It’s not an exaggeration to say that on November 19 the world will pause for GTA 6. With more than 11 million pre-orders estimated, no video game has ever been awaited like this. In the United States (and likely beyond as well) there are even discussions of a possible work absenteeism phenomenon tied to the launch. The social impact will be immense: not only will the latest chapter of Rockstar Games’ open-world adventure be the most social ever, but for the first time parents and children (those born in the 13 years since the previous release) will play and discuss the same game. And who could ignore what might happen in the entertainment industry. Grand Theft Auto cannot simply be treated as a game. The series has reached narrative and artistic heights that establish it as one of the most important forms of contemporary cultural expression, capable of using satire, cinematic language, and interactive freedom to portray the contradictions of modern society. It is something that many will likely draw inspiration from in the coming months and years.
In fact, GTA VI puts the player in the shoes of the lead character in what could be the finest and most thrilling adventure the small screen will offer in the near future, provided these kinds of stories appeal to you. Indeed, you’ll inhabit the protagonists’ roles. It tells the story of Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, two criminals who are trying to build a better life in an imagined Florida named Leonida. Lucia has just left prison, where she landed after fighting to protect her family. Jason, a former soldier raised in a criminal milieu, works for drug traffickers in the Leonida Keys. The two become involved in a deal that goes wrong, dragging them into a sweeping conspiracy that spans the entire state. To survive and achieve their goal, they must learn to trust each other, amid robberies, organized crime, betrayals, and personal ambitions. Since we’re talking about TV series here, this gives us the chance to suggest five you could watch this weekend and through November 19, to perfectly immerse yourself in the atmosphere, themes, and language of GTA 6.
GTA 6 Arrives: Five TV Series to Watch Before You Start Playing
Florida Man
An ex-cop returns to Florida to retrieve a gangster’s girlfriend and ends up entangled in a spiral of absurd situations, crime, secrets, and unlikely characters. The series featuring Edgar Ramírez perfectly captures the idea of a Florida made up of eccentric criminals, seedy watering holes, blazing landscapes, desperate characters, and ever-escalating scenarios. It carries that blend of dark comedy, thriller, and absurdity that could easily belong to a GTA side mission. You’ll feel like you’ve landed in Vice City (the Miami of Grand Theft Auto), but on the wrong side of town.
Where to watch: streaming on Netflix.
Carl Hiaasen’s Bad Monkey
Vince Vaughn is a disgraced detective who finds himself drawn into an investigation sparked by the discovery of a human arm. From there, con artists, real estate speculators, criminals, and unusually colorful characters emerge. The series not only chronicles crime but portrays an entire social ecosystem: luxurious villas, boats, swamps, tourism, real estate speculation, wealthy figures, and people who desperately strive to become rich. Like a typical day in Leonida. It’ll feel like exploring GTA VI’s map and discovering that around every corner there’s a wild story.
Where to watch: streaming on Apple TV.
Get Shorty
A criminal working for a crime organization decides to reinvent himself as a Hollywood film producer, using the film industry to launder money as well. Packed with intriguing characters — criminals, failed producers, entrepreneurs, small-time crooks, and people trying to climb the social ladder through illegal shortcuts — the series tells, with sharp dialogue, unpredictable situations, and a constant alternation between humor and violence, the relationship between crime and American capitalism, and between crime and the film world, topics that have always been strong in GTA.
Where to watch: streaming on MGM+.
Mr Inbetween
Ray is a man who leads a seemingly normal life, but he works as a hitman for organized crime. He tries to be a good father and a good friend, while continuing to perform a decidedly unconventional trade. Through relatively short episodes and a spare narrative, the series reveals a man full of contradictions: he can be charming, funny, caring, and, moments later, incredibly dangerous. In other words, how a non-playable character encountered by chance in the streets of GTA might grab your attention and then reveal a far more interesting story than you imagined.
Where to watch: streaming on Disney+.
Animal Kingdom
A Southern California crime family, led by a ruthless matriarch, lives off robberies, trafficking, and other illegal activities. Mansions, beaches, boats, and money. Everything becomes complicated with the arrival of J, the young nephew long kept away from his mother, who has now died. J discovers the Cody family’s secrets and gradually becomes involved. As one might expect from Jason and Lucia in GTA 6, the series shows how hard it is to form genuine emotional bonds when crime becomes part of everyday life. A daily life where affection is real, but rarely able to be entirely free.
Where to watch: streaming on Netflix.
Comments