Let's start with a confession. Despite high ratings and good reviews, MobLand doesn't really appeal to me. The Teflon-like nature of Harry (Tom Hardy) is cringe-worthy to me, up until the final minutes of the first season. That ending(?) was well executed. The leadership of Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and Maeve (Helen Mirren) would be punished and at least contested in any gang. Moreover, any gang leader would feel threatened by such an outstanding fixer like Harry, normally resulting in the death of one of them. I don't even want to talk about the crime and behavior of Eddie (Anson Boon). His behavior, despite being the boss's son, would affect the power dynamics in any gang, except in MobLand. And I haven't even mentioned the improbable murder of two police officers. The manner in which it happens is so implausible that it defies any imagination.
Not every series needs to adhere to reality, but MobLand certainly pushes the boundaries for me. But, as I said, I seem to be one of the few who are bothered by it.
A series that scores very high in depicting reality is the Italian La Piovra (The Octopus). The series aired from 1984 to 2001 for good reason. The focus is not on the mafia itself but on police commissioner Corrado Cattani (Michele Placido). His fight against the mafia is raw, painful, and personal. It realistically shows the violent struggle between the mafia and the judiciary in Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. The car bombs, the corruption, and the battle between both camps are intense, showing how deeply rooted the mafia is in Italy. Attention is given to both sides, adding depth and tension to the story. Later, Corrado disappears from the scene, but even then, La Piovra remains a recommendation. It may be slightly dated in terms of visuals, but it perfectly fits the era in which it is set. The music by Ennio Morricone is also impressive.
Italy is, of course, a cradle for mafia series. Gomorra (2014), including the films, is not to be missed. The internal power struggle is not only fought with rival gangs. There is also a constant internal battle for power. Not every season of the five seasons is equally strong, but it provides a good picture of how things really go. So realistic that the makers of the original film were threatened by the mafia. Other similar series include Corleone (one season), Romanzo Criminale (two seasons), and Suburra (three seasons, with the third season being a bit disappointing. There is also a decent follow-up with Suburræterna).
Italian drama series also regularly show how deeply rooted the mafia is in Italian life. Brilliant series like L'Amica Geniale and La meglio gioventu also have a touch of mafia in them. A series that definitely deserves mention is the fantastic and gripping The Good Mothers. This true story shows the reality for women behind the mafia. It is not a pretty picture and can rightly be called incredibly intense.
ZeroZeroZero (one season) shows how different worlds are interconnected. In Italy, a power struggle rages. In Mexico, a ruthless and indiscriminate battle is ongoing. The violence knows no end and results in many innocent victims. The English-speaking family that has to transport the drugs faces a unique challenge due to all these circumstances. The well-depicted story is based on a book by Roberto Saviano (Gomorra (2014)).
Another TV series that feels like a dramatized documentary is Narcos (three seasons). The story behind the drug lord Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). This also painfully shows that the life of a drug lord is not a bed of roses. Constantly having to watch your back and being afraid of being murdered. The question remains whether the short time of fame and fortune is worth it. Especially knowing that most members never reach this point of power and wealth. The third season shows others filling the gap left by Pablo Escobar after his death.
The successor, Narcos: Mexico, took three seasons to finally ignite in the last season. The Mexican El Chapo also got three seasons to tell his story, which is certainly worth watching, if only because he, partly due to his sons, is still regularly in the news.
Scandinavia also has its classics. They usually approach it slightly differently. Often, gang violence sneaks in casually. It usually involves a police series where gang violence occurs. Moreover, most of these series are linked to character development of the perpetrators. Crimes don't just happen; it often involves people who, for whatever reason, are drawn into 'the world'. Things get intense and hard in Top Dog (two seasons) and Snabba Cash (two seasons). Top Dog is a delight for two seasons. Snabba Cash is especially excellent in the first season. Another series I want to mention is Bedrag (Follow The Money). Only in the third season does a gang play a major role. However, that doesn't mean that the first two seasons aren't interesting. They focus more on environmental crime.
The French are also quite capable in this genre. Especially Braquo (four seasons) is impressive. What stands out is that the gang is a team of police officers. They don't worry too much about the rules and often cross the line. This is accompanied by considerable violence. The first three seasons fly by. The final season faces the same problem as many other concluding seasons. It feels too forced to make much of an impression.
That the French are masters at depicting unrefined violence is also shown by Braqueurs: La série (two seasons). There is enough attention to character development, but the brutal violence ensures it doesn't glamorize crime.
The British also know how to portray gangs. The most important one, in my opinion, is Peaky Blinders (six seasons). This gang, which really existed, is depicted with plenty of imagination. The mix of impressive visuals, great acting, and modern rock music creates a unique experience. Not every season is equally good, but it is truly an ode to the entire genre. It helps that the story takes place in the past (post-World War I period). The suits, the distinctive caps, and the impressive sets capture the atmosphere so well that the small mistakes are quickly forgotten. On March 20, 2026, a film will follow to conclude the series.
Another British recommendation is Kin (2021) (two seasons). The mafia family Kinsella threatens to collapse due to internal scheming and a power struggle with other gangs. It gets so bad that the family receives police protection. That doesn't strengthen your position as a gang in the city. It's striking that the family still moves quite freely through the city afterward, but okay. The result is a tense and intense story that can unfold. The first season is definitely worth it. The series is still ongoing.
The United States also has its own history with gang violence. In terms of TV series, The Sopranos (six seasons) is the absolute recommendation. What makes the series unique is the deeper insight into the psyche of the main character Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini). The way this is done is inventively crafted. Tony goes to a psychologist to vent. The series maintains a relatively light tone despite the violence, manipulation, and power struggles. This is mainly because a lot of attention is paid to the characters. It's good to know that the story still contains several historically accurate elements. Although in a different setting, it helps the series in its credibility.
Another American series with similar characteristics is Sons of Anarchy (seven seasons). Clearly inspired by the larger 1% motorcycle clubs. Although the story often feels quite implausible, it also frequently stays close to the truth (as far as known). The closed community, the camaraderie, the betrayal, the raw treatment of women, and the shared love for motorcycles. The latter, like the clubhouses turned into forts, is a selling point in itself. The interwoven storylines keep you watching. The dynamics between the main characters take care of the rest. The spin-off Mayans MC (2018) (five seasons) follows suit. It's not quite as good as the original, but definitely still worth watching.
Another motorcycle gang series is Gangland Undercover. The series tells the true story of the arrested drug dealer Charles Falco. A mediocre first season is followed by a pretty good second season. Unfortunately, it was too late, as the series was then canceled.
Knowing that my list is far from complete, I will end this column here. What is clear is that gangs, in any form, captivate our attention. It is exciting, entertaining, and terrible at the same time. The allure is great, and the reasons for watching these series will differ for everyone. Hopefully, this column provides new inspiration. For the series, that is, not for the lifestyle depicted ;)
