When Sons of Anarchy roared onto screens, it wasn't just another crime drama. It was a visceral, adrenaline-fueled deep dive into the lives of SAMCRO, an outlaw motorcycle club that redefined brotherhood, loyalty, and the brutal cost of power. Jax Teller's journey through love, loss, and the ever-present shadow of the gavel left an indelible mark, leaving millions of fans craving more of that unique blend of family saga, Shakespearean tragedy, and gritty, asphalt-scorching action. If you've scoured every fan theory, rewatched every season, and feel the rumble for another ride, you're in the right place. We're here to guide you through the official Sons of Anarchy spin-offs and a handpicked selection of related shows that capture the same spirit, themes, and heart-pounding intensity.
At a Glance: Your Next Binge Ride
- The Direct Successor: Mayans M.C. picks up the story right where SAMCRO left off, with familiar faces and new struggles.
- Creator's Touch: Shows from SOA's own Kurt Sutter and key creatives offer a distinct flavor of intense storytelling.
- Familiar Faces, New Worlds: See your favorite Sons of Anarchy actors tackle new, equally compelling roles.
- Thematic Parallels: Explore series that echo SOA's core themes: family loyalty, anti-heroes, criminal underworlds, and the price of power.
- Gritty & Real: Prepare for shows that don't shy away from complex moral dilemmas and brutal realities.
Beyond Charming: The Official Spin-Off
No discussion of Sons of Anarchy follow-ups can begin without its direct, canon successor. If you're looking for the purest continuation of the outlaw motorcycle club saga, this is where you start.
Mayans M.C.: A New Chapter on the Border
Set a few years after Jax Teller’s final ride, Mayans M.C. takes us to the U.S. and Mexico border, trading Charming for the dusty, sun-baked landscape of Santo Padre. Created by Kurt Sutter himself, alongside Elgin James, this series gives center stage to the Mayans Motorcycle Club, who were often allies and sometimes fierce rivals to SAMCRO in the original series.
The show introduces us to Ezekiel "EZ" Reyes (JD Pardo), a once-promising Stanford prospect whose life took a drastic turn, landing him in prison and eventually as a prospect for the Mayans Santo Padre charter. His journey is strikingly similar to Jax’s in its early days: trying to navigate the complex, often contradictory demands of club life while battling personal demons and a shadowy past. EZ is driven by a quest for revenge, a search for truth, and the desire to protect his family, all while trying to decipher the unwritten rules of the M.C.
Mayans M.C. skillfully maintains the original series' dynamic characters, intricate, often morally ambiguous storylines, and, yes, its penchant for intense violence. The series delves deep into the Mexican-American culture, border politics, and the intertwined worlds of cartels and clubs, offering a fresh yet familiar perspective on outlaw life. You’ll find yourself drawn into the Reyes family drama, where loyalties are constantly tested, and the line between right and wrong blurs into oblivion. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for those tantalizing cameos from Sons of Anarchy characters that truly bridge the two worlds. The show ran for five impactful seasons, concluding in July 2023, offering a complete, satisfying narrative for fans eager for more of this universe.
From Charming to the Dark Side: Shows by SOA Creators & Cast
Sometimes, the best way to find a spiritual successor is to follow the talent behind the original. Many of the creative minds and compelling actors who brought Sons of Anarchy to life have moved on to other projects, often carrying that same gritty sensibility with them.
The Shield: Kurt Sutter's Forging Ground
Before he brought SAMCRO to our screens, Kurt Sutter was a writer and producer on The Shield, an acclaimed FX drama that ran from 2002 to 2008. This is more than just a passing connection; The Shield is arguably the thematic predecessor to Sons of Anarchy, laying much of the groundwork for Sutter's storytelling style.
Set in the fictional Farmington district of Los Angeles, known as "The Farm," the series centers on Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and his experimental anti-gang unit, the Strike Team. These aren't your typical clean-cut cops; Mackey and his team routinely bend, break, and outright ignore the rules to fight crime, often employing criminal methods themselves. They're a "gang" within the LAPD, bound by an intense, often toxic loyalty that mirrors the fraternal bonds of SAMCRO.
Fans of Sons of Anarchy will recognize the raw, unflinching portrayal of moral ambiguity, the exploration of complex power dynamics, and the intense internal conflicts that define a group of anti-heroes trying to maintain their territory. Many actors who later appeared in Sons of Anarchy, like Kenny Johnson (Kozik) and Jay Karnes (Agent June Stahl), also had significant roles in The Shield. If you appreciate the ethical tightrope walking and the brutal consequences of loyalty found in SOA, then The Shield is an essential watch to see where much of that DNA originated.
