‘More Like This’ that you could be missing
Comparable shows to watch if you like some of Netflix’s top programs
There is something about an itemized list that we can’t resist. A ranking, whether based on fact or not, is a scrumptious snack that we devour without a second thought.
Three months ago, Netflix finally unveiled a ranking system that lets us in on what Canada is really watching. And if we want more, Netflix is ready with suggestions based on the workings of an unknowable algorithm.
But, what if the “More Like This” algorithm missed something? Or, what if you want more like that from another service?
We’ve taken the May 29th top three of Netflix’s Top Ten feature (”Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Dynasty”) and curated some “More Like This” recommendations of our own that look at streaming services beyond Netflix.
If you liked:
“Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich” (2020): This limited docuseries by Lisa Bryant rose to the No. 1 spot the day after it was released. The series brings together all the lurid stories about Epstein, his influential friends, and the young women and girls lured into his sinister world. The doc kicks off with the story of how an investigative journalist tried to expose allegations against Epstein, but was stopped from publishing her findings after threats were made to her then-editor, Graydon Carter.
... you may also like:
“Wormwood” (2017): Part indepth doc and part reconstructed reality, it tells the bizarre account of the death of a scientist and an even stranger CIA cover-up. Directed by the legendary Errol Morris (“The Thin Blue Line,” “Fog of War”), it also features performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Molly Parker. Available on Netflix.
“Untouchable: The Rise and Fall of Harvey Weinstein” (2019): Director Ursula Macfarlane (“Charlie Hebdo: Three Days That Shook Paris”) tells the behind-the-scenes story of a former Hollywood giant through interviews with his former colleagues, the investigative journalists that unveiled the allegations against him and the women who he abused and silenced. Available on Crave.
“The Inventor: Out for Blood In Silicon Valley” (2019): The ultimate fake-it-until-youmake-it story, Alex Gibney (“Taxi to the Dark Side,” “Citizen K”) detangles a cluster of fraudulent claims by the multibillion-dollar tech company Theranos and it’s turtleneck wearing founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Available on On Crave + (HBO).
If you liked:
“Sons of Anarchy” (2008–): Season One of this much-beloved series also dropped May 28 and found its way in the No. 2 spot overnight. It’s no surprise since it was the highest-rated series on FX when it originally aired. Jax (Charlie Hunnam) and his gun-running, hog-riding, band of vigilantes live by their own code of justice, though Season One finds Jax uncertain about SAMCRO and following in his father’s footsteps.
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“Godless” (2017): You can’t talk about vigilantes without mentioning at least one Western. The seven-part miniseries, “Godless,” is a stunning, slow burn, and significant addition to the Western canon. After a mysterious stranger (Jack O’Connell) arrives in La Belle — a town devastated by a mining disaster that killed every last man — we learn that trouble will soon follow, in the name of the outlaw Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). And the women of La Belle will need to stand their ground. Also starring Michelle Dockery and Merritt Wever. Available on Netflix.
“The Boys” (2019–): A comic book-inspired black comedy is perhaps the antidote we need to the superhero pandemic of the last decade. In a world where corporate-sponsored superheroes are celebrities, it’s up to a team of vigilantes, with no superpowers, to stand up to them. Filmed in Toronto, the series stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid and Antony Starr. Available on Amazon Prime.
“The Beeba Boys” (2015): This Canadian crime thriller directed by Deepa Mehta and set in Vancouver is self-described as an “adrenaline-charged Indo Canadian gang war, and a violent clash of culture and crime.” It divided critics at the time and stirred up opposition from an anti-gang unit in B.C. who believed that the main character was based on the real-life gangster Buhinder (Bindy) Mohal. However, Mehta has clarified that this is not the case. On CBC Gem.
If you liked:
“Dynasty” (2017–): Since Season Three of this soap-opera reboot landed on Netflix on May 23, it has been plotting its way to the top. Just like Fallon. “Dynasty” is full of swagger, delivering what fans expect from their prime-time soaps. Of course, the drama between the Carringtons and the Colbys, two of the wealthiest families in America, is never-ending. While the show has been modernized to reflect the times, it has stayed true to its salacious and scheming roots.
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“Grand Hotel” (2011–2013) There have been a few versions of this very popular early-20th century-set series from Spain, including an American one produced by Eva Longoria. In the original series on Netflix, the drama begins when our hero, Julio, arrives at the hotel under the guise of working as a footman. He is really there to uncover what happened to his missing sister. In pursuit of the truth, he happens upon other secrets and murders and also falls in love — with a woman above his class, who is engaged to another man and is the daughter of the hotelier. Phew! Available on Netflix.
“The Great” (2020–): Billed as an occasionally true story, “The Great” is a satirical reimagining of the plot to overthrow the emperor of Russia (Nicholas Hoult) by his empress (Elle Fanning). Defying to be pegged as a period piece, this series, created by Tony McNamara (screenwriter of “The Favourite”), breaks the rules of historical fiction (except the one that calls for using English accents) in the way it uses language and style, resulting in a sort of contemporary version of a somewhat true tale. On Amazon Prime.
“Riviera” (2017–): If you have wondered about where Julia Stiles has been, you can find here as Georgina Clios, an art dealer whose husband Constantine died in a yacht explosion. Yes, there are yachts and villas but there are also murders and money-laundering. The first season of this glitzy show set in the Côte d’Azur was reportedly the most successful original series for Sky to date and it’s still going strong, with recent news of a third season being ordered. On Sundance Now.