Warning: This article discusses the topics of suicide, death and violence.
There are some TV shows that audiences are told they must watch, however For those who struggle to get into a particular title, there are great alternatives. The best TV shows of all time are included on everyone’s watch lists, but while they are undoubtedly incredible, not every story is suitable. In fact, many people only tune into certain TV shows just to see what the hype is about.
Many of the best TV shows become all-time favorites of viewers, but this is not an absolute rule. While they try, many just can’t attend the shows. However, there are many other compelling TV shows that are ideal alternatives because They have similarities in storylines, characters, themes or just overall tone. If you can’t get on board with an all-time classic TV show, try these titles instead.
10
Weeds
A great alternative to: breaking bad
Weeds is a dark comedy-drama television series that follows the life of Nancy Batwin, a suburban mom who becomes a marijuana dealer after her husband’s sudden death. Starring Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy, the show explores the complexities of her new career and its effect on her family and community.
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Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Kevin Nealon
- Release date
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August 7, 2005
- Seasons
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8
- creator(s)
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Jenji Kohan
Weeds is a fantastic alternative to Breaking badEspecially since their lead characters share a similar backstory. like Breaking bad, Weeds It begins with the protagonist Nancy Botwin involved in the world of drug dealing to support her family. While Walter White had cancer, Nancy’s sudden need for extra financial support is due to the unexpected death of her husband Yehuda.
Over all eight seasons of Weeds, Nancy grows and changes as a person, starting as An unknowing mother who is thrown into the deep end and ends up as an experienced distributor of marijuana. Nancy’s character development is quite similar to Walt’s, and she becomes just as morally ambiguous Breaking bads high school chemistry teacher. However, there are reasons Weeds What makes it different from Breaking bad.
Weeds Relying much more on dark comedy, it focuses on the Botwins trying to maintain their middle-class lifestyle, although Walt’s dangerous side hustle is for the sake of his health and keeping a roof over his wife and children’s heads. Breaking bad is undoubtedly enthralling, but for those who find it too profound, Weeds is a perfect alternative.
9
Peaky Blinders
A great alternative to: The Sopranos
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama created and written by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill and Helen McCrory. The TV show is based on the band, Peaky Blinders, a group that banded together after the end of the First World War.
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Annabelle Wallis, Ian Peck, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Cillian Murphy, Ned Dennehy, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Sam Neill, Sophie Rundle, Tony Pitts, Joe Cole
- Release date
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September 12, 2013
- Seasons
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6
- Directors
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Otto Bathurst, Tom Harper, Colm McCarthy, Tim Mielants, David Caffrey, Anthony Byrne
The Sopranos is a legendary piece of television, and although Tony Soprano’s story is a compelling one, not all viewers are able to engage with it. The Sopranos uses themes that focus on the importance of loyalty and has a great focus on crime families, two qualities that are also very evident in Peaky BlindersWhich is partially based on a true story. There are several differences between Peaky Blinders And The SopranosNotably the setting and time period, with The British drama is set in 1920s Birmingham.
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Peaky Blinders‘ Letters are really interesting figures. Led by one of the brothers, Tommy, the Shelby family gang dominates the streets of their local area and beyond. But, just like with The Sopranos, Peaky Blinders Subplots and character arcs outside of their criminal activities are the true strength of the show, Such as Grace’s pregnancy. The show ends with season 6, which is a disappointment for many, but thankfully, the Peaky Blinders Movie is on its way.
8
The last kingdom
A great alternative to: Game of Thrones
Based on the Saxon Stories novel series by Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom tells the story of a man who seeks to reclaim his birthright. Set in 872, the kingdoms that make up England come under your rule, with Wessex the last standing under King Alfred. The protagonist, Uhtred, is born of noble descent but is captured by the Danes and raised to be one. When he gets older, he must choose between his ancestral home or the family that captured but raised him. Uhted will wrestle with his loyalties as he battles between his Saxon and Dan lineage.
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Alexander Drymon, Emily Cox, Ian Hart, Eliza Butterworth, Eva Birthistle, Mark Rowley, Cavan Clerkin, Tobias Santelman, David Dawson
- Release date
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October 5, 2015
- Seasons
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5
- Directors
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Alexander Drymon
Game of Thrones is unquestionably one of the most discussed TV shows of all time, especially since it has such a convoluted and intricate lore. However, for those who find the backstory and details of Game of Thrones Too hard to follow or simply can’t relate to the letters, The last kingdom is an ideal replacement.
The last kingdomThe main storyline focuses on Uhtred, A young man struggling to choose between the family that raised him and his noble ancestryA character arc comparable to Jon Snow’s. Every character in The last kingdom Has a real counterpart of history, including Uhtred himself. Although fictional, the fascinating blend of real-life facts and creative ideas makes for a brilliant watch, and each season of The last kingdom is historically accurate to some degree.