Yellowstone: The Dutton Ranch — A Family Outlaw Outfit
Co-created by Taylor Sheridan (who acted as Deputy Chief David Hale in SOA) and John Linson (an executive producer for Sons of Anarchy), Yellowstone offers a different kind of "outlaw" family, but one with undeniable parallels to SAMCRO. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, the series centers on the powerful Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who control the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
Much like SAMCRO fought for control of Charming, the Duttons are in a perpetual war to protect their land and way of life from land developers, a Native American reservation, and political adversaries. The ranch hands often function as a loyal, family-like gang, bound by an unspoken code, complete with ritualistic branding that echoes the patching-in ceremonies of a motorcycle club. There's an "us-against-the-world" outlaw spirit that permeates every episode, as the Duttons routinely skirt the law, or outright break it, to achieve their goals.
You'll find familiar themes of fierce familial loyalty, internal conflicts, and an unyielding commitment to their territory. The show also features incredibly tough, complex female characters, with Kelly Reilly's Beth Dutton often compared to Katey Sagal's Gemma Teller Morrow for her cunning, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. For a dose of high-stakes family drama with a distinctly American, often violent, edge, Yellowstone is a powerhouse.
Shantaram: Charlie Hunnam's Next Ride
For many, Charlie Hunnam was Jax Teller, embodying the character with a raw intensity that anchored Sons of Anarchy. If you're looking to see Hunnam in another complex, morally ambiguous role, Shantaram is worth a look. This Apple TV+ adaptation, though canceled after one season, offers a compelling performance from the actor.
Hunnam plays Lin Ford, an Australian man who flees to India after escaping a maximum-security prison for armed robberies. Living as a fugitive in the bustling, chaotic streets of 1980s Bombay, Lin finds himself entangled with the local underworld, forming unlikely bonds and seeking redemption in a land far from home. The series explores themes of survival, identity, and the search for purpose amidst adversity. While it trades motorcycles for rickshaws and California gangs for Indian crime syndicates, Hunnam brings his signature brooding intensity and anti-hero charm to a character perpetually on the run, trying to outrun his past while building a new future.
Outsiders: Ryan Hurst's Mountain Clan
Ryan Hurst's portrayal of Opie Winston in Sons of Anarchy was one of the show's most heartbreaking and beloved arcs. If you miss Opie's quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, Outsiders features Hurst in another compelling role as Lil Foster. This WGN America series, unfortunately canceled after two seasons, presents a unique take on the "outlaw family" concept.
Set deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, the show focuses on the isolated Farrell clan, a fiercely independent community who have lived off-the-grid on Shay Mountain for over 200 years. They fiercely guard their ancient traditions and primitive way of life against the encroachment of a national mining company and local authorities. Like SAMCRO, the Farrells operate by their own rules, engaging in clan-based crime, demonstrating extreme violence when provoked, and navigating intense interpersonal dramas. Hurst’s character, Lil Foster, is a powerful presence within the clan, embodying a similar loyalty and a quiet, often simmering intensity that will resonate with fans of his SOA performance. It's a fascinating study of tradition versus progress, and the lengths a family will go to protect its home.
Mr Inbetween: A Hitman with a Heart (and a Motorcycle Gang)
This Australian FX/Hulu show, which ran for three seasons (2018-2021), might seem like a departure, but it shares a surprising amount of DNA with Sons of Anarchy, particularly in its blend of gritty violence, criminal intrigue, and dark humor. Created by and starring Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith, the series follows a professional hitman struggling to balance his brutal profession with the mundane realities of fatherhood, friendship, and romance.
Ray is an anti-hero cut from a similar cloth to Jax – doing morally questionable things, but often for reasons he believes are good, or at least understandable. His anger issues frequently spill over, impacting his relationships and leading to swift, often brutal, consequences for those who cross him. What makes it particularly relevant for SOA fans is a critical storyline in Season 2 that involves Ray getting entangled with a local motorcycle gang, showcasing the same kind of power dynamics, internal club politics, and violent confrontations that defined SAMCRO’s world. It’s a darkly comedic, yet intensely violent, look at the life of a criminal trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
The Punisher: Jon Bernthal's Brutal Vengeance
Jon Bernthal's portrayal of Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead and later Frank Castle in The Punisher showcases an actor capable of immense intensity and a deeply troubled moral compass – traits that would have made him right at home in Charming. As Frank Castle, a former Force Recon Marine turned vigilante, Bernthal delivers a performance steeped in the same kind of brutal vengeance and anti-heroism that often characterized Jax Teller's later seasons.
