If you’re anything like me, you were gutted when Power aired its final episode back in 2020. That show had me hooked from the very first season – the gritty crime drama, the complex characters, the jaw-dropping plot twists. I was absolutely gutted when it all came to an end.
But fear not, my fellow Power fanatics! There are plenty of other shows out there that can scratch that same itch. Whether you’re craving more high-stakes criminal activity, morally ambiguous protagonists, or just plain addictive storytelling, these 9 shows like Power are sure to fill the void.
1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
If you haven’t seen Breaking Bad yet, where have you been? This modern classic follows the transformation of mild-mannered high school teacher Walter White into a ruthless drug kingpin. Like Power, it’s a thrilling exploration of the criminal underworld, with an anti-hero protagonist you can’t help but root for (even when he’s doing some truly heinous things). Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul deliver career-defining performances in this gripping drama.
2. The Wire (2002-2008)
Often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Wire takes an unflinching look at the interconnected institutions of Baltimore – from the drug trade to the police force to the political system. Like Power, it’s all about the complex web of relationships and loyalties that govern the criminal landscape. With an ensemble cast that includes Idris Elba and Michael K. Williams, this is gritty, intelligent television at its finest.
3. Snowfall (2017-present)
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, Snowfall chronicles the crack cocaine epidemic and its devastating impact on the city. There are clear parallels to Power’s exploration of the drug trade and its corrosive effect on individuals and communities. But Snowfall also delves deeper into the sociopolitical factors that fueled the crisis, making for a rich, multilayered drama.
4. Top Boy (2011-2019)
This British crime series transports us to the housing estates of East London, where young drug dealers Dushane and Sully navigate the treacherous world of gang violence and turf wars. Like Power, Top Boy offers a gritty, unflinching portrayal of urban life, with a focus on the personal struggles of its complex characters.
5. Narcos (2015-2017)
If you loved Power’s depiction of the drug trade, then Narcos is a must-watch. This gripping drama chronicles the rise and fall of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the DEA’s efforts to take him down. With its cinematic production values and captivating performances, Narcos delivers the same adrenaline-fueled thrills as Power.
6. Empire (2015-2020)
Power and Empire have a lot in common – they’re both soapy, high-stakes dramas that explore the world of powerful, dysfunctional families. In Empire’s case, the focus is on a music industry dynasty, but the themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrosive nature of wealth and power will feel very familiar to Power fans.
7. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Set in 1919 Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family as they navigate the treacherous world of post-war Britain. Like James “Ghost” St. Patrick, the show’s protagonist Tommy Shelby is a complex, morally ambiguous character who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. The gritty, stylish aesthetic and pulse-pounding action sequences are sure to appeal to Power devotees.
8. Mayans M.C. (2018-present)
As a spin-off of the beloved biker drama Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C. shares a lot of DNA with Power. Both shows delve into the high-stakes world of organized crime, with protagonists who are torn between their criminal enterprises and their personal lives. If you’re craving more of that delicious moral ambiguity and family drama, this is the show for you.
9. Godfather of Harlem (2019-present)
Inspired by the real-life story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson, Godfather of Harlem explores the intersection of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement in 1960s New York. Like Power, it’s a gritty, character-driven drama that examines the complex motivations and relationships that drive people to commit acts of violence and betrayal.
So there you have it – 9 shows that should scratch that Power-shaped itch in your life. Whether you’re in the mood for more drug kingpins, more dysfunctional families, or more morally ambiguous antiheroes, these series are sure to keep you hooked. Happy binge-watching!
