The opening and closing scene of “Breaking Bad,” featuring the main character in his underwear amidst the desert, frantically recording a farewell video while grabbing his gun as sirens grow louder, made for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
The show “Breaking Bad” portrays the evolution of chemistry teacher Walter White, initially an insecure, seemingly meek middle-aged father, into the ruthless methamphetamine producer Heisenberg. This series provides an exploration of toxic masculinity. While his cancer diagnosis serves as a catalyst for his entry into the drug world and cartels, it also stirs a hidden darkness within him, a smoldering resentment that has long lurked beneath the surface – a force propelling him to seek the respect and acknowledgement he believes he’s always been denied.
If Walt’s tale ending leaves you yearning for additional narratives about ordinary folks drawn into the criminal underworld, we’ve got some recommendations for you. These shows feature characters who unwittingly get entangled in crime and others who seek power like Walter White. Here are 15 compelling dramas that you won’t want to overlook.
Better Call Saul
This blackly comedic neo-noir legal drama, a prequel and sequel to “Breaking Bad,” is titled “Better Call Saul” and focuses on the life of Saul Goodman (previously known as Slippin’ Jimmy McGill), portrayed by Bob Odenkirk. The series takes us back in time, before his stint as a mediocre shopping mall lawyer for Walter White, delving into the complex relationship between him and his attorney brother Chuck (played by Michael McKean). This relationship is instrumental in Jimmy’s journey to becoming Saul Goodman and making other questionable life decisions.
The course of events becomes irreversible when Chuck forces him out to Albuquerque, a city where Saul Goodman eventually establishes his business in a nail salon. Here, he crosses paths with Mike Ehrmantraut, a fixer, played by Jonathan Banks. Although “Better Call Saul” primarily focuses on Saul Goodman’s journey, it includes subtle details that provide additional depth and understanding for fans of “Breaking Bad.
Just like its predecessor show, “Better Call Saul” garnered widespread acclaim throughout its broadcast, impressing both professional critics and general viewers alike. Numerous fans commended Bob Odenkirk’s acting skills. Despite not winning a Primetime Emmy award, the series was often recognized in various categories, such as exceptional writing, outstanding lead actor in a drama series, and more.
Ozark
If you recall Jason Bateman’s emotional portrayal on the “The Hogan Family” episode titled “Best of Friends, Worst of Times,” back in 1990, you’d know he had deep acting skills even then. However, for those who recognize him as Michael Bluth from “Arrested Development” or the exaggerated character in “Identity Thief,” seeing Bateman play Marty Byrde, the money launderer in “Ozark,” might feel just as surprising and captivating as watching Hal from “Malcolm in the Middle” transform into the enigmatic ‘The One Who Knocks.’ And similar to Bryan Cranston, Bateman proves more than capable of handling such a dramatic role.
For years, Marty, a family man, was involved in his partner’s scheme to illegally launder money for a drug cartel, leading to a strained relationship with his disconnected wife and family. However, things take a drastic turn when the cartel discovers they were being underpaid, forcing Marty, a skilled finance guy, to come up with a quick plan to launder money at Lake of the Ozarks. This story revolves around a family’s downfall, with elements of Southern Gothic style, and features compelling characters like Laura Linney, Julia Garner, and Jason Butler Harner. You can watch all episodes of “Ozark” on Netflix.
Weeds
In an era when marijuana has been decriminalized in several U.S. states, “Weeds” serves as a powerful illustration of the high costs that were once imposed (and continue to be in some states) for cannabis-related offenses. However, these significant penalties do not deter Nancy Botwin, a soccer mom, from venturing into the business following her recent widowhood and financial hardship.
2005’s series shares a similar structure as shows such as “Ozark” and “Breaking Bad,” where Botwin initially ventures into a marijuana business, leading her to a criminal landscape she can barely manage. A seemingly casual business transaction gradually escalates into complex cartel-related issues.
Weeds,” a dark comedy-drama, offers a witty take on suburban existence, standing out among its breaking-bad subgenre contemporaries with a more lighthearted and cynical approach. Key comedic performers such as Kevin Nealon, Elizabeth Perkins, and Justin Kirk greatly contribute to this unique tone. However, the series also provides numerous profoundly acted emotional scenes that underscore Botwin’s predicament’s gravity, while subtly illustrating the social privilege that both shields Nancy and leaves a path of devastation behind her.
