7 Addictive Crime Dramas to Binge After Daredevil: Born Again Ends

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As a seasoned movie critic, I can’t help but express my admiration for the remarkable comeback of Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock in “Daredevil: Born Again.” This Disney+ revival masterfully reintroduced the unique mix of raw street-level action and intricate moral complexities that made the original Netflix series a standout.

The return of Daredevil and his formidable foe, Wilson Fisk, or the Kingpin, played by the exceptional Vincent D’Onofrio, was indeed a sight to behold. The dynamic between these two characters was once again captivating, and the series didn’t shy away from delving into the gritty realities of the struggle for justice.

“Daredevil: Born Again” skillfully merged superheroics with crime drama, tackling profound themes such as corruption, vengeance, faith, and identity. It delivered not only visceral thrills but also compelling character arcs that left viewers on the edge of their seats. In essence, it was a testament to the power of storytelling in the realm of superheroes.

After wrapping up Season 1 of “Daredevil: Born Again”, eager fans are likely on the hunt for other series to fill the gap before Season 2 arrives. Instead of suggesting more Marvel adventures, this list focuses on TV shows that provide a comparable experience, offering mature narratives, morally ambiguous characters, and intense drama centered around crime and corruption, featuring both masked heroes and none at all. Here are seven series you might enjoy after “Daredevil: Born Again”.

The Penguin

As a dedicated cinephile, I was thoroughly captivated by Colin Farrell’s exceptional portrayal of The Riddler in “The Batman.” His character, Oswald Cobblepot, or simply Oz, was then brought back to life for the standalone Max series, titled “The Penguin.” This gripping show delves into the tumultuous rise of Oz through Gotham City’s criminal underworld in the wake of the film’s dramatic conclusion. For those enthralled by Wilson Fisk’s strategic power plays in “Daredevil: Born Again,”, you’ll find a comparable narrative drive here, as “The Penguin” offers an unflinchingly close look at the ruthless maneuvers required to seize control within a city teeming with corruption.

In a captivating manner, the TV series titled “The Penguin” mirrors the gloomy, gritty environment portrayed in “Daredevil: Born Again“, particularly its representation of a gritty New York City. It delves into the nitty-gritty of underworld power struggles, with Oz forming alliances, double-crossing enemies, and using merciless strategies to gain an edge. Farrell’s interpretation of Oz offers a fresh take on villainy compared to D’Onofrio’s Fisk. However, what makes “The Penguin” particularly engaging for fans of “Born Again” is its exploration of a complex antagonist’s ambition within a deteriorating urban environment.

Boardwalk Empire

HBO’s grand historical drama, “Boardwalk Empire,” immerses viewers in the complex tapestry of crime and politics during Atlantic City’s Prohibition era. The story revolves around Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (portrayed by Steve Buscemi), a shrewd city treasurer who skillfully straddles the line between lawfulness and criminality, forging connections with gangsters and political elites. In this series, we witness the emergence of organized crime driven by illicit alcohol, featuring intense power struggles, deceit, and the introduction of characters such as Owen Sleater (played by Charlie Cox), an Irish volunteer transformed into a ruthless enforcer for Nucky.

If you’re intrigued by the mix of political strategy and criminal activities in “Daredevil: Born Again”, then Nucky Thompson from “Boardwalk Empire” provides an equally captivating counterpart. “Boardwalk Empire” masterfully explores the widespread corruption that seeps through all levels of society, mirroring the deep-rooted decay that Matt Murdock combats. Its meticulous historical accuracy, morally questionable characters, and unrelenting portrayal of violence make it a gripping crime saga. Furthermore, fans drawn to Cox’s intense performance in “Boardwalk Empire” after “Born Again” will find it an appealing choice.

Godfather of Harlem

In the tumultuous 1960s, the series “Godfather of Harlem” showcases Forest Whitaker in a commanding role as Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, a true-life criminal kingpin who returns to Harlem following a ten-year stint in prison. Upon his return, he discovers his dominion being threatened by the Italian mafia, specifically the Genovese crime family headed by Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, famously known for his role in “Daredevil”. The series masterfully combines Bumpy’s brutal fight to regain authority with the parallel Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing Ellsworth’s intricate partnership with Malcolm X, portrayed first by Nigél Thatch and later by Jason Alan Carvell.

In Godfather of Harlem, the relationship between Bumpy and Gigante resembles the core struggle between Daredevil and Kingpin, providing another perspective on D’Onofrio portraying a cunning New York crime boss. This series delves into power struggles, racial issues, and the intersection of criminal activities with societal turmoil, making it an engaging spectacle for those who enjoyed Born Again’s exploration of the city’s moral struggle.

