Reaching For New TV Shows
Reacher is a well written, action-packed series that manages to blend a good deal of action with a solid mystery and a really enticing hook.
If you’ve finished watching this and are looking for alternate series, fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle of having to try and find something similar with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.
To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have.
Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Reacher!
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
Similarities – Action, Espionage & Prime Original
Action-packed and full of high-octane set pieces, Jack Ryan is a solid reboot and much like Reacher, is actually available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The story centers on up-and-coming CIA analyst Jack Ryan as he’s thrust into a dangerous field assignment. He soon uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication, launching himself headfirst into a deadly plot that could cost him his life.
Although the plot is a tad contrived (especially in season 2), there’s a good deal of action and drama to offset that, making for a thrilling ride from start to finish.
The Punisher
Similarities – Violence & Gore
Violent, gritty and featuring some seriously well-choreographed fights, The Punisher is a brutal Marvel series. It does suffer from the usual baggage that comes with a lot of these Netflix offerings – especially in its bloated run-time – but the action more than makes up for it.
The story is simple and revolves around a man named Frank Castle, who sets out to avenge his murdered family. With military background, a no-nonsense attitude and plenty of action, The Punisher earns his lucrative title.
With two seasons to get through, The Punisher offers a fair amount of bang for your buck.
You can read our thoughts on The Punisher in our full season reviews here!
Banshee
Similarities – Antony Starr & Violence
Much like Reacher, Banshee is a show that completely catches you off-guard. With a great storyline and an inspired Antony Starr in the driving seat, Banshee is an underrated gem that’s well worth checking out.
The story revolves around an ex-con assuming the identity of a murdered sheriff but as the narrative progresses, so too does the main premise of the show.
I won’t spoil anything here but suffice to say if you’re after a violent, action-packed show, Banshee should keep you busy for a while.
The Terminal List
Similarities – Revenge & Action
The Terminal List has all the ingredients to be a sure-fire hit. High-octane action, twists and turns along with enough treachery and intrigue to keep you guessing.
Our protagonist here is a former Navy SEAL officer called James Reece (Chris Pratt). The story opens with a tense, covert mission deep in enemy territory that goes completely awry, leading to his team being slaughtered.
With the plan a bust, the soldiers head back to US soil and are debriefed. When his friends begin to die in mysterious ways, Reece quickly learns that there’s a conspiracy going all the way up the chain of command. Naturally, Reece begins to investigate further, setting up a kill list as he begins going after those responsible.
Designated Survivor
Similarities – Thriller & Drama
Designated Survivor is another Jack Bauer thriller and it’s one heck of a cracking show.
The story centers on a low-level Cabinet member that’s suddenly thrust into the role of becoming President of the United States after a devastating attack kills everyone above him in the chain of command.
Hours after the attack on the Capitol, Tom Kirkman is forced to try and lead the country through this devastation… but is there a larger danger lurking in the wings?
Well written and nail-bitingly tense, Designated Survivor is another must-watch.
Fauda
Similarities – Espionage, Action, Tense Negotiations
Fauda is an Israeli television series that follows Doron Kavillio, a retired undercover operative, who returns to the field to hunt down a notorious Hamas terrorist. The show explores the complexities and moral ambiguity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from both sides, while peppering in plenty of action along to way to make for a highly enjoyable watch.
Both series center on special operatives engaged in covert missions, showing the complex political and personal dynamics involved in such operations.
The Day of the Jackal
Similarities – Violence & Mystery
The Day of the Jackal is a high-octane thrill ride, based on the riveting political thriller novel by English author Frederick Forsyth. The show has been reimagined for a modern audience but maintains the same high-stakes intensity.
The show focuses on an elusive assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. However, the Jackal soon meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer, who tracks him down in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
This is definitely a fun, compelling thrill-ride, and worth sticking with for the long-haul. The second-half is much better than the first too, and there are some genuine nail-biting segments here.
Treadstone
Similarities – Action & Mystery
Treadstone is a 2019 spin-off series based on the Bourne films. With no mention of Jason Bourne here, but a continuation of the same lore and ideas, this show centers on The Treadstone Project.
For those unaware, this is the group responsible for creating super-spy Bourne, and this time they turn their attention to a new protocol to develop unstoppable superhuman assassins.
As agents across the globe “awaken” to resume deadly missions, interspersed around this timeline are flashbacks to 1973 that help to fill in the blanks as to what’s happening – and why.
Do be aware that the season was cancelled and as such, season 1 does leave a fair few questions unanswered. However, it’s a very enjoyable action thriller all the same.
Gangs of London
Similarities – Fighting Over Territory
Gangs Of London is a thoroughly enjoyable crime epic and one that does a great job blending graphic violence and big action set pieces with an interesting story surrounding a power struggle in London.
The story centers on a man named Finn Wallace, the crime boss overseeing affairs in London who’s shot dead by two nobodies. With no-one at the top, a wrestle for power ensues between rival gangs.
While the plot does lose its way during the second half and a couple of the characters don’t get a great send-off, there’s enough to like about this one to make it well worth a watch, flaws and all.
24
Similarities – Thriller & Drama
Alongside Lost, 24 is arguably the show from the early 2000’s that revolutionized how we watch TV. With 24 episodes and each chapter depicting an hour in “real-time”, the show centers on agent Jack Bauer, who races against the clock to subvert terrorist plots and save the nation from disaster.
From chemical warfare and assassinations to deep levels of government conspiracy, 24 keeps things fresh and exciting across its 8 seasons.
Although the final ever episode does leave things ambiguously open, 24 is a brilliant show and easily one of the best action thrillers on the small screen.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show picks to check out when you’re finished with Reacher on Amazon Prime.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!