The first season of “Stranger Things” was well-paced and never felt rushed. Each episode unraveled like a chapter from the novel, with a steady core and good amount of story progression. ..
If you’ve finished this one and are looking for something similar, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing options. ..
The similarities between these two articles are that they both focus on the life of a single mother. They also both mention the importance of family. However, the main difference between these two pieces is that one focuses on the struggles and joys of being a single mother while the other focuses on the struggles and joys of being a family member.
We’ve added a link to our full thoughts on that series so you can check it out and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
- The Crown
- Stranger Things
- Game of Thrones
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Westworld
- Black Mirror
- The Office (U.S.)
- Parks and Recreation
- Veep 10 . Arrested Development ..
The Blacklist (2013 – present)
Similarities – Drama
The Blacklist is one of the most popular shows on television, and it’s no wonder. It has a great central story, with a strong subplot about the personal life of its protagonists. The show also features a great chemistry between its two main characters, David Spader and Raymond Reddington. The Old Man has both of these elements and the chemistry that Reddington and Keen share is similar to that of Dan and Emily. This show will continue to be popular for many years to come.
The showrunners of “The Blacklist” have been given the freedom to adjust and recalibrate the core plot as and when the space for story progression is adjusted through the episodes. This gives the show a somewhat skewed plotline, spanning various criminals who are covered in Reddington’s list. ..
The Americans (2013 – 2018)
Similarities – Action & Spies
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys were the perfect choice to play Soviet spies in The Americans. They had the perfect chemistry as KGB officers and their characters were very believable. The show was also very popular for many years, which is probably because it was well-made and well-acted.
The FX drama “The Americans” features a full-blown element of family. While it certainly complicates the structure of the story, it nonetheless adds emotional depth. Quite strangely, it adds a winning quality to the fight for survival whenever the spies manage to come out on top in tough situations. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys just simply make for the best pairing when it comes to husband and wife trying not to look like a pair but being one. ..
Quarry (2015)
Similarities – Noir elements
There haven’t been quite meaty noir television shows like Quarry in recent past. Although the genre is indeed very difficult to adapt for television, it does not mean the task shouldn’t be attempted. Quarry takes the challenge head-on and manages to give us a satisfactory conclusion. This again ran for only one season but the experience is worthy enough to give it a try.
The Old Man is a gripping, suspenseful story of isolation and self-discovery. The slow-burn buildup with immense character development and a steely plot reminds one instantly of The Old Man. There is an intriguing sense of isolation in the writing that places the protagonist Lloyd (Logan Marshall-Green) in a treacherous position. It raises the stakes to a breathtaking level from where there is no return point, just like in The Old Man. Lloyd must take the plunge to bring himself out of this difficult moment.
Barry (2018 – present)
Similarities – Action & Unpredictability
Barry is a show that is similar to The Old Man in that it is an introspective show about a serial killer who has changed for the better after meeting a girl. However, the third season of Barry is more focused on exploring altruistic ideas and the game of cat and mouse between Barry and Dan. This game does not seem to be going well for either character.
The third season of Barry was a special one. It marked the series’ foray into a different territory that didn’t feel too familiar for how well the creators managed to pivot. The introduction of this idea of religious penance and existential questions about Barry’s life gave the season a very refined touch. These decisions only started to work well after Hader and Berg decided to re-embrace the old sensibilities of dark comedy that made the show so watchable in the first place.
Lovecraft Country (2016)
Similarities – Story
Lovecraft Country is a show about a father who travels across America to find answers about his father’s disappearance. The show is stylistically and figuratively similar to the novel “The Old Man and the Gun” by Matt Ruff, which was published in 2016. Jonathan Majors stars as Atticus, and he brings the legend of HP Lovecraft’s city of Arkham to life on screen. ..
Tehran (2020 – present)
Similarities – Action & Tension
Fans of the popular Israeli espionage show " Tehran" are already clamoring for a second season to air. The show has been popular among Iranians for two seasons now and the demand is only increasing. Tehran tells the story of a Mossad agent embarking on a vital national mission for Israel, which is constantly in danger of being derailed by cross-border politics. Tamar must also deal with conflicts in her own life that threaten to derail the fortunes of her country.