Mr. Robot
Exploring the realm of crime with a unique blend of psychology and technology, “Mr. Robot” narrates the Alice-through-the-looking-glass tale of Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert who gets entangled in an anti-establishment plan led by the cybervigilante “Mr. Robot” (Christian Slater). As Elliot steps into this world, his complex psychological conditions such as dissociative identity disorder (DID), depression, social anxiety, delusions, and extreme paranoia, exacerbated by substance abuse, add layers of complexity to his journey.
Just like how “American Psycho” and “Fight Club” drew me into their twisted narratives, “Mr. Robot” pulls you deep into a mind-bending labyrinth of reality, seen through the eyes of an utterly unreliable protagonist. Showrunner Sam Esmail didn’t just dabble in hacker culture; he dove headfirst, even consulting with some shady characters in the world of cybercrime to ensure the show’s authenticity. Rami Malek’s portrayal of Elliot Alderson is nothing short of breathtaking, a tour de force that leaves many viewers awestruck by his masterful blend of subtlety and complexity.
Good Girls
Good Girls” is a four-season crime drama on NBC that follows the story of three hard-up moms living in Michigan suburbia who choose to step outside the law in a single heist aimed at resolving their financial predicaments. Annie, a cashier at the local Fine and Frugal grocery store (played by Mae Whitman), requires funds for a court battle over child custody, Beth (Christina Hendricks) risks losing her home, and their friend Ruby (Retta) needs money urgently for her child’s medical treatments.
As one of the participants, we devised a seemingly safe scheme to pilfer some cash from our neighborhood grocer. However, it didn’t take long for things to escalate when we found ourselves with an unexpectedly large haul. Little did we know, the extra funds were part of a local crime boss’s hidden stash. In no time at all, we found ourselves knee-deep in a money laundering operation.
As their troublesome escapade progresses, it leads the threesome further and further into the realm of illicit activities. They find themselves confronted with the sage advice from The Notorious B.I.G., who eloquently expressed that having more money brings about more complications – complications such as the FBI, a homicide inquiry, and an expanding roster of federal offenses.
Dead to Me
As a game enthusiast, I’d recommend checking out “Dead to Me” on Netflix – it’s an overlooked gem that blends crime, drama, and dark humor masterfully. In this series, I found myself playing the role of Jan Harding, a woman struggling with profound grief following her husband Ted’s untimely death in a hit-and-run. Seeking solace in a support group, I forged an unexpected bond with Judy (portrayed by Linda Cardellini), oblivious to the fact that she was the one who took Ted’s life. Throughout the three seasons of this gripping tale, the stakes only grow higher as Jan and Judy find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets and potentially even more dangerous crimes.
I’ve gotta say, this show is absolutely hilarious, horrifying, and brilliantly written! James Marsden delivers two unforgettable performances as Steve and Ben, the semi-identical twins. The chemistry between Cardinelli and Applegate is spot-on, beautifully capturing the intricacies of many strong female friendships. It’s no surprise they pull it off so well since they share a real-life bond as friends too! “Dead to Me” truly brings their on-screen connection to life.
Barry
A black comedy crime series on HBO titled “Barry” was created by Bill Hader, a former SNL star who unexpectedly developed a passion for acting after taking a comedy class to heal from a breakup. This personal connection might be what makes Hader’s performance as the main character, a troubled hitman and ex-Marine, so compelling – this character finds purpose in life under the bright lights of the stage in the world of theater.
In Barry’s attempt to complete a contract – in this case, assassinating an actor who was involved with Goran Pazar’s (Glenn Fleshler) wife – he unexpectedly finds himself enrolled in an acting class. Recognizing that acting could be a useful channel for the intense emotions associated with being a contract killer, Barry decides to join the class.
The show has been consistently praised by critics and managed to keep a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating for all four seasons. Out of 55 nominations, it took home an impressive 10 Primetime Emmys, among them the well-deserved category for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, which went to Hader.
Why Women Kill
The show titled “Why Women Kill” is one that arguably should have had more seasons beyond the two it received. It’s a unique blend of period comedy and drama, and what makes it stand out is its anthology format, which allows for a fresh perspective in each season while preserving a delightfully quirky and vibrant atmosphere throughout.
