TV Shows Giving Depth to Working-Class Hero Journeys

The television landscape has frequently evolved to provide more nuanced portrayals of the working class, moving beyond stereotypes to explore complex socioeconomic realities. These narratives often center on individuals navigating financial instability, institutional barriers, and the daily grind of blue-collar labor. By grounding their protagonists in authentic environments, these shows offer a profound look at the resilience and humanity of those living paycheck to paycheck. This shift in storytelling allows for a deeper exploration of how economic status influences family dynamics, personal identity, and social mobility. Through both comedy and drama, these series highlight the dignity found in labor and the universal struggle for a better life.

‘All in the Family’ (1971–1979)

Archie Bunker is a working-class World War II veteran living in Queens, New York, who works as a loading dock foreman. The show uses his interactions with his family to explore social issues like race, gender, and economics during a period of massive cultural shift. It was one of the first sitcoms to feature a protagonist who struggled with the changing landscape of blue-collar America. The series remained a cultural touchstone for its depiction of the generational and political divide within a single household. It held the number one spot in the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years during its original run.

‘Roseanne’ (1988–2018)

This sitcom centers on the Conners, a working-class family living in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. Both parents work multiple blue-collar jobs to support their three children and pay the mortgage. The show was groundbreaking for its honest depiction of financial stress and domestic life without a sugar-coated lens. It addressed issues like unemployment, healthcare, and debt with a blend of humor and realism. Its realistic portrayal of a family struggling to make ends meet resonated with millions of viewers across the United States.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

‘The Wire’ explores the interconnected lives of law enforcement and members of the drug trade in Baltimore. It provides a gritty look at the systemic failures affecting the working class within the city’s docks, schools, and government offices. The second season specifically focuses on the decline of the shipping industry and its impact on unionized dockworkers. This series is widely praised for its sociological depth and realistic portrayal of institutional decay in post-industrial America. The show’s creator, David Simon, utilized his experience as a journalist to ground the narrative in factual urban reality.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

This drama is set in a small, football-obsessed town in Texas where the local economy is visibly struggling. It follows the lives of the high school coach, players, and their families who view football as a primary path to a better life. The series addresses issues such as underemployment, the decline of local industry, and the immense pressure of community expectations. It provides an intimate look at the hopes and hardships of rural working-class families trying to survive. The show is frequently cited for its authentic dialogue and documentary-style cinematography that enhances its realism.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Walter White begins the series as a high school chemistry teacher working a second job at a car wash to support his pregnant wife and teenage son. His financial desperation following a terminal cancer diagnosis leads him into the dangerous world of methamphetamine production. The show explores the lack of a social safety net and the extreme measures one might take to ensure family financial security. It serves as a dark commentary on the fragility of the American middle class and the high cost of healthcare. The character’s descent into the criminal underworld highlights the consequences of systemic economic neglect.

‘The Middle’ (2009–2018)

This sitcom focuses on the Hecks, a family living in a small town in Indiana navigating the trials of everyday life. The parents work multiple jobs, including car sales and dental assisting, to keep their household afloat amidst constant financial setbacks. The show emphasizes the mundane but difficult realities of middle-American working-class life. It often portrays the humor found in everyday obstacles, such as broken appliances and school project deadlines. The series concluded in 2018 after nine seasons of depicting realistic and relatable familial bonds.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

This show follows the Gallagher family as they navigate life on the South Side of Chicago. Frank Gallagher, a single father with an addiction, often leaves his six children to fend for themselves amid extreme financial instability. The series examines themes of addiction, poverty, and survival in a modern American urban setting. It portrays the resourcefulness and loyalty required to live on the margins of society. The adaptation of the British original series ran for eleven seasons, becoming a staple of cable television drama.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Set in post-World War I Birmingham, the series follows the Shelby crime family and their rise to power. The protagonists emerge from their working-class roots in the industrial heart of England to gain significant political and economic influence. It explores the intersection of labor unions, communism, and organized crime during the early 20th century. The show emphasizes the grit and ambition required to transcend one’s social standing in a rigid class system. Its historical setting provides a stylized but grounded backdrop for exploring class warfare and economic upheaval.

