Average Joe has taken the world by storm with its compelling storyline and dark comedy. The show is inspired by the true events in the life of Robb Cullen, the creator of the show on Netflix. Average Joe is about Joe Washington, played by Deon Cole, and his family is dealing with the aftermath of his father stealing from the Russian Mob.
While there are some pretty intense and slightly gory scenes in Average Joe, the subtle innuendos and humor add a certain lightness to this dark tale. Netflix dropped Season 1 of the show on August 15, 2024, globally. With a resounding success, Average Joe resulted in getting renewed for a new season.
While you anxiously wait for another season of the series to arrive, why not binge on another show before its arrival? If Average Joe was your cup of tea, here are other shows that are similar and equally enjoyable!
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised.
6 Netflix shows similar to Average Joe
1) True Story
If you know Kevin Hart is going to be in a series, you know it ought to leave you in happy tears. He and veteran actor Wesley Snipes make for a delightful duo throughout this show. True Story revolves around estranged brothers - one a comedian and the other a felon, who reunite years later.
This is a perfect role for Hart given he's playing a comedian himself in True Story. Hart's character is on tour and his next stop is Philadelphia where things in his life take a tumultuous turn. Since reputation is everything to this famous personality, he struggles to tackle dark challenges alongside Snipes in this comedy-crime drama. Like Average Joe, the progressively complicated yet light treatment of the story makes True Story a must-watch.
2) Only Murders in The Building
Only Murders in the Building is an excellent and hilarious comedy crime drama starring the creme de la creme of the entertainment industry. The Disney Plus show features Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin in unique avatars.
The story revolves around three total strangers with a penchant for crime documentaries and shows coming across an actual murder in their apartment in New York. Eager to use their knowledge, they team up to solve the case. However, like in Average Joe, things turn out to be more complicated than they seem.
3) Beef
Beef is one of those shows that feature all those cathartic and raw emotions a person can feel on a bad day. Similar to Average Joe, this show was a resounding success because of the amalgamation of dark humor and drama. The story is based on an exaggerated feud between two strangers whose lives clash due to a road rage incident gone wrong.
It was not a good day for Amy Lau, played by Ali Wong, to be driving on the road because Danny Cho, played by Steven Yeun, was not in a forgiving mood. The duo continually attempts to find out more about each other to get even in a rather dark manner, thus bringing out the worst in them.
4) Bad Monkey
Bad Monkey is Apple TV's newest hit featuring a cop-turned-health-inspector in Miami. During a mundane day, Andrew Yancy, played by Vince Vaughn, comes across a severed hand. Desperate to get his job back, the former cop decides to probe the matter further only to stumble down a dark yet comedic rabbit hole.
The show stars several other decorated actors and actresses such as Zach Braff, Michelle Monaghan, and Meredith Hagner. The show has several unpredictable plot twists and is a rather refreshing watch when compared to the usual comedy crime dramas, making it a similar viewing experience to the one that Average Joe offers.
5) The Gentlemen
The Gentlemen might not have a wholesome humor factor but packs a punch with its storyline. The series revolves around a gangster's son - the black sheep of the family, who ends up being the sole heir to his dad's pristine mansion and estate.
This aristocrat was in the dark about what truly went on, especially since he was never home. As it turns out, all that wealth, the cars, the stunning pool, and the not-so-humble-abode was a front to a weed manufacturing hub. The show has everything from car chases to classic fight sequences and romance, making it a wholesome show to watch if you enjoyed Average Joe.
5) Florida Man
Another intense comedy crime drama like Average Joe, is Florida Man which was released last year on Netflix and continues to make a banger impression. If you happen to like the idea of ex-cops working with criminals, this is your go-to show.
The story is centered around former police member Mike Valentine, played by Edgar Ramirez, and the aftermath of his encounter with a gang member's girlfriend who is a runaway. This poses a whole new set of challenges for Valentine. On the journey of keeping her safe, he finds himself at a crossroads of right and wrong.
6) Murderville
Murderville is a mind-bending comedy-drama that will leave you asking for more. The show introduces a rather unique concept of having 7 different guest stars for each episode. Neither are given a script and purely rely on their acting prowess concerning the role of a cop.
The show's storyline revolves around the quirky dynamic between a former married couple - one working as the chief of police, the other a senior detective. The latter is tasked with finding a suitable rookie to resume service as a fully functional cop.
However, they must get past a rather amusing task of using clues to detect the real perpetrator among the other two actors/ imposters. If the rookie guesses correctly, they live to see another day, or else they need to look for a new job.
7) Good Girls
Another classic crime drama would have to be Good Girls. The show is about a trio of mothers who decide to turn to a life of crime after a terrifying encounter. The trio of moms began by robbing a store one of them used to work at and even get away with it.
However, during another such job, they discover the wrong person's money which comes back to haunt them. Instead of turning tail and running after encountering a dangerous gangster, the ladies decide to pull off a few more jobs. The story is filled with drama, some savage moments, adrenaline, and romance, followed by crime.
8) The Rookie
The Rookie is a more mature version of Brooklyn Nine-Nine which operates on a more comedic medium than actual crime themes. This Netflix banger has some pretty wholesome moments, but can also break your heart if you grow too fond of a character.
The Rookie is about a middle-aged man named John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion, and his decision to become a police officer well ahead of his time. Initially, Nolan is underestimated because of his age. However, in time he proves that his age and wisdom are his biggest assets in solving a case. This show, like Average Joe, is highly character-driven.
9) Get Shorty
Get Shorty is based on a former hit-man who finally realizes where his true priority in life lies - with his family. After leaving behind a nefarious life of crime, Miles Daly, played by Chris O'Dowd, has an epiphany to produce a movie. However, with not enough dough, he resorts to an illegal scheme. Get Shorty is similar to Average Joe in the way it deals with characters with mysterious stories to them.
Although the matter doesn't seem like much, things get much worse when ghosts from his past begin to haunt him. With members of his crime rig looking for him, Miles also needs to juggle spending time with his estranged family. Additionally, he also needs to make a movie.
10) Big Little Lies
The list concludes with a critically acclaimed show, Big Little Lies. This continues to be a favorite among viewers who enjoy the genre of crime and those who enjoy shows like Average Joe. Moreover, the show is profoundly known for its A-list cast including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Shaline Woodley.
The story follows the lives of five women - all mothers, whose lives get unintentionally intertwined after a crime. For Kidman's character, her facade of being a perfect mom and wife hid a dark and painful truth.
After committing the crime of accidentally killing Celeste's husband, the band of women has to make a tough call while keeping this haunting secret. Either they confess by risking their reputation and family, or they take it to their grave.
There are a plethora of movies and shows like Average Joe that encapsulate the essence of a comedy crime drama. Shows such as these and more are available to stream on platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Disney Plus, and Prime Video.
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