Amazon's Reacher has become a titan of television action, with fans eagerly awaiting its fourth season, expected in late 2026. But the wait doesn't have to be dull. The 2020s have unleashed a wave of thriller series that not only match the show's intensity but often surpass it with smarter plots, more inventive set pieces, and a wider range of compelling heroes. From streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu to Prime Video and Apple TV+, these shows are ready to deliver your next adrenaline fix.
1. The Night Agent (Netflix)
This Netflix hit has evolved into a relentless, binge-worthy machine. While its first season had a certain charm, the series has sharpened its edge, delivering tension that rarely lets up. Protagonist Peter Sutherland, played by Gabriel Basso, is constantly on the brink of disaster, making every confrontation feel perilously real. Unlike the seemingly invincible Reacher, Peter's vulnerability raises the stakes in every fight, creating a different kind of white-knuckle thrill. It's the perfect series for those who love action that keeps the heart racing from one episode to the next.
2. Cross (Prime Video)
Aldis Hodge brings detective Alex Cross to life in this Prime Video series that proves action isn't just about brute force. Cross uses his forensic psychology skills as deftly as his fists, creating a more cerebral brand of thriller. The action sequences, from high-speed chases to tense standoffs, are amplified by Cross's unwavering moral code. The show also brilliantly shares the spotlight, with villains like the chilling Rebecca/Luz (Jeanine Mason) creating explosive, character-driven conflicts that go beyond simple fisticuffs.
3. Twisted Metal (Peacock)
For action with a side of anarchic fun, Peacock's Twisted Metal is a wild ride. Based on the classic video game, it trades gritty realism for post-apocalyptic car combat and dark humor. The violence is extreme but often hilarious, anchored by the terrifying yet charismatic killer clown, Sweet Tooth. With a roster of quirky characters and non-stop vehicular mayhem, it offers a uniquely chaotic and underrated flavor of action that breaks the mold.
4. Paradise (Hulu)
Hulu's Paradise started as a political thriller but exploded into a full-blown action spectacle with its post-apocalyptic twist. Sterling K. Brown leads the charge as a man navigating a dangerous new world above ground. The series masterfully blends high-octane survival action with moments of quiet, sci-fi-infused terror. It's more than just set pieces; it's a thought-provoking story where the action serves a deeper narrative about humanity and consequence, much like other cerebral hits in the genre.
5. Silo (Apple TV+)
While not as constantly action-packed as Reacher, Apple TV+'s sci-fi mystery Silo makes every confrontation count. Set in a massive underground bunker, the tension is palpable, and when violence erupts—often in revolts against the oppressive system or in personal fights for survival—it's brutally impactful. Rebecca Ferguson's Juliette is a formidable protagonist in a world where every fight has profound implications. The show proves that strategic, high-stakes action can be just as gripping as a relentless barrage.
6. The Boys (Prime Video)
To compare The Boys to Reacher is to compare a grenade to a bullet. Amazon's satirical superhero show operates on a completely different level of graphic, super-powered violence. The action here is inventive, shocking, and layered with dark commentary, featuring battles that defy ordinary physics. It's a visceral, no-holds-barred approach that redefines what an action scene can be, offering spectacle on a scale that traditional thrillers can't touch.
From the grounded tension of The Night Agent to the super-powered chaos of The Boys, this era is rich with series that push the action envelope. For more recommendations that deliver thrills from start to finish, check out our guide to 10 Action Series That Deliver Thrills From Opening Scene to Finale. And if you're in the mood for a different kind of tension, don't miss the return of the near-perfect detective thriller 'Ludwig' on the BBC. The wait for Reacher just got a lot more exciting.