The last kingdom Has picturesque cinematography that highlights both the beauty and grittiness of its medieval world
The last kingdom did Picturesque cinematography that highlights both the beauty and grittiness of its medieval world, But it also brings Bernard Cornwell’s series of novels to life. Although it is also full of complex stories and gripping drama, The last kingdom is more condensed and easier to understand than Game of Thrones.
7
Abbott Elementary
A great alternative to: the office
The office is one of the best sitcoms of all time and famously has audiences laughing at the ridiculous antics of the staff at Dunder Mifflin Scranton. The office Coming from the likes of Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, who are also behind other hilarious TV shows like Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn no-noAnd The good site. However, another incredible sitcom currently on the air that is not by the couple is Abbott Elementarywhat does An amazing job with the mockumentary format.
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Abbott Elementary Ticks many boxes that The office does too. Abbott Elementary‘s main relationship storyline, between Janine and Gregory, is very will-they-won’t-they and similar to Jim and Pam, for example. There are also many wild and wacky characters that are ridiculously unpredictableLike Ava, and others who try to keep everyone else in line, like Barbara. The mockumentary format in sitcoms is extremely popular, however Abbott Elementary Takes the concept and refreshes it very well.
6
Bojack Horseman
A great alternative to: Mad Men
Once the famous star of a hit sitcom, BoJack Horseman has fallen on hard times. Stuck in a major career slump and longing to relive his glory days, BoJack attempts to once again become relevant in an industry that has long since turned its back on him. With a few dysfunctional friends by his side, BoJack begins his long overdue career comeback.
- Release date
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August 22, 2014
- Seasons
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6
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Crazy people is led by Jon Hamm’s Don Draper, the creative director of the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency. Draper drinks and smokes non-stop and thrives in his successful career, but he also has a dark past and a reputation for adultery. Crazy people is very drama-focusedBut for those who find the show too serious, a strange but acceptable alternative is the animated Netflix show Bojack Horseman.
At a glance, the two shows don’t seem to be similar, but upon closer inspection, they have a lot in common. Like Draper, BoJack struggles with substance abuse and his fame. Although he loves being the center of attention, he also constantly battles with the effects of his popularity.
BoJack spends a lot of time reflecting on his misdeeds and how he treats people, Especially the women in his life. There are some comparable qualities between Princess Caroline and Crazy peopleIt’s Betty, and she’s not afraid to call out the titular character when needed. Bojack Horseman may be set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, but there are still many parallels between it and Crazy people.
5
Boardwalk Empire
A great alternative to: the wire
Based in Atlantic City in the 1920s and 1930s, Boardwalk Empire follows political heavyweight “Nucky” Thompson as he battles mobsters, politicians, government agents and the common people who look to take him on. Now, with the federal government cracking down on bootlegging and other illegal activities, and everyone looking to take over control of the city, Nucky’s lavish lifestyle is in danger of collapsing.
- Release date
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September 19, 2010
- Seasons
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5
- Directors
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Timothy Van Patten, Allen Coulter
The ruler is a very well-known TV show of recent years and A captivating crime drama following Detective Jimmy McNulty. Jimmy’s ongoing quest to clear the drug-addled streets of Baltimore is engaging and fantastic, even earning the show two Primetime Emmys. There are many TV shows similar to it The rulerBut for those who struggle to get into it, Boardwalk Empire is worth trying.
The show is set in the Prohibition era of the 1920s and focuses on Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a real-life historical figure who rises through the ranks and takes control of Atlantic City. Although The ruler And Boardwalk Empire Don’t share a setting or time, there are similarities between the two. Multiple members of production work on both shows, such as directors Ed Bianchi and Brad Anderson, for example.
in many ways, Boardwalk Empire is the opposite side of The rulers narrative. Boardwalk Empire has amazing dialogue and nail-biting storylines, and it delves into the corruption of government, three elements that are also used to describe The ruler. These two TV shows fascinatingly explore social structures, however Boardwalk Empire Takes on a more villainous side.
4
Dad’s Army
A great alternative to: M*A*S*H
Dad’s Army is a British sitcom set in World War II, following the misadventures of the bumbling Home Guard platoon in the fictional town of Walmington-on-Sea. Led by the self-important Captain Mainwaring, the civilian group faces various comedic challenges and misunderstandings as they prepare for a potential invasion. The show balances humor with a light-hearted portrayal of wartime Britain and features a memorable ensemble cast.
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Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, Arnold Ridley, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Edward Sinclair.
- Release date
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July 31, 1968
- Seasons
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9
- creator(s)
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Jimmy Perry, David Croft
M*A*S*H It may have ended quite a while ago, but it remains one of the best military TV shows ever and a timeless classic. This brilliant comedy is set during the Korean War and is about a group of medical professionals stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Set against the backdrop of wartime, the likes of Hawkeye and BJ stick together through all manner of pain and trauma, but with a significantly comic undertone throughout.
however, M*A*S*H is not the only hilarious war TV show. The British sitcom Dad’s Army Has a very similar story and character. Dad’s Army is set in the midst of World War II and follows a group of soldiers preparing for invasion.