Centered around a grand Pasadena mansion spanning multiple decades, the first season weaves together three distinct tales of women entangled in murder-related events, moving seamlessly between each narrative thread. The initial story revolves around Beth Ann Stanton (played by Ginnifer Goodwin), a prim 1960s housewife who grapples with endless insults and infidelity from her husband Rob (Sam Jaeger). The second narrative delves into the life of 1980s socialite Simone (Lucy Liu) and her secretive spouse Karl (Jack Davenport), while the third follows a contemporary couple in an open marriage. Adorned with period-specific decor that borders on caricature for each era, the house plays a significant role as if it were a character itself or at least a silent witness to the domestic turmoil taking place within.
The second season zeroes in on a solitary narrative set in 1949 Los Angeles, revolving around Alma Filcott, an ambitious garden club member, played by Allison Tolman, and her enigmatic husband Bertram (Nick Frost), often referred to as the angel of death. While both seasons are exceptional, they offer distinct approaches in their exploration of the central theme.
The Americans
Titled “The Americans,” this FX series showcases the complicated lives of Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell’s characters, two undercover KGB agents living in America during the Cold War. Despite their commitment to the Soviet Union and communism, they have managed to raise two ordinary American children. Balancing their double lives, they perform as spies when activated, handling sensitive information while dealing with everyday family issues and occasionally engaging in covert activities that escalate into late-night acts of violence.
Exploring themes akin to Walter White’s transformation into Heisenberg, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings’ storyline delves deeper into their internal struggles rather than just the external challenges they face. Their worldviews and identities have drifted significantly from those they were prepared to die for in their ideological past. However, beneath the layers of violence and self-doubt, there’s a hint of playfulness reminiscent of spy-fi dramas like “Nikita.
Dexter
If you haven’t watched “Dexter” before, this could be your chance to catch up! The entire series, along with its sequels like “Dexter: New Blood” (2021) and “Dexter: Original Sin” (2024), are available for binge-watching. This is especially exciting as a new installment, “Dexter: Resurrection,” is set to release in 2025. The Showtime crime drama is based on the book series starting with “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” from 2004. It tells the story of Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), a forensic analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who has a hidden dark secret – he’s actually a serial killer himself!
As I delve deeper into my gripping narrative, I can’t help but be drawn back to the formative years that shaped me. You see, my adoptive father Harry (a man like no other, James Remar) was the first to recognize the enigmatic entity within me, which I affectionately call my ‘Dark Passenger.’ Instead of trying to stifle it, Harry chose a unique path – he nurtured it, molding it into a tool for justice. This tool was aimed squarely at those who slipped through the cracks of our imperfect U.S. legal system, the vilest of evildoers.
In every task I undertake, be it meticulously wrapping a ‘kill room’ in plastic or analyzing blood spatter patterns with precision, I strive for perfection. My career path led me to join the police force, where I had the privilege of working alongside my adoptive sister Debra (the tenacious Jennifer Carpenter) in the homicide department.
New Blood” continues the story of Dexter a decade on, where he struggles to control his Dark Passenger, while “Original Sin” delves into Dexter’s past, showing us his early days and mentorship by Harry.
Poker Face
Poker Face” – a weekly, hour-long comedy-drama mystery show revolving around Charlie Cale (played by Natasha Lyonne), a former casino waitress who possesses an extraordinary ability to discern truth from lies. The series draws inspiration from shows like “Columbo,” combining elements of this classic detective series with other episodic programs such as “Magnum, P.I.,” “Quantum Leap,” and “The Rockford Files.” It’s a contemporary reinterpretation of the whodunit genre.
Although “Poker Face” has a distinct style and mood compared to “Breaking Bad”, it shares a common thread as both shows were crafted by Rian Johnson, who received a Director’s Guild of America award for his work on the “Breaking Bad” episode “Fifty-One.” Similar to “Breaking Bad”, “Poker Face” centers around its protagonist navigating through a criminal underworld, in this case, evading a mob boss while on the run.
Natasha Lyonne delivers a mesmerizing performance as the quick-witted character Charlie, while the series boasts an impressive lineup of beloved guest stars including Rhea Perlman, Steve Buscemi, John Ratzenberger, Melanie Lynskey, and John Cho, to name but a few.
