spot. As a way to rectify the situation, Byrde proposes relocating to nearby Missouri and setting up a fresh money laundering scheme in the rural Ozarks. The cartel, hesitant but agreeing, gives him this opportunity. With his cold and detached wife and their two kids in tow, the family soon realizes they can’t escape their troubles and instead find themselves deeper involved in criminal acts, creating conflict with the local population.

Acclaimed for its raw mood and unexpected plot twists, “Ozark” streamed on Netflix for four seasons, narrating the unavoidable slide of the Byrde family into a more criminal way of life. Like the character development of Mike McLusky in “Mayor of Kingstown”, the Byrdes are compelled to employ political and financial chicanery not merely for personal profit, but to survive. Moreover, its bleak ambiance never spares the viewer from witnessing the genuine cost of living a criminal life, making “Ozark” an excellent companion piece for enthusiasts of “Mayor of Kingstown”.

Fargo

The Coen Brothers, renowned for their work in both writing and directing, boast a filmography with more successes than failures. They are recognized as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema due to films such as “Fargo” from 1996, which offered audiences a murder mystery set against the backdrop of freezing Minnesota and North Dakota, populated by eccentric, screwball characters that soon made it a beloved movie among viewers. More recently, this tale was adapted for television by Noah Hawley, but with an unexpected twist.

Boasting numerous Emmy nominations and victories numbering seven, the television series “Fargo” has much to offer its viewers. Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, and Chris Rock, the show also delivers the same brutal violence and dark humor that made the film version so popular. It’s no surprise then that it’s considered one of the best series from the last ten years. What sets “Fargo” apart is its approach to telling each season’s story in a distinct time period, creating interconnected tales of crime and corruption that transform a single murder mystery into an epic, multi-decade account of criminal activity in the region. Although it differs markedly from “Mayor of Kingstown,” both in terms of its unique narrative style and tone, “Fargo” is so exceptional that it’s impossible to ignore.

Tulsa King

Despite making occasional guest appearances on TV during his acting career, Sylvester Stallone had an unexpected absence from leading roles in television series. However, in late 2022, the iconic Rocky star took the lead role in “Tulsa King,” where he portrays Dwight Manfredi, a former mobster who spent time in prison but returns to his criminal ways after being released. His new assignment finds him in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a stark contrast from his familiar New York City surroundings. Despite not being a rural town, Tulsa’s unique environment and culture present challenges for Manfredi as he adapts to this unfamiliar world and life outside of his comfort zone.

Produced by Taylor Sheridan, who is known for his hit show “Mayor of Kingstown”, Tulsa King represents another masterpiece in his collection and an exceptional TV series featuring a renowned movie star. Although the styles may vary, with Tulsa King adopting a more humorous tone, both series reflect the outstanding craftsmanship viewers have come to expect from one of contemporary television’s most gifted creators. Regardless of their differences, the central narrative – depicting the rise of two men who were once imprisoned – positions Tulsa King as a logical follow-up for fans of Mayor of Kingstown.

Better Call Saul

Originally airing on AMC in early 2008, Vince Gilligan’s groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad” has since become renowned as a game-changing classic. It tells the story of an ordinary man who resorts to criminal activities due to extreme necessity. The show is headlined by Bryan Cranston as Walter White, with Bob Odenkirk delivering a memorable performance as Saul Goodman, a corrupt lawyer who assists the struggling teacher in his transformation from schoolteacher to drug lord in New Mexico.

Following the end of “Breaking Bad” in 2013, fans didn’t have to wait long for more from creator Gilligan. In 2015, he gifted Bob Odenkirk his own series titled “Better Call Saul.” With Odenkirk reprising his role and many original cast members joining him, the prequel series delves into Goodman’s past, showing how he built his reputation. It unveils old family feuds, dangerous cartel transactions, and even the aftermath of Walter White’s reign in the criminal world, eventually surpassing the timeline of “Breaking Bad.” Over five seasons, it proved itself as one of the few exceptional spin-offs, arguably the best TV prequel ever made. Unsurprisingly, it also outshone its predecessor in awards, earning an astounding 53 Emmy nominations, with Odenkirk receiving recognition every year it aired.

The Wire

If you’re a fan of crime-focused television series, “The Wire,” written by David Simon, a former writer for “Homicide: Life on the Street,” is highly recommended and rarely requires an introduction. Often praised as one of the best TV shows ever produced, despite not winning any Emmys, “The Wire” is set in Baltimore, Maryland, which is known for being one of the riskier cities in the U.S.

