Saagar Kote
Created by Richard Gadd, HBO Max’s ‘Half Man’ is a drama series that delves into the lives of two men bound by a complex friendship that tests them for four decades. Niall Kennedy (Jamie Bell) and Ruben Pallister (Richard Gadd) meet as young boys in the 80s and forge a close friendship that makes them more like brothers. Despite their love for each other, the bond is complicated by Ruben’s affinity for violence. Ruben handles Niall’s bullies by beating them up, not worrying about the consequences. As the two boys grow, this violence leads to puzzling situations and instances where Ruben is incarcerated for his actions.
Niall also finds himself dealing with the consequences of growing up with an individual like Ruben. The tension between the two men reaches a point of revelations and reminiscence when Ruben makes a speech at Niall’s wedding ceremony. As both continue to affect each other in unpredictable ways, their past, present, and future converge, leaving their fates in the balance. You will find shows similar to ‘Half Man’ in this list, which features stories that are layered, unpredictable, and poignant.
12. This Is England ’86 (2010)
‘This Is England ’86’ is a British drama miniseries set during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Created by Shane Meadows, the story is based on characters from his film ‘This Is England,’ and continues the journeys of the established characters. It follows Shaun Fields (Thomas Turgoose) as he finishes his final school exams and begins to consider his future. Around him, his friends continue navigating their own lives. Woody (Joe Gilgun) and Lol Jenkins (Vicky McClure) prepare for their wedding, while others deal with relationships, work, and daily life. As their group evolves, differences in lifestyle and choices become more visible, reflecting the changes each of them faces during this period of uncertainty and change. The show’s portrayal of friendships, violence, evolution, and male psychology complements ‘Half Man.’
11. Kin (2021-2023)
‘Kin’, co-created by Peter McKenna and Ciaran Donnelly, is about a family drawn into a gangland conflict after the death of a young boy. The Kinsella family becomes involved in a violent struggle against an international cartel, relying on their strong family ties as they face growing threats. The Irish crime drama series focuses on the escalating conflict between rival groups, led by Frank Kinsella (Aidan Gillen) and Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds). As tensions rise and the stakes grow, the story focuses on the challenges and struggles the Kinsellas face as they rely on each other to survive at any cost. The narrative shares similarities with ‘Half Man’ in its depiction of violence, the consequences of criminal involvement, and the fragility of human relationships in troubling times.
10. Snowfall (2017-2023)
Set in LA during the 1980s crack epidemic, ‘Snowfall’ follows the experiences of Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), a young drug dealer leading an African American crime family as they build a business selling crack cocaine. At the same time, the story also focuses on CIA operative Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson), who is involved in efforts linked to the conflict in Nicaragua. As their stories connect, the crime drama series shows the impact of the drug trade on the city and the people involved. Created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, the FX show is a harrowing and raw examination of crime, desperation, and human bonds. These themes, along with the character dynamics and the visual flavors, connect the narrative to ‘Half Man.’
9. Love/Hate (2010-2014)
Created by Stuart Carolan, ‘Love/Hate’ is set in Dublin’s criminal underworld and centers on crime boss John Boy (Aidan Gillen) and his group, including Darren Treacy (Robert Sheehan), Nidge Delaney, and others. The Irish crime drama show chronicles Darren’s return to Dublin after time in Spain, as he hopes to avoid trouble but finds himself drawn back into his old gang. Tensions rise after Robbie Treacy, Darren’s brother, is shot shortly after his release from prison, triggering conflict within the group. The devastating aftermath of catastrophic events fuels conflict within the gang, forcing family, friends, and the wider community to grapple with the repercussions. The story, akin to ‘Half Man,’ explores the effects of violence on individuals and how personal relationships and crime converge in unforeseen ways.
8. The Shield (2002-2008)
FX’s ‘The Shield’ is a crime drama series set in the fictional Farmington district of LA, an area affected by gang violence, drug trafficking, and prostitution. The narrative centers on a police unit tasked with combating crime in the district. At the center is the Strike Team, led by Detective Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), alongside Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins) and others. The team uses questionable methods, including coercion and illegal activities, to achieve results.
However, there also appear to be instances in which officers misuse their authority to earn money. Their actions draw the attention of Captain David Aceveda (Benito Martinez), who remains concerned about their approach while relying on their effectiveness. Created by Shawn Ryan, the show is spiritually connected to ‘Half Man’ as it explores a deeply puzzling world, conflicting loyalties, and the shadow of crime.
7. Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Created by Kurt Sutter, ‘Sons of Anarchy’ deals with the life of Jackson Teller AKA Jax (Charlie Hunnam), a member of the motorcycle club named “Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original.” He begins to question his role in the group after discovering a manifesto written by his late father, the club’s founder. As the club faces pressure from law enforcement and rival groups, Jax struggles between his loyalty to the club and his father’s vision for its future. While trying to protect his family and navigate internal conflicts, he finds himself in unexpected situations that push his limits. With bonds within the group seemingly under threat, Jax must find the strength to make difficult decisions. The FX action crime drama series is a nuanced exploration of the criminal world, friendships, brotherhood, and destiny through a grounded approach, much like ‘Half Man.’
