Big fans of Ozark are in search of the next big show after the series finale. Thankfully, there are plenty of shows out there that have similarities to the Netflix drama, as well as some featuring the same talent.
Updated on May 8th, 2022 by Danielle Bruncati: After four dramatic seasons, Netflix's hit crime drama Ozark has finally come to an end. While some fans found the ending satisfying, others were left with less closure and more questions than ever before. However, the biggest crime of all is that fans of the crime drama now have to find something else to bid their time since the series is officially over. Luckily, there are several shows that are similar in themes and tones that'll satisfy every Ozark fan.
Good Girls (2018-2021)
Watch on Netflix
Good Girls is a crime dramedy that ran on NBC from 2018 to 2021. The series followed three Michigan moms who are all struggling to make ends meet because of various forces. Tired of always being strapped for cash, the women decide to rob a local supermarket. While the heist is successful, they soon learn that the supermarket was being used as a front by a local gang whom they are now in debt too.
While it might not seem like a dramatic show like Ozark and the comedic side of Good Girls would have anything in common, they actually do. Both shows deal with schemes gone wrong involving gangs. They also both feature strong women who don't mind getting their hands dirty if the benefits outweigh the consequences.
Ray Donavan (2013-2020)
Watch On Roku Channel
Ray Donovan is a crime drama series that aired on Showtime for seven seasons and was consistently nominated for Prime Time Emmy Awards. The series centers on Ray, a Hollywood "fixer" who is great at clean-up all kinds of messes his high-profile clients get themselves into. However, when his own troubled pass comes back to haunt him, Ray finds himself in a mess of his own.
While Ray might not be involved with the drug cartel like Marty in Ozark, both shows do feature families in sticky and dangerous situations. Both shows also feature strong FBI investigations which threaten the main characters' livelihoods.
Queen Of The South (2016-2021)
Watch On Netflix
USA Network's Queen of the South is an adaptation of a popular telenovela La Reina del Sur. The USA series centered on Terese Mendoza, a young woman who flees her home country after her drug cartel boyfriend is murdered. While seeking refuge in America, Teresa decides she wants to get her revenge by taking down the cartel leader and starting her own drug empire.
Like Ozark, the drug cartel plays a pivotal part in the action and suspense of Queen of the South. The shows also feature empowered women who won't hesitate to call out men and their problematic thinking.
The Cleaning Lady (2022-)
Watch on Hulu
The Cleaning Lady is a brand new crime drama that currently airs on Fox. It follows Thony De La Rosa, a former Cambodian-Filipino doctor who gives up her license to move to the United States to get her son life-saving medical treatment. Unable to afford the treatment, Thony takes a job at a cleaning service where she witnesses a crime and ends up being hired by a criminal organization to be their doctor/maid.
While Marty Byrde and Thony have different reasons for being involved in the world of crime, they both take their jobs seriously. They also both move their families from their homes.
Animal Kingdom (2016-2022)
Watch On Hulu
Based on an Australian movie of the same name, Animal Kingdom centers on teenager J who is forced to move in with his estranged criminal relatives after her mother dies of an overdose. J must prove himself worthy to his crime lord grandmother in order to keep a roof over his head.
Like Ozark, Animal Kingdom is all about drama, family, and crime. Both series feature untraditional and often, problematic families who justify their life of crime in various ways.
Daredevil (2015-2018)
Watch on Disney+
Don’t let the name scare you away if you’re not a superhero fan. While Netflix’s Daredevil show takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s definitely not kid-friendly. If you like the dark and gritty tone of Ozark, Daredevil may be up your alley.
Think of Daredevil as a legal crime drama, but with the added bonus of some visceral and entertaining action. Instead of battling aliens and robots, however, Daredevil’s fights are much more brutal and grounded in reality. Charlie Cox gives his best performance as the blind superhero. You don’t have to be a comic book fan to enjoy Daredevil. Give it a shot.
Dexter (2006-2013)
Watch On Hulu
Dexter has a lot of similarities to Ozark that fans would find very enjoyable. While there is no money laundering going on here, audiences are still taken on a journey with someone who appears to be an upstanding citizen, but is actually a criminal. In this case, Dexter's a serial killer.
The secrets involved, especially with the family dynamic between Dexter and his sister, are very gripping, not to mention the obviously morally grey area the main character occupies. Do audiences want him to be caught, or do they believe he's justified since he targets other murderers? There is certainly no shortage of drama taking place, which is why Ozark fans would love it.
Bloodline (2015-2017)
Watch On Netflix
Many of the transitions in Ozark contain beautiful aerial shots of the Missouri Ozarks. Bloodline, another Netflix original, does something similar with its Florida Keys setting. You could say the Florida Keys and the Ozarks are similar in both landscapes and lifestyles.
Bloodline centers around the Rayburns, who are a bit dysfunctional, to say the least. After one of the brothers returns home, tensions get escalated among the family and many secrets are revealed. It’s a dark family drama with fantastic performances from the likes of Ben Mendelsohn and Kyle Chandler.
Fargo (2014-)
Watch On Hulu
Even though Ozark can be downright depressing sometimes, it does occasionally have a dark sense of humor. If you’d like another murderous midwestern story with some laughs sprinkled in, you should check out FX’s Fargo.
Fargo is actually an anthology series where each season is a whole new story and set of characters. Throughout its three seasons, it has been graced with big-name stars such as Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and many more. Season two, in particular, is a near-perfect season of television.
