The perfect replacement show for audiences who love updates on the White Collar revival have not been forthcoming, both the and the original series continue to be discussed and theorized about by old and new fans of the comedic procedural due to its success on Netflix. Alongside that, many audiences have tried to find shows that share aspects with White Collar, whether it be by the structure, tone, or characterizations.
Many of the shows that are similar to White Collar copy the series' complex relationship between Neal and Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), such as Suits or Psych, although the details of those dynamics vary. Others mirror White Collar's strong action and heists that so often elevated the stacks of the overarching storyline, like Lupin. However, audiences looking for a closer fit to White Collar's focus character can find him mirrored in a very different procedural, which took that story in a much more dramatic direction: The Blacklist.
The Blacklist Was A Much Darker Version Of White Collar's Story
Raymond Reddington Was A More Violent Version Of Neal
Even though it has a much darker tone, The Blacklist is a perfect White Collar replacement due to the similarities between Neal and Raymond "Red" Reddington (James Spader). In White Collar, Neal's jovial attitude and mischievous nature help set the lighter tone of the series, as his cleverness allows him to solve problems with little to no violence. Neal is usually one step ahead and, if he is not, he is able to improvise, making him a compelling protagonist as he attempts to reconcile his growing desire for a normal life with his talents as a conman.
This White Collar Season 2 Neal Detail Is Too Good Not To Be Brought Back In The Revival
This detail from White Collar season 2 is far too good to not be brought back in the revival for Neal's continued character arc.
Red shares many of these traits with Neal, as both men are sharply dressed charmers who have an appreciation for the finer things in life. That being said, Red's willingness to get what he wants by any means necessary tilts the show in a darker direction, as he is unafraid of inflicting violence and does not seem to share Neal's many moral quandaries. These reflective characterizations, combined with the similar episodic format that carries a larger story, connect The Blacklist and White Collar further, making the former series perfect for the latter's audience and vice versa.
The Blacklist's Procedural Format Makes It Even More Similar To White Collar
The Blacklist's Overarching Narrative Is Told In Smaller Stories
The Blacklist's format also replicates that of White Collar, using the procedural base to tell a larger story. The main narrative of The Blacklist follows Red as he assists a secret FBI task force, giving them information and the locations of notorious and covert criminals from what he calls "The Blacklist." His motives are not altruistic, however, as his life is intertwined with one of the agents, Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), whose own life starts to spiral as the secrets and lies surrounding her are revealed through Red's machinations.
The Blacklist continued for two more seasons after Megan Boone's departure in season 8.
The best episodes of The Blacklist are able to combine those revelations with its bad guy of the week, much like White Collar. Both shows often used the episode's antagonist as either a means of continuing the overarching plot or to impart an important lesson the characters needed to learn for their individual arcs. Through this, the series were both able to examine their characters in different scenarios while also keeping a steady pace as their bigger stories reached their conclusions. As a result, the two shows were able to break down the same premise in wildly separate ways, imparting parallel messages.
White Collar And The Blacklists Are Different Takes On The Same Premise
Both Series Reflect On Themes Of Redemption And Love
Both White Collar and The Blacklist use the premise of a criminal working with the FBI to impart similar ideas on the themes of redemption, love, and morality. The comedic tone of White Collar allows for the dynamic between Peter and Neal to be on somewhat equal footing, with each yielding and gaining ground when it comes to their developments. This balance lets the series explore the idea that a man can be redeemed if he is willing to put in the work, with Neal's arc showcasing his aforementioned desire for normalcy until White Collar's season 6 ending.
The Blacklist then, became a reflection of White Collar as it demonstrated how those kinder themes can be twisted when set in harsher circumstances.
The Blacklist also explores these themes, but its heavier tone leads the show to a different conclusion. Reddington's actions are fueled by love, but he does not desire any sort of redemption or camaraderie with the FBI team. In his mind, his actions, while not moral, are the only way to secure the best outcome, a disposition Elizabeth adopts in some capacity as the series goes on. The Blacklist then, became a reflection of White Collar as it demonstrated how those kinder themes can be twisted when set in harsher circumstances.
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The Blacklist
7/10- Release Date
- 2013 - 2023-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Jon Bokenkamp
Cast
Harry Lennix
Megan Boone
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYThe Blacklist is an action/thriller crime-drama TV series on NBC from creator Jon Bokenkamp. The show follows former intelligence officer turned master criminal Raymond Reddington (James Spader) and FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone.) Red, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, known as “The Concierge of Crime,” mysteriously surrenders to the FBI and offers to help them catch a deadly terrorist, with the condition that he only speaks to Elizabeth- who just so happens to be starting her first day on the job. The two continue to partner to tackle Red's "Blacklist," which he offers in exchange for immunity for his past crimes.
- Seasons
- 10
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
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White Collar
- Release Date
- 2009 - 2014-00-00
- Network
- USA
Cast
Matt BomerNeal Caffrey
Tim DekayPeter Burke
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYWhite Collar is a crime drama television series featuring Neal Caffrey, a skilled con artist and art thief, portrayed by Matt Bomer. After being captured by FBI agent Peter Burke, Neal agrees to help the FBI catch elusive white-collar criminals as a consultant, leveraging his unique skills. The series explores the evolving partnership and mutual trust between Neal and Peter, blending elements of crime-solving and personal redemption.
- Seasons
- 6
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
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