The Punisher, originally on Netflix and now streaming on Disney+, ran for two seasons and is a relentless exploration of grief, mental health, betrayal, and the dark path of retribution. Frank Castle's quest to avenge his family's murder pulls him into a complex web of military conspiracies and underworld figures, much like Jax’s pursuit of truth for his father. The show is known for its intense, unflinching violence and its portrayal of a protagonist who operates entirely outside the law, driven by a personal code that often clashes with societal norms. If you appreciate SOA's darker themes of revenge and anti-hero protagonists who deliver brutal justice, The Punisher offers a compelling, albeit very different, ride. Bernthal is set to reprise the role in Daredevil: Born Again, indicating the character's enduring appeal.
DMZ: Lawless Tribalism by an SOA Writer
For a show that explores gang dynamics and a fractured society through a different lens, consider DMZ. This HBO Max adaptation of a DC Comics series was created by Roberto Patino, a former writer on Sons of Anarchy. While its setting is vastly different, its core themes of power struggles and tribal loyalty resonate.
DMZ is set in a demilitarized zone in Manhattan during a second American Civil War. Within this isolated territory, various lawless factions, gangs, and sects vie for power and control over resources. The series depicts a society where the rule of law has collapsed, replaced by the brutal, often shifting, allegiances of different groups. This tribalism, and the constant struggle for dominance among distinct "gangs," will feel eerily familiar to fans who appreciated Sons of Anarchy's intricate portrayal of club politics and inter-club rivalries, albeit on a much larger, post-apocalyptic scale.
Brotherhood & Bullets: Thematic Cousins to SAMCRO
These shows might not share direct creator or actor connections, but they echo the core themes that made Sons of Anarchy so compelling: fierce loyalties, criminal enterprises, moral complexities, and the relentless pursuit (or defense) of power.
Peaky Blinders: Family, Empire, and Brutality
If the idea of a family-based crime syndicate, intense internal conflicts, and a charismatic, ruthless leader appeals to you, then Peaky Blinders should be at the top of your list. This incredibly popular British crime drama, set in post-WWI Birmingham, revolves around the notorious Peaky Blinders gang, led by the cunning and ambitious Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy).
Much like SAMCRO, the Peaky Blinders are a family first and a criminal enterprise second. The series tracks their meteoric rise from street-level bookmakers to international power players, constantly battling rival gangs, the Mob, the IRA, and even nascent Nazi movements leading up to WWII. The show excels at portraying the complex loyalties within the family, the moral compromises required to expand an empire, and the brutal violence necessary to maintain it. Tommy Shelby's leadership style, his strategic mind, and his capacity for both great loyalty and ruthless betrayal will remind you of Jax Teller's own evolution. The series also features strong matriarchal figures, particularly Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly, who wields significant influence within the family, echoing Gemma Teller Morrow’s role. Even Tommy Flanagan, Chibs from Sons of Anarchy, makes an appearance.
Gomorrah: The Bleaker Side of Organized Crime
For a truly raw, unflinching look at organized crime, Gomorrah (not to be confused with the film of the same name) is an Italian crime drama that often makes Sons of Anarchy seem almost quaint. Based on Roberto Saviano's non-fiction book, this series depicts a fictional Neapolitan crime syndicate, the Savastano clan, with an almost documentary-like grittiness.
Gomorrah explores themes of power, corruption, and an inescapable cycle of violence with an intensity that few shows match. When the powerful leader is imprisoned, it escalates tensions, placing the burden of the family business on others and triggering brutal power vacuums. What makes it compelling for SOA fans is its deep dive into the internal mechanics of a criminal organization, the shifting alliances, brutal betrayals, and the devastating impact of the lifestyle on individuals and families. It's noted for its darker, bleaker violence and more cynical worldview compared to Sons of Anarchy, offering a less romanticized, more realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld.
The Wire: Gritty Realism of Baltimore's Underbelly
Widely considered one of the greatest television series of all time, HBO's The Wire offers a profoundly realistic and gritty portrayal of crime in Baltimore. While it's a sprawling narrative exploring various facets of city life – from police and politics to schools and journalism – its core strength lies in its meticulous depiction of organized and disorganized criminal operations.