6. Animal Kingdom (2016-2022)
TNT’s ‘Animal Kingdom’ is about the life and struggles of Joshua Cody (Finn Cole), who moves to Southern California after his mother’s death to live with his extended family. He is taken in by his grandmother, Janine Cody (Ellen Barkin), who leads the family. He soon discovers that Janine and her sons are involved in criminal activities, including armed robberies. As he becomes part of their world, Joshua must prove his loyalty while navigating the complex dynamics within the family. Based on the eponymous Australian film directed by David Michôd, the drama series, created by Jonathan Lisco, complements ‘Half Man’ by focusing on the emotional impact of crime and violence on intimate human bonds, pushing characters towards battles over morality and redemption.
5. Ray Donovan (2013-2020)
Created by Ann Biderman, Showtime’s ‘Ray Donovan’ deals with the ups and downs in the life of Ray Donovan (Liev Schreiber), a professional fixer who handles problems for wealthy and celebrity clients through bribes, threats, and other illegal means. While he is effective at his work, Ray struggles with his personal life, including his relationships with his family. His situation becomes more complicated when his father, Mickey Donovan (Jon Voight), is released from prison, bringing new challenges.
As law enforcement begins to take an interest in Mickey and his associates, Ray is forced to deal with both his professional responsibilities and personal conflicts. The crime drama show, akin to ‘Half Man,’ is a commentary on the consequences of personal bonds in a world of crime, violence, and unpredictability. Both shows focus on the element of survival in a world where the vulnerable are targeted without mercy.
4. Kingdom (2014-2017)
‘Kingdom’ is a drama series about Alvey Kulina (Frank Grillo), a former MMA fighter who runs a gym in Venice, California, with his girlfriend Lisa Prince (Kiele Sanchez). He trains fighters while trying to manage his family life. Alvey works with his sons, Jay Kulina (Jonathan Tucker), who struggles with substance issues, and Nate Kulina (Nick Jonas), who faces personal challenges of his own. The return of Ryan Wheeler (Matt Lauria), a former fighter recently released from prison, creates tension, especially due to his past with Lisa.
As they navigate their lives, both the gym and the family face ongoing challenges that may alter the course of their reality. Created by Byron Balasco, the narrative is spiritually related to ‘Half Man’ as it explores the emotional challenges of violence in intimate spaces and portrays the difficult relationships among characters affected by crime and uncertainty, altering their lives.
3. Brotherhood (2006-2008)
Showtime’s ‘Brotherhood’, created by Blake Masters, is a crime drama series set in Providence, Rhode Island, focusing on the lives of the Caffee brothers. Tommy Caffee (Jason Clarke) is a local politician working to protect his community, while his brother Michael Caffee (Jason Isaacs) is involved in organized crime. When Michael returns to the neighborhood, tensions rise as his ambitions in the criminal world begin to conflict with Tommy’s political life. Their situation is further complicated by those around them, including their mother Rose Caffee (Fionnula Flanagan), Tommy’s wife Eileen Caffee (Annabeth Gish), and others with their own stakes in the game. Torn between two worlds and facing conflicting moral standards, the siblings must find a way to achieve balance in their lives at any cost.
2. Top Boy (2011-2023)
‘Top Boy’ revolves around the experiences of drug dealers Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson) as they operate within Hackney’s criminal network. The British crime drama thriller series also focuses on Ra’Nell Smith (Malcolm Kamulete), a teenager who is forced to come to terms with his reality after his mother’s breakdown. As different lives intersect, the series explores the tension between those involved in gang activity and those trying to live honestly.
When Dushane starts to expand his ambitions and grow power-hungry, he runs into situations he never saw coming. With gang violence growing, Dushane’s stakes in the game get bigger. Created by Ronan Bennett, the British crime drama thriller show is a wild ride. It shares similarities with ‘Half Man’ in that it digs deep into the minds of violent individuals, male friendships, and the issues of isolation and meaning.
1. Gomorrah (2014-2021)
Set in Naples, ‘Gomorrah’ or ‘Gomorra’ deals with the actions of Ciro Di Marzio (Marco D’Amore), a member of the Savastano crime group led by Pietro Savastano (Fortunato Cerlino). As Pietro is arrested, a struggle for power begins within the organization, involving rival groups and divisions between older and younger members, including the boss’s son, Gennaro Savastano (Salvatore Esposito). Ciro seeks to rise within the gang’s hierarchy, leading to shifting alliances and conflicts. As events unfold, both Ciro and Gennaro navigate the challenges of the criminal world and their positions within it.
Created by Leonardo Fasoli, Stefano Bises, and Roberto Saviano, and based on Saviano’s eponymous book, the Italian crime drama series is an engaging experience. The character arcs of Ciro and Gennaro are spiritually connected to the journeys of Niall and Ruben in ‘Half Man.’ Both shows are about men who share a difficult bond, get involved in violent situations, and face the challenges that follow. The deeper connection between the shows is forged by their visual tone, thematic elements, and unique characters.
Read More: Where is Half Man Filmed?
