It seems like the last 20 years have seen a peak in television violence. Of course, it’s always been there in some form. The beloved police dramas and westerns have always provided plenty of gunfight action, but mash It was as bloody as an ’80s network audience could expect, and it gave us a glimpse into the more tragic side of the war.
However, eschewing traditional good vs. evil tales in favour of more complex stories centred around flawed characters, coupled with exponential advances in the technology sector, has meant we live in a time and place where it’s not uncommon to turn on the TV and see a head-exploding scene or two. Many of these shows are also some of the most impactful to have ever graced our screens.
game of thronesFor example, The King of Fighters, which features a character pushing a child out of a high window in its first episode, has gone on to become one of the most-watched television series in history. It would never have achieved such fame if audiences hadn’t turned on the TV every week to watch a shocking, gory show.
We can only speculate, but for now, here are some of the most brutal and violent TV shows ever produced.
Ten Gangs of London (2020–present)
Based on the 2006 video game of the same name, Gangs of London The series takes viewers to modern-day London, where criminal gangs are fighting for control of the criminal underworld. When London’s most powerful crime lord, Finn Wallace, is murdered, his family struggles to stay in power while other families try their hardest to rise to the top. An undercover detective becomes a witness to the family’s lust for power.
A wild adventure in the gangster subgenre that doesn’t hold back
Produced by Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery Gangs of London is a groundbreaking British crime drama that makes no compromises when it comes to depicting violence. The camerawork is very aggressive, putting the viewer right in the middle of the action. The show has received critical acclaim, with season 1 holding a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. You can stream it Gangs of London On AMC+.
9 Black Summer (2019 – 2021)
in Black SummerThe zombie apocalypse begins. With no warning and a very dramatic beginning, we suddenly witness a family being torn apart. The show then becomes a multi-character journey through the harsh reality of a country overrun by supernatural forces no one understands. But are zombies the most dangerous enemy?
The best zombie show you’ve never seen
Often compared the walking dead, Black Summer was a smaller-scale show, and over the course of two seasons it gave audiences a raw version of AMC’s signature show, without any rehashes of pretty characters or stylized heroes. Black Summer We took a more realistic approach to the story and gave great consideration to our characters and their journeys – no one is safe on the show and there is no mercy when it comes time for a character to die.
8 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
game of thronesHBO’s epic fantasy epic, Wrath of the Dragon, is set in a fantasy world where real, fire-breathing dragons are the ultimate symbol of power, and depicts the struggle for power between several Houses. House Targaryen, House Lannister, and House Stark are just a few of the players competing for the Iron Throne, where the leader of the kingdom sits and wields power.
Fantasy blockbuster takes advantage of HBO’s policy
Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire By George R.R. Martin game of thrones It has been hailed as one of the most influential television events of recent years, but controversy also surrounded its broadcast.
Packed with spectacular murder scenes, the show became known for its raw, gory violence (some of which was genuinely disturbing) and the callous behavior of some of its characters, where morality wasn’t necessarily an issue — but it was HBO, so anything was allowed.
7 Hannibal (2013 – 2015)
HannibalThe TV show is based on characters created by Thomas Harris for a series of novels featuring Hannibal Lecter, which have also been adapted into films. Silence of the LambsIn the series, FBI Special Agent Will Graham is forced to seek the help of a psychologist who knows a thing or two about serial killers roaming the country, but Graham realizes that Dr. Lecter may have some secrets as well.
Violence becomes artistic
This series, featuring the hit franchise villain Hannibal Lecter, is one of the most underrated TV shows ever to come out on the air. Unfortunately, it was canceled at the height of its popularity, leaving many fans perplexed by the unceremonious decision. However, reruns offer a glimpse into showrunner Bryan Fuller’s story development and kill scenes so meticulously orchestrated they could be considered works of art.
Sure, it’s a bit over the top at times, but it’s hard to imagine a show of this nature without such graphic violence. Hannibalof.
6 The Walking Dead (2010 – 2022)
the walking dead The film follows a group of characters as they navigate the remains of a country ravaged by an incomprehensible “disease.” The dead become “walkers,” and no one is immune to becoming a mindless zombie in a wasteland where survival depends less on avoiding bites and more on avoiding vicious attacks from other survivors. In this new version of America, everyone is alone.
