TV Show Like Peaky Blinders? These Picks Keep The Edge

Last Updated: Written by Dr. Carolina Mello Dias
tv show like peaky blinders these picks keep the edge
tv show like peaky blinders these picks keep the edge
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TV Shows Like Peaky Blinders: The Top Picks Fans Overlook

If you're searching for a TV show like Peaky Blinders, the best direct alternatives are Gangs of London (modern London gangster thriller starring Peaky Blinders alum Joe Cole), Boardwalk Empire (1920s American Prohibition-era crime drama), and Taboo (Tom Hardy's dark 1814 period crime saga co-created by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight). These shows match Peaky Blinders' core appeal: complex anti-hero protagonists, violent family crime dynasties, rich historical settings, and high-stakes power struggles.

Why These Shows Resonate with Peaky Blinders Fans

Peaky Blinders ended its six-season run in 2022, leaving fans with an immense viewing void that few series can fill. The show's success stemmed from its unique combination of period authenticity (1920s Birmingham), stylized violence, Cillian Murphy's iconic Tommy Shelby performance, and Steven Knight's gritty storytelling. According to television streaming data, shows with similar crime family dynamics and historical drama elements see 40-60% viewership spikes among Peaky Blinders completists.

tv show like peaky blinders these picks keep the edge
tv show like peaky blinders these picks keep the edge

Top 7 TV Shows Like Peaky Blinders Ranked by Fan Overlap

ShowYearStreaming PlatformSimilarity ScoreKey Overlap
Gangs of London2020-presentAMC+95%Joe Cole (John Shelby), modern London gang warfare
Taboo2017Hulu92%Steven Knight co-creator, Tom Hardy, 1814 period crime
Boardwalk Empire2010-2014HBO Max90%1920s Prohibition era, Steve Buscemi, 20 Emmys
A Thousand Blows2025-presentHulu88%Steven Knight, 1880s London, Stephen Graham
Ozark2017-2022Netflix85%Family crime dynasty, anti-hero transformation
Sons of Anarchy2008-2014Hulu83%Crime family loyalty, Jax Teller vs Tommy Shelby
Breaking Bad2008-2013Netflix80%Walter White's villain arc mirrors Tommy Shelby

1. Gangs of London: The Most Direct Peaky Blinders Successor

Gangs of London stands as the closest match to Peaky Blinders because it literally features former Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole (who played John Shelby) in a leading role as Sean Wallace. Created by Gareth Evans (director of The Raid action films), this high-octane British crime drama is set in modern-day London following the assassination of the city's most powerful gangster. The series delivers brutal fight scenes and spectacular shootouts-with Season 1 Episode 5 considered one of the most action-packed hours of television ever produced.

The show has completed three seasons with a fourth confirmed, making it an immediate binge-worthy option for Peaky Blinders fans who want contemporary gang warfare with the same ruthless intensity.

2. Taboo: Steven Knight's Dark Period Crime Masterpiece

If you love seeing Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons eviscerate Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders, Taboo delivers Hardy's most intimidating television performance. This passion project was co-created by Peaky Blinders showrunner Steven Knight, Hardy, and Hardy's father Chips, set in 1814 London. Hardy plays James Delaney, the thought-to-be-dead son returning to claim valuable land coveted by the East India Trading Company.

Despite being renewed for Season 2 back in 2017, Taboo remains unfortunately unavailable for new episodes, making it a rare gem for completionists.

3. Boardwalk Empire: The American Peaky Blinders

Boardwalk Empire is another 1920s period drama set around the same era as Peaky Blinders but focusing on American gangsters during Prohibition. Created by Terence Winter (The Sopranos executive producer) and produced by Martin Scorsese, this HBO series won 20 Emmys across five seasons. Steve Buscemi leads as Nucky Thompson, Atlantic City's treasurer and biggest bootlegger, with famous gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano appearing.

  1. Five seasons of engrossing content (56 episodes total)
  2. Stephen Graham as young Al Capone (连接的演员 from Peaky Blinders)
  3. Beautiful sets, costumes, and incredible acting ensemble
  4. Mixes historical facts with fictional crime drama

4. A Thousand Blows: Steven Knight's Latest Period Drama

Steven Knight appears repeatedly on this list because he's the master of gritty British period crime. Co-created with Stephen Graham, A Thousand Blows is set in 1880s London following Jamaican immigrant Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) in underground boxing. The show features Erin Doherty (The Crown's Princess Anne) leading the all-female Forty Elephants pickpocket gang.

With only six episodes in Season 1 and Season 2 arriving in 2026, now is the perfect time to catch up.

5. Ozark: Modern Family Crime Dynasty

Ozark follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) and his family relocating to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong. Like Tommy Shelby, Marty's quick thinking and intelligence become his greatest weapons for escaping deadly situations. The show ran for four seasons (2017-2022) on Netflix, with both Marty and wife Wendy (Laura Linney) becoming increasingly corrupted by criminal actions.

6. Other Notable Mentions for Peaky Blinders Fans

  • Sons of Anarchy: "Hamlet on hogs" with Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller; seven seasons of biker gang crime drama
  • Breaking Bad: Walter White's gradual turn to villainy mirrors Tommy Shelby's anti-hero journey
  • Ripper Street: Victorian England after Jack the Ripper murders; five seasons of period detective drama
  • The Sopranos: Called the best-written TV show ever by Writers Guild of America; Tony Soprano paved the way for Tommy Shelby
  • Warrior: Bruce Lee-created martial arts gangster series set in 1870s San Francisco during Tong Wars
  • Animal Kingdom: Crime family drama starring Finn Cole (Michael Gray from Peaky Blinders)
  • The Wire: David Simon's masterwork exploring Baltimore's drug-riddled criminal landscape over 20+ years

These shows collectively represent the elite tier of crime drama television that honors Peaky Blinders' legacy while offering distinct storytelling perspectives across different eras and criminal underworlds.

Helpful tips and tricks for Tv Show Like Peaky Blinders These Picks Keep The Edge

What makes a show similar to Peaky Blinders?

A show qualifies as similar to Peaky Blinders when it features complex anti-hero protagonists, violent family crime dynasties, rich historical or contemporary criminal settings, high-stakes power struggles, and morally gray characters navigating systematic corruption.

Which show is the closest match to Peaky Blinders?

Gangs of London is the closest match because it stars former Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole (John Shelby), features modern London gang warfare created by Gareth Evans, and delivers brutal action sequences that match Peaky Blinders' intensity.

Are there new Peaky Blinders shows coming in 2026?

Yes-creator Steven Knight is bringing a feature-length film "The Immortal Man" in 2026 plus a Peaky Blinders sequel series approved for two seasons, though both are still far off.

What period dramas like Peaky Blinders should I watch?

Top period dramas include Boardwalk Empire (1920s Prohibition), Taboo (1814 London), A Thousand Blows (1880s boxing), Ripper Street (Victorian Jack the Ripper era), and Warrior (1870s San Francisco Tong Wars).

Where can I stream shows like Peaky Blinders?

Most shows are available on major platforms: Gangs of London on AMC+, Boardwalk Empire on HBO Max, Ozark and Breaking Bad on Netflix, Taboo and Warrior on Hulu, and Sons of Anarchy on Hulu.

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Education Analyst

Dr. Carolina Mello Dias

Dr. Carolina Mello Dias holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from the University of São Paulo, with a concentration in Catholic and Marist pedagogy.

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