Better Call Saul

If you’re captivated by Matt Murdock’s double life as an attorney and vigilante in “Daredevil: Born Again,” the story of Jimmy McGill (played by Bob Odenkirk) in “Better Call Saul” offers a fascinating, though distinctly different, look at maneuvering through the legal system. This prequel to “Breaking Bad” carefully follows Jimmy’s transformation from a struggling public defender and elder law expert to the morally questionable lawyer known as Saul Goodman. In “Better Call Saul,” we delve deep into the tough, competitive nature of the legal profession, focusing on the challenges faced by those not part of the wealthy corporate firms.

In “Better Call Saul,” we follow Jimmy McGill, a lawyer who’s constantly testing the boundaries of ethical law practice. Driven by ambition, resentment, and an unusual flair for showmanship, he often strays from the rules. This series contrasts with the story of Matt Murdock, who wrestles with using the law to uphold justice while occasionally stepping outside its bounds. The courtroom scenes in “Better Call Saul” are sharp and engaging, highlighting Jimmy’s clever, rule-bending legal strategies. Witnessing Jimmy’s transformation provides a captivating perspective on the pressures and moral compromises within the legal profession, offering a darker take compared to Matt’s struggles.

Warrior

In the vein of Bruce Lee’s writings and set amidst the intense Tong Wars of 1870s San Francisco, the series Warrior offers pulse-pounding martial arts action within the gripping narrative of a crime drama. The story revolves around Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a gifted martial artist from China, who journeys to America in search of his missing sister and finds himself ensnared in the brutal power struggles between rival Chinatown gangs. Warrior showcases elaborate fight sequences, strategic political games, and delves into topics such as racism, self-discovery, and adaptation in a challenging new environment.

The thrilling fight scenes characteristic of Daredevil, often but not always present in Born Again, are powerfully echoed in Warrior. The gritty, realistic combat, heightened by the tense tribal conflicts, shares a similar intensity with Daredevil’s street fights. Fans of Born Again who appreciate its blend of character development and intense action, set against a harsh urban backdrop, will find themselves drawn into Ah Sahm’s journey and the dramatic conflicts portrayed in Warrior.

The Boys

Amazon Prime Video’s show “The Boys” presents a gritty, brutal, and humorously grim take on the superhero genre. In this universe, superpowered beings (“Supes”) are commercial entities controlled by the sinister Vought International. A band of vigilantes called The Boys, headed by the vengeful Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), aim to reveal and bring down the crooked heroes, with a special focus on the volatile, omnipotent Homelander (Antony Starr). Consequently, “The Boys” does not shy away from showing graphic violence, ethical decay, and misuse of power.

In essence, although they have distinct tones, “The Boys” and “Daredevil: Born Again” both delve into the murky aspects of power and the intricacies of vigilantism. The characters in “The Boys” function beyond the law, similar to Daredevil, tackling seemingly unbeatable adversaries that stem from systemic corruption. Additionally, “The Boys” offers a subversive excitement for fans of “Born Again” who enjoy mature portrayals of superpowered conflicts and aren’t deterred by explicit content, due to its critique of celebrity culture, corporate control, and morally ambiguous protagonists.

Kin

The thrilling Irish crime series titled “Kin” primarily revolves around the Kinsellas, a made-up Dublin criminal clan entangled in a brutal conflict against Eamon Cunningham (played by Ciarán Hinds) and his formidable international cartel. An impulsive action by one of the younger Kinsella members ignites a lethal response within “Kin“, forcing this family to maneuver through dangerous partnerships, internal strife, and mounting violence to remain alive. The show features an impressive ensemble, with Aidan Gillen portraying the family’s head, Frank Kinsella, and Charlie Cox as Michael Kinsella, a freshly released convict trying to rebuild ties with his kin while finding himself once more ensnared in their criminal world.

The central idea of strong family ties being put to the test against the harsh realities of the criminal underworld serves as a compelling dramatic foundation, much like the personal struggles Matt Murdock and his companions frequently encounter in Daredevil: Born Again. Moreover, Cox’s portrayal of another intricate character dealing with violence and loyalty resonates strongly with fans. Lastly, Kin‘s emphasis on close relationships within the backdrop of intensifying street-level conflict results in a tense, character-driven crime story that offers dramatic depth for those looking for something similar following Born Again.

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2025-04-20 17:44