Fans of Sons of Anarchy's criminal protagonists will find plenty to appreciate in The Wire's complex "anti-heroes" like the drug kingpin Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) or the enigmatic stick-up man Omar Little (Michael K. Williams). These characters navigate a brutal world with their own codes of conduct, facing moral dilemmas and systemic pressures that resonate with SAMCRO's struggles. The show excels at demonstrating how institutions, whether criminal or legal, shape individuals, and how the pursuit of power and profit often leads to devastating consequences. Its multi-perspective narrative avoids easy answers, presenting a nuanced, often bleak, picture of urban life where good intentions often pave the road to hell.
We Own This City: Dirty Cops as a "Gang"
From the creators of The Wire, George Pelecanos and David Simon, comes We Own This City, a 2022 limited series that will strike a chord with fans who appreciated the gritty violence and institutional corruption in Sons of Anarchy. Adapted from Justin Fenton's non-fiction book, the six-episode series details the widespread corruption within the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force.
The show chronicles the rise and fall of eight officers who were indicted on racketeering charges, blurring the lines between law enforcement and criminality. Like SOA's narrative, it uses a non-linear style with flashbacks to reveal how these "dirty cops" operated as a tightly knit, almost gang-like unit, using their badges to facilitate their own criminal enterprises. It offers tense situations, brutal violence, and a deep exploration of systemic failure and moral decay. If you were drawn to Sons of Anarchy's portrayal of a group operating outside the law, bonded by a warped sense of loyalty, but found yourself wishing the criminals wore badges, We Own This City provides a stark, unsettling, and incredibly well-crafted experience.
Warrior: Brutal Tong Wars in San Francisco
If the themes of brutal gang warfare, unbreakable brotherhood, shocking betrayal, and the complexities of family and machismo appealed to you in Sons of Anarchy, then Warrior is a must-watch. This Cinemax series, set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the late 1800s, brings a fresh historical backdrop to these familiar themes.
Inspired by the writings of Bruce Lee, Warrior depicts the fierce and often deadly conflicts between rival Chinese tongs (gangs) vying for control over opium, prostitution, and other criminal enterprises. The series is packed with incredible martial arts choreography and unflinching violence, showcasing a different kind of outlaw culture. The characters are driven by loyalty to their tong "families," navigating a city rife with racial tension and political intrigue. Like SOA, it explores the personal sacrifices made for the collective, the weight of leadership, and the devastating impact of betrayal. It also features powerful female characters, like the cunning brothel madam Ah Toy (Olivia Cheng) and the ambitious tong leader Mai Ling (Dianne Doan), who command respect and exert significant influence in a male-dominated world, akin to Gemma Teller Morrow's presence.
Kingdom: Fighting for Family and Glory
For a testosterone-soaked family drama that explores the darker side of ambition, addiction, and the fight for glory, look no further than Kingdom. This DirecTV/AT&T Audience series, now available on Netflix, is set against the intense backdrop of mixed martial arts.
The series centers on Alvey Kulina (Frank Grillo, a known tough guy actor who also appeared in SOA as a different character, though his connection isn't highlighted in the prompt's ground truth for this show), a former champion fighter who now runs a gym, training his sons, Jay (Jonathan Tucker) and Nate (Nick Jonas). Much like SAMCRO, the Kulina family is a volatile, tightly knit unit, constantly grappling with their complicated relationships, personal demons, and the brutal demands of their chosen path. The show delves into the complicated nature of family loyalty, the corrosive power of addiction, and the relentless pursuit of success in a physically and emotionally demanding world. The bonds of brotherhood, the internal struggles, and the constant battle to prove oneself will resonate deeply with Sons of Anarchy fans who appreciated the raw emotional core beneath the violence.
Heels: Wrestling, Brotherhood, and Paternal Shadows
Another series that delves into a world of heightened masculinity, family drama, and the complex pressures of a paternal legacy is Heels. This show focuses on a fictional independent wrestling promotion in rural Georgia, where the drama in the ring is often outmatched by the drama behind the scenes.
