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15 TV Shows Like Fargo For Fans Of Dark Comedy

Shows like Fargo

When small town drama meets big crime, we get Fargo. Fargo is a black comedy crime drama television series that took the world by storm during the years when it aired, and this is why we have created a list of 15 shows like Fargo just for you. Fargo was created and primarily written by Noah Hawley, and is based on a previously released film of the same name.

This series follows an anthology format, with each season set in a different era and location, with a different story and new set of characters and cast. This style of storytelling especially for crime dramas have risen in popularity, and it’s all thanks to the Coen Brothers. According to the creators Each season is heavily influenced by the Coen Brothers. So If you’re a fan of the Coen Brothers’ style or this genre as a whole, then here are 15 TV shows like Fargo.

List of TV Shows Like Fargo

1. The Killing (2011)

The Killing is a crime drama that revolves around the aftermath of the murder of a young girl in the community. A murder which affects everyone in the town each in their own unique ways. A murder that has still remained unsolved.

We get in-depth investigations and detective work, quite similar to shows like Fargo. Its willingness to explore deeper themes like these is one of the many reasons I highly recommend it. As well as the way it humanizes all of its characters, especially coming off the back of such a tragic event.

2. American Crime Story (2016)

Anthology series are all the rave it seems lately, and American Crime Story, is another of the more recent series made in this style. Its plots are always centered around big trials or crimes that dominated popular culture for months, if not years, ranging from the O.J Simpson trial Gianni Versace’s murder.

The show doesn’t just touch upon the surface, but also takes a closer look at some of the societal issues that may or may not have caused the crimes that took place, and affected their respective trials.  American Crime Story delves into the complex legal, social, and cultural issues, quite similar to series like Fargo.

3. Castle Rock (2018)

Castle Rock is a psychological horror anthology series just like the show previously seen on this list. It is set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine And takes huge inspiration from stories written by Stephen King to create a brand new story for the audience to enjoy.

As usual, each season focuses on a different storyline entirely in the town of Castle Rock. Although all are creepy and weird in their own ways. Castle Rock has an unsettling atmosphere quite similar to shows like Fargo, and I would not recommend watching it alone in the dark. So make sure it’s real bright out before embarking on this cinematic journey.

4. Better Call Saul (2015)

Better Call Saul, although initially made popular due to being a prequel/sequel to Breaking Bad, is a bonafide crime drama in its own right, and some of the best TV in recent years. Similar to shows like Fargo, this show follows the story of James ‘Jimmy’ McGill, a lawyer who starts his descent into carving a niche for himself as a lawyer for criminals and the corrupt. Already seen the show? Also Read: Shows like Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul also gives us more time with some of the more interesting characters in Breaking Bad, some of whom had little screen time, some who died too early, and some who we just couldn’t get enough of. The show has garnered critical praise and is a show that I will always highly recommend.

5. True Detective (2014)

True Detective is a crime anthology series like Fargo that shows us how tiring physically, mentally and emotionally a murder investigation can prove to be, taking a toll on not just the detectives themselves but even their families who they have to return to everyday.

Featuring Matthew McConaughey in the first season, the show switches through narratives every season, with a brand new cast, storyline and setting utilized for every new season. Fans have retained high praise for its first season, especially with regard to the acting on display. However, I do feel every season is worth watching.

Also Read: Show like True Detective

6. Dexter (2006)

Dexter is named after its titular character Dexter Morgan. Dexter is an analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. But what nobody knows is that in his spare time he is also a serial killer. But a ‘good’ serial killer, as he only targets people who have ‘beat the law’ in one way or the other, hence have not  gotten their just due in terms of punishment. He takes the burden of punishing them himself.

The show is known for its dark humor, suspenseful, and in the same vein with shows like Fargo, it makes us wonder if vigilantism can be allowed if it is indeed for a good cause. It is thoughts like these that will wander in your head as you watch this bonafide classic TV series.

7. Twin Peaks (1990)

Twin Peaks has been cited by the Coen Brothers as the major inspiration behind Fargo. This show is all about an investigation into the murder of a young woman named Laura Palmer. This murder takes place in the town of Twin Peaks. And similar to shows like Fargo, it tends to explore the personal and professional lives and relationships of those tasked with solving the case, in this case Dale Cooper.

