The small screen has a long history of portraying crime as attractive and profitable, despite the dangers that accompany it. From rule-bending law agents to small-time criminals building an empire or bosses struggling to keep control, rooting for the “bad guy” can sometimes be fun. Here are some of the best series that prove that sometimes, crime does pay:
Narcos
Narcos follows DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña and their fight to bring down drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. From small-time criminal to one of the most ruthless crime bosses in history, Escobar is both saviour and terror to his people.
While the series focuses on the downfall of the leader of the infamous Madellin Cartel, it also showcases his influence, power and riches. After his death, the DEA ultimately shifts their attention to the Cali Cartel, who take up the mantle as the world’s leading cocaine distributors.
Ozark
A money launderer for a drug cartel, Marty Byrde navigates life, rival criminals and local politics in the Lake of the Ozarks. In the aftermath of a scheme gone wrong, he sets out to improve the Cartel’s reach by laundering money through local businesses.
As the series progresses, the Brydes gradually lose morality and descend to low depths to protect themselves and their business. The constant run-ins with the authorities, Cartel representatives and local criminals create a high-stakes environment.
The Godfather of Harlem
After serving over a decade in prison, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson returns to his old neighbourhood and looks to reclaim his power. Bumpy must go against the Genovese crime family, who now reign supreme as the main crime power in the region.
Based on a real-life crime boss, the series features prominent historical figures like Malcolm X, who figure in Bumpy’s plans. As the series progresses, he gradually delves deeper into crime and improves his hold on the neighbourhood.
Peaky Blinders
Welcome to Small Heath, Birmingham, home of the Peaky Blinders and their charismatic leader, Thomas Shelby. Based on a real-life gang from the early 1,900s, the series follows their rise from a backwater association to one of the most notorious organisations in England.
The Peaky Blinders dabble in all kinds of crime, from gambling to bootlegging and smuggling, provided money is involved. Over six seasons, the levels of crime rise, even reaching the House of Parliament, and featuring key members of the Government.
Breaking Bad
The series follows a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, in the aftermath of his cancer diagnosis. Realising his days are limited, he teams up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, a small-time drug dealer seeking to make fast money.
Walter takes his knowledge of chemistry and high IQ to the streets, becoming the drug kingpin Heisenberg, and building a lucrative criminal empire. As the series progresses, he faces threats from the authorities and cartels, all while masquerading as a consultant for his brother-in-law, a DEA agent.
The Sopranos
Tony Soprano is a New Jersey mob boss leading the DiMeo crime family while balancing his home life and dealing with the cost of his morals, or lack thereof. To help with his panic attacks, he turns to therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, keeping the actual nature of his job a secret.
Every day life for the Sopranos includes clashes with rival gangs, betrayals within the gang, and FBI investigations. Despite it all, Tony still manages to run one of the largest and most successful crime dynasties in the country.
The Blacklist
Join international criminal mastermind and fixer, Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington, as he helps the FBI take down some of the most notorious criminals in the world. Who can forget, in communicating with the FBI, Mr. Reddington has only one rule: “I speak only with Elizabeth Keen”.
Despite being the FBI’s most wanted man, Red can negotiate an immunity package that sees him serve as an informant. As the series progresses, he uses the FBI to eliminate his competition and locate other criminals who can add value to his organisation, further expanding his criminal empire.
La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
Criminal mastermind “The Professor” puts together a team with the intent of pulling off the greatest robbery in history. As the plan involves being stuck in Spain’s Royal Mint for days, the criminals are forced to deal with personal relationships, tension and betrayal.
As the robbery unfolds, the Professor engages in a cat-and-mouse game with the lead negotiator, Inspector Raquel Murillo. While some of the criminals lose their lives during the ordeal, those who survive pull off the plan, making millions.
