Apple TV+seems to have the perfectOzarkreplacement, which also avoids repeating one mistake that weighed down the Netflix series. After having a strong four-season run,Ozarkreached its conclusion in April 2022. Since then, the show has not been expanded with potential spin-offs or follow-ups.
SinceOzarkwas an incredible addition to the crime drama genre and was even touted as aworthy replacement forBreaking Bad, many have been craving a similar show since it ended. While there have been many great additions to the genre since then, not a lot of shows have come off as successors to the hit Netflix series.
Fortunately,Apple TV+ has a new show that seems to share many narrative and thematic similarities withOzark. While only time will tell whether theoriginal Apple TV showwill become aworthy replacement forOzark, it seems to hold immense potential and even fixes one ofOzark’s biggest criticisms.
It’s Hard Not To See Apple TV+’s Your Friends & Neighbors As Ozark’s Perfect Replacement
Both Shows Revolve Around Men Who Gradually Embrace A Life Of Crime
InOzark’s early moments, Marty is forced to relocate to the Ozarks with his family and run a money-laundering operation to keep himself and his loved ones safe. What begins as an easy money-making endeavor soon forces him to embrace a life of crime. Jon Hamm’s character, Andrew Cooper, finds himself in a very similar situation inYour Friends & Neighbors.
When he suddenly loses his high-caliber finance job, he is forced to immerse himself in the world of crime by stealing from his affluent neighbors to keep himself and his family afloat.Like Marty, Andrew initially resorts to crime only to be able to surviveand pay the mounting bills that come his way after his divorce.
Since bothOzarkandYour Friends and Neighborswalk through the gradual moral decay of families slowly immersing themselves in the world of crime, it would be fair to call the Apple TV+ show a worthy replacement forOzark.
However,similar to Marty, Andrew eventually feels drawn to the world of crimeas it helps him garner the kind of power and control he never previously had over his life. Towards theend ofYour Friends and Neighborsseason 1, it also seems like Andrew’s wife will eventually join him in his criminal endeavors, just like Wendy joinsMarty inOzark.
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Since bothOzarkandYour Friends and Neighborswalk through the gradual moral decay of families slowly immersing themselves in the world of crime, it would be fair to call the Apple TV+ show a worthy replacement forOzark.Your Friends and Neighborsis not as popular asOzarkyet, but it shows immense potential in season 1 and is scheduled to return with another installment.
Your Friends & Neighbors Avoids Repeating One Ozark Mistake
Ozark’s Main Characters Seemed A Little Too Immune To Consequences
Ozarkwas often praised for its performances and no-holds-barred approach towards portraying character fates. At the same time, though, it was also criticized for giving the central family too much plot armor. Even towards the end of its final installment,Ozarkshowed how the Byrdes got away with almost everything without facing any legal consequences.
Your Friends and Neighborsdoes not tread the same path. Instead, it shows how its main character eventually ends up in prison after being a little too careless with his criminal activities.Ozarkis still far more compelling in terms of storytelling and instilling shock in viewers, but theApple TV+show could catch up and become a worthy replacement for the Netflix series with its upcoming season.
Key Context
Ozark
Ozark is a crime drama series released in 2017, focusing on a financial adviser who relocates his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks. He must launder $500 million within five years to satisfy a drug boss, navigating the challenges and dangers of his new environment.
Your Friends and Neighbors
Cast
A hedge fund manager, struggling after job loss, turns to burglary to uphold his family’s lifestyle. The series explores the complexities of his double life and the precarious balance he strives to maintain, ultimately leading to unforeseen consequences when he targets the wrong home.
