Top Boy is a critically acclaimed British television show that has taken the world by storm with its gripping storyline and stellar performances. The show follows the lives of drug dealers, gang members, and residents of a housing estate in East London as they navigate the dangerous and often violent world of drugs and crime. With its raw and realistic portrayal of urban life in the UK, Top Boy has garnered a huge fan base and has even been compared to the hit American show, The Wire.
If you’re a fan of Top Boy and are looking for similar shows to binge-watch, look no further! There are plenty of UK shows that capture the same gritty and intense vibe as Top Boy. From crime dramas to thrillers, here are some shows that are sure to satisfy your appetite for gripping television.
1. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series that follows the Shelby crime family in the aftermath of World War I. Set in Birmingham, the show centers around the ambitious and ruthless gang leader, Tommy Shelby, as he navigates the criminal underworld. The show has received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and stylish cinematography.
2. Line of Duty
Line of Duty is a police procedural drama series that follows the investigations of AC-12, a unit dedicated to uncovering corruption within the police force. The show has been praised for its gripping storylines, complex characters, and intense interrogation scenes.
3. Luther
Luther is a British psychological crime drama series that follows DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective who is known for his unorthodox methods. The show has been lauded for its intense and suspenseful storytelling, as well as Idris Elba’s powerful performance as the titular character.
4. Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a British crime drama series that follows the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town. The show explores the impact of the crime on the town’s residents and delves into the complexities of human relationships. Broadchurch has been praised for its emotional depth, strong performances, and stunning cinematography.
5. The Fall
The Fall is a British-Irish crime drama series that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer, played by Jamie Dornan, and the detective, played by Gillian Anderson, tasked with capturing him. The show has been praised for its chilling atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, and strong performances.
6. Happy Valley
Happy Valley is a British crime drama series that follows Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant in a small town, as she investigates a kidnapping that hits close to home. The show has been praised for its gritty realism, complex characters, and powerful performances, particularly by Sarah Lancashire in the lead role.
7. The Night Manager
The Night Manager is a British-American television miniseries based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré. The show follows Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier turned hotel night manager, as he infiltrates the inner circle of an international arms dealer. The show has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling, stylish direction, and stellar performances by Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie.
8. Taboo
Taboo is a British television drama series created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and his father, Chips Hardy. The show follows James Keziah Delaney, played by Tom Hardy, a man who returns to London after spending years in Africa and sets out to reclaim his family’s shipping empire. Taboo has been praised for its dark and atmospheric storytelling, as well as Tom Hardy’s mesmerizing performance in the lead role.
9. Gangs of London
Gangs of London is a British crime drama series that follows the power struggles between various criminal organizations in London after the assassination of a powerful crime lord. The show has been praised for its brutal action sequences, intricate plotting, and compelling characters.
10. The Capture
The Capture is a British mystery thriller series that follows Shaun Emery, a soldier accused of murder, as he tries to clear his name with the help of detective Rachel Carey. The show has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and strong performances by Holliday Grainger and Callum Turner.
11. McMafia
McMafia is a British crime drama series inspired by Misha Glenny’s non-fiction book of the same name. The show follows Alex Godman, the son of a Russian mafia boss, as he tries to escape his family’s criminal past and build a legitimate business empire. McMafia has been praised for its global scope, intricate storytelling, and strong performances by James Norton and Juliet Rylance.
12. Bodyguard
Bodyguard is a British political thriller series that follows David Budd, a war veteran turned police officer assigned to protect the Home Secretary, played by Keeley Hawes. The show has been praised for its tense and suspenseful storytelling, as well as Richard Madden’s gripping performance in the lead role.
13. The Salisbury Poisonings
The Salisbury Poisonings is a British drama series based on the true events of the 2018 Novichok poisonings in Salisbury, England. The show follows the response of local authorities and emergency services to the nerve agent attack, as well as the impact on the residents of the town. The Salisbury Poisonings has been praised for its realistic portrayal of a national crisis, as well as the powerful performances by Anne-Marie Duff and Rafe Spall.
If you’re a fan of Top Boy, these UK shows are sure to keep you entertained with their intense storylines, complex characters, and stellar performances. Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty crime drama or a suspenseful thriller, there’s something for everyone in the world of British television.
Common Questions:
1. Where can I watch UK shows like Top Boy?
You can watch UK shows like Top Boy on streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
2. Are there any other UK crime dramas similar to Top Boy?
Yes, there are plenty of UK crime dramas that capture the same gritty and intense vibe as Top Boy, such as Peaky Blinders, Line of Duty, and Luther.
3. What makes Top Boy stand out from other UK shows?
Top Boy stands out for its raw and realistic portrayal of urban life in East London, as well as its strong performances by the cast.
4. Are there any UK shows with diverse casts and storylines?
Yes, many UK shows feature diverse casts and storylines that reflect the multicultural society of the country, such as Gangs of London and The Night Manager.
5. Are there any UK shows with strong female leads?
Yes, shows like Happy Valley and Broadchurch feature strong female leads who drive the story forward with their compelling performances.
6. Are there any UK shows based on true events?
Yes, shows like The Salisbury Poisonings are based on true events and offer a realistic portrayal of historical events in the UK.
7. What are some UK shows with a political thriller element?
Bodyguard is a UK political thriller series that follows the tense and suspenseful story of a war veteran assigned to protect a high-ranking government official.
8. Are there any UK shows with international crime elements?
McMafia is a UK crime drama series that explores the global reach of organized crime and the challenges faced by a man trying to escape his family’s criminal past.
9. Are there any UK shows with a focus on police corruption?
Line of Duty is a UK police procedural drama series that follows the investigations of a unit dedicated to uncovering corruption within the police force.
10. What are some UK shows with a focus on family dynamics?
Peaky Blinders is a UK crime drama series that follows the Shelby crime family and explores the dynamics of power and loyalty within the family.
11. Are there any UK shows with a psychological thriller element?
The Fall is a UK-Irish crime drama series that follows the intense cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer and the detective tasked with capturing him.
12. What are some UK shows with a focus on social issues?
Happy Valley is a UK crime drama series that delves into the impact of crime on a small town and explores complex social issues such as poverty and addiction.
13. Are there any UK shows with a focus on redemption and revenge?
Taboo is a UK television drama series that follows a man’s quest for revenge and redemption as he returns to London to reclaim his family’s shipping empire.
14. What are some UK shows with a focus on espionage and international intrigue?
The Night Manager is a UK-American miniseries based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré and follows a man’s infiltration of an international arms dealing network.
In conclusion, UK shows like Top Boy offer a diverse range of genres and themes that cater to a wide audience. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, thrillers, or political thrillers, there’s something for everyone in the world of British television. So grab your popcorn and settle in for a binge-watch session of these gripping and intense UK shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.