Best Crime Shows Like The Penguin

Best Crime Shows Like The Penguin

Key Takeaways

  • The Penguin is a spin-off series of The Batman featuring Colin Farrell as the iconic villain Oswald Cobblepot.
  • The show explores Oswald’s rise to prominence in Gotham’s criminal underworld through a gritty depiction.
  • The Penguin aims for action set pieces similar to Gangs of London, highlighting turf wars and gang warfare.

As a connoisseur of crime dramas who has spent countless hours delving into the underbelly of organized crime, I must say that the shows you’ve mentioned have truly left their mark on television history. Each one offers a unique perspective on the criminal world and the complex characters that inhabit it.


The eagerly awaited HBO production, titled “The Penguin“, is a standalone series derived from “The Batman“. Previously, Robert Pattinson portrayed the complex and enigmatic character of Bruce Wayne and Batman in this series. In “The Penguin“, Colin Farrell returns to his critically acclaimed role as Oswald Cobb, a notorious villain frequently associated with Batman, who is commonly recognized as “the Penguin”.

The TV series set within the shadowy corners of Gotham City portrays Oswald’s evolution into a ruthless mob boss, as it delves into his journey towards power. Right from its initial episode, this show – known as The Penguin – mirrors other crime dramas with its raw portrayal of the criminal underworld, drawing comparisons to similar shows in the genre.

7 Gangs Of London

Action Filled Crime Drama Set In London

ReleaseApril 23, 2020 – Present
Genre(s)Action, Thriller, Crime
CastJoe Cole, Michelle Fairley, Colm Meaney

In the heart of London, the television series titled “Gangs of London” unfolds a gritty tale of crime and power struggles. With the demise of one of the city’s most formidable criminal leaders, London transforms into a battleground where various gangs engage in an intense turf war. In the wake of his father’s unexpected passing, Sean Wallace finds himself amidst mounting tensions and ambitious adversaries who aim to seize power in the void left behind by his late patriarch.

In the gritty series, “Gangs of London,” we delve into the violent world of organized crime, where various groups vie for dominance. “The Penguin,” on the other hand, aspires to create thrilling action sequences that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the intensity found in British dramas.

6 Gotham

Explored Gotham City And A Young Bruce Wayne

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to say that while “The Penguin” has certainly made a splash, it’s not the pioneer delving into Gotham City’s mysteries. That honor goes to “Gotham”, a series that focuses on James Gordon, a noble detective who tirelessly unravels the enigma behind the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne.

In the tumultuous urban jungle known as Gotham, Gordon encounters well-known comic book personalities like Bruce Wayne, the Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman, offering DC enthusiasts an array of memorable characters to admire. Much like the character of The Penguin, Gotham delves deeper into Batman’s adversaries, portraying their origins and revealing how they function in a ruthless city that has gained notoriety as the base for numerous superheroes.

5 Gomorrah

Italian Crime Epic That Sees Gangsters Run Rife With Power

ReleaseMay 6, 2014 – December 17, 2021
Genre(s)Crime, Drama, Thriller
CastMarco D’Amore, Salvatore Esposito

The gritty crime series “Gomorrah” unfolds in the birthplace of mobsters and mafia, Italy, focusing on the ascendancy of Ciro di Marzio within the Savastano clan. Amidst a power struggle in Naples’ core, di Marzio navigates through a violent criminal conflict, escalating tension and captivating audiences with its themes of treachery, deceit, and corruption, all hallmarks of this compelling Italian production.

If you’re a fan of the gritty world depicted in “The Penguin” and its intense turf wars, then you might find “Gomorrah” appealing. This crime drama excels in portraying gang conflicts, reaching the pinnacle of TV storytelling.

4 Peaky Blinders

British Gangsters Led By Cillian Murphy

One of British television’s top productions, “Peaky Blinders,” introduced viewers to a period drama centered around a gang originating from Birmingham, England. The titular Peaky Blinders gang, which forms the core of the series, is led by Tommy Shelby, a charismatic outlaw portrayed by Cillian Murphy.

In the opening years of the 20th century, the formidable Shelby heads his band of outlaws, who become notorious for their illicit deeds. These daring actions catch the eye of law enforcement, sparking an engaging narrative about the Peaky Blinders gang maintaining their territory amidst the perpetual turmoil in their world.

3 Boardwalk Empire

Influential Socialite Who Engages In Mafia Business

ReleaseSeptember 19, 2010 – October 26, 2014
Genre(s)Crime, Period Drama
CastSteve Buscemi, Stephen Graham, Michael Shannon, Charlie Cox, Jeffrey Wright

In the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, Steve Buscemi portrayed the exceptional character of Enoch Thompson, a political figure who navigated connections with mobsters and notable figures in Atlantic City. As he interacts with prominent people, Thompson skillfully juggles illicit dealings with his luxurious lifestyle.

Drawing inspiration from real-life gangsters of yesteryears like Al Capone and Charles Luciano, the series Boardwalk Empire delves into these legendary figures of organized crime, offering an engrossing TV experience that’s characteristic of HBO. Although it may not have reached the pinnacle set by other mob shows such as The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire still stood out in the 2010s, and undoubtedly left its mark on subsequent series like The Penguin.

2 Sons Of Anarchy

Member Of A Biker Gang Trying To Find Balance In His Complicated Life

ReleaseSeptember 3, 2008 – December 9, 2014
Genre(s)Action, Crime, Neo-Western
CastCharlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman

As a gaming aficionado, let me delve into the gritty world of “Sons of Anarchy.” Unlike the mafia’s shadowy dealings, this FX series revolves around the chaotic lives of the SAMCRO, an outlaw motorcycle club based in sunny California. I, personally, found myself entangled in Jax Teller’s story, a main character grappling with intricate themes of grief, affection, and lawlessness throughout the show’s captivating narrative.

In the story of Sons of Anarchy, Jax finds himself grappling with his father’s demise and leading the motorcycle club, all while engaging in illicit activities alongside complex characters like his challenging stepfather, Clay, and loyal friend, Opie. Over seven seasons, this gripping drama immerses us in a gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld through the unique lens of biker culture, offering an engaging twist on the traditional crime genre.

1 The Sopranos

A Mafia Masterpiece That Altered The Course Of Television

ReleaseJanuary 10, 1999 – June 10, 2007
Genre(s)Crime, Drama, Black Comedy
CastJames Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Edie Falco, Joe Pantoliano

Across the annals of television, no series has shaped the terrain as dramatically as “The Sopranos,” a mafia narrative that follows Tony Soprano, a captivating mob boss based in New Jersey. Known as TV’s first antihero, Tony was a complex and riveting character who drew audiences into the world of organized crime. The series depicted his criminal activities, psychological struggles, and family affairs, cementing his place as an iconic figure in television lore.

The HBO series is widely recognized as a top example of the crime genre, and The Penguin is undoubtedly striving to attain comparable heights in its narrative and depiction of criminal activities.

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2024-09-25 07:04