For decades, action-packed shows have reigned as a top choice for entertainment enthusiasts. The small screen has consistently churned out a plethora of action TV series, ranging from those delving into elaborate, serialized sagas of heroic exploits to others adopting a more succinct format. Remarkably, the genre’s allure on television rivals its cinematic counterpart in popularity, showcasing its enduring appeal across both mediums.Here are the 15 best action TV series.
20. SEAL Team (2017-2024)
“Immersed in the intense world of military operations, delve into the gripping saga of the Navy SEALs’ elite unit. This riveting narrative unveils the intricate balance between their professional expertise and personal struggles amidst the relentless demands of their high-stakes missions. Witness their rigorous training, meticulous planning, and adrenaline-pumping execution as they tackle the most perilous challenges entrusted to them by their nation.”
19. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999)
Co-created by genre film icon Sam Raimi, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is a blend of camp and mythical legends that captivated audiences in the 1990s. The mighty offspring of Zeus embarks on a perilous odyssey, traversing the vast expanses of the earth, vanquishing fearsome creatures, and lending aid to those in need.
18. Miami Vice (1984–1989)
For over three decades, police dramas adhered closely to the established blueprint laid out by predecessors like Dragnet: steadfast officers executing their tasks with routine precision, occasionally delving into societal dilemmas like racial prejudice and substance abuse. This formula proved successful, enduring with little alteration for generations. However, Miami Vice shattered convention in a monumental fashion. Its protagonists diverged drastically from the archetypal TV law enforcers, both in appearance and demeanor, while the urban landscapes they navigated pulsated with a vibrancy reminiscent of a James Bond escapade. Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, “Miami Vice” follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.
17. Fallout (2024-)
This adaptation of the popular video game intricately weaves together three distinct yet interconnected narratives set amidst the desolate wasteland of a post-nuclear world. Hailing from the creative mind behind Westworld, Jonathan Nolan, Fallout exceeded expectations, eliciting a collective sigh of relief from fans reassured that their beloved video game adaptation had triumphed. The story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind — and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent universe waiting for them.
16. Alias (2001–2006)
In numerous respects, J.J. Abrams never quite surpassed the brilliance of Alias, his breakthrough creation chronicling the exploits of a CIA operative embedded within a sprawling international criminal syndicate. Initially, the series emerges as a post-feminist exploration inspired by the James Bond archetype, but as the narrative progresses into later seasons, it adopts increasingly pulp-inspired elements, delving into the enigmatic inventions of a prophetic Renaissance genius. This fusion resulted in a compelling and dynamic show, propelling Jennifer Garner into the spotlight as the charismatic lead, Sydney Bristow. Sydney Bristow, an agent who has been tricked to believe she is working for the U.S. government, is actually working for a criminal organization named the Alliance of Twelve. Upon learning this, Sydney becomes a double agent for the real CIA.
15. Chuck (2007–2012)
Chuck stands as the series that sparked widespread admiration for the charm and charisma exuded by Zachary Levi. In this captivating show, Levi portrays the role of Chuck Bartowski, a computer whiz thrust into an unexpected whirlwind of danger. His life takes a dramatic turn when he unwittingly accesses government intelligence encoded within an email, catapulting him into perilous territory. With the guidance of CIA Agent Sarah Walker, portrayed by the talented Yvonne Strahovski, Chuck undergoes a remarkable transformation from an ordinary geek to an improbable government operative.
14. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)
Before the era of CGI, fantasy series faced formidable hurdles on television, primarily due to the exorbitant costs associated with their production. However, Sam Raimi’s creative team defied the odds and achieved a remarkable success in the genre with Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, debuting in 1995. Yet, it was swiftly overshadowed by its spin-off, Xena: Warrior Princess, which not only captured but also epitomized the 90s surge of action-oriented shows spotlighting resilient female leads. In hindsight, Xena stands as a towering achievement, surpassing its predecessor in both quality and impact on the television landscape. Xena, a mighty Warrior Princess with a dark past, sets out to redeem herself. She is joined by small-town bard, Gabrielle. Together they journey the ancient world and fight for the greater good against ruthless Warlords and Gods.
13. Daredevil (2015-2018)
For a span of three seasons spanning from early 2015 to 2018, Daredevil held audiences in thrall on Netflix. The series chronicles the dual life of Matt Murdock, a blind attorney navigating the complexities of justice by day, only to transform into the masked vigilante, Daredevil, by night, safeguarding the streets of Hell’s Kitchen. Throughout his crusade, Daredevil confronts a myriad of adversaries, including the enigmatic Elektra, the formidable Kingpin, and a host of nefarious figures entrenched in the organized crime underworld of New York City.
