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.
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.
You can read our thoughts on Gangs Of London in our full season review here!
Dogs of Berlin
Similarities – Violence & Mystery
Split across 10 episodes, Dogs Of Berlin sees Germany on the cusp of a gang war. Tensions between the Turks and Neo Nazis reaches fever pitch and at the heart of this conflict are two troubled police officers. Crooked cop Kurt Grimmer and Turkish drug officer Erol Birkan are our protagonists here.
The story picks up when German football superstar Okam Erdem is found dead in German loyalist territory. Grimmer leads an investigation to get to the bottom of what happened, while owing money to some very dangerous people.
While the opening few episodes keep him and Birkan separate, they’re reluctantly joined together over a common interest, building toward an explosive, climactic finale.
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.
Taken
Similarities – Thriller
Another small-screen reboot of a big film franchise, the Taken series is surprisingly functional and moreish offering, one that works as both a prequel and a reboot for the Liam Neeson trilogy.
The story here centers on a much younger Bryan Mills. He’s single and has no children. However, when his sister is murdered, Bryan remains determined to figure out who’s responsible, thus setting up a similar race against the clock as Bryan tackles various terrorists and foes.
With a good amount of drama and plenty of action to boot, you should find enough to like with this one.
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!