Brothers Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig) inherit their father's wrestling promotion business after his death. They are forced to grapple with their fractured relationship, conflicting visions for the business, and the overwhelming shadow of their father's legacy. The series explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, ambition, and the constant questioning of masculinity within a niche, testosterone-soaked community. While the violence is theatrical, the emotional stakes are very real, and the struggles of these men to define themselves and their family's future amidst rivalry and tradition will appeal to SOA fans who enjoyed the core family dynamics and the pressures of leading a tight-knit, albeit unusual, organization.
Hell on Wheels: Outlaws of the Old West
If you appreciated the "outlaw" spirit and the building of a new world on its own terms, Hell on Wheels offers a compelling Western take on similar themes. This AMC series, which premiered in 2011, is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the post-Civil War American West.
The story follows Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount), a former Confederate soldier who embarks on a quest for vengeance against the Union soldiers who murdered his family. His journey leads him to the mobile, lawless camp of "Hell on Wheels" that follows the railroad's construction. This camp is a melting pot of corruption, greed, and the perils of power, where outlaws, prostitutes, and desperate men carve out a brutal existence. The series draws interesting parallels between the outlaw gangs of the Old West and the more modern motorcycle clubs, with their own codes, territories, and internal power struggles. The themes of revenge, justice, and the formation of makeshift families in a harsh, unforgiving land will resonate with fans of Sons of Anarchy.
Prison Break: Doing Bad for the Greater Good
For fans who appreciated the intense twists, criminal characters, and protagonists willing to do morally questionable things for a greater good, Prison Break delivers on all fronts. This Fox crime series, which ran for five seasons plus a standalone film, became a pop culture phenomenon for its thrilling narrative.
The central premise revolves around Michael Scofield, a brilliant structural engineer who orchestrates an elaborate plan to break his falsely convicted brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of a maximum-security prison. As the series progresses, the brothers and their growing group of allies find themselves entangled in a vast conspiracy, forcing them to constantly outwit authorities and dangerous criminal organizations. While it lacks the motorcycle club element, the intense focus on brotherhood, loyalty under duress, and characters who repeatedly make "bad" choices with noble intentions will keep Sons of Anarchy fans on the edge of their seats. The high stakes, constant betrayals, and the emotional core of family loyalty are undeniable links.
Why We Crave More: The Enduring Appeal of SOA's World
Sons of Anarchy struck a nerve because it tapped into universal themes: the desire for belonging, the complexities of family, the allure of power, and the eternal struggle between fate and free will. Its characters, though often violent and flawed, were deeply human, grappling with loyalties that pulled them in different directions. The world of SAMCRO, for all its brutality, was one where bonds were forged in blood and where consequences were always just around the corner. This intoxicating mix of adrenaline, emotion, and moral ambiguity is what makes fans continually seek out similar narratives. It’s not just about the motorcycles; it’s about the soul of the outlaw. For those looking to dive even deeper into the world of Charming and its history, you can find All about SOA seasons and other intricate details that shaped this iconic show.
Choosing Your Next Ride: How to Pick Your Perfect Spin-off
With so many compelling options, how do you pick your next binge? Consider what aspects of Sons of Anarchy resonated most with you:
- If you loved the direct continuation and the M.C. culture: Mayans M.C. is your undisputed first stop.
- If the creative minds behind SOA are your draw: The Shield offers Kurt Sutter’s original vision, while Yellowstone and DMZ feature other key contributors.
- If you want to see your favorite SOA actors shine: Follow Charlie Hunnam to Shantaram, Ryan Hurst to Outsiders, or Jon Bernthal to The Punisher.
- If family-based crime and brutal power dynamics are your thing: Peaky Blinders and Gomorrah provide international takes, while The Wire and We Own This City give a gritty American urban perspective.
- If you appreciate brotherhood, intense action, and moral dilemmas: Warrior, Kingdom, Heels, Hell on Wheels, and Prison Break offer varied settings but similar core appeals.
No matter which path you choose, these shows promise to deliver the kind of engrossing storytelling, complex characters, and visceral action that made Sons of Anarchy a legendary series.
Your Next Binge Awaits
The legacy of Sons of Anarchy extends far beyond Charming, California. It created a blueprint for exploring the dark side of loyalty, the grey areas of morality, and the enduring power of brotherhood. Whether you opt for the official spin-off, follow your favorite actors to new roles, or delve into thematic cousins that mirror SAMCRO's spirit, a rich tapestry of compelling television awaits. So, fire up your streaming service of choice, settle in, and prepare for another unforgettable ride into worlds where the rules are few, and the stakes are always deadly high.