Over five highly praised seasons, this show delves into the city’s police force and their relentless battle against the crime and deceit rampant in the streets. Notable performances are given by Dominic West portraying Detective Jimmy McNulty and Idris Elba as Stringer Bell, a part that catapulted him to stardom. Uniquely, the series dedicates equal attention to depicting the lives of the criminals alongside the law enforcement officers.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but express my admiration for “The Wire.” This show is exceptional in its ability to reinvent itself with each season, offering an intricate portrayal of a city that’s as multifaceted as its inhabitants – from ruthless drug dealers to morally ambiguous politicians. The later seasons delve deeper, exploring the complexities of the public school system and the murky world of media. It’s a series that packs a punch emotionally, with characters so captivating they feel almost real, Omar Little among them – an antihero whose complexity continues to resonate long after the credits roll. Add to that top-notch writing and visionary direction, and it’s clear that “The Wire” has forever redefined what a cop drama can be.

Banshee

2013’s “Banshee,” although not as popular as many others on our list, can be considered a hidden gem in crime dramas. The main character is Lucas Hood, a sheriff in the small town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, who conceals a dark secret from everyone. It’s revealed that the actual Lucas Hood was killed, and the man playing the role is his replacement, who had served a lengthy prison term before assuming this identity. He leads a dual life as a law enforcer by day and a violent avenger at night. The character of Hood is portrayed masterfully by Antony Starr, who is now widely recognized for his chilling portrayal of the villainous “Homelander” in “The Boys,” often found immersed in the character off-screen as well.

Similar to “Mayor of Kingstown,” the series “Banshee” follows the tale of a former convict who finds it difficult to break free from the criminal past that landed him in prison. However, unlike its counterpart, while it delves into intense violence and somber scenes, it doesn’t shy away from adding humor or prioritizing thrilling fight sequences over strict realism. This balance between seriousness and lightheartedness makes it a captivating watch, standing out amidst the array of heavy-duty shows in its genre.

The Killing

Back in 2011, AMC introduced the gripping Danish crime drama “Forbrydelsen” to American viewers, transforming the brooding murder narrative for English-speaking audiences and rebranding it as “The Killing.” Instead of following the investigation in Copenhagen, we’re plunged into the gloomy streets of Seattle, Washington, where a young woman’s body is discovered in the trunk of a car at the bottom of a lake. Our protagonist, Sarah Linden (played by Mireille Enos), a dedicated detective within the city’s police force, finds her plans to move to sunny California momentarily thwarted as she becomes embroiled in this chilling case.

Linden is teamed up with a somewhat dubious, young detective named Stephen Holder (played by Joel Kinnaman). Initially, they find it difficult to work together, but they must join forces to unmask the girl’s murderer hidden within society. In a town where everyone seems suspect, the case takes an intricate turn when the political race for Seattle’s next mayor adds politics to the investigation. As the two detectives delve deeper into the murder, their personal lives start to deteriorate, becoming intertwined with the chaos of the investigation and affecting everyone involved.

In a brooding and atmospheric style, “The Killing” stands out with its unique taste, largely due to its strong European influence. Fans of “Mayor Kingstown” seeking another gripping series might find the third and fourth seasons intriguing as they delve deeper into the city’s criminal underworld. For those who aren’t deterred by subtitles, the original Danish version could be an even more captivating choice.

Snowfall

As a gaming enthusiast diving into TV shows, “Snowfall” stands out among its peers for its gritty realism set against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles. The narrative revolves around the city’s drug trade, zeroing in on the devastating crack cocaine epidemic that swept through the city like a storm. Each character in this expansive ensemble finds themselves tangled in the fallout of this destructive substance in one way or another.

The central figure is Franklin Saint (played by Damson Idris), who evolves from an ordinary teenager at the start, to someone almost unrecognizable by the end of the storyline.

For six impactful seasons, the FX show “Snowfall” delves into themes similar to “Mayor of Kingstown,” exploring the harsh truths of political corruption, racial injustice, and senseless violence that emerged with the introduction of new drugs into the Los Angeles community. Sadly, this series marked the final work of esteemed director John Singleton, renowned for his 1991 Oscar-nominated film “Boyz n the Hood,” which also took place in the same time and location as “Snowfall.” Despite its ability to be both heartrending and hard to endure, its profound message and compelling storyline make it an ideal counterpart to — and a 1980s reflection of — “Mayor of Kingstown.

2025-02-06 15:31