Gore enters mainstream television
The show was a huge success, becoming the most-watched TV show in cable television history for a time, and spawned a series of spinoffs that continue to this day. As a zombie show, the show was completely unrestrained in its violence, and it quickly became a staple of makeup effects by artist Greg Nicotero.
This allowed the creators to portray organic versions of the zombies and stage well-designed kill scenes, mostly with human characters. To be sure, there are significant events during the show that are remembered primarily for their extremely graphic violence.
Five True Blood (2008-2014)
HBO True BloodVampires live among us. And there are some rules for vampires. Mainly, they need blood to survive, but scientists have created synthetic blood, allowing ancient vampires to behave socially just like other humans. Told from the perspective of Sookie Stackhouse and set in the swamps and rural areas of Louisiana, True Blood is one of the best fantasy dramas ever produced.
Vampires are romantic, but very cruel
A charming and ever-fresh show with the perfect blend of comedy, romance, and horror. In the late 2000s, it was about vampires having sex, killing at will, and not being all that shiny. Made to HBO’s specifications, the sex was a little graphic and the kills were plentiful, gory, and original. It’s a show so original that even the thought of rebooting it seems like a pain.
Four Vikings (2013-2020)
Viking
- release date
- March 3, 2013
- cast
- Peter Franzen
VikingMichael Hirst’s epic historical drama The Adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok follows farmer Ragnar Lothbrok, part of the Norman community in Scandinavia, as he tries his best to conquer other territories. Ragnar and his team eventually reach England, and after destroying all traces of civilization, Ragnar becomes King of Scandinavia. His legacy is carried on and respected by those closest to him.
History reexamined without restrictions
This show is inspired by tales and legends from the Dark Ages and does not necessarily strive for historical accuracy. This is not a show about learning about the history of your ancestors and what they did.
Needless to say, the film takes some liberties, including graphic depictions of violence and despicable acts committed by people who feel superior to others. The gore is sometimes so intense you’ll want to cover your eyes. If you don’t believe me, just wait until you see the episode where Blood Eagle torture takes place.
3 The Boys (2019–present)
the boys The film depicts a future America where superheroes exist and function just like artists, influencers, and celebrities. As their power grows beyond measure, corporations do everything in their power to control and exploit them, with disastrous results. truth Our heroes, a group of underdogs called “The Boys,” try to fight back against the invincibles who are using their powers for bad purposes.
The truth about superheroes finally revealed
The show was one of the first in recent years to completely subvert the concept of superheroes, making them psychopaths and murderers. Homelander, the show’s main villain and one of its most interesting characters, is an eerily reflective of America’s corrupt values, with uncontrolled violence being one of his defining characteristics.
If you don’t believe the show is violent, think of DC’s speedster character, The Flash, and imagine what would happen if you got in his way while he was running. Crushed is an understatement.
2 Oz (1997 – 2003)
Oz
- release date
- July 12, 1997
in OzHBO’s first television drama, Oswald State Corrections, gives viewers a first-hand experience of what goes on at Oswald State Corrections, where the warden imposes absolute confinement as the only form of rehabilitation. The prisoners keep their distance, but soon the rules are broken and chaos ensues. Taking the lead role in 1997, the series ran for six seasons and became the model series for HBO’s production business.
A real look inside a system that is rarely explored
The series depicts a pure version of the American prison system, where rehabilitation is theoretical and humanity is exposed to the primal manifestations of its worst monsters. The show’s representation of culture has been controversial, with J.K. Simmons’ Vernon Schillinger becoming an iconic TV villain who deals in a different kind of violence. While some of the material is watchable by today’s TV standards, it can also be riveting at times.
1 Squid Game (2021-present)
Squid Game
- release date
- September 17, 2021
- cast
- Lee Jeong-jae, Kim Joo-ryeong, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s groundbreaking Korean TV show Squid Game456 players are handpicked to play a game that could make them millionaires. It’s no coincidence that their circumstances are grim, so they all take part in an extreme and dangerous version of a children’s game. The catch is, if they lose, they’re “eliminated,” meaning they’re killed.
Netflix’s most-watched series is also one of its most violent
The Netflix show was so successful that it spawned a reality TV series based on the same concept, except that participants never died and could win a cash prize. The violence in the show is over the top, bordering on the absurd, and constantly treading into horror territory, but this is undoubtedly one of the reasons for Netflix’s popularity. Squid Game, It became the streamer’s most-watched series of 2021.
