As someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in the dark and twisted underworlds of various television shows, I must say that the similarities between these crime dramas are as captivating as the stories themselves. Among all the shows I’ve watched, none have left me as spellbound as “The Sopranos.” The way Tony Soprano balances his family life with his criminal activities feels eerily familiar to the life of Oz from “Gomorrah.” Both men are intelligent and cunning, with a shared knack for getting themselves out of tight spots.
Initially, bookmakers wouldn’t have anticipated that a spin-off of “The Batman” would be among the most debated series of 2024; however, that’s exactly how television destiny has unfolded. With the central DC villain’s ascent to power in Gotham’s underworld, HBO’s “The Penguin” has garnered significant praise from both comic enthusiasts and casual viewers. This recognition is well-deserved, as the HBO series offers compelling narratives, outstanding acting, and stunning visuals. The choice to place the action in the present lends it a striking contemporary relevance, placing it above typical comic book adaptations.
Unfortunately, great content tends to be limited in quantity, leaving viewers with just eight episodes to enjoy. It remains uncertain whether a second season will materialize due to the show’s initial design as a Max miniseries, or if it will transition into movies instead. However, there are other series that share a genetic connection with the DC franchise. These shows boast similar themes, moods, visual aesthetics, plotlines, and characters, much like The Penguin. Most notably, many of these television productions have garnered the same level of critical praise as the spinoff.
10 Gotham (2014–2016)
In Gotham, we have a unique blend of detective mystery and personal growth narrative. Two main characters, one being Jim Gordon, who embodies the law enforcement sector, and Bruce Wayne, a young man on a self-discovery journey, strive tirelessly to thwart appalling criminal activities plaguing their city. Furthermore, the series delves into the intriguing backstories of the villains that would eventually form Batman’s notorious rogues gallery.
Gotham Is Slowly Taking Shape
Similar to The Penguin, Gotham immerses us into a criminal underworld that’s more of a budding entity than a fully-developed one. Fans are treated to an array of villains vying for supremacy over the city, each aspiring to become its ultimate ruler and proclaim sovereignty. What sets this show apart is the presence of characters like Sofia Falcone and Salvatore Maroni that we encounter in the latest HBO series. Currently, Gotham is available for streaming on Max.
9 Griselda (2024)
Eric Neuman, creator of Narcos, presents Griselda – a biographical portrayal of notorious Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco. Upon her arrival in Miami, her clever strategies and declarations captivate all significant underworld figures. Rapidly, she gains the attention and esteem of influential individuals, which she leverages to construct a formidable criminal empire.
Two Strikingly Similar Characters
It’s not surprising that Griselda reached the top spot in 90 countries on Netflix. Its impressive art direction and breathtaking cinematography immerse you completely in this bygone era, and the storyline is just as polished and evocative. In Griselda Blanco, viewers will recognize Sofia Falcone from The Penguin, now portrayed as Gigante. Both characters are relentless women who outmaneuver the dominant male figures, and they both shockingly take the lives of their family members at some point. Griselda is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
8 Ripley (2024)
In the story titled ‘Ripley’, the fortunes of the struggling swindler, Tom Ripley, take a turn when a father of an extravagant son hires him for a peculiar task – convincing his wayward son to return home. This carefree playboy has embraced European culture, particularly Italian aesthetics, causing discontent in his wealthy shipbuilder father back home. As expected, Tom uses this opportunity to exploit the young man once he arrives in Italy.
Fooling the Rich
Manipulating the child of a wealthy person? Oz does the exact thing early in The Penguin. He convinces Sofia Falcone that he has her best interests at heart, yet he intends to have the entire cake for himself. How Oz toys with Salvatore Maroni’s mind also mirrors how Tim toys with the shipbuilder’s mind in Ripley. It’s worth noting that this particular show received 13 Emmy nominations, so have no doubts about clicking the play button. Ripley is streaming on Netflix.
7 Ozark (2017–2022)
In the gripping series, Ozark, I, as Marty Byrde, found myself unwillingly drawn into a dangerous scheme to clean money for a drug cartel. My partner opted to pilfer some of the funds and paid a heavy price with his life. However, in a moment of swift decision-making, I, in an effort to survive, proposed expanding our money laundering operations in the Ozarks region of Missouri, seeing its vast potential for growth.
Creating Something Out of Nothing
Ozark was compared to Breaking Bad, but it’s actually more akin to The Penguin. Marty and Oz build an empire upon their arrivals in the Ozarks. Both characters encounter formidable figures from the underworld during their individual journeys, yet they navigate the turmoil effectively. Moreover, both series boast thoughtful, authentic scripts, as well as powerful, emotional performances from exceptional actors. You can watch Ozark on Netflix.
