When it comes to military thrillers on television, Reacher has become the gold standard, thanks to Alan Ritchson's towering performance and the show's reliable formula of justice served with massive fists. But before Jack Reacher crashed into our lives, another series was already delivering the kind of adrenaline-pumping, no-holds-barred action that makes fans of the genre sit up and take notice. That show is Strike Back, a brutal, eight-season epic that ran for a decade and remains a must-watch for anyone craving high-stakes military missions.
Based on the novel by Chris Ryan, Strike Back follows Section 20, a covert division of Britain's MI6 that handles the missions too extreme for anyone else. The team is a mix of elite operatives, each bringing their own skills to the table, and together they face threats that range from rescuing hostages to stopping nuclear plots. The action is relentless, often surpassing even the most intense moments of Reacher, and the show's willingness to put its characters in genuine danger keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Rotating Cast Keeps Things Fresh
One of the most distinctive aspects of Strike Back is its ever-changing lineup. The first two seasons centered on Richard Armitage as John Porter, but when he left to film The Hobbit trilogy, the show shifted focus to Phillip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton as Michael Stonebridge and Damian Scott. This rotation wasn't just a gimmick; it kept the series unpredictable, with characters facing real consequences and unexpected twists. Winchester has even shared that the cast trained with real SAS operatives, making the action feel authentic and intense.
The show also brought in a parade of British talent, including Andrew Lincoln as a former Section 20 boss and Charles Dance as a philanthropist with a dark side. Both actors went on to iconic roles in The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, respectively, and the final season featured Jamie Bamber from Battlestar Galactica. This constant influx of new faces meant that no one was safe, and the tension never let up.
Cinemax's Action Era
Strike Back originally aired on Sky One in the UK, but its success led to a co-production with Cinemax, bringing it to American audiences. This partnership helped Cinemax carve out a niche for action-packed originals, including Banshee, starring Antony Starr as an ex-con posing as a sheriff, and Warrior, based on a concept by Bruce Lee. Both shows, like Strike Back, combined brutal action with compelling performances and earned critical acclaim.
For fans of Reacher, Jack Ryan, or The Terminal List, Strike Back is a perfect addition to your watchlist. Its globetrotting missions, rotating cast, and unflinching action make it a standout in the genre. If you're looking for something to binge this weekend, this is it. And if you're in the mood for more thrills, check out our list of classic American thrillers or dive into psychological thriller miniseries for even more suspense.
With its decade-long run and a legacy that influenced a wave of military TV, Strike Back proves that sometimes the best action comes from the shadows. So, before you dive into the next season of Reacher, give this underrated gem a shot. You won't be disappointed.
