Movies

7 Best Nollywood Series To Watch If You Liked ‘Shanty Town’

Whether you're looking for intense action, heartfelt drama, or a mix of both, this list has something for everyone.

7 Best Nollywood Series To Watch If You Liked ‘Shanty Town’
Shanty Town [Credit: SundiataPost]

Suppose you enjoyed the gritty storytelling, intense drama, and raw portrayal of societal issues in Shanty Town. In that case, Nollywood offers a treasure trove of equally compelling series that dive into crime, power, and survival themes. With its unflinching look at the underbelly of society, Shanty Town set a high bar for storytelling, combining stellar performances, realistic settings, and gripping narratives. It’s a series that leaves viewers yearning for more of its bold and fearless approach to tackling difficult themes.

Fortunately, Nollywood has produced a plethora of similar series that capture the same essence, offering thrilling plots, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. From political thrillers to emotional tales of resilience, these series showcase the best Nigerian storytelling, proving that the industry continues pushing boundaries and delivering high-quality content. Whether you’re looking for intense action, heartfelt drama, or a mix of both, this list has something for everyone.

Here are the best 6 Nollywood series to watch if you liked Shanty Town;

1. King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021)

  • Streaming Platform: Netflix
  • Synopsis: Eniola Salami, a formidable political figure, returns to the chaotic world of Nigerian politics after a self-imposed exile. Her quest for power pits her against corrupt adversaries, personal demons, and an unyielding press.
  • Why Watch: Like Shanty Town, this series explores power struggles, betrayal, and the cutthroat world of corruption. Its gripping narrative and stellar performances by Sola Sobowale and Toni Tones make it a must-watch.

2. Blood Sisters (2022)

  • Streaming Platform: Netflix
  • Synopsis: A high-society wedding unravels into a nightmare when the bride’s best friend accidentally kills the groom, forcing them both to go on the run.
  • Why Watch: This suspenseful series offers a blend of crime, emotional drama, and moral dilemmas. With stunning visuals and an edge-of-your-seat plot, Blood Sisters delivers the kind of intense storytelling fans of Shanty Town crave.

3. Òlòtúre: The Journey (2024)

  • Streaming Platform: Prime Video
  • Synopsis: Expanding on the acclaimed 2019 film Òlòtúre, this series follows a young journalist’s undercover investigation into human trafficking in Nigeria. The risks she takes lead her deeper into a dangerous web of crime.
  • Why Watch: Just like Shanty Town, it doesn’t shy away from exposing the harsh realities of societal vices. This series combines emotional depth with hard-hitting storytelling.

4. War: Wrath and Revenge (2023)

  • Streaming Platform: Netflix
  • Synopsis: Set in a fictional Nigerian town, this action-packed series follows rival factions embroiled in a violent feud, where betrayal and revenge fuel the chaos.
  • Why Watch: Its high-stakes drama, intense fight sequences, and exploration of loyalty and vengeance make it a perfect match for Shanty Town fans.

5. Olóládé (2023)

  • Streaming Platform: Netflix
  • Synopsis: A street-smart hustler with a hidden past rises to prominence in Lagos’s underground world, but her journey comes at a cost as secrets from her past threaten everything she has built.
  • Why Watch: Similar to Shanty Town, it delves into the complexities of survival in a harsh environment, offering a blend of action, drama, and compelling character arcs.

6. Inside Life (2024)

  • Streaming Platform: Prime Video
  • Synopsis: This legal drama follows a young attorney’s fight against systemic corruption as she defends marginalised communities while grappling with her own personal struggles.
  • Why Watch: For fans of Shanty Town, the Inside Life series delivers thought-provoking social commentary, intense drama, and inspiring moments of resilience.

7. Far From Home (2022)

  • Streaming Platform: Netflix
  • Synopsis: A scholarship takes a talented but financially struggling teenager into the world of Nigeria’s elite, where ambition clashes with privilege and secrets threaten to unravel everything.
  • Why Watch: While less gritty than Shanty Town, Far From Home provides a captivating exploration of class dynamics, ambition, and identity, with plenty of drama to keep you hooked.

Final Thoughts

From political intrigues to intense tales of survival, these Nollywood series prove the industry’s ability to deliver gripping and relatable stories. Whether you’re drawn to high-stakes action or emotional depth, these shows offer something for everyone. So, fire up your streaming platform and immerse yourself in these unforgettable stories.

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