Content Warning: This article contains references to murder, sexual assault, drug misuse, and violence
Apple TV+ series Black Bird has not only a compelling premise but also a talented cast that includes Taron Egerton, Greg Kinnear, and the late Ray Liotta. Fans love the plot, inspired by a true story, and the tough decision one man must make: does he enter a high-security prison to try and charm a confession out of a suspected serial killer in exchange for commuting his entire 10-year sentence, or remain safely in a minimum-security jail for the next decade?
It’s not only about the risk involved but also the guilt of knowing that declining the offer could mean the release of a killer who will strike again. It's the kind of series that would have the viewers on the edge of seats the entire way through, but with only six episodes in the miniseries, chances are fans might be looking for something similar to check out once it’s done.
Mindhunter (2017 - 2019)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Following the similar theme of hunting serial killers, Mindhunter deals with the process of FBI agents and the Behavioral Science Unit trying to understand their motivations and why they commit the crimes they do. Inspired by real stories and characters, including some of the most infamous serial killers, it’s a fascinating look into the mind of a serial killer with plenty of intense dialogue that is similar to that of Black Bird.
The two detectives on the show are inspired by the real team that coined the term “serial killer” back in the late ‘70s. While there’s no time-sensitive plot, the serial killers share interesting similarities with Larry Hall on Black Bird, who, himself, is also based on a real convicted killer.
Sneaky Pete (2015-2019)
Available To Stream On Amazon Prime Video
With a similarly star-studded cast that Black Bird has, which includes Giovanni Ribisi and Bryan Cranston, the latter of whom also co-created the show, Sneaky Pete follows con artist Marius who, after spending years behind bars with Pete and learning every minutia of his childhood, decides to pose as his former cellmate once he’s released. Since Pete’s extended family hasn’t seen him since he was a juvenile, they are quick to believe the mysterious young man, now in his 30s, is actually him.
While Marius (Ribisi), pretending to be Pete (Ethan Embry) initially wants to con the family so he can access their riches, he gets emotionally involved and realizes there’s more to them than meets the eye. This leads to a much bigger web of lies.
Prison Break (2005-2009; 2017)
Available To Stream On Hulu
There’s no length a brother won’t go to save his sibling, and this is put to the test in Prison Break. Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, and Michael (Wentworth Miller) decides to enter the prison himself to help Lincoln escape and clear his name. As fans of Black Bird can tell, there are already similarities between the two shows forming with the lead protagonists' motives.
Interestingly, while the premise sounds like one that couldn’t last beyond a short miniseries, it actually lasted four seasons and was revived for a fifth season thanks to the show’s tremendous popularity. Through its run, there were a lot of unexpected things that happened on Prison Break.
Oz (1997-2003)
Available To Stream On HBO
Oz was a show that followed a unit of a fictional prison, who partook in a social experiment after the unit manager hoped to rehabilitate criminals instead of focus just on punishment. However, after inmates were divided into several social and racial groups, tensions still continued to rise leading to violence and even murder.
The setting for the drama was, similarly to Black Bird, a maximum-security prison where some of the worst criminals, who were convicted of committing especially heinous acts, were being held. The show received positive reviews and lasted a full six seasons.
Buried (2003)
No Streaming Information Available
The British prison drama, Buried, was delivered in just eight parts and focused on the relationships between prisoners and guards in a fictional prison called Her Majesty’s Prison Mandrake (HMP) in England. The main character is Lee, a man who, like Jimmy Keene, is sent to prison for 10 years on firearms-related offenses.
While Jimmy is well-liked in prison due to his charm and intellect, Lee is respected by the other inmates because he was incarcerated after attacking the perpetrator who sexually assaulted his sister. But when his brother, also an inmate, is sent to maximum security, Lee becomes the Top Dog, having to run things on his own.
El Marginal (2016-Present)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Hailing from Argentina, El Marginal focuses on a former police officer who decides to go undercover in prison to infiltrate a gang of prisoners and guards. Like Jimmy, he has a mission while behind bars that he must achieve, and a clock is ticking.
While Jimmy’s goal is to get a confession out of a serial killer and locate the bodies and identities of some victims, Miguel on El Marginal is trying to get information about a young woman who was kidnapped, and who happens to be the daughter of a judge. It's full of intense storylines that will keep viewers glued to their screens for hours.
Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)
Available To Stream On Netflix
One of Netflix’s first original series, Orange is the New Black centers around a women’s prison. The central character is Piper, a young woman who gets caught up in thrills while deep in a relationship with a drug runner, only to find herself sent to prison for her involvement. Each main character had a different prison sentence on Orange is the New Black, with some as long as Jimmy’s.
While it’s as much a comedy as it is a drama whereas Black Bird is all drama and thriller, the shows share the similar setting of a prison and difficult decisions inmates, both guilty and innocent, must make as well as the day-to-day challenges they face.
John Wayne Gacy: Devil In Disguise (2021)
Peacock
A miniseries, John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise is based on the real story of the infamous serial killer. He shares similarities with the purported killer in Black Bird, including eccentric habits and a proclamation of innocence. However, although Gacy tried to deceive everyone with a Jimmy-like, pleasant demeanor, it's not long before his true self is exposed and the viewers learn of the heinous deeds he committed behind closed doors.
While this show is more for true crime enthusiasts, like Black Bird, it provides another look into the mind of a serial killer and warns viewers to be careful of who they talk to or meet in real life.
The Smoke (2014)
No Streaming Information
Another British series, The Smoke interestingly also stars Taron Egerton. He played a rookie firefighter for the White Watch team, and the show followed their adventures as they dealt with difficult calls. It also delved into the personal lives of the characters.
The Smoke also starred Jodie Whittaker, who went on to play The Doctor in Doctor Who. While it only lasted a single season, fans of Egerton and his work might want to check out The Smoke to see his acting range, and a role on the hero end of the scale versus criminal.
Prodigal Son (2019-2021)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
Malcolm Bright is the son of notorious serial killer Martin Whitly, a prominent heart surgeon who believed that the good he did in saving lives negated the many women he murdered in cold blood. While Prodigal Son, one of new shows cancelled in 2021, focuses on the now-adult Malcolm still dealing with the trauma of his childhood, his interactions with Martin and attempts to get into the mind of a serial killer and build trust are similar to Black Bird.
Malcolm works as an FBI profiler studying serial killers, helping him identify them and see things regular detectives might miss. He would be someone who could have helped Jimmy build strategies to get through to Larry, including asking the right questions and following the right approach to build trust.