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10 Gripping TV shows about family drama you need to watch

4 min read

10 Gripping TV shows about family drama you need to watch
From gothic horror to corporate empires and criminal syndicates, these series have it all, leaving you glued to the screen as they explore the family drama in all its forms
Television has always been a mirror reflecting the tangled and tumultuous world of family dynamics. Whether you're intrigued by the backstabbing intrigues of the corporate dynasties or the gritty struggles of a crime family, there is a family drama series for you.  
In this exploration, we will delve into ten captivating TV shows that, in their own unique ways, bring the complexities and intrigues of family life to the forefront. So, settle in and prepare for a rollercoaster ride through power struggles, love affairs, secrets and scandals. 

The Fall of the House of Usher 

The Fall of the House of Usher is a masterful reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's Gothic horror stories. This show weaves a tale of the Usher family, whose history is entwined with supernatural forces and dark secrets.
When a visitor comes to the family estate, they're thrust into a chilling world of madness and decay as the Usher bloodline begins to face their fates one by one. It is a timeless masterpiece in the horror genre that unravels the complexities of a family's macabre history, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. 

The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy is a sci-fi series based on the comic book of the same name by Gerard Way. A dysfunctional group of adopted siblings, each with unique superpowers, reunite after their eccentric billionaire father's death and investigate a series of mysterious events while dealing with their complex relationships and personal demons.
"The Umbrella Academy showcases how a family can be both dysfunctional and extraordinary"
With elements of time travel, quirky humour and intense action, the show manages to balance its dark and comical sides perfectly. It showcases how a family can be both dysfunctional and extraordinary, providing viewers with an exhilarating experience that delves into the complexities of familial bonds

Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is a gripping British period drama that immerses viewers in the tumultuous world of the Shelby family, a notorious gang of Birmingham. Led by the cunning Tommy Shelby, the family's rise to power in the aftermath of World War I is filled with danger, political intrigue, and betrayal.
Fans of the show are drawn to its complex characters, sharp dialogue, and the exploration of power dynamics within a family embroiled in crime. With its brilliant storytelling and charismatic cast, Peaky Blinders is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the dark allure of a family caught in the criminal underworld. 

Succession

Succession peels back the layers of the ultra-wealthy Roy family, owners of a global media conglomerate. As the ageing patriarch, Logan Roy, considers his succession plans, his four adult children jockey for position and battle their own insecurities and ambitions, leading to a gripping narrative filled with political and corporate intrigue.
The show is an unfiltered look at their power struggles, ruthless ambition, and backstabbing betrayals. Fans of the series appreciate its sharp, darkly comedic writing and the way it dissects the complexities of family dynamics within a corporate empire. 

Dynasty 

Dynasty is the epitome of glitzy and dramatic family conflict. This classic series explores the tumultuous lives of the wealthy Carrington family, complete with corporate takeovers, extravagant parties, and passionate rivalries.
"Dynasty stands as an enduring example of glamorous and extravagant family drama"
The show has attracted viewers for its opulent lifestyles, juicy melodrama, and larger-than-life characters. Dynasty stands as an enduring example of glamorous and extravagant family drama, showcasing the conflicts that arise within a family empire. 

The Sopranos

This iconic crime family drama takes you into the life of mob boss Tony Soprano. While balancing the demands of his criminal empire, Tony grapples with issues typical of any suburban dad—family, therapy and existential crises.
The show's brilliance lies in its portrayal of the blurred lines between Tony's roles as a father, husband and crime boss. Fans of the series are captivated by the complex, morally conflicted characters and its exceptional exploration of the fine line between family and crime. 

Dallas

Dallas is a classic family drama known for its larger-than-life characters and high-stakes drama. The show revolves around the oil-rich Ewing family, whose scheming, betrayals, and tangled relationships offer endless entertainment.
Fans appreciate the series for its over-the-top plot twists and the way it captures the essence of a larger-than-life, Texan family feud. 

Revenge

Revenge is a thrilling drama that revolves around the enigmatic Emily Thorne, who infiltrates the wealthy Grayson family to avenge her father's wrongful conviction. She assumes a new identity and infiltrates their world to uncover the truth behind a dark secret that ruined her life.
"Revenge explores the complex motives and twisted dynamics that drive a family to extremes in the name of justice"
The show's mix of intense drama, treacherous love affairs, and dark secrets keeps viewers hooked. Revenge explores the complex motives and twisted dynamics that drive a family to extremes in the name of justice. 

The Good Wife

The Good Wife takes a unique approach to family drama by focusing on Alicia Florrick, a woman who returns to her career as a lawyer after her husband, a former state's attorney, is embroiled in a public scandal.
The series dives into the complexities of her family's life post-scandal and explores themes of redemption, ambition, and loyalty. It's a gripping story of a woman rediscovering her identity while navigating a world of legal intrigue and personal struggles. 

Greenleaf

Greenleaf is a compelling family drama set in the world of a powerful megachurch family in Memphis. The series uncovers the secrets, lies, and scandals that lurk beneath the surface of their public image.
Fans of Greenleaf are drawn to its exploration of religion, faith, and the dynamics of a family in a position of spiritual authority. With its intricate plot and intriguing characters, the series explores themes of faith, power, and the price of keeping up appearances in the world of organised religion. 
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