Even after Sons of Anarchy finished almost 10 years ago, viewers are still searching for shows similar to it to feed their addiction. The show followed the group of bikers on their many exciting, dangerous, and illegal excursions. Sons of Anarchy is a brutal crime thriller, but at moments, it has many betrayals and dramatic surprises. While finding the right mix of plots can be challenging which were displayed in Sons of Anarchy, there are still some shows like Sons of Anarchy that are guaranteed to win over viewers.
Following the cancellation of the spin-off Mayans M.C. in 2023, you’re probably looking for something to watch that is similar to Sons of Anarchy. If you like Sons of Anarchy, these are the 10 shows you must watch after it.
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1. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
Stream on Max
Both Sons of Anarchy and Boardwalk Empire offer in-depth examinations of criminal dramas. In the show, Sons of Anarchy, a biker criminal group in California is depicted, and in Boardwalk Empire, bootleggers are depicted as being involved in the Prohibition era. This show is very popular and received positive reviews for its visual appeal.
The show features Nucky Thompson, the protagonist who was a prominent and well-connected political figure. Nucky interacts with historical figures such as politicians, mob bosses, common people, and government operatives. The show also tracks federal agents as they look into local criminal activities, like bootlegging, and the complex arrangements and cover-ups between the agents and criminals. Overall, it’s an interesting and suspenseful show.
2. Breaking Bad (2008-2012)
Stream on Netflix
This program has it all, excellent character development, crisp narratives, action-packed scenes, and a fast-paced plot. Breaking Bad has intense suspense and emotional scenes and ends with the saddest scenes. This well-written TV show has shown that a man can go to any extent to provide for his family. However, there are crossovers between the two series as well.
Both Jax and Walter come from dysfunctional households, have unstable upbringings, and engage in drug dealing, Walter must start his empire from zero while Jax must assume his father’s position. Breaking Bad is still the best show on television and can easily replace Sons of Anarchy
3. Narcos (2015-2017)
Stream on Netflix
Sons of Anarchy is a series about a criminal group that gained money through illicit activities. However, not every narrative focused on the drug trade; occasionally, the focus was on selling guns. Almost documentary-like, Narcos tells the true narrative of the Escobar operation and the DEA’s fight to bring it down, providing an in-depth look at the Colombian drug trade.
Escobar’s cartel gave back to the community gained respect and was allowed to get away with their misdeeds. This is much like the titular biker club in Sons of Anarchy. Narcos is similar to the real-life Sons of Anarchy in this regard.
4. Hells on Wheels (2011-2016)
Stream on AMC+
The way the violent and courageous stuff is portrayed in Hells on Wheels, is similar to that in Sons of Anarchy, even though the 2 shows are set in entirely different eras. The narrative centers on Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon, who is seeking revenge for his family’s murder.
A cast of shady characters similar to those you encountered in Charming, California, are introduced in the story. If you want to get over your hangover from Sons of Anarchy, this highly recommended show, Hells on Wheels, should be added to your list.
5. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
Stream on Netflix
This remarkable show, Better Call Saul, carried on the Breaking Bad legacy with this sequel that focuses on Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the shady attorney Saul Goodman.
The character Jimmy is not at all like the tough-guy lead character Jax in Sons of Anarchy, but they both live in risky environments full of evil characters. Viewers will find that Better Call Saul’s witty writing, suspenseful story turns, and complicated main characters resonating Sons of Anarchy.
6. The Wire (2002-2008)
Stream on Max
The grimy, gloomy show examines crime on Baltimore’s streets. The storytelling is far more realistic even though the plot moves more slowly and takes place throughout 5 seasons. In addition, the show depicts the point of view of police and drug traffickers’ which shows the ongoing conflict between law and criminality.
The harshness, ground realities, and motivations behind a life of crime are all depicted in this show in a far more realistic manner. The ground-level exploration of criminality in California by Sons of Anarchy is similar to what this show accomplishes for Baltimore. Sons of Anarchy and The Wire are very similar, even though The Wire is far more sophisticated.
7. The Sopranos (1999-2006)
Stream on Max
The complex family interaction as well as the secrets and dynamics of a criminal group were two aspects of Sons of Anarchy that many viewers cherished. Fans of David Chase’s gangster show The Sopranos will find stories similar to these. It’s a New Jersey mafia family instead of a California motorcycle gang.
The show features all the same illicit activities, drug dealings, FBI stings, personal treachery, trade shows, and turf disputes as the Sons of Anarchy. Compared to The Sopranos, which has an equal number of dream scenes, Sons of Anarchy is far less weird. It is unquestionably worth watching as one of the most praised series ever.
8. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Stream on Netflix
With a solid cast, well-designed set and costumes, well-chosen music, a suspenseful plot, and strained family ties, Peaky Blinders is among the best on television right now and has everything needed to succeed. The final point represents just one of the numerous parallels between the program and Sons of Anarchy.
Being of the same blood, Jax Teller’s spirits would also be visible to someone watching Tommy. Moreover, Jax’s gang activities bear similarities to the Shelby family’s flirtation with the drug trade. Watch this show to get a glimpse of London’s street gang culture and its feelings of brutality.
9. The Punisher (2017-2019)
Stream on Disney+
The Punisher is the most accurate on-screen incarnation of the vengeful superhero from Marvel Comics. It’s an equally action-packed drama with a comparable boldness. Frank Castle played by Jon Bernthal, leads the show with genuine passion and emotional pain.
In the first season, retired Force Recon Marine Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, uncovers a wider plot after what happened to him and his family when taking revenge on the people responsible for his family’s deaths. After deciding to accept his existence as the Punisher, Castle, who has been leading a peaceful life on the road, is forced to decide in the second season when he becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Amy Bendix’s murderous plot.
10. The Shield (2002-2008)
Stream on Hulu
Kurt Sutter, the creator of Sons of Anarchy, got his start on television as a writer for Shawn Ryan’s FX crime series The Shield. Although it is a police drama, it is nothing like the genre’s usual procedural series.
The Shield narrates the tale of a filthy cop who works illegally to obtain money, as opposed to the heroic stories of the police who bravely fight for justice. Although The Shield’s depiction of police corruption is just as depressing as Sons of Anarchy, it is far easier to follow and packed with action.
