10 Near-Perfect Action Shows That Challenge Reacher For The #1 Dad Show Title

While Reacher currently leads the way in what’s become known as the ‘Dad Show‘ genre, many other exciting action series are competing for that title. But what exactly is a ‘Dad TV Show’? It doesn’t necessarily need to feature fathers, and it’s not a show that only dads would enjoy.

Shows like Yellowstone, Breaking Bad, and Peaky Blinders are staples for many dads. They’re usually action-packed dramas – think Westerns, thrillers, or crime shows – featuring strong, clever men who aren’t afraid to use force to get things done.

Movies like those starring Liam Neeson in Taken or Denzel Washington in The Equalizer set the stage for this trend. But the popularity of Amazon’s Reacher really kicked things into high gear, leading many networks and streaming services to create their own shows about a strong, solitary hero with a memorable name who comes to the rescue.

Before the new season of Reacher arrives with Alan Ritchson taking on the villains, let’s check out some of the best shows in this style. These series are enjoyable for everyone—though your dad might especially love them!

Strike Back (2010 – 2020)

Strike Back was an action-packed series that changed direction and featured a lot of cast turnover. Despite this, it’s a remarkably good show that often gets overlooked. Each episode is filled with exciting action and stunts, and it doesn’t shy away from showing its characters in revealing situations.

Many fans consider the seasons starring Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) and Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) to be the strongest, largely due to the great connection between the two lead actors. Even the less popular seasons are still enjoyable, and with eight seasons available, there’s a lot of content to watch while you wait for the next installment of Reacher.

24 (2001 – 2010)

The show 24 started as a realistic political thriller but quickly became known for its over-the-top action. It centers around Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, a seemingly invincible agent who constantly saves the world from various terrorist attacks. Expect lots of fast car chases, gunfights, and Jack Bauer exclaiming, “Damn it!”

As a huge movie and TV fan, I have to say 24 is one of the most gripping shows I’ve ever seen. The way it unfolds in ‘real-time’ and just keeps throwing cliffhangers at you makes it impossible to stop watching! And Jack Bauer? He’s the ultimate ‘Dad Show’ hero – unbelievably good at what he does, and always trying to do what’s right, even when it gets him into trouble.

Justified (2010 – 2015)

Though it’s not packed with action, the show Justified definitely earns its reputation as a ‘Dad Show.’ This modern Western centers around Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), who finds himself back in his Kentucky hometown. Over the series, Raylan delivers a classic style of justice while dealing with criminals and gangs.

The show brings back Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), an old friend who’s become an enemy. Justified boasts a fantastic cast, and the dialogue, inspired by Elmore Leonard, is particularly enjoyable. Action scenes, whether shootouts or hand-to-hand combat, are fast-paced and realistic, fitting the show’s modern take on the Western genre.

Lioness (2023 – Ongoing)

This thrilling new series from Taylor Sheridan is a great showcase for Zoe Saldaña. She plays Joe, a tough CIA officer in charge of the ