5 Great Gangster TV Shows Nobody Talks About

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Gangster stories have been a popular part of television for many years. While movies have long explored the world of organized crime, shows like The Sopranos, Peaky Blinders, and Boardwalk Empire have become particularly well-known and have shaped modern TV by offering in-depth looks at these compelling narratives.

While shows like The Sopranos and The Wire are well-known, they’re not the only great gangster stories on TV. New crime dramas, including Godfather of Harlem, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King, are constantly being released. With so many options, it’s natural that some excellent shows get overlooked. These five series are just as compelling as the more famous ones, even if they don’t receive as much attention.

5. Get Shorty

Barry Sonnenfeld’s 1995 film Get Shorty is a beloved crime comedy featuring stars like John Travolta, Danny DeVito, Gene Hackman, and James Gandolfini, known for his role in The Sopranos. What many fans of both the movie and the original 1990 book may not realize is that Get Shorty was also turned into a television series with the same title.

As a big fan of both the book and movie Get Shorty, I really enjoyed the TV series that ran from 2017 to 2019. It starred Chris O’Dowd as Miles Daly, a tough guy from the mob who unexpectedly tries his hand at becoming a Hollywood producer. While the show definitely takes its own path compared to the original story, it still managed to earn some great reviews – it’s currently sitting at 78

Originally released on the now-lesser-known streaming service Epix, the show Get Shorty is now available to watch for free on Tubi, making it accessible to fans of gangster dramas.

4. Lilyhammer

Netflix’s very first original TV series was a crime comedy called Lilyhammer. It starred Steven Van Zandt as Frank Tagliano, a New York mafia boss who enters the witness protection program and relocates to Lillehammer, Norway, after turning against his fellow criminals. The show follows Frank as he tries to adapt to a quiet life in Norway while still dealing with his past as a mobster, leading to many humorous situations.

Even though Lilyhammer isn’t directly connected to The Sopranos, many see it as a follow-up to the success of that show, especially considering Frank Tagliano’s character. Tagliano shares a lot in common with Silvio Dante from The Sopranos – they have similar personalities and backgrounds. If you enjoyed The Sopranos, Lilyhammer is worth checking out.

3. Banshee

Many people now recognize Anthony Starr as Homelander from The Boys, but he previously had a lead role in the Cinemax crime drama Banshee. The show, which ran for four seasons between 2013 and 2016, centers on a recently released master thief who assumes the identity of a sheriff in a small Pennsylvania town. Complicating matters, his old criminal partner is also living there, and a dangerous mob boss is determined to find them both.

The show Banshee didn’t initially get much attention, likely because it first aired on Cinemax. Now that it’s available on HBO Max, though, a much larger audience can discover it. With a 90

2. Gomorrah

Gomorrah is a five-season Italian crime drama set in Naples. It delves into the world of the Camorra, a powerful criminal organization, and focuses on the internal power struggles within its ranks.

The crime drama Gomorrah has received high praise from critics, earning an 85

1. Mr Inbetween

Often hailed as one of the most underrated gangster shows, Mr Inbetween definitely deserves recognition. This Australian series follows Ray Shoesmith, a professional hitman played by Scott Ryan, as he navigates the challenges of balancing a violent career with his personal life – being a dad, brother, partner, and caring for his sick brother.

The FX series Mr Inbetween aired from 2018 to 2021 and received numerous Australian awards. While it didn’t achieve the widespread popularity of shows like The Sopranos, it has since gained a dedicated cult following and is now available to stream on Hulu.

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2025-12-30 02:16