2026 has already been a banner year for television, especially if you crave high-octane action. With the final season of The Boys and the latest adventures of Reacher behind us, the pipeline of upcoming action series is packed with promise. Whether it's the return of a beloved tracker or a deep dive into a twisted superhero origin, these shows are set to get your heart racing.
While some release dates are still up in the air, the buzz is already deafening. As new trailers and announcements drop, these rankings could shift, but for now, here are the eight action shows that have us counting down the days.
8. Tracker — Season 4
Network TV still knows how to deliver action, and Tracker is proof. Since 2024, Justin Hartley has led this CBS hit as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who crisscrosses the country in his RV, using his tracking skills to solve missing-person cases for reward money. The Season 3 finale set up a tantalizing new arc: Colter and his brother Russell (Jensen Ackles) rescued government test subjects tied to their father's secret project, but Russell vanished, leaving behind a dark secret about their dad's experiments on Colter.
Season 4 promises fresh mysteries and deeper character development, especially with the mystery of Colter's father now resolved. The show is also making history by moving production from Vancouver to Los Angeles, which could give the action a new flavor. Alongside Hartley, Fiona Rene and Chris Lee return, with Sarah Jane Morris guest-starring. Tracker returns on October 4, 2026.
7. Vought Rising
If you're still mourning the end of The Boys, this prequel might be the shot of adrenaline you need. Set in the 1950s, Vought Rising explores the bloody, twisted origins of Vought International. Jensen Ackles reprises his role as a young Soldier Boy, and Aya Cash returns as Clara Vought (the future Stormfront), as they navigate a gritty murder mystery that uncovers the dark roots of Compound V and Nazi science.
This series trades the modern satire of The Boys for a paranoid, Cold War-era conspiracy thriller. It's a focused investigative plot that reveals how the corruption started from day one. With new cast members like Mason Dye, Will Hochman, and Elizabeth Posey, this is a must-watch for die-hard fans, even if casual viewers might be feeling supe fatigue. Expect it in 2027.
6. The Terminal List — Season 2
Prime Video has become the go-to for action thrillers, and The Terminal List is a prime example. Chris Pratt returns as Navy SEAL James Reece, who, after avenging his platoon's deaths in Season 1, is now a fugitive. But Season 2 flips the script: Reece becomes a reluctant government asset, tasked with stopping a global terrorist plot that spans Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The stakes are higher, the scope is wider, and the cast is getting starrier with Gabriel Luna and Luke Hemsworth joining. Constance Wu and Tom Hoppe are back, and the action promises to be even more intense. If you loved the first season, this is a no-brainer.
For more on the best action-packed storytelling, check out our list of the most intense thriller books ever written.
5. The Last of Us — Season 2
While not a pure action show, The Last of Us blends survival, horror, and heart-pounding set pieces. Season 2 picks up after the events of the first game, with Joel and Ellie's relationship strained by the weight of Joel's choices. Expect more infected, more human threats, and more emotional gut punches. HBO hasn't set a release date yet, but the anticipation is sky-high.
4. The Witcher — Season 4
Liam Hemsworth takes over the mantle of Geralt of Rivia in the fourth season of Netflix's fantasy epic. The show has always been a mix of monster-hunting action and political intrigue, and Season 4 promises to dive deeper into the Continent's chaos. With a new lead, the dynamic will shift, but the sword fights and magic battles are sure to be as thrilling as ever.
3. Stranger Things — Season 5
The final season of Stranger Things is the most anticipated TV event of the year. While it's more sci-fi horror than pure action, the show has always delivered spectacular set pieces, from Demogorgon chases to epic battles in the Upside Down. The kids are all grown up, and the stakes have never been higher. This is the end of an era, and we can't wait to see how it all concludes.
2. The Mandalorian & Grogu
Technically a movie, but this continuation of the Mandalorian saga is set to hit theaters and will likely be on Disney+ soon after. Din Djarin and Grogu are back for a big-screen adventure that promises to expand the Star Wars universe. With Jon Favreau at the helm, expect plenty of action, heart, and maybe a few cameos.
1. The Boys — Season 5
Yes, we know The Boys is ending, but the final season is still one of the most anticipated action shows of the year. The series has been a wild ride of superhero satire and over-the-top violence, and Season 5 is set to go out with a bang. With Homelander's reign of terror reaching its peak, the finale is sure to be explosive. If you haven't caught up, now's the time.
For more on the best of TV, check out our list of the most flawless miniseries of the past five years.
