The perfect replacement show for audiences who loveWhite Collartook the premise behind Neal Caffrey’s (Matt Bomer) story and shifted it to be much darker. Thoughupdates on theWhite Collarrevivalhave not been forthcoming, both the upcoming 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 withWhite Collar,whether it be by the structure, tone, or characterizations.
Many of theshows that are similar toWhite Collarcopy the series' complex relationship between Neal and Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), such asSuitsorPsych, although the details of those dynamics vary.Others mirrorWhite Collar’s strong action and heists that so often elevated the stacks of the overarching storyline, likeLupin. However, audiences looking for a closer fit toWhite 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 Blacklistis a perfectWhite Collarreplacementdue to the similarities between Neal and Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader).InWhite 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 upcoming 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, connectThe BlacklistandWhite Collarfurther, 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 ofWhite Collar,using the procedural base to tell a larger story.The main narrative ofThe Blacklistfollows 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 Blacklistcontinued for two more seasons after Megan Boone’s departure in season 8.
Thebest episodes ofThe Blacklistare able to combine those revelations with its bad guy of the week, much likeWhite 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
BothWhite CollarandThe Blacklistuse the premise of a criminal working with the FBI to impart similar ideas on the themes of redemption, love, and morality. The comedic tone ofWhite Collarallows 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 untilWhite Collar’sseason 6 ending.
The Blacklistthen, became a reflection ofWhite Collaras it demonstrated how those kinder themes can be twisted when set in harsher circumstances.
The Blacklistalso 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 redemptionor 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 Blacklistthen, became a reflection ofWhite Collaras it demonstrated how those kinder themes can be twisted when set in harsher circumstances.
The Blacklist
Cast
The Blacklist follows Raymond “Red” Reddington, a notorious fugitive, who shocks the FBI by surrendering and offering to help capture dangerous criminals. With a mysterious agenda, Reddington insists on working exclusively with rookie FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen, using his deep knowledge of an elusive criminal network.
White Collar
White 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.
