Unleashing the Epic: The Ultimate Action TV Shows You Must Watch

Summary

These 10 action TV shows are underrated despite their exceptional quality, often overshadowed by more popular series.

Into the Badlands, Nikita, Preacher, 12 Monkeys, Condor, Jessica Jones, Black Sails, Kingdom, Queen of the South, and Strike Back are highly recommended for viewers seeking engaging content. These shows present enthralling storylines, exhilarating action sequences, and exceptional performances, redefining the action genre.

These ten action TV shows are exceptional in quality but have not gained much attention. Despite the extensive coverage and popularity of shows like Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Warrior, and The Wheel of Time, there are several other action series that have been overlooked or forgotten. With an abundance of adrenaline-pumping shows available on various platforms, some great shows are inevitably lost in the sea of streaming content. Some honorable mentions include Amazon's Reacher, which will premiere its second season in December 2023, Netflix's seven-season series The 100, and FX's visually stunning and progressive Legion. If you are a fan of action shows, you must check out the following must-see TV shows if you haven't already.

10 Into the Badlands (2015 - 2019)

Into the Badlands is an epic saga that revolves around the adventures of Regent Sunny, a skilled warrior, and a gifted young boy in a post-apocalyptic world. This futuristic setting is marked by the remnants of a devastating conflict, and the story primarily unfolds in the Badlands, a once United States territory now governed by powerful Barons. These Barons command armies of highly trained "Head Clippers" who safeguard the region against Nomads. Boasting breathtaking action sequences and exhilarating martial arts battles, Into the Badlands has amassed a devoted fanbase but deserves wider recognition. Stream seasons 1-3 on Netflix.

9 Nikita (2010 - 2013)

Maggie Q shines as the lead character in Nikita, portraying a fierce assassin who rebels against her covert organization called the Division. Rescued by the Division as a troubled teenager, Nikita is given a chance at redemption by becoming a ruthless killer in service to her country. Maggie Q's remarkable portrayal of Nikita contributed significantly to the show's exceptional quality, despite its unexpected cancellation in 2018, with only 6 episodes in its final season.

You can now stream seasons 1-4 of Nikita on Roku Channel and Tubi.

8 Preacher (2016 - 2019)

Preacher is an extraordinary and unparalleled action series adapted from the immensely popular comic book of the identical title. The central character, Jessie Custer (portrayed by Dominic Cooper), finds himself captivated by an otherworldly entity known as Genesis, which is the result of a union between an angel and a demon. Initially, Jessie was a disenchanted preacher who, after losing his faith, spiraled into the depths of alcoholism. However, with the aid of Genesis, he gains newfound abilities. This enthralling show seamlessly combines supernatural elements with a darkly comedic twist, resulting in a thrilling and excessively gory display of action.

All four seasons of Preacher can now be purchased on Apple and Amazon.

7 12 Monkeys (2015 - 2018)

The sci-fi action-adventure series 12 Monkeys, which draws inspiration from the 1995 film featuring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, follows the tale of a time traveler. This traveler ventures from a post-apocalyptic future in 2043 to the year 2015. Their mission is to locate and eradicate a catastrophic plague that almost wiped out humanity in 2017. The show builds upon the original movie's concept with clever writing and outstanding performances by Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull. The end result is a fantastic and perhaps even superior outcome. You can watch all four seasons of the show on Hulu.

6 Condor (2018 - 2020)

Condor draws inspiration from the novel "Six Days of the Condor" and the film Three Days of the Condor, featuring Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway. In the series, Max Irons portrays Joe Turner, an exceptionally intelligent CIA analyst. After his entire office is eliminated in a secret plot, Joe becomes a target and must escape his former superiors. Amidst the danger, Joe works to prevent the conspiracy's larger motives, which pose a threat to millions of lives. Condor boasts an enthralling storyline with exciting twists and turns, making it a must-watch for fans of spy action. Stream seasons 1-2 now on MGM+.

5 Jessica Jones (2015 - 2019)

Jessica Jones chronicles the journey of the eponymous heroine as she transitions from being a crime-fighting superhero to establishing herself as a professional private investigator. Set in the vibrant city of New York, the series delves into the intriguing portrayal of post-traumatic stress disorder in its protagonist, elevating its premise even further. With its exploration of darker themes uncommon in Marvel shows, Jessica Jones stands out as an original and captivating series, reminiscent of other compelling ventures like The Punisher and Daredevil.

You can find all three seasons of Jessica Jones available for purchase on Amazon.

4 Black Sails (2014 - 2017)

Loosely set two decades prior to the events of the renowned "Treasure Island" story, Black Sails chronicles the adventures of Captain Flint (portrayed by Toby Stephens) and his devoted band of pirates in the Bahamas. This imaginative prequel series revolves around Flint and his crew as they embark on a quest to uncover hidden treasure while confronting formidable adversaries along the way. Praised by its dedicated fan base, Black Sails is often hailed as an underrated gem, boasting remarkable performances, captivating storytelling, and impressive visuals, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. All four seasons of the show are now available for streaming on Starz.

3 Kingdom (2019 - )

Netflix's original Korean series, Kingdom, offers a unique blend of action and horror. It should not be confused with the MMA fighter show of the same name. The story revolves around crown prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon), who is on a mission to uncover the origins of a mysterious plague. This deadly illness has caused the death of their king and now threatens the entire kingdom. Kingdom is not just your typical zombie series; it stands out with its exceptional performances, thrilling action sequences, and meticulous production design. Both seasons 1 and 2 of the show are now streaming on Netflix.

2 Queen of the South (2016 - 2021)

Queen of the South presents a compelling action thriller narrative, featuring the remarkable Alice Braga as the audacious drug smuggler, Teresa Mendoza. After her boyfriend, a drug dealer, is ruthlessly killed, Teresa is compelled to flee her native Mexico. Her journey leads her to Dallas, Texas, where she embarks on a quest to establish herself as a formidable drug distributor and seek retribution against those responsible for her lover's demise. With its gripping blend of violence and suspense, the series captivates viewers throughout its seasons, offering an enthralling experience. Catch all five seasons on Netflix for your streaming pleasure.

1 Strike Back (2010 - 2020)

Strike Back is widely regarded as one of the greatest war action thriller series ever made. Those who have experienced it can attest to its addictive and exhilarating nature, as it takes viewers on a relentless journey of action-packed excitement across eight thrilling seasons. Centered around Section 20, a covert unit of British military intelligence and special operations personnel, the series delves into top-secret missions with classified objectives that unfold in various locations worldwide. The result is an incredibly suspenseful and thrilling television series that is highly recommended for viewers. Enjoy all eight seasons by purchasing them on Amazon.