WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Peaky Blinders
From Birmingham to Gotham: Four Crime Dramas Every Peaky Blinders Fan Must Watch
If you’re craving the razor‑sharp tension of Peaky Blinders, look no further than this quartet of crime‑laden series. From the brand‑new menace of The Penguin, through the opulent Prohibition‑era machinations of Boardwalk Empire, the modern London hustle of Top Boy, to the fog‑filled streets of Victorian Ripper Street, each title brings a distinct flavor while staying true to the gritty ambition that defines the Shelby saga.
Together they map a spectrum of criminal storytelling: a fresh entry that pushes the genre into comic‑book territory, a critically lauded period epic that mirrors the historical depth of Birmingham’s post‑war turmoil, a contemporary urban drama that hits the same emotional chords of loyalty and rivalry, and a timeless classic that proves the allure of law‑breakers never fades. Whether you’re after new blood, a beloved classic, or the perfect thematic match, this lineup promises the same intoxicating mix of power, betrayal, and style that made Peaky Blinders a cultural phenomenon.
Why these shows are similar to Peaky Blinders
A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world.
These recommendations branch out from Peaky Blinders with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
The Penguin
TV • 2024
drama • crime
Why Watch Next
The Penguin offers a brand‑new, gritty underworld saga that mirrors Peaky Blinders' blend of organized crime and family ambition, delivering the same high‑stakes power struggles in a modern superhero‑adjacent setting.
Overview
With the city in peril following the seawall's collapse, Oswald "Oz" Cobb seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the death of Carmine Falcone and finally give his mother Francis the life he's always promised. But first, Oz must confront his enemies and his own demoralizing reputation as "the Penguin."
Boardwalk Empire
TV • 2010
crime • drama
Why Watch Next
Boardwalk Empire captures the historic gangster vibe of Peaky Blinders with its lavish period detail and political intrigue, making it a fan‑favorite for viewers who love epic crime dramas set against a transformative era.
Overview
Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition is a place where the rules don't apply. And the man who runs things -- legally and otherwise -- is the town's treasurer, Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, who is equal parts politician and gangster.
Top Boy
TV • 2019
crime • drama • action_adventure
Why Watch Next
Top Boy delivers the closest thematic match, transporting the raw, street‑level power battles to contemporary London, where loyalty, betrayal, and survival echo the Shelby family’s world.
Overview
Two seasoned drug dealers return to the gritty street of London, but their pursuit of money and power is threatened by a young and ruthless hustler.
Ripper Street
TV • 2012
drama • mystery • crime
Why Watch Next
Ripper Street provides a timeless, atmospheric crime drama that never disappoints, offering fans of Peaky Blinders a historic backdrop and relentless detective work that feels both familiar and fresh.
Overview
A drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Peaky Blinders
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Peaky Blinders.
The Great Train Robbery
TV • 2013
Why It’s Relevant
This gritty drama about a historic train robbery shares Peaky Blinders' period British setting and criminal underworld tone, offering a similarly intense, atmospheric experience.
