10 Best Shows Like ‘The Artful Dodger,’ Ranked by IMDb Score

‘The Artful Dodger’ is an Australian television series created by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor. Produced by Sony Pictures Television’s Curio Pictures and Beach Road Pictures for Disney+, the eight-part series serves as a sequel to Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist” (1838). Set in 1850s Australia, the show follows Jack Dawkins, a former Royal Navy surgeon who has established himself as a respected young doctor. However, his past catches up with him when an old acquaintance, Fagin, resurfaces, pulling Jack, once the notorious “Artful Dodger” from London, back into a life of crime. ‘The Artful Dodger’ was released just a few weeks ago, and if you’ve already seen the show and you are hungry for more adventure, we have just the list for you. Here are the 10 best shows like ‘The Artful Dodger’ ranked by IMDb score.

10. ‘Great Expectations’ (2023)

IMDb Score: 5.3

‘Great Expectations’ is the freshest series on our list, but also another Dickens adaptation. The story is centered around Pip, an orphan with aspirations for a better life. The story takes a dark turn when the enigmatic “Miss Havisham” and her sinister schemes expose him to a world filled with unforeseen possibilities. As Pip tries to make sense of the weighty expectations put upon him, he must discover the true consequences of this newfound world.

9. ‘Oliver Twist’ (2007)

IMDb Score: 7.3

If it seems like there are only Dickens adaptations on this list, trust me, there aren’t. It’s just that some of the lowest-rated shows were adaptions of his timeless work. In any case, ‘Oliver Twist’ released in 2007, is based on the planetary popular novel; it’s also a mini-series, so don’t let the IMDb score discourage you from watching 5 episodes of the historical Marvel.

8. ‘Copper’ (2012)

IMDb Score: 7.5

‘Copper’ ended up on this list due to its criminal themes and historical setting. The series revolves around Kevin “Corky” Corcoran, an Irish immigrant police detective striving to maintain order in the tumultuous Five Points neighborhood of 1860s New York City. Simultaneously, Corky is on a personal quest to uncover information about his missing wife and deceased daughter, events that occurred while he served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

7. ‘David Copperfield’ (1999)

IMDb Score: 7.7

Not the illusionist, but rather one more adaptation of Dickens’ novel under the same name. ‘David Copperfield’ begins with the birth of the titular character in Blunderstone, Suffolk, shortly after the death of his father. Born to Clara Copperfield, David’s arrival is anticipated by his great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood, who expects a girl. When the child turns out to be a boy, Miss Trotwood is displeased and leaves. Raised with love by his mother Clara and their maid Peggotty, David’s childhood takes a turn at the age of eight when Clara marries the stern Edward Murdstone. This is just one of many misfortunate events that caught up with young David, and the rest of his journey won’t be any different.

6. ‘Mysterious Ways’ (2000)

IMDb Score: 7.9

The series revolves around the protagonist, Declan Dunn, a passionate anthropology professor at the Northern University of Oregon, who resembles Indiana Jones in his pursuit of solving mysterious phenomena. Declan’s gift for exploring weird events stems from a personal experience of surviving an avalanche, which he considers a turning point in his life. Declan is joined in his quest by his close friends, Dr. Peggy Fowler, a pragmatic psychiatrist at a nearby hospital, and Miranda Feigelsteen, a physics graduate student who serves as Declan’s research assistant.

5. ‘Ripper Street’ (2012)

IMDb Score: 8.1

Set in April 1889, five months after the last Jack the Ripper killing, the series takes place in Whitechapel, where the H Division is tasked with policing a challenging district of East London that covers one and a quarter square miles. This dirt-poor area is home to 67,000 people struggling with poverty. The H Division, having previously hunted the elusive Jack the Ripper without success, now faces a new dilemma when a series of murders of women occurs in Whitechapel. As the body count rises, the police begin to question if the notorious killer has returned to terrorize the streets once again.

4. ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ (2012)

IMDb Score: 8.2

‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ is not a Dickens adaptation, but it does follow a similar historical crime setting, and it is based on a series of books penned by Kerry Greenwood. The show follows the adventures of Phryne Fisher, a stylish and glamorous private detective operating in late 1920s Melbourne. The first series introduces a theme surrounding the kidnapping and tragic death of Phryne’s younger sister, Janey, during their childhood at a circus. This unresolved crime continues to haunt Phryne, who carries a deep sense of responsibility, believing she should have done more to protect her sister.

3. ‘Little Dorrit’ (2008)

IMDb Score: 8.2

This is the last Dickens adaptation on this list. The story revolves around Amy Dorrit, who has lived in Marshalsea Prison for Debt since her birth in 1805, caring for her privileged father, William, known as the Father of the Marshalsea. Amy works as a seamstress for the cranky Mrs. Clennam, a semi-invalid living with her servants, including the sinister Jeremiah Flintwinch and his wife, Affery. Mr. Clennam, who is ill in China with his son Arthur, expresses a dying wish for Arthur to “put it right” with his mother. He gives Arthur a pocket watch with a hidden message. Returning to England after 15 years, Arthur presents the watch to his mother, revealing the message “Do not forget.” Arthur is smitten with Minnie (Pet) Meagles, who prefers artist Henry Gowan, causing distress to her parents.

2. ‘Taboo’ (2017)

IMDb Score: 8.3

‘Taboo’ is a BBC television drama series co-produced by Scott Free London and Hardy Son & Baker. The eight-episode series was created by Steven Knight, Tom Hardy, and Chips Hardy based on a story written by Tom and Chips Hardy.

Set in 1814, the series follows adventurer and merchant James Delaney (Tom Hardy) upon his return to England after spending twelve years in Africa following his father’s death. Taking place towards the end of the 1812 war between Great Britain and the United States, ‘Taboo’ actually deals with the protagonist’s taboo sexual relationship with his half-sister Zilpha Geary, sharing the same father.

1. ‘The Knick’ (2014)

IMDb Score: 8.5

In 1900, in New York City, the Knickerbocker Hospital faced problems as its surgeons and staff pushed against the limitations of “modern” medical understanding to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Dr. John Thackery, the new head of the surgery staff, struggles with his cocaine and opium addictions while trying to go for medical breakthroughs and maintain his professional reputation. Dr. Algernon Edwards, a highly qualified Black American surgeon, battles for respect in the racially challenging environment of the hospital and the city as the institution seeks financial aid without compromising the quality of care.

Have a show to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!