6 Pennyworth (2019–2022)
Alfred Pennyworth has long been a beloved character in the Batman universe, and there’s much more to him than just his white hair and frequent exclamation of “Master Bruce!” The story of Pennyworth explores the early life of Batman’s faithful butler, revealing how he transitioned from a member of the Special Air Service (SAS) to becoming the owner of a security company. Eventually, he was called upon by Thomas Wayne to serve as their household staff.
Another Well-Made DC Origin Story
As a movie enthusiast, I found Pennyworth to be an engaging spin-off within the Batman universe, offering captivating scenes, charming characters, and a narrative that thrives without the presence of the Caped Crusader. Similar to The Penguin’s tale, it’s intriguing to witness Alfred Pennyworth assert his independence rather than merely serving as a butler.
5 Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Boardwalk Empire revolves around Nucky Thompson, a cunning Atlantic City politician who possesses a knack for criminal activities and an insatiable ambition. During the tumultuous Prohibition Era, he wields significant power, however, this power brings him into conflict with friends, gangsters, and law enforcement. Despite ruling over the city, Nucky’s position comes at a high cost.
Profiting from Addictive Substances
A major theme in “The Penguin” involves the exchange of a drug called Bliss, while “Boardwalk Empire” explores similar themes, but with gangsters dealing in liquor instead. Both series share a common aesthetic, featuring a gloomy, grayish tone that conveys a somber ambiance, reminiscent of Gotham. Atlantic City, like the characters in these shows, is portrayed as a gritty, run-down city where the impact of conflict is deeply felt. Fundamentally, both shows are built around the world of the mafia and its rules, making them appealing to fans of real-life organized crime. While “Gotham” may be more popular, both series are must-watch television. You can stream “Boardwalk Empire” on Max.
4 Harley Quinn (2019–Present)
After a bitter split with the Joker prior to the storyline of Harley Quinn, I found myself in a tough spot, trying to carve out a life for myself while keeping one step ahead of the shady characters who saw me as their ticket to easy riches. As I battled my way through this harsh world (you’ll be amazed by her fighting skills), my admiration for Harley’s grit and determination only grew stronger.
The Focus Is on Another Great DC Villain
Harley Quinn shares some similarities with The Penguin, but with a greater emphasis on wit and overall zaniness. They both pursue similar goals and have to confront the consequences of estrangement from those they cared for deeply. As for their production structures, they’re quite comparable. Each series contains standalone episodes that don’t solely revolve around the main characters and are highly entertaining. You can find Harley Quinn streaming on Max.
3 Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
The tumultuous world of Peaky Blinders, a captivating post-World War I crime drama, is teeming with underhanded tactics like smear campaigns, murders, public relations manipulation, secretive maneuverings, and betrayals. Central to this chaos is Tommy Shelby, the Birmingham crime boss who relentlessly strives to keep his Peaky Blinders gang one step ahead of rival criminal groups.
Similar Cutthroat Underworlds
Peaky Blinders, a gripping political critique disguised as an intricate crime drama, is a masterfully crafted and visually captivating series. Remarkable similarities can be drawn between it and The Penguin, as both feature villains who are menacing enough to send shivers down your spine yet possess enough quirks to appear realistically human. Both of these criminals excel at extricating themselves from difficult situations; when they find themselves in a corner, you can always expect them to make a daring escape. Currently streaming on Netflix.
2 The Sopranos (1999–2007)
The Writers Guild of America declared it as the most exceptionally written series throughout history, and it’s challenging to dispute this claim. Known as “The Sopranos“, this show defies typical gangster genre conventions by portraying Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mafia leader who maintains a seemingly ordinary family life while participating in various illicit activities. He is the first boss to be seen wearing shorts, the first to seek therapy, and has never spent a day behind bars.
Tony Could Be Swapped with Oz
The Sopranos and The Penguin share striking similarities, as Tony Soprano and Oz seem to be kindred spirits. They both grapple with complex ties to their mothers, have uncertain allies, and are intelligent players within the mafia. Additionally, they exhibit similar speech patterns. However, the creators of The Sopranos, a multi-Emmy winner, have refuted claims that it served as inspiration for The Penguin. Regardless, one can’t help but notice the resemblance. You can catch The Sopranos on Max.
1 Black Lightning (2018–2021)
Black Lightning revolves around Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal with mutant powers who once again feels the call to become a superhero after a long period of recovery. It’s been nine years since he last wore the Black Lightning suit, but the prospect of taking down Tobias Whale, a notorious gang leader, provides an enticing motivation for him.
Tobias Whale Also Feels Like a Penguin Clone
In the world of Black Lightning (the show), much like Gotham, it’s plagued by powerful criminals, with Tobias Whale being the most dominant figure. This crime boss shares similar physical and behavioral traits with a character named Oz. Tobias Whale, unlike Oz who has a clubfoot condition, was born with albinism, causing him to limp since he started walking as a child. Both of them share a dark love for drugs, particularly unusual ones. You can catch Black Lightning streaming on Netflix.
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2024-11-11 01:32