Action thrillers have become the backbone of modern television, offering viewers a potent mix of adrenaline, escapism, and high-stakes drama. Among the genre's heavy hitters is Prime Video's The Terminal List, which follows Chris Pratt as Navy SEAL James Reece in a gritty tale of conspiracy and revenge. While the series has its fans, a handful of other action shows have managed to outshine it, delivering even more compelling narratives, deeper character development, and jaw-dropping sequences.
Whether you're drawn to the ticking-clock tension of a classic spy thriller or the grounded realism of modern special ops, these seven series prove that the action genre has plenty to offer beyond Reece's one-man war. Here's a look at the shows that take the formula and run with it.
24 (2001–2014)
Before streaming giants dominated the landscape, Fox's 24 redefined the action genre with its real-time format. Each season unfolds over a single day, with every episode representing one hour of chaotic counter-terrorism work. Kiefer Sutherland stars as Jack Bauer, a federal agent who stops at nothing—including torture and moral compromise—to thwart catastrophic threats. The show's split-screen technique and iconic ticking clock created a sense of urgency that was unprecedented at the time. While The Terminal List focuses on a personal vendetta, 24 raises the stakes to national and global levels, making it a more expansive and psychologically intense experience.
Lioness (2023–Present)
Taylor Sheridan's Lioness proves that the action genre isn't just for the boys. Zoe Saldaña leads as Joe, a CIA station chief overseeing a covert program that deploys female operatives to infiltrate terrorist networks. The series blends gritty realism with emotional depth, as both handlers and undercover agents grapple with the toll their work takes on their personal lives. With a stellar cast including Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, and Laysla De Oliveira, Lioness offers a more ensemble-driven, politically charged take on special ops. Its practical stunts and grounded combat sequences give it a visceral punch that rivals—and often surpasses—the spectacle of The Terminal List.
Reacher (2022–Present)
If there's a modern king of action TV, it's Reacher. Based on Lee Child's novels, the series stars Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, a nomadic former military police investigator with a towering physique and a sharp mind. Each season drops him into a new town where he uncovers corruption and dispenses his own brand of justice. What sets Reacher apart is its blend of old-school pulp thrills and smart detective work. The show gives its supporting characters room to breathe, building tension organically while delivering bone-crunching fight scenes. For fans of The Terminal List, Reacher offers a more charismatic lead and a more satisfying balance of brains and brawn.
More Shows That Raise the Bar
Beyond those three, several other series deserve a spot on your watchlist. The Day of the Jackal is a sleek, cat-and-mouse thriller that follows an elite assassin and the intelligence officer hunting him. It's a masterclass in tension, with a performance that keeps you guessing until the final frame. Strike Back offers a more traditional military action experience, with two operatives jetting across the globe to dismantle threats. And for those who prefer a bit of humor with their violence, Killing Eve blends espionage with dark comedy, creating a unique and addictive dynamic between its two leads.
Each of these shows takes the core elements that make The Terminal List appealing—high-stakes missions, tactical authenticity, and a hero you can root for—and amplifies them. They offer bigger worlds, more complex characters, and narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
If you're looking to expand your action horizons, these seven series are a great place to start. And if you're a fan of Alan Ritchson's upcoming projects, you'll definitely want to check out Reacher if you haven't already. For more Prime Video recommendations, our cozy November picks might surprise you.