The Tehran plot is constantly moving and has a dynamically moving plot with topsy-turvy turns. The sense of anticipation comes from the unknown dangers awaiting the agent, with the added element of uncertainty and mistrust.
The pathogen of the latter is a common thread that binds these two shows. It also has the singular power to infuse the storylines with such fleeting permanence that the shapes shift and change colors almost every hour. Tehran will most probably be renewed for more seasons, if the creative talents deem their material sufficient to last that long. Good time for you to catch up with the story until that point and pick up from the new seasons.
Deutschland 83 (2015)
Similarities – Action
Unfortunately, Deutschland 83 only ran for one solitary season and didn’t come back for a second. But, follow-up sequels did come out post ’83 with different timelines and the same characters. The German show was the first of its kind to air on an American network and for good reason. The main USP for it was the thoroughly entertaining manner in which the story unfolds in an era that is intriguing enough on its own to get you hooked. The events happen for the Berlin wall fell, tying up many different avenues in the bustling city of Berlin and the German lands. Jonas Ray’s Martin Rauch is extremely comparable with the younger Dan Chase from The Old Man.
The two protagonists in the series are two young adults who are struggling to keep their sanity in a world that is rapidly going mad. If you look closely at their circumstances, you will see how they have both had to grow up quickly in order to survive. The series shares common genre elements with The Old Man, so if you liked that movie, you will probably enjoy this one as well. ..
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
Similarities – Cat & Mouse Chase
The Man from UNCLE is a classic spy movie that has been popular for many years. It tells the story of a man named George Smiley, who is working for the British intelligence service. He is sent to help investigate a crime in America, and he soon realizes that he has to be very careful about what he says and does. The story is very exciting, and it is sure to make you feel very excited when you see it.
The Old Man was a spiritual successor to TTSS, which ran for one season before being renewed for Guinness’ character later on. It is even rumored that Le Carre, on whose work the show is based, helped Guinness meet up with a real spy to prepare for his role.
The novel’s length and the television adaptation’s focus on character development make for a unique experience. If you loved the movie, this show will blow your mind.
Mr. Mercedes
Similarities – Cat & Mouse Chase
The Mercedes series is well-crafted and enjoyable, even if it can be a little slow paced at the halfway point.
Brady and Hodges are two excellent lead characters in this crime-solving story. The story is well worth checking out because of their strong chemistry.
The opening of Mr Mercedes is shocking and gut-wrenching. It immediately sets the tone and mood for the novel, giving it a no-holds-barred feel. ..
Two years have passed since the Mercedes case left Bill with a lasting reminder of what could have been. A strange message on his computer has kept him on the case, but he’s not sure who is behind it. As he and Brady try to figure out who sent the message, they face danger at every turn. The game of cat and mouse has become a dangerous one for both men, as they race to catch their quarry before it can take them down.
Our thoughts on the novel Mr Mercedes are available in our full season reviews. ..
The Terminal List
Similarities – Revenge & Action
The Terminal List is a sure-fire hit. The action is high-octane and the twists and turns are sure to keep you guessing. Although we weren’t a big fan of this one, fans have undoubtedly rallied around it and it’s easy to see why.
James Reece was a Navy SEAL officer who served in Afghanistan. On a secret mission, his team was killed and he was left behind. He has to find his way back to the safety of the United States and face the consequences for his actions.
With the plan a bust, the soldiers head back to US soil and are debriefed. Mourning the loss of their brothers, Reece soon finds that the war has followed them home.
Reece quickly realizes that there’s a conspiracy going on all the way up the chain of command. Naturally, Reece begins to investigate further, setting up a kill list as he begins going after those responsible.
- The Good Place
- Lethal Weapon
- The Office
- Arrested Development
- The Mindy Project
- Veep
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Louie
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Master of None
Our picks for the best summer reads are just the beginning! Let us know in the comments below what books you’re looking forward to reading this season. ..