12. Hawaii Five-0 (2010–2020)
The reboot of the classic 1968-1980 TV series, Hawaii Five-0, brought a refreshing modernization to the beloved setting and characters. While still centering around Steve McGarrett’s elite team of Hawaii-based law enforcers, the reboot injected a surge of adrenaline with its intensified action sequences. In contrast, its predecessor leaned more heavily on the tropical ambiance, focusing on police procedural elements rather than high-octane shoot-outs and car chases. However, the original series lacked access to the resources and technological advancements available to its contemporary counterpart, limiting its ability to compete in terms of elaborate stunts and dynamic fight scenes. The new iteration of Hawaii Five-0 maximizes these advantages to deliver an exhilarating viewing experience. Steve McGarrett returns home to Oahu, in order to find his father’s killer. The governor offers him the chance to run his own task force (Five-0). Steve’s team is joined by Chin Ho Kelly, Danny “Danno” Williams, and Kono Kalakaua.
11. Smallville (2001-2017)
Smallville offers a compelling glimpse into the formative years of Kal-El, the sole survivor of Krypton’s destruction, who finds refuge on Earth and is raised by the compassionate Kent family as Clark Kent. Across its seasons, the series delves into the complexities of Clark’s journey as he grapples with the challenge of concealing his extraordinary abilities. Moreover, the discovery of kryptonite within the town unleashes a cascade of complications, leading to mutations among both people and creatures in the vicinity, further complicating Clark’s efforts to navigate his dual identity and responsibilities.
10. The A-Team (1983–1987)
The A-Team emerged as the quintessential archetype for 1980s action television, centering around a formidable team of fugitives wrongfully accused of crimes they never committed. Evading capture, they embraced their newfound status as mercenaries for hire, championing the cause of justice wherever they roamed. Notably, the series cast a spotlight on overlooked and marginalized communities, portraying the A-Team as their sole beacon of hope against the formidable adversaries ranging from corporate giants to ruthless crime syndicates.
9. Prison Break (2005-2017)
Prison Break proved to be a game-changer for Fox during the mid-2000s, captivating audiences since its debut in 2005. This gripping prison action drama revolves around Wentworth Miller’s portrayal of Michael Scofield, a mastermind with a noble cause. With his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), unjustly facing Death Row, Scofield orchestrates a daring scheme: he deliberately gets incarcerated for a bank heist, ensuring his placement in the same prison as his sibling. Together, they meticulously craft a plan for their escape. However, freedom comes at a steep price, and their troubles only escalate once they break free from confinement.
8. Peacemaker (2022-)
Over the years, the realm of superhero television has seen its fair share of unconventional offerings, tracing back to the Adam West Batman series. Yet, none have quite matched the eccentricity of Peacemaker. Spun out of The Suicide Squad, this comedic antihero saga thrusts fans into a whirlwind adventure as the titular character grapples with an otherworldly invasion. Teamed up with a motley crew of government operatives and his peculiar ally, Vigilante, Peacemaker tackles the extraterrestrial threat head-on, employing his trademark blunt and unorthodox tactics. The result is a television series that unapologetically grabs viewers by the collar and keeps them on the edge of their seats, eliciting an enthusiastic response from audiences.
7. Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)
Sons of Anarchy unfolds the gripping narrative of the Teller-Morrow biker club, presiding over the town of Charming, California. At its core lies the journey of Jax Teller (portrayed by Charlie Hunnam), heir to the club’s legacy, who assumes leadership amidst a tumultuous backdrop. Jax’s unwavering allegiance and integrity undergo relentless scrutiny as he navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal within his inner circle. Tasked with safeguarding the community from threats ranging from drug peddlers to corrupt ATF agents, he steers the clandestine arms-dealing enterprise concealed beneath the facade of the family’s auto shop. In this volatile landscape, Jax confronts moral quandaries and existential dilemmas that test the very fabric of his identity and convictions.