‘Happy Valley’ (2014–2023)

Catherine Cawood is a resilient police sergeant in a working-class town in West Yorkshire, England. The series depicts her professional duties and personal struggles following a family tragedy involving her late daughter. It captures the grim reality of crime, poverty, and drug abuse in post-industrial British communities. The show is noted for its strong character development and grounded portrayal of law enforcement labor and domestic responsibility. It received multiple BAFTA awards for its writing and the lead performance by Sarah Lancashire.

‘This Is England ’86’ (2010)

As a spin-off from the film ‘This Is England’, this miniseries follows a group of young people in the mid-1980s. It depicts the lives of skinheads and punks during a time of high unemployment and social unrest in Britain. The characters navigate the difficulties of finding work and the impact of the Thatcher era on the working class. The narrative is noted for its raw emotional power and historical authenticity regarding youth subcultures. Director Shane Meadows focuses on the collective identities that emerge from shared economic hardship.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

The series serves as a prequel to ‘Breaking Bad’ and follows Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. Early seasons focus on his struggle to build a legitimate law practice while working out of a cramped office in the back of a nail salon. The narrative emphasizes the class distinctions within the legal profession and the significant barriers to upward mobility. Jimmy’s journey is defined by his attempts to succeed in a system that often favors those with wealth and elite pedigree. The show meticulously tracks his moral compromise as he faces repeated financial and professional setbacks.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

Set in a fictional big-box store called Cloud 9, this comedy focuses on the daily lives of retail employees in St. Louis. It addresses serious labor issues such as unionization, lack of benefits, and corporate exploitation within a comedic framework. The characters represent a diverse cross-section of the working class navigating low-wage work and shifting corporate policies. The series balances humor with sharp social commentary on the realities of the modern retail industry. It often highlights the stark contrast between optimistic corporate messaging and the difficult reality of the sales floor.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

The series follows Earn Marks as he tries to manage his cousin’s rising rap career while living in a state of near-constant poverty. It explores the surreal nature of trying to achieve success while navigating the daily obstacles of being underemployed in a major city. The narrative often blends social commentary with absurdist humor to depict the Black experience in the modern South. It highlights the constant hustle and psychological toll required to survive in an expensive urban environment. The show won multiple Emmy awards for its innovative storytelling and unique visual direction.

‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022)

The series follows the lives of three siblings who inherit their late father’s sugarcane farm in rural Louisiana. They must navigate the complexities of the agricultural industry and the legacy of their family’s land in the South. The show explores the labor-intensive nature of farming and the unique economic pressures placed on Black landowners. It provides a lush, dramatic look at rural life and the generational struggle for economic independence. The production is notable for using an all-female directorial team throughout its entire seven-season run.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

This reimagining of the classic sitcom follows a Cuban-American family led by a single mother and Army veteran. Penelope Alvarez works as a nurse while raising two children and caring for her mother in a small apartment. The show addresses contemporary topics such as immigration, veteran healthcare, and the rising cost of living. It maintains a consistent focus on the resilience and humor found in a multi-generational working-class home. The series was highly praised for its representation of the Latinx community and its handling of mental health issues.

‘On My Block’ (2018–2021)

This coming-of-age series follows a group of four friends navigating high school in a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles. They face significant challenges related to gang violence, poverty, and the intense desire for higher education as a means of escape. The show balances its comedic elements with the serious realities of growing up in an underserved urban community. It highlights the loyalty and intelligence of teenagers living in a working-class environment. The four-season run concluded with a focus on the characters’ difficult transition into young adulthood.