Dad’s Army is definitely more lighthearted than M*A*S*HWhat makes it an ideal candidate is worth checking out, Especially for those who find the hit American show too morbid at times. The letters in Dad’s Army have many wacky adventures and end up in some ridiculous situations, but the core theme of resilience is still prominent throughout, just like M*A*S*H.
3
It’s always sunny in Philadelphia
A great alternative to: Seinfeld
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a sitcom and black comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends who own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.
- Release date
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August 4, 2005
- Seasons
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16
- Directors
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Matt Schackman, Fred Savage, Daniel Atias, Randall Einhorn, Richie Keane, Todd Bierman
Seinfeld is a groundbreaking sitcom and is often considered the best title of the subgenre. The show is one of the biggest to use focus on a group of people, and Seinfelds ensemble cast has created some of the wildest situations in television history. For example, “The Contest” is a groundbreaking sitcom episode because it tackles the taboo subject of masturbation without actually using the word.
Seinfeld has a universal appeal, but for audiences that don’t click with it, It’s always sunny in Philadelphia offers a similar charm, and there are hundreds of episodes to enjoy. It’s always sunny in Philadelphia is essentially an uncensored Seinfeld.
The band in It’s always sunny are baffling people who throw themselves into all kinds of shocking schemes and situations, and they all hype each other up to cause as much chaos as possible. Seinfeld is famously referred to as a show about nothing, and It’s always sunny is the same. The owners of Paddy’s Pub never really change or grow; They are simply wrapped up in their own little world, and they don’t care about anyone but themselves.
2
Scrubs
A great alternative to: Grey’s Anatomy
Scrubs is a sitcom and medical comedy/drama created by Bill Lawrence that follows a group of medical students throughout their daily lives at the Sacred Heart Teaching Hospital. The series stars Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison as they work their way up from medical interns while juggling all sorts of hospital shenanigans.
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John C. McGinley, Robert Maschio, Donald Faison, Christa Miller, Neil Flynn, Judy Reyes, Aloma Wright, Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Sam Lloyd, Ken Jenkins.
- Release date
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October 1, 2001
- Seasons
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9
- Directors
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Bill Lawrence
Gray’s Anatomy is one of the best medical drama TV shows around, which is why it has so many seasons. Gray’s Anatomy is full of intriguing and lovable characters, including Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Alex Karev, and more, all of whom have their respective storylines rife with drama and intense moments.
The sitcom also has its emotional scenes, however Scrubs is typically a humorous take on television shows set in hospitals.
However, it’s not uncommon for viewers to struggle to keep up with all the convoluted storylines or even find out Gray’s Anatomys saddest deaths too hard to watch. ScrubsHowever, is a fantastic, more carefree alternative. The sitcom also has its emotional scenes, however Scrubs is typically a humorous take on television shows set in hospitals. Each of the characters is hysterically funny, but they’re also flawed, which makes it easy to invest in them.
The strong bonds between JD, Turk, Elliot, Carla and Cox are amazing, as are the friendships Gray’s Anatomy Seen in every season. Scrubs Is not afraid to tackle the darker side of medical careBut its story-of-the-week format and use of conventional sitcom tropes make it sound better, and many are excited that a revival is in the works.
1
The leftovers
A great alternative to: lost
The Leftovers is a three-season drama that follows a group of people as they deal with the effects of the sudden disappearance of 2% of the word’s population. It was created by Lost co-producer Damon Lindelof and writer Tom Perrotta, with famous actors such as Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Margaret Qualley and Justin Theroux in the ensemble cast.
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Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Chris Zylka, Margaret Qualley, Carrie Coon, Emily Meade, Amanda Warren, Ann Dowd, Michael Gaston, Max Carver.
- Release date
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June 29, 2014
- Seasons
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3
Despite Losts controversial ending, the TV show is generally considered legendary. Lost Focuses on a group of plane crash survivors on a mysterious island and their attempts to return home, only for a strange supernatural force to stop them at every turn. Lost is a hotbed for TV show theories, but one common criticism is that it is often complicated at times.
Although this is not an issue for everyone, there are examples of other titles that are easier to follow, such as The leftovers. Based on Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name, The leftovers Introduces a world in which 2% of the population has disappeared after an enigmatic global event. like Lost, The leftovers Switches between multiple stories that are connected yet separate.
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The leftovers‘ Characters include Police Chief Kevin, Widow Nora and Reverend Matt, and their respective stories all look at their personal lives as well as the overarching problem. The leftovers Is Co-created by Damon Lindelof, who is also one of the minds behind Lost, So it is guaranteed that Lost‘s famous mind-bending qualities are known in The leftovers.