Are you, like me, still reeling from the epic conclusion of Peaky Blinders? I know, it’s hard to say goodbye to Tommy Shelby and the Shelby clan.
But fear not, fellow Blinders fans – there are plenty of other gritty, stylish period dramas out there to sink your teeth into.Here are 9 shows that will fill the Peaky-shaped hole in your heart:
1. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
Boardwalk Empire is the perfect companion piece to Peaky Blinders. Set in 1920s Atlantic City during Prohibition, it follows Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a corrupt politician and bootlegging kingpin. Like Peaky, it’s a sprawling epic with stunning production values and a killer ensemble cast. If you loved the historical setting and gangster drama of Peaky, you’ll devour Boardwalk Empire.
2. Taboo (2017-)
Created by Steven Knight (the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders), Taboo stars Tom Hardy as James Delaney, a mysterious adventurer who returns to 1814 London after being presumed dead. It’s a dark, brooding thriller with a supernatural edge. Hardy is mesmerizing as the anti-hero protagonist, much like Cillian Murphy in Peaky. The only downside is there’s only one season so far, but a second is in the works.
3. Gangs of London (2020-)
This gritty British crime drama is set in modern-day London, but it has the same intense, violent energy as Peaky Blinders. It follows the fallout after the head of the city’s most powerful crime family is assassinated. The action is brutal and stylish, and it even features a Peaky Blinders alum – Joe Cole, who played John Shelby. If you’re craving more of that Peaky Blinders vibe, Gangs of London is a must-watch.
4. Warrior (2019-)
Set in 1870s San Francisco, Warrior is a martial arts-infused crime saga about Chinese immigrant gangs vying for power. It’s got the same gritty, kinetic feel as Peaky Blinders, with some of the best fight choreography on TV. The protagonist, Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), is a complex anti-hero in the mold of Tommy Shelby. If you loved the historical setting and gangland violence of Peaky, Warrior is a must-see.
5. Animal Kingdom (2016-2022)
Animal Kingdom is a modern-day crime drama with a similar family-centric storyline to Peaky Blinders. It follows a teenager who moves in with his estranged relatives after his mother dies – only to discover they’re a criminal family. The show stars Finn Cole, who played Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders, so you know it’s got that same brooding, morally ambiguous vibe.
6. Ozark (2017-2022)
Ozark is a contemporary crime saga with a similar tone to Peaky Blinders. It follows a financial advisor (Jason Bateman) who gets caught up with a Mexican drug cartel and has to launder money in the Ozarks. Like Tommy Shelby, the protagonist is a morally compromised anti-hero trying to protect his family. It’s a gripping, suspenseful thriller with great performances.
7. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
No list of crime dramas would be complete without The Sopranos. This groundbreaking HBO series is the godfather of the modern prestige TV drama. It follows Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss struggling with mental health issues. Like Peaky Blinders, it’s a character study of a complex, flawed protagonist. If you somehow haven’t seen it, now’s the time to dive in.
8. Ripper Street (2012-2016)
Set in the East End of London in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders, Ripper Street is a gritty police procedural with a similar dark, atmospheric tone to Peaky Blinders. It follows a team of Scotland Yard detectives investigating gruesome crimes. The show has an incredible ensemble cast, including Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn, and MyAnna Buring. If you’re a fan of Peaky’s moody, neo-noir style, you’ll love Ripper Street.
9. SAS: Rogue Heroes (2022-)
If you’re looking for another show from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, check out SAS: Rogue Heroes. It’s a WWII drama about the formation of the British Special Air Service. Like Peaky, it’s got a killer cast (including Dominic West and Alfie Allen), impeccable period detail, and Knight’s signature gritty, stylish storytelling. The first season was a hit, and a second is already in the works.
So there you have it – nine shows to help ease the pain of Peaky Blinders’ ending. Whether you’re craving more historical crime dramas, morally ambiguous anti-heroes, or just that signature Peaky style, these series will keep you entertained until the Peaky movie arrives. Happy binging!