6. Nikita (2010–2013)
Maggie Q took the helm as the eponymous protagonist in Nikita, marking the second adaptation of Luc Besson’s French action thriller La Femme Nikita and arguably the most remarkable. Set against the backdrop of The CW, the series traces the journey of Nikita Mears, a former operative of the clandestine agency Division, notorious for its covert operations encompassing assassinations, espionage, and subterfuge. Central to Nikita’s narrative is her relentless pursuit to dismantle Division, her former employer, employing whatever means necessary, even as the task proves elusive and perilous. Throughout its run, the series undergoes significant narrative shifts, initially delving into the intricacies of Division’s inner workings and introducing characters like Alex Udinov, another recruit. However, as the story progresses, Alex and Nikita’s erstwhile handler, Michael, align with her mission. In the later seasons, Nikita galvanizes a cadre of rogue agents to her cause. Regardless of the storyline’s evolution, the series consistently delivers high-octane action sequences, bolstered by the talents of actors like Lyndsy Fonseca and Devon Sawa, who leave an indelible mark on the thrilling narrative.
5. Reacher (2022-)
Reacher, adapted from Lee Child’s acclaimed Jack Reacher novels, revolves around a enigmatic former military police officer who retreats from the conventional grid. The inaugural season thrusts the eponymous hero into the heart of a criminal conspiracy ensnaring a quaint small town following the tragic demise of his brother. Its resounding success prompted Prime Video to greenlight a second season, with Alan Ritchson reprising his role as the indomitable protagonist. Jack Reacher was arrested for murder and now the police need his help. Based on the books by Lee Child.
4. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973)
It may seem improbable, given the enduring presence of the Tom Cruise film franchise spanning nearly three decades, but Mission: Impossible traces its origins back to the classic 1960s television series. Distinguished amidst a sea of post-James Bond spy dramas, the series captivated audiences with its ingenious premise, centered around Jim Phelps and his elite team of IMF agents embarking on a fresh, high-stakes assignment each week. The timeless theme song serves as a prelude to the thrilling espionage escapades that unfold, punctuated by intricate layers of deception that culminate in breathtaking plot twists.
3. MacGyver (1985-1992)
MacGyver stands as a testament to the power of intellect over sheer force, demonstrating that ingenuity can triumph over adversity. Over the course of its seven-season run, the series played a pivotal role in elevating the USA Network’s lineup. Anchored by the resourceful Angus MacGyver, portrayed by Richard Dean Anderson, the show chronicles his exploits as a premier operative for the Phoenix Foundation. Diverging from the archetype of conventional agents, MacGyver eschews firearms in favor of leveraging his intellect and scientific prowess to outwit adversaries. Armed with nothing but his wits and a knack for improvisation, he ingeniously employs everyday objects to overcome the obstacles that stand in his path. Through his unconventional methods, MacGyver proves time and again that brains can indeed prevail over brawn.
2. Banshee (2013-2016)
Banshee is often hailed as the hidden gem of action television, flying under the radar for many viewers. Debuting on Cinemax, the series unravels the gripping tale of Lucas Hood, an ex-convict assuming the guise of sheriff in a small Pennsylvania town. Amidst his new identity, Hood finds himself entangled in a complex web of relationships, including a rekindled romance with his former partner in crime, who has since adopted a new life as the wife of the town’s legal representative for prostitution. However, Hood’s turbulent past refuses to remain buried, as vengeful gangsters he double-crossed relentlessly pursue him, threatening to expose his carefully constructed facade. As the stakes escalate, Hood must navigate the treacherous terrain of deception and redemption while evading the shadows of his own history closing in around him.
1. 24 (2001-2010)
24 emerged not only as the pinnacle of action television but also as one of the most binge-worthy series in TV history, owing to its groundbreaking real-time format. With each episode seamlessly segueing into the next, viewers were immersed in a relentless adrenaline-fueled journey. At the helm of this gripping narrative was Kiefer Sutherland, delivering a tour de force performance as the iconic Jack Bauer. Initially stationed at the Los Angeles office of the Counter Terrorist Unit, Bauer’s role constantly evolved in response to ever-shifting threats. The series thrived on tension, often presenting Bauer with seemingly impossible dilemmas, only to witness his indomitable spirit carve a path forward through sheer determination. This formula ensured that each season felt refreshingly dynamic, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Spanning nearly a decade, 24 left an indelible mark on television, extending beyond its original run to include a TV movie, a follow-up miniseries, and a brief spin-off. Sutherland’s portrayal of Jack Bauer injected an unparalleled intensity into the medium, setting a benchmark for the action genre that remains unmatched. Even years after its conclusion, the fervent clamor for its return underscores its enduring legacy as one of the greatest TV series of the modern era.