While many cinephiles have grown irritated with seeing their favorite films adapted into television shows, the excellent FX seriesFargohas managed to surpass all expectations by becoming an entirely unique work of art. The original 1996 classic thatJoelandEthan Coendirected so beautifully may be one ofthe greatest drama films ever made, but the new series from the genius creatorNoah Hawleyhas managed to tell compelling new stories within each season, each of which takes on a new cast of characters.
Fargoset a template for how to do modern prestige television correctly, as it combined excellent production design, powerful performances from acclaimed A-list stars, and stylized direction from notable creators. While it is unclear how much longer fans will have to wait before the sixth season begins, there are more than a few great shows that can fill that void. Here are ten shows to watch if you loveFargo.
10’Legion' (2017–2019)
Created by Noah Hawley
Legionwas another great series fromFargo’s creator that took a subversive look at the origins of the X-Men. Although it was not technically related to theongoingX-Menfilm seriesthat had helped launch the superhero genre in the early 2000s,Legionfeatured a brilliant performance byDan Stevensas David Haller, a mutant with multiple identities who has become convinced that he is actually dealing with a severe mental health condition.
LikeFargo,Legionis an inventive new take on familiar source materialthat serves as a perfect entry for both longtime fans and newer viewers who aren’t aware of the original. In particular, fans ofFargowill appreciate the similarities in Hawley’s style, as both shows feature trippy visual scenes designed to get into the interior thoughts of their characters, and feature a great deal of dark humor in order to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while they are watching.
9’Ozark' (2017–2022)
Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams
Ozarkis a riveting crime series that has a sly sense of dark humor, which is certainly something thatFargohas exemplified. One of the reasons that the first season ofFargowas so successful is that it took an interesting look at the character played byMartin Freeman, who was a relatively normal man forced to get involved with a complex criminal conspiracy.
Ozarkfeatures acareer-best performance by Jason Bateman, who stars as the corrupt mafia accountant Marty Byrde. After being caught by his employers, Marty is forced to move his family to the Ozarks so that they can earn enough money to pay for the cash stolen by his traitorous partner. AlthoughOzarkis about as violent and disturbing as crime shows can get, moments of self-awareness on Marty’s part help to make the experience very enjoyable.
8’Barry' (2018–2023)
Created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader
Barryis one of the most singularly directed television shows of the “prestige era,”as a majority of the episodes were written and directed by the series’ showrunner and leading actor,Bill Hader. In the same way thatFargoserved as an extended version of the unique sensibilities that Hawley had as a storyteller,Barryallowed Hader to tell a thrilling anti-hero story about a depressed hitman who surprisingly finds a place for himself by joining an acting class.
LikeFargo, Barryis obsessed with analyzing flawed people, many of whom have managed to convince themselves that they are actually good. WhileFargois still an ongoing show that will presumably return for a sixth season,Barryended with a perfect series finalethat ended Hader’s vision on a dark, thought-provoking note that paid off the themes that had been ongoing since the pilot.
7’The Wire' (2002–2008)
Created by David Simon
The Wireis probably one of themost influential television shows of all time, and certainly inspired many subsequent series within the “prestige era,” includingFargo. LikeFargo, The Wireintroduced a new set of characters with each season, and eventually wove together a tapestry of different storylines that interacted with one another in deeply profound ways, particularly for the loyal fans that had been watching since the beginning.
The Wireshares a lot of the same philosophies asFargo, as both shows delve into the capabilities that humanity has of redeeming itself and working towards a better future. Although shows can be very honest about the state of the world, at times making the viewer think that they are actually quite cynical about human nature, there are enough moments of genuine compassion and redemption that there is still a sense of hope.
6’Hannibal' (2013–2015)
Created by Bryan Fuller
Hannibalwas another creative reimagining of a popular franchise, as bothMichael Mann’s classic thrillerManhunterandJonathan Demme’s Best Picture-winning masterpieceThe Silence of the Lambshad served as brilliant adaptations of the crime series written by authorThomas Harris.Hannibalmanaged to tell a completely new story set in the same universe by examining the complex relationship between a young Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) and the ambitious FBI Agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy).
