Eric Garcia’s experimental heist drama series “Kaleidoscope” on Netflix follows Ray Vernon, nicknamed Leo Pap, as he assembles a team of skilled thieves to steal $7 billion worth of bonds from the safest vault in the world. Viewers of the thriller series can watch the episodes in any sequence because to the series’ unusual narrative structure.
In essence, the plot becomes complicated, keeping audience members glued to their seats. You must be looking for more thrilling stories to binge on if you liked the show’s non-linear narrative and heist genre cliches. In that case, the following list of suggestions is one you’ll enjoy. Most of these programs, including “Kaleidoscope,” are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
Blindspot (2015–2020)
If the non-linear story of “Kaleidoscope” piques your curiosity, you might enjoy “Blindspot” as a viewing experience. Sullivan Stapleton and Jaimie Alexander play the main characters in Martin Gero’s action-thriller series. Kurt Weller, an FBI special agent, finds Jane Doe, an unnamed lady with amnesia, in the center of the story. But Kurt and his crew must find the unfathomable atrocities that the tattoos on her body point to in any way possible. Although the series does not belong to the heist subgenre like “Kaleidoscope,” its use of the non-linear structure and ability to simultaneously develop the backstories and arcs of its characters make it just as intriguing to watch.
Lupin (2021- )
The fictitious Arsène Lupin serves as the inspiration for Assane Diop, a gentleman thief who aspires to avenge the death of his father, in the French mystery-thriller series “Lupin,” which was created by George Kay and François Uzan. He uses his propensity for theft, cunning, disguising himself, and scheming to harm the name of the Pellegrini, who are accountable for framing his father and killing him. Assane may make viewers think of Ray Vernon since he is motivated by the need for vengeance and has a criminal mind. Additionally, his heart-pounding designs are bold, keeping spectators riveted to their seats till the very conclusion of this underdog that is organized like “Kaleidoscope.”
Money Heist (2017–2021)
The television show “Money Heist” has become a worldwide hit. The Spanish drama series, which was once known as “La Casa de Papel,” has captivated audiences worldwide with its creative storyline and endearing cast. It centers on the mysterious Professor, who schemes a daring heist to take billions of euros from Spain’s Royal Mint. Flashbacks, flash-forwards, and an unreliable narrator are just a few of the narrative tricks the show uses to never really reveal its cards and constantly have mysteries up its sleeve.
The Professor’s premeditated heists provide financial gain as well as sociopolitical commentary, broadening the scope of the narrative. It is plausible to assume that “Kaleidoscope” is dependent on the popularity of “Money Heist” because it is frequently cited as evidence that the heist genre benefits greatly from storytelling. These factors put the series at the top of the list.
Mr. Robot (2015–2019)
Even though it’s technically cheating, there aren’t many better options than “Mr. Robot” if you’re searching for a completely unique watching experience like “Kaleidoscope.” Rami Malek plays Elliot Alderson, a cybersecurity engineer hired by hackers known as “fsociety” to take on the legendary corporate entity, E Corp, in Sam Esmail’s psychological thriller television series.
This thrilling technological thriller with implications for capitalism and mental health issues is best enjoyed while reclined. It steadily develops through its cyber-vigilante plots centered upon stealing something more valuable than money—data. You have already bought into the idea if you think Elliot’s attempts to bring down E Corp are similar to Ray’s attempts to bring down SLS.
Prison Break (2005–2017)
The Paul Scheuring-produced crime thriller series “Prison Break” centers on Michael Scofield (Miller), an engineer who sneaks into a maximum security facility to release his brother Lincoln Burrows (Purcell), who has been falsely accused of murder. A story that is rather simple? Not exactly. As the story develops, viewers are introduced to a large cast of characters that are directly accountable for the outcomes and situations the boys encounter. Additionally, the show creates a totally original experience that can unquestionably compete with the shock factor and storytelling complexity of “Kaleidoscope” by fusing the aesthetics of a heist thriller with the idea of escaping from a prison.
Snatch (2017–2018)
The crime comedy series “Snatch” was created by Alex De Rakoff and is based on Guy Ritchie’s 2000 film of the same name. Luke Pasqualino, Dougray Scott, Lucien Laviscount, and Rupert Grint play the main characters. Even though there are only two seasons and 20 episodes total, the show frequently feels overflowing with themes and tensions, making it the perfect setting for hilarious scenes.
The story centers on a bunch of hustlers who unexpectedly become involved in organized crime after finding a truckload of gold that has been stolen. The idea encourages cunning heist schemes and robberies with plenty of double-crossing and swagger, evoking memories of “Kaleidoscope” for viewers.
The Endgame (2022)
The crime thriller series “The Endgame,” which was created by Nicholas Wootton and Jake Coburn, has Morena Baccarin and Ryan Michelle Bathé in the key roles. The show focuses on the moral disagreement between FBI Special Agent Val Turner and lifelong criminal genius Elena Federova. The series, which is firmly entrenched in criminal genre cliches, examines concepts like love, justice, and truth. Whether their behavior is unlawful or not, the protagonists’ deeply personal motivations make the story resonate with “Kaleidoscope” viewers. Contrary to the Netflix series, the story is told somewhat methodically, but do not undervalue the show’s occasional capacity for stunning turns.
The Great Heist (2020)
Pablo Gonzalez and C.S. Prince are the creators of the Colombian television series “The Great Heist,” also known as “El Robo del Siglo” in Spanish. It is a dramatized account of the 1994 heist of Valledupar’s national bank, El Banco de la Republica (Bank of the Republic), which is loosely based on true events. The show centers on a crew of skilled thieves who plan a daring bank robbery to steal $33 million, setting off a series of convoluted events. The drama is comparable to “Kaleidoscope” because it features a wide range of individuals and compelling reasons, as well as a game of deception at the heart of the robbery.
