10 Near-Perfect Action Shows That No One Remembers

by

Even though many popular action shows are well-known, some truly excellent ones haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Action is a challenging genre for television because it’s constantly evolving with new technology. Some shows focus on impressive fight scenes, while others rely heavily on gadgets and special effects to tell their stories. No matter how they approach it, action shows always face tough competition.

Action shows have become increasingly popular, moving from traditional network television to cable and now streaming services. However, despite exciting chases and thrilling crime plots, many of these shows offer a quick burst of entertainment but don’t stay popular for very long. Only a few truly stand out and achieve lasting success, meaning many well-made shows are quickly overshadowed by newer releases. It’s important to recognize those action shows that deliver a truly exceptional story, going beyond just flashy visuals and action sequences.

10. The Recruit

Despite lasting only two seasons, Netflix’s The Recruit was a compelling mix of action and spy thrills. Created by Alexi Hawley (known for The Rookie) and starring Noah Centineo (from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before), the show followed Owen Hendricks, a new CIA lawyer, as he became involved in a complex and dangerous international situation. While critics had mixed reactions, The Recruit successfully combined comedy, drama, and mystery with a fast-paced, exciting plot.

9. Dark Angel

I still remember being completely captivated by Dark Angel when it first came out in the early 2000s. Seeing a young Jessica Alba as Max Guevara, this incredible genetically engineered super-soldier, was just amazing. It was created by James Cameron, the guy behind Titanic, and the show imagined a really cool, slightly scary near-future America. The whole premise was Max trying to stay one step ahead of the government, and it was so thrilling! Even though it only lasted two seasons on Fox, it felt so forward-thinking for its time. The show blended cyberpunk visuals with intense action, creating a really immersive world, and it all revolved around this compelling central character. Jessica Alba truly brought Max to life with a performance that really stuck with me – Dark Angel really stands out as something special.

8. Supacell

I was really impressed with Netflix’s Supacell! It’s an action series about people in South London developing superpowers, but what struck me most was how real it felt. It follows a core group, with Tosin Cole’s character, Michael Lasaki-Brown, trying to unite them before something big goes wrong. It wasn’t just about flashy effects, though – the show really built a complex story and tackled important social issues. Honestly, Supacell felt authentic and offered a genuinely fresh take on the superhero genre. It’s so much more than just an action series; the representation felt incredibly genuine, and it really resonated with me.

7. Colony

Set in a futuristic Los Angeles, the sci-fi drama Colony explores life under occupation by a mysterious alien force called the Hosts. While the show centers on the human stories within this situation, it also delivers strong science fiction elements and exciting action. Critics praise its suspenseful mood and complex plot, noting that quiet, character-driven scenes build towards impactful events. Colony emphasizes the importance of difficult choices and fighting for survival, making its action sequences feel meaningful and deliberate.

6. Designated Survivor

Originally airing on ABC and later moving to Netflix, Designated Survivor centers around Thomas Kirkman, a relatively unknown government official who unexpectedly becomes President after a devastating attack wipes out the rest of the US leadership. The series follows Kirkman as he navigates a complex conspiracy, combining political intrigue with thrilling action. By skillfully balancing a national crisis with Kirkman’s personal life, Designated Survivor creates a consistently tense and gripping viewing experience.

5. Preacher

AMC’s Preacher, a four-season show, is adapted from a popular comic book series. The story centers on Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), a preacher who develops the ability to control people’s minds and embarks on a journey as he questions his faith. Preacher cleverly combines science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and action, creating a show that’s more engaging than it initially seems. While the action is often visually striking and unique, the show’s strength truly lies in its well-developed characters and their relationships, which provide a solid emotional core.

4. Alias

Running for five seasons in the early 2000s, Alias is a thrilling spy drama created by J.J. Abrams and starring Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow. The show centers on Sydney’s dangerous life as a double agent, caught in a complex world of espionage. Alias skillfully blends classic spy action with compelling, character-driven storylines, maintaining a balance between the two. Known for its intricate mythology and surprising plot twists, Alias stands out as one of the decade’s best action series.

3. Queen Of The South

For five seasons, Queen of the South told the story of Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga) and her rise to power in the dangerous world of drug cartels. Inspired by the Spanish novel La Reina del Sur, the show focused on its characters and skillfully blended action into the storyline. The series benefited from a strong, dependable cast, which consistently delivered tense and dramatic moments. The show’s greatest strength was watching Teresa transform while keeping viewers engaged with thrilling action.

2. Nikita

Nikita, a thrilling action series from the 2010s, was based on the film La Femme Nikita. The show followed Nikita (played by Maggie Q), a skilled assassin who turned against the secret organization, Division, that trained her. Known for its compelling stories and impressive action, Nikita was a fast-paced and ambitious series. It consistently moved the plot forward, focusing on core storylines rather than unnecessary filler, and effectively used action to enhance the narrative.

1. Dollhouse

Despite lasting only two seasons, Dollhouse was a remarkably ambitious action series for its time, brimming with potential. The show centered on Echo, played by Eliza Dushku, an operative who could be programmed with different personalities. It offered a complex look at a shadowy organization with questionable ethics. As it progressed, Dollhouse tackled deeper themes like freedom and consent, evolving into a more connected, story-driven show. The series really hit its stride just before it was canceled, and it remains a fascinating and bold example of action television.

Read More

2026-04-25 22:50