15 TV Shows to Watch If You Love Power
The crime drama Power has captivated viewers with its exploration of ambition, morality, and the gritty underbelly of power. At its center is James St. Patrick, aka Ghost, portrayed by Omari Hardwick. Ghost embodies the conflict of living a double life as both a successful nightclub owner and a powerful drug dealer seeking to leave behind his criminal past. If you find yourself hooked on Power and are eager for more, you’re in luck. Here are 15 television shows that capture similar themes and complexities.
Breaking Bad: This iconic series is often hailed as one of the greatest television shows ever. It tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher whose cancer diagnosis pushes him into the drug trade to secure his family’s future. As he transforms into the ruthless drug lord Heisenberg, viewers see parallels between him and Ghost. Both characters grapple with their choices and the darkness that envelops their lives, making for a gripping watch.
Empire: Think of Empire as a musical counterpart to Game of Thrones. Lucious Lyon, played by Terrence Howard, is a music industry mogul on the brink of death who must choose his successor from his three sons. The struggle for power within the Lyon family mirrors the intense dynamics seen in Power, with the inevitability of corruption in the pursuit of control.
Gangs of London: Created by Gareth Evans, this series thrusts viewers into a violent world of rival gangs. Following the murder of a crime boss, chaos erupts as his son seeks to reclaim power. Like Power, Gangs of London highlights the brutal reality of gang dynamics and the shifting allegiances that dictate survival in the criminal underworld.
Sons of Anarchy: This show revolves around an outlaw motorcycle club and its complicated leader, Jax Teller. Jax faces continuous moral dilemmas that echo the struggles of Ghost in Power. Both characters are driven by loyalty and ambition, often making choices that keep them ensnared in lives far from ideal.
Snowfall: Set against the backdrop of the 1980s drug epidemic in Los Angeles, Snowfall tells the story of Franklin Saint, a young man who rises from humble beginnings to become a drug lord. His journey is reminiscent of Ghost’s, capturing the ambition and the personal toll of navigating the drug world.
Godfather of Harlem: Chronicling the life of gangster Bumpy Johnson in 1960s Harlem, this series features a power struggle that resonates with the themes seen in Power. Bumpy’s quest to reclaim his community from the Genovese crime family reveals how alliances and rivalries shape the criminal landscape.
The Penguin: This spin-off from The Batman focuses on Oswald Cobblepot as he seeks to dominate Gotham’s crime scene. His journey shares similarities with Ghost’s, as both men operate nightclubs as covers for their illicit activities while treading the fine line of loyalty and ruthlessness.
Top Boy: This British crime drama examines the harsh realities of drug dealing in a housing estate. Dushane and Sully navigate the pitfalls of their choices, reflecting the moral complexities that Power fans may appreciate. Both series provide authentic portrayals of how crime impacts lives and communities.
The Sopranos: Often regarded as a landmark in television history, this show follows mob boss Tony Soprano as he balances his family life with his role in organized crime. The moral ambiguity and character depth are strikingly similar to what viewers encounter in Power, emphasizing the struggles of being an antihero.
Narcos: This gripping series chronicles the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, highlighting the intricate web of the drug trade. Like Power, Narcos delves into the lives of morally gray characters whose choices often lead to devastating consequences for themselves and their communities.
Ozark: In this Netflix hit, financial planner Marty Byrde relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. As the stakes rise, the tension keeps viewers on edge, much like the suspenseful twists found in Power. Marty’s navigation of danger and deception is a thrilling parallel to Ghost’s struggles.
Ray Donovan: This series features Liev Schreiber as a fixer for Hollywood’s elite, cleaning up their messes while grappling with his personal demons. The character’s complexity and the exploration of moral ambiguity echo the themes found in Power, presenting a flawed yet compelling antihero.
The Wire: This critically acclaimed series offers a profound exploration of the drug trade in Baltimore, showcasing the interconnectedness of various societal institutions. Its nuanced storytelling and richly developed characters have influenced many series, including Power. Both shows challenge viewers to consider the broader implications of crime in society.
Animal Kingdom: At its core, this show is about family loyalty and the criminal activities that envelop it. Following the Cody family, the series captures the chaos that crime generates, drawing parallels to the familial conflicts in Power. Both explore how the allure of a criminal life can consume individuals and their loved ones.
We Own This City: This miniseries takes a raw look at police corruption and accountability within the Baltimore Police Department. Its unflinching portrayal of moral conflicts mirrors the complexities faced in Power, as both challenge notions of right and wrong, urging viewers to question the integrity of those in power.
These series offer a deep dive into the same themes of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of power that have made Power a standout success. Whether you’re seeking thrilling narratives, morally complex characters, or gripping drama, these shows are sure to satisfy your craving for more.
