Only 3 TV Dramas Are Better Than 'The Sopranos'

HBO's acclaimed crime drama is considered one of the greatest shows ever made, but a few other series have surpassed it.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:03pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shards of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey the captivating blend of glamour and grit in prestige television crime dramas.The visual splendor and narrative depth of modern crime dramas elevate the genre beyond its past portrayals.Atlantic City Today

While The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the best modern crime dramas, several other acclaimed shows like Peaky Blinders, Boardwalk Empire, and The Wire have managed to outshine it in various ways. These series have taken the gritty realism and complex character development that defined The Sopranos and elevated it with faster pacing, stunning visuals, and deeper explorations of systemic issues.

Why it matters

The Sopranos set a new standard for prestige television, but its influence has also led to the creation of even more groundbreaking crime dramas that have built upon its foundation. Examining how these shows surpass The Sopranos provides valuable insights into the evolution of the genre and the changing tastes of modern audiences.

The details

Peaky Blinders, the British historical crime drama, offers a more visually stunning and fast-paced take on the mob genre compared to The Sopranos' slower character study. Meanwhile, Boardwalk Empire's focus on the corruption of government officials during Prohibition raises the stakes and expands the scope beyond The Sopranos' suburban New Jersey setting. Finally, The Wire's journalistic approach to exploring the systemic issues plaguing Baltimore provides a more impactful and nuanced portrayal of crime and its societal roots.

  • The Sopranos premiered on HBO in 1999.
  • Peaky Blinders aired from 2013 to 2022.
  • Boardwalk Empire ran from 2010 to 2014.
  • The Wire was on the air from 2002 to 2008.

The players

The Sopranos

HBO's acclaimed crime drama that redefined the genre with its complex portrayal of a New Jersey mob boss.

Peaky Blinders

A British historical crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, featuring the fictional Peaky Blinders gang.

Boardwalk Empire

A period crime drama set in 1920s Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition era, focusing on the corruption of government officials.

The Wire

A critically acclaimed crime drama that explores the systemic issues plaguing the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“While The Sopranos is often considered one of the best modern crime dramas ever, some first-time viewers may find that the pace of the series is a bit of a slow-burn. This is where Peaky Blinders, the famed British historical crime drama created by Steven Knight, shines brightest over its American counterpart.”

— Kareem Gantt, Author

“Boardwalk Empire is a standard-bearer when it comes to period pieces. It doesn't just put 1920s costumes on its cast — it went all out to bring the 1920s Atlantic City to life, from its jaw-dropping set pieces to the CGI that made the world in Boardwalk Empire far more expansive than The Sopranos, which was largely restricted to suburban New Jersey and felt grittier and lived in.”

— Kareem Gantt, Author

“There was nothing surreal about The Wire, which took a more journalistic approach to telling its story about how the broken systems of the city affect its characters. From the corner kids that were victims of a chronically underfunded school system, to politicians who were often corrupt, and a police department that was more interested in chasing stats than solving crime, the series kept a consistent quality that tied everything together, unlike The Sopranos, where its storylines, while good, were oftentimes less-focused.”

— Kareem Gantt, Author

The takeaway

While The Sopranos remains a landmark achievement in television history, the crime drama genre has continued to evolve, with shows like Peaky Blinders, Boardwalk Empire, and The Wire pushing the boundaries of the form and offering fresh perspectives on the complexities of crime, power, and the human condition.