One of the main reasons why Power is so popular among fans is its gritty realism. The show doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of the drug trade, including violence, corruption, and betrayal. The characters are multi-dimensional and have their own motivations and struggles, making them more relatable to the audience. Power ran for 6 seasons and became popular for its realistic portrayal of the drug trade, complex characters, talented cast, and stylish visuals. If you’re looking for similar series to watch, we have curated a list of 12 thrilling shows like Power that you can check out.
The writing is also top-notch, with numerous twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Hardwick’s performance as Ghost is particularly noteworthy, as he effortlessly switches between his suave nightclub owner persona and his ruthless drug lord alter-ego. Other notable performances come from Joseph Sikora as Tommy Egan, Ghost’s loyal best friend and partner in crime, and Naturi Naughton as Tasha, Ghost’s estranged wife. The show’s depiction of New York City’s nightlife and drug underworld is both gritty and glamorous, with a soundtrack featuring hip-hop and R&B tracks that perfectly complement the show’s tone.
List of TV Shows Like Power
1. Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Boardwalk Empire is set in the 1920s, following the life of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a corrupt politician and bootlegger in Atlantic City during Prohibition. The show depicts the rise of organized crime and the corrupt political system in the United States during this era, as well as the personal and professional relationships of its characters.
Boardwalk Empire was widely praised for its detailed historical setting, compelling characters, intricate storylines, production values, and ability to capture the mood of the era. One similarity between Boardwalk Empire and shows like Power is their exploration of the world of organized crime and the people who inhabit it, which is why it’s a must-watch.
2. Snowfall (2017)
The crime drama series Snowfall explores the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, the show follows the interconnected stories of a young street entrepreneur, a Mexican wrestler turned gangster, a CIA operative, and an ambitious reporter.
Snowfall, similar to shows like Power, revolves around the drug trade and features a cast of morally ambiguous characters. Snowfall is centered around the origins of the crack cocaine epidemic and its impact on the communities as the characters navigate the dangerous and complex world of drug trafficking, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of violence, corruption, and addiction.
3. Breaking Bad (2008)
Breaking Bad is a highly critically acclaimed crime drama show that follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston), who turns to making and selling methamphetamine to secure his family’s financial future after he is diagnosed with cancer. Along with his former student and partner, Jesse Pinkman, the two navigate the dangerous underworld of the drug trade and face the consequences of their choices.
The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and powerful performances by the cast. Unlike a series like Power, Breaking Bad focuses on the inner workings of the world of drug trafficking. As a fan of Power, you are certain to like this compelling drama Breaking Bad. If you’ve already seen it, check out our list of shows like Breaking Bad.
4. Godfather of Harlem (2019)
Godfather of Harlem tells the story of Bumpy Johnson, a notorious gangster who returns to Harlem after ten years in prison. Set in the 60s, this show explores the relationship between organised crime, politics, and race during that era.
With a stellar cast, including Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson, the show has received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of life in a tumultuous time. You should try watching Godfather of Harlem after if you’re on the lookout for a series like Power.
5. Lucifer (2016)
Lucifer is a popular American TV show about the fictional-modern day story Lucifer Morningstar (played by Tom Ellis), the Devil himself. Lucifer leaves Hell and moves to Los Angeles, where he starts running a nightclub and teams up with LAPD detective Chloe Decker (played by Lauren German) to solve crimes.
One of the most compelling aspects of the show is Lucifer’s double life. While he appears to be a charming playboy on the surface, he is also a deeply conflicted character struggling with his own identity and sense of morality. As the series progresses, viewers are drawn into a complex web of supernatural and human drama that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the nature of good and evil. If you’re looking for shows similar to Power, then you should give Lucifer a try.
6. Narcos (2015)
Narcos follows the rise and fall of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel in Colombia during the late 1970s and 1980s. The show combines historical facts with a bit of fictional storytelling and a ton of excellent performances!
The series delves into the political, social, and economic climate of Colombia during the time period, and explores the corruption and violence that surrounded the drug trade. Similar to shows like Power, Narcos portrays the flawed characters, harsh realities of the drug trade, and the dangerous alliances (and betrayals) that come with it.
7. The Sopranos (1999)
The Sopranos is a true American classic crime drama series. It looks at the life of a New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster, Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. The show is an absolute masterpiece, from the organized crime world to exploring Tony’s personal and professional life, there are so many layers to the story.
If you enjoy gritty realism and exploration of complex characters, then you will like the strong performances of James Gandolfini and Omari Hardwick, who deliver standout performances in their respective roles. There are few shows similar to Power that will be as good as The Sopranos. If you have already seen it, check out our list of shows like The Sopranos.
8. The Deuce (2017)
The Deuce is a gritty New York drama series of the 1970s and early 1980s. The show gives the viewers a look at the emergence of the porn industry and its impact on society, politics, and the people involved. The Deuce features a well-known ensemble cast, including James Franco, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Gbenga Akinnagbe.
The Deuce explores the underworld of illegal activities in urban settings by showcasing the human cost and moral complexities of these criminal enterprises. The Deuce is a compelling series similar to Power that you can watch over the weekend.
9. Smallville (2001)
Another popular show called Smallville follows the story of the comic book character Clark Kent as he grows up in the small town of Smallville and discovers his superhuman abilities. We learn more about Clark through his relationships with his friends and family, his struggles to fit in, and his eventual journey toward becoming Superman.
Clark’s struggle to balance his dual life will remind you of Power, Clark balances his personal life and the extraordinary abilities that he uses to fight crimes. Running for 10 seasons, there is enough great storytelling for you to get into after watching shows like Power.
Also Read: Shows like The Expanse
10. Empire (2015)
Empire is a musical drama television series following the Lyon family, who owns a hip-hop music empire. They face power struggles as they try to maintain control of their business and family relationships. The show has an exceptionally talented ensemble cast, including Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and Jussie Smollett.
While the world of both series is entirely different, the dirty politics, the betrayal, and the complex relationships remain closely similar to one another. Empire is filled with jaw-dropping intricate plot twists and compelling musical performances that will surely keep you entertained if want to watch a brilliant series similar to Power.
11. The Wire (2002)
The Wire has been widely appreciated because of the realistic portrayal of Baltimore and its drug trade, law enforcement, politics, and media. The Wire presents the truth of harsh life with complex characters, the underbelly of urban life, and its commentary on issues such as race, poverty, and corruption.
For anyone who wishes to see more shows similar to Power that touch upon the themes of power, loyalty, and family, then you can do no better than The Wire. The show has a nuanced skill storytelling that is hard to forget.
12. Dopesick (2021)
Dopesick is a series based on the bestselling book of the same name by Beth Macy. The series portrays the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on American society, with various factors that contributed to its rise and the lives of those affected by it.
Dopesick is a more sombre exploration of the opioid epidemic compared to the drug business world of Power. The addiction, power, and corruption in Dopesick present devastating consequences of drug use and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole. Dopesick is a harrowing but important series like Power to watch.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few shows like Power that didn’t make the list of shows, but you can check them out nonetheless:
- Miami Vice
- Crime Story
- The Shield
- Peaky Blinders
- Bad Blood