Hannibalis quite experimental and surrealist in its direction, as, likeFargo, it often uses non-linear or confusing tangents to better understand character motivations. AlthoughHannibalsadly came to a close after its third season on NBC, it came to a brilliant conclusion that perfectly ended the characters’ arcs, whilst also leaving open the possibility of a potential revival project at a later point in time.
5’Ripley' (2024)
Created by Steven Zaillian
Ripleymay be the single most visually and aesthetically stunning television show ever made; as beautiful asFargois,RipleycreatorSteven Zailianturned his six-part adaptation ofPatricia Highsmith’s classic novelThe Talented Mr. Ripleyinto an absorbing, black-and-white noir mystery that frankly looked better than the majority of the films released in theaters the same year.
Similar toFargo,Ripleydoes such a great job at focusing on seemingly insignificant details that it never becomes dull, as each scene is so well-directed that it doesn’t matter if it is only tangentially related to the story.Fargomay have featured some incredible performances by amazing actors, butAndrew Scott’s turn as the sinister Tom Ripleyis so impressive that it easily ranks among the greatest pieces of acting in modern television history, and perhaps the best interpretation of a legendary literary character.
4’Boardwalk Empire' (2010–2014)
Created by Terence Winter
Boardwalk Empireis about as immersive and exciting as a crime series can getbecause, likeFargo, it is completely committed to the aesthetics of its time period. By examining the effects of the Prohibition Era and the aftermath of World War I,Boardwalk Empirecreated a lively, yet disturbing depiction of gangsters that was far less idealized than the way that they were depicted inclassic “Old Hollywood” films.
Boardwalk EmpireandFargoboth drew in talent from the big screen, as the former featured a terrific performance bySteve Buscemias Nucky Thompson, a performance that is easily as good as any of the film roles that he has had (including the originalFargofilm). Another standout is the greatMichael Stuhlbarg, who also appeared in the third season ofFargoalongsideEwan McGregor,David Thewlis, andCarrie Coon.
Boardwalk Empire
3’Mr. Robot' (2015–2019)
Created by Sam Esmail
Mr. Robotis one of the most idiosyncratic and thought-provoking television shows of the 21st century, as, likeFargo, it employed non-linear storytelling techniques to tell a twisty story filled with many memorable characters. Set within an alternate version of 2015,Mr. RobotstarredRami Malekas the genius computer programmer Elliot Alderson, who secretly helps to expose corrupt people by working as a hacker who models himself after Robin Hood.
Mr. Robotis deeply inspired by classic anti-hero films such asBlade Runner,The Matrix, andPsycho, but it also addresses many modern concerns about capitalism, the consolation of power, and the evils of radical politics. Although the series wrapped up with a beautiful series finale in 2019 that perfectly brought Elliot’s story to an end, the show’s ability to analyze the status quo of the world has made it even more relevant today.
2’True Detective' (2014–2024)
Created by Nic Pizzolatto
True DetectiveandFargoare very similar because they are bothessentially anthology TV showsthat introduce a new set of characters with each season, yet occasionally crossover through the use of interlocking storylines that hint at a larger universe. Both shows also share an interest in corruption, conspiracy, and killers, and seem to enjoy exploring the dark things that people are capable of when they are in a desperate situation.
BothTrue DetectiveandFargovary drastically in quality depending on what season it is. While the most recent iteration ofTrue DetectivestarringJodie Fosterwas perceived to be a fairly significant disappointment, the show’s first installment withMatthew McConaugheyandWoody Harrelsonwas an epic serial killer thriller that ranks among the greatest achievements in modern television history, and has certainly inspired many other crime and mystery shows recently.
True Detective
1’The Shield' (2002–2008)
Created by Shawn Ryan
The Shieldwas the first modern television show to genuinely examine the role that law enforcement played, and expose how corruption, abuse, and scandals had been swept under the rug by various forms of political infrastructure. Although there have been multiple seasons ofFargothat have spotlighted cops,The Shieldexamines the rise and fall of the corrupt Los Angeles Police Department officer Vic Mackey, played in an all-time great performance byMichael Chiklis.
The Shieldis not an easy show to watch, as, likeFargo, it contains moments of violence and suspense that can be quite intense. Nonetheless, it’s impressive to see a show that is so committed to telling a singular story that makes no apologies for its bleakness, asThe Shieldpays off beautifully with one of the most riveting series finales in the history of the medium.
