7 Smart TV Shows with Writing as Great as Breaking Bad
Number 5 might surprise you – but it’s a must-see.
Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. And much of its success is down to the fantastic writing.
If you've watched Breaking Bad more than once and are looking for some other shows with equally great writing, check out this bunch:
1. The Wire
A police procedural with a difference. The Wire explores various aspects of crime and the law in Baltimore. It's probably the most realistic procedural on television, written for authenticity with many characters inspired by real Baltimore residents.
2. After Life
Written by and starring Ricky Gervais, After Life follows Tony Johnson (Gervais), a widower and local newspaper journalist. Following the death of his wife from cancer, Tony is depressed and feels he has nothing to live for. It's a comedy show that tackles big issues like suicide and heavy drinking in a sensitive way.
3. Ted Lasso
An American takes over a fictional Premier League club, with hilarious consequences. On the surface, this might seem like your average comedy. But it's the (almost) realistic characters and great dialogue that make this show as touching as it is funny. And it's very funny.
4. Black Sails
A hard-hitting and gritty look at the so-called golden age of piracy. Described as a prequel to Treasure Island, this is no children's show. It explores the best and worst of humanity in a lawless place where anything goes and there is a constant battle for supremacy.
5. The Detectorists
This is a gentle show, like a hot cup of tea on a Sunday evening. It follows Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) as they pursue their passion for metal detecting while living ordinary lives. It's beautifully written and is for anyone who lives a relatively mundane life but has something they simply love.
6. Inside Man
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The premise of the show is the belief of a convicted murderer (Stanley Tucci) on death row in America that everyone is a murderer - they just need the right circumstances. A strange concept, eh? But on the other side of the Atlantic, a vicar (David Tennant) tries to hide the truth and finds himself going down that very road. How far will he go?
7. The Sopranos
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The late James Gandolfini plays wannabe mob boss Tony Soprano. A family man as well as a narcissist and gangster, Tony believes he's ready to become the boss. But life is never easy. And with family complications and health issues, his road to the top is anything but easy. It's dark, violent and X-rated. But it's great.