Set during the Cold War, The Americans follows two KGB spies posing as an American married couple in suburban Washington, D.C. While not focused on organized crime, the series shares with Boardwalk Empire a fascination with morally compromised characters leading double lives. The show is a masterclass in suspense, with each episode exploring the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the human cost of espionage. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and meticulous attention to period detail, The Americans is a gripping and thought-provoking drama.

Though it lacks the specific historical setting of Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad shares a similar narrative arc of a character descending into criminality. The transformation of Walter White, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher, into a ruthless drug lord is one of the most compelling character studies in television history. The series is a masterclass in suspense, with each episode ratcheting up the tension as Walter's lies and crimes spiral out of control. With its sharp writing, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances, Breaking Bad is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

Each season of True Detective presents a self-contained mystery with complex characters and a dark, atmospheric tone. Like Boardwalk Empire, the series explores the dark underbelly of society and the corrupting influence of power. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is a masterpiece of suspense, with its haunting visuals, philosophical musings, and unforgettable performances. While the subsequent seasons vary in quality, they all share a commitment to exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche.

While not centered on organized crime, Mad Men captures the same sense of a specific era with meticulous detail, focusing on the cutthroat world of advertising in 1960s New York. Like Boardwalk Empire, the show delves into the complexities of its characters, exploring their ambitions, secrets, and desires against a backdrop of societal change. The stylish visuals, sharp writing, and stellar performances make Mad Men a compelling portrait of a bygone era and a fascinating exploration of the human condition. The attention to period detail is remarkable, fully immersing you in the world of Madison Avenue.

While tonally different from Boardwalk Empire, Better Call Saul shares a fascination with the slow descent of a character into moral compromise. This prequel to Breaking Bad follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the Saul Goodman we know and love (or love to hate). The series is a masterclass in character development, exploring the nuances of Jimmy's motivations and the choices that lead him down a dark path. With its sharp writing, memorable performances, and meticulous attention to detail, Better Call Saul is a worthy successor to its predecessor and a compelling drama in its own right.

If you enjoyed the morally ambiguous characters and escalating stakes of Boardwalk Empire, Ozark will pull you in. This dark, suspenseful drama follows a financial advisor who gets caught up in a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel and must relocate his family to the Ozarks. The series expertly ratchets up the tension as the Byrde family navigates a treacherous landscape of criminals, locals, and law enforcement. With stellar performances from Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, Ozark is a thrilling ride that explores the dark side of the American dream.

The Wire offers a sprawling, panoramic view of Baltimore's drug trade, from the streets to the halls of power. Like Boardwalk Empire, it explores the intricate web of corruption and the human cost of unchecked ambition. What sets The Wire apart is its commitment to realism and its nuanced portrayal of characters on both sides of the law. Each season delves into a different facet of the city, from the drug trade to the education system, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories that expose the systemic failures that perpetuate crime. A true masterpiece of television, often considered one of the greatest shows ever made.

For a show that mirrors the rise and fall of powerful figures within illicit empires like Boardwalk Empire, Narcos delivers a gripping, fact-based narrative centered on the infamous Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. The series doesn't shy away from the violence and moral ambiguities of the drug trade, offering a compelling look at the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the cartels. The immersive storytelling, blending archival footage with dramatic reenactments, gives Narcos a raw, authentic edge. Prepare to be drawn into a world of corruption, power struggles, and intense action.

If you crave the intricate family drama intertwined with the ruthless realities of organized crime that Boardwalk Empire delivered, look no further than The Sopranos. This groundbreaking series redefined television, offering an unflinching look at Tony Soprano, a mob boss grappling with anxiety and seeking therapy. James Gandolfini's iconic performance is a masterclass in portraying the complexities of a man torn between his brutal profession and his desire for a normal life. The show's brilliance lies in its ability to humanize the seemingly inhuman, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the corrosive effects of power with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. A cornerstone of modern television, still incredibly impactful.

Dive headfirst into the smoky, razor-sharp world of Birmingham's most notorious gang. Peaky Blinders echoes Boardwalk Empire's focus on organized crime and family dynamics, but trades Atlantic City for post-WWI England. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Tommy Shelby is magnetic, drawing you into the ruthless ambition and strategic brilliance of a man navigating a landscape of political upheaval and constant threat. The soundtrack alone, featuring artists like Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, elevates the series, perfectly capturing the gritty elegance of the era. From the meticulously recreated sets to the brilliantly complex characters, this show fires on all cylinders.