House Of Cards (2013-2018)
Watch On Netflix
While House Of Cards isn't about money laundering or the threat of one man being killed by a cartel, it is one shrouded in secrecy and mystery, weaving a complex narrative full of shocking twists and turns with its incredibly dynamic cast of characters.
The show is also great because of the dialogue. Ozark has some amazing lines between the characters and that is something that House Of Cards really thrives from, with this show having some absolutely gripping conversations throughout with splendid acting taking place.
Mad Men (2007-2015)
Watch On Amazon Prime
In similar fashion to House Of Cards, fans would enjoy Mad Men because of how the show is shot and how heavy the focus is on conversations. Don Draper is an amazingly quotable character full of memorable quips. Much like Marty Byrde, he has something to say about everything but he also has his secrets.
There is a great ensemble cast here, just as Ozark has, and while there is drama going on with work throughout the show, Mad Men is also gripping because of the family fallouts and relationships that take place alongside it, particularly with the Draper residence.
Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
Watch On HBO Max
Much of Ozark revolves around organized crime syndicates such as cartels and mafias. If you’d like to see a show that shows the rise of organized crime in history, check out HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.
Boardwalk Empire blends historical fiction with real-life events and figures. It revolves around the fictional Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a county treasurer turned bootlegger during Prohibition. During the show’s five-season run, Nucky crosses paths with many infamous gangsters such as Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, and Arnold Rothstein. Also, Nucky is played by the brilliant Steve Buscemi. Enough said.
Sons Of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Watch On Hulu
What makes Ozark so addicting is its pulpy approach to storytelling. Characters can get killed out nowhere or make brash decisions that set the stakes even higher. Another show that made this work successfully was FX’s Sons Of Anarchy.
The show focuses on Jax Teller, the VP of a violent motorcycle club called the Sons Of Anarchy. Jax is an extremely likable character, with a standout performance from Charlie Hunnam. The show is both brutal and funny, albeit a little soapy sometimes—but in a good way. All of that makes for a memorable series about outlaws that you just can’t help but love.
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Watch On Netflix
While Peaky Blinders is a much more action-packed series in comparison to Ozark, that doesn't mean Ozark fans wouldn't like it. The main characters have to deal with political issues, always trying to please different people at the same time, much like Marty Byrde.
In Ozark, Marty and his family get pulled from one side to another, and that is also what happens with the Shelbys. While Tommy thinks he's in control, that isn't necessarily the case, just as things are for Marty.
The Outsider (2016-2017)
Watch On Hulu
Much of Ozark’s brilliance is thanks to the directing, especially from Jason Bateman. In 2019, Bateman brought his talent behind the camera to HBO to direct and star in The Outsider, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name.
Due to its success, it hasn’t been confirmed if the show will continue with more seasons or if it will be a standalone miniseries. Either way, you should check out this supernatural detective story. The imagery and camera-work are just downright creepy from start to finish. As uneasy as you may feel, you’ll be riveted by its mystery.
Dead To Me (2019-)
Watch On Netflix
Just like Ozark, Dead To Me has proven to be a very popular Netflix drama that has won over fans around the world. While this show is much more reliant on comedy in comparison to the much darker and more serious Ozark, that doesn't stop the shows having similarities.
With strong lead characters backed up by great supporting characters, the show brings seemingly 'normal' people into a world of crime. The brilliance is seeing how they cope and try to venture through the choppy waters, which makes it a very similar series.
True Detective (2014-2019)
Watch On HBO Max
True Detective is another anthology series that’s great for Ozark fans. Where Fargo captures that midwestern charm, True Detective brings in that southern twang.
Each season of this dark anthology stars a detective or cop investigating a murder or crime. Of course, there’s a lot more to it but that would spoil the fun. The first season garnered universal acclaim thanks to the performances of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.
Arrested Development (2003-)
Watch On Netflix
Okay, so Arrested Development is offbeat and hilarious, which is the complete opposite of Ozark’s bleak nature. Still, you should check out another Jason Batemen gem from the streaming service.
Arrested Development stars the Bluth family, who are forced to give up their lavish and materialistic lifestyle after their father is arrested and revealed to be a corrupt real-estate developer. The show originally started in 2003, but, despite critical acclaim, it didn’t bring in the viewers FOX wanted. The show was abruptly canceled after season three, but Netflix picked it up in 2011.
Narcos/Narcos: Mexico (2015-)
Watch On Netflix
If you were a fan of the subplot in Ozark's third season involving the escalating war between rival cartels, then you’ll want to immediately start Narcos, another Netflix cartel drama.
Narcos portrays the rise and fall of infamous drug kingpins in history, most notably, Pablo Escobar. With its recent—and just as fantastic—spinoff, Narcos: Mexico, Netflix has essentially created its own Narcos universe. While it’s told in narration for historical context, it still plays out like any other great crime drama.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Watch On Netflix
You can’t get more obvious than this one. When Ozark was first promoted, it immediately started getting comparisons to Breaking Bad. This is understandable. They focus on seemingly normal protagonists who get thrust into the criminal underworld.
For those who haven’t seen it, Breaking Bad is about Walter White, a chemistry teacher who starts cooking meth after a cancer diagnosis. It’s arguably one of the greatest TV dramas of all time. On that note, you could also start its prequel, Better Call Saul, which is just as good—if not better—as Breaking Bad.