Secrets and mysteries begin to unfold and get brought to the light the more Cooper digs into the happenings in the town. For sure you must watch a show which the creators of Fargo claimed was its major inspiration. It shouldn’t even take any convincing.

Also Read: Shows like Twin Peaks

8. The End of the F***ing World (2017)

The End of the F***ing World takes us on a crazy road trip with James and Alyssa, two teenagers on a road trip to run away from all their problems and all their worries. Except they find themselves in even bigger problems than they were in initially, turning from runaways into full blown fugitives.

James is a potential psychopath who is looking to unlock his true form by murdering someone, while Alyssa is simply a rebel. They both have their ulterior motives at first, but they grow closer, and a relationship begins to form between them. The End of the F***ing World also makes use of a lot of dark comedy to push forward its plot, similar to shows like Fargo.

9. Broadchurch (2013)

When a young boy is murdered in a small town in England, police detectives are thrown into turmoil in their personal and professional lives. In Broadchurch, Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller are assigned to this case, but they soon get more than they bargained for as they uncover deeper secrets that lie beneath the surface of this town. You can also read: Shows like Broadchurch

This show is known for its dark and emotional storytelling similar to series like Fargo, and also some other shows on this list. The main plot changes every season, bringing with it a new murder to solve and new challenges to overcome, and overall, new scenes to keep audiences wracked with anxiety.

10. Mr Robot (2015)

Elliot Alderson is the protagonist in Mr Robot, however he is not Mr Robot. Elliot is a socially awkward hacker who is being wooed by a group led by Mr Robot who have the sole aim of taking down an evil corporation known as E Corp.

Bohemian Rhapsody’s Rami Malek got his big break playing Elliot in this show, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of his acting capabilities as well as shows like Fargo. This show is sure to leave a lasting impression on you should you give it a shot.

11. Utopia (2013)

Utopia puts the future of the world in the hands of a few comic book nerds. They stumble upon an unreleased manuscript which is said to have predictions about when the next global disaster would happen. This leads them to go on a journey seeking the truth about it all

The group are however targeted by an organization known as the ‘The Network’, who are determined to retrieve the manuscript at any cost. Utopia similar to shows like Fargo is drenched in a dark striking tone. It has been praised for its layered characters, who are more than simply what meets the eye.

12. Legion (2017)

Legion is centered on David Haller, a man who all of a sudden has superpowers. He begins to learn more about these superpowers, and will soon learn the truth about his past and what brought him to this point. He soon finds that he is not alone, and is welcomed by a group of mutants.

A superhero series which somewhat fell under the radar, this series has actually been heaped with critical praise during its time on air. This series brought a new angle to the superhero genre and explored some deep psychological themes similar to shows like Fargo.

13. The Shield (2002)

The Shield is about a man’s descent into crime, slowly, steadily, but surely. Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis, is the corrupt leader of a unit which he uses in any way he deems fit, without regard for the rule of law.

This series is a great showcase of how the good guys aren’t all that good sometimes. It is similar to shows like Fargo due to its ability to show both sides of the coin when it comes to morality, leaving the rest for you to decide, or judge based on the information placed before you.

14. Barry (2018)

Barry is about Barry Berkman. Formerly a full-time criminal, he decides he wants to delve into the field of acting.  But his past comes calling again, and it may seem that he can’t just help himself but return back to his old life. His two personas keep clashing with each other, never giving him a minute of peace.

The show is known for its dark comedic tone similar to shows like Fargo, as well as its smooth blend of genres. Although the show is soon to be concluded after its 4th season, I still recommend you check this one out. It’s definitely a good one.

Also Read: Shows like Barry

15. The Patriot (2017)

John Tavner is The Patriot, a retired intelligence officer who now has to find work as a piping engineer, as he is finding it difficult to make ends meet. His past comes calling when he is enlisted again to prevent a disaster of catastrophic levels. Similar to shows like Fargo, The Patriot is all about weaving a web of lies and deceit, one which may sometimes be necessary in order to protect one’s family.

He is not alone in his journey, and has a team of people to help him along the way and cover his tracks in case he is about to be found out. The show makes good use of dark humor at the most timely of times, bringing some much needed levity to some aspects that really need it.

Honorable Mentions

Here is a list of TV shows like Fargo that didn’t make it, which you can also check out:

1.      Get Shorty (2017)

2.      The Tourist (2022)

3.      The Sopranos (2003)

When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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