Queen of the South
USA Network’s series ‘Queen of the South’, based on Telemundo’s telenovela “La Reina del Sur”, chronicles the metamorphosis of Teresa Mendoza, a Sinaloa money changer (portrayed by Alice Braga), from a woman with casual cartel ties through her drug dealer boyfriend Güero (Raymundo Davila) into the powerful leader of an extensive drug empire. Following the cartel’s assassination of Güero, Teresa finds herself in Texas, hiding with her friend Brenda (Justina Machado), Brenda’s son (Adolfo Alvarez), and the meticulous notebook belonging to Güero – a notebook that the cartel desperately seeks.
In a similarly frantic attempt to shield herself from crime boss Epifañio Vargas (Joaquim de Almeida), Teresa finds herself employed by his estranged wife Doña Camila Vargas (Veronica Falcón), who is challenging her husband’s authority within the Vargas cartel’s principal North American division. Much like compelling tales of “Breaking Bad,” each action Teresa takes to secure her own safety only further entangles her in the criminal underworld, and she begins to ascend the ranks.
At certain moments, the show becomes quite soap-operatic – this isn’t surprising considering its origins as a telenovela. However, the drama never lets up, and Braga portrays an intricately layered character who ascends from rags to riches in the criminal world.
Claws
Based in Manatee County, Florida, the TNT comedy-drama “Claws” follows a group of women who run a manicure shop and unwittingly launder money for a pill mill. The series centers around Nail Artisans, a nail salon where each woman has a troubled past and in certain cases, a criminal record. Similar to the strong-willed ladies from “The Good Girls,” every character has pressing financial issues. For Desna Simms, portrayed by Niecy Nash, it’s about providing for her autistic brother Dean.
With the help of Polly Marks, a former small-time criminal turned nail technician, Desna operates the salon to assist her boyfriend Roller in washing money from a questionable pain clinic for Uncle Daddy and the Dixie Mafia. Following a string of unfavorable incidents with Roller, they find themselves increasingly entangled in the business.
As a gaming enthusiast, diving into “Claws” is like hopping on a rollercoaster ride with a spicy Southern twist! This show’s got an impressive ensemble and some mind-boggling twists that keep you guessing. Plus, it’s refreshing to see Dean Norris trade in his prospector hat for the role of a crime boss.
The Cleaning Lady
The American version of “La Chica Que Limpia,” titled “The Cleaning Lady,” intertwines the heart-wrenching tale of a protagonist with the complex challenges faced by immigrants in America, including sociopolitical and economic pressures. This series focuses on Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung), a Cambodian-Filipino immigrant residing and working in Las Vegas, even though her visa has expired. The city is her only hope because it provides the unique medical care her son urgently needs. Despite being a surgeon back home, Thony now works as a cleaner while navigating her son’s critical health condition, striving to secure the life-saving bone marrow treatment he requires.
One fateful night, Thony’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes involved with an Armenian criminal group following a murder witnessing incident. Instead of being left in the wilderness, the ruthless gangster Arman Morales (Adan Canto) presents her with a new opportunity as their cleaner. Remarkably, despite her unauthorized immigration status, it transpires that the underworld not only accepts but also encourages her to practice medicine within its ranks.
A Model Family
The South Korean TV show “A Model Family” has been likened to “Breaking Bad” and “Ozark” due to its shared themes. This Netflix series in Korean focuses on Dong-ha (portrayed by Jung Woo), a professor and the family’s primary earner, who faces financial ruin after his savings disappear in an unsuccessful attempt to secure tenure through bribery. To make matters worse, his child requires urgent heart surgery.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, the tide begins to turn for the family when Dong-ha unexpectedly discovers a vehicle loaded with cash, which turns out to be enough to resolve all their financial troubles. Remarkably, he secures a job as a drug runner for a criminal organization.
In this series, you’ll find the same raw intensity and brutal violence as “Breaking Bad,” but with a unique twist: the family members genuinely get along. The protagonist, Dong-ha, shares some similarities with Walter White; he’s a complex character burdened by flaws. Unlike Walter who transforms into a ruthless alter ego, Heisenberg, Dong-ha finds himself in over his head in a world that doesn’t suit him.
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2025-06-23 13:32