‘Dopesick’ (2021)

This miniseries examines the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction in a small Virginia mining town. It portrays the devastating impact of the drug on the local labor force and the overall community economy. The story focuses on the perspective of a local doctor and the working-class patients he treats for work-related injuries. It explores how corporate greed and aggressive marketing exploited a vulnerable population of manual laborers. The narrative is based on the comprehensive non-fiction book by journalist Beth Macy.

‘Maid’ (2021)

Inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir, this limited series follows a young mother who becomes a housecleaner to escape an abusive relationship. It illustrates the complex bureaucracy and immense difficulties of navigating the American social welfare system while working for low wages. The protagonist, Alex, works multiple demanding jobs while struggling with housing insecurity and the high cost of childcare. The story provides a visceral and empathetic look at the challenges faced by the working poor in modern America. It was one of the most-watched limited series on its streaming platform upon its initial release.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–Present)

In this South Korean thriller, debt-ridden individuals compete in deadly children’s games for a chance at a massive cash prize. The protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, represents the marginalized working class struggling with massive gambling debts and chronic unemployment. The series provides a harsh critique of late-stage capitalism and the desperation it breeds in those at the bottom of the economic ladder. It highlights how extreme economic inequality can drive people to desperate lengths to secure their survival. The show became a global cultural phenomenon and a major critical success following its debut.

‘Reservation Dogs’ (2021–2023)

This series follows four Indigenous teenagers living on a reservation in rural Oklahoma as they dream of a life elsewhere. They engage in minor crimes and various odd jobs to save enough money to move to California. The show depicts the specific economic hardships and cultural identity struggles found within modern Indigenous communities. It provides a unique and necessary perspective on rural working-class life and the universal desire for a better future. The series is the first of its kind to feature an entirely Indigenous team of writers and directors.

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)

This mockumentary-style show follows a group of dedicated teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia public school. It highlights the incredible resourcefulness of educators who must work with limited supplies and aging infrastructure to teach their students. The characters frequently use their own personal time and money to supplement the school’s lacking resources. The series emphasizes the importance of community support and the often-overlooked realities of public service labor. It has received widespread critical acclaim for its heart and accurate portrayal of the modern education system.

‘The Bear’ (2022–Present)

Carmen Berzatto is a professional chef who returns to Chicago to manage his late brother’s gritty Italian beef sandwich shop. The series focuses on the intense, high-pressure environment of the service industry and the physical toll it takes on workers. It captures the financial struggles and emotional weight associated with running a small, family-owned business in a changing neighborhood. The show highlights the dignity found in manual labor and the complex interpersonal dynamics of a professional kitchen. It has been lauded for its realistic depiction of the culinary world and its exploration of grief and mental health.

‘Somebody Somewhere’ (2022–Present)

Sam is a woman in her 40s living in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas, while dealing with the loss of her sister. She works a mundane job at a standardized testing center while trying to find her sense of belonging in the community. The show celebrates the “outsiders” and the quiet beauty found in ordinary, working-class lives in the Midwest. It emphasizes themes of friendship, grief, and the search for authentic connection in a small town. The series is semi-autobiographical, drawing significant inspiration from the life of lead actor Bridget Everett.

‘Beef’ (2023)

Following a road rage incident, two strangers find their lives increasingly intertwined as they seek petty revenge against one another. One protagonist, Danny Cho, is a struggling contractor living in a crowded apartment with his younger brother. The series highlights the intense class tension between Danny and the wealthy, successful business owner he targets. It explores how chronic financial stress and unfulfilled potential can lead to impulsive and destructive behavior. The show received several major awards for its lead performances and its original, genre-bending concept.

‘Blue Lights’ (2023–Present)

This Northern Irish drama follows three probationary police officers as they begin their careers in Belfast. It provides a realistic look at the dangers and daily grind of policing in a city with a complex and divided history. The officers must constantly balance their professional duties with the pressures of their personal lives and community expectations. The series emphasizes the human cost of public service and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement. It has been renewed for multiple seasons due to its strong ratings and positive critical reception.

Share which of these working-class stories resonated with you the most in the comments.