If you've exhausted every episode of Reacher and are craving another action-packed binge, look no further than Professionals. This 2020 series, starring Tom Welling (of Smallville fame) and Brendan Fraser, is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist. With just 10 episodes, it's a tight, addictive thriller that moves at a breakneck pace.
The show follows Vincent Corbo (Welling), a former CIA operative turned private security expert. When a billionaire futurist's medical satellite explodes in orbit, he suspects sabotage and hires Corbo to investigate. What starts as a single incident quickly spirals into a global conspiracy involving organized crime, corrupt officials, and corporate espionage. The story hops across multiple countries, giving it a scope that rivals big-budget action films.
Why 'Professionals' Works
What makes Professionals such a compelling binge is its relentless momentum. Each episode unveils new layers of the mystery, introducing fresh obstacles and suspects. It's the kind of show that makes you hit "next episode" without thinking. For fans of addictive thriller shows, this one fits right in.
The chemistry between Welling and Fraser is the show's secret weapon. Welling plays Corbo as a stoic, resourceful action hero—a far cry from his Smallville days. He's a professional fixer who expects danger at every turn. Fraser, meanwhile, brings a charismatic, hands-on energy to billionaire Peter Swann. He's not content to sit on the sidelines; he gets his hands dirty, often complicating things as much as he resolves them. Their contrasting styles create an electric dynamic that keeps the story engaging.
A Perfect Binge for 'Reacher' Fans
Like Reacher, Professionals centers on a highly capable protagonist solving complex problems. But where Reacher often stays grounded in one location, Professionals embraces an international scope. From corporate boardrooms to underground criminal enterprises, the series feels more like a classic action-adventure movie than a standard crime drama. It's a refreshing change of pace for those who enjoy underrated thrillers that deliver nonstop entertainment.
Of course, no show is perfect. Professionals occasionally leans on clichéd plot devices, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped due to limited screen time. But Welling's commanding presence, Fraser's standout performance, and the show's high-octane pacing more than compensate for these flaws.
If you're waiting for the next season of Reacher, Professionals is a surprisingly satisfying substitute. It's a forgotten action import that proves why Tom Welling remains a force in the genre—and why Brendan Fraser's comeback is one of the best things to happen to TV. So grab your remote, settle in, and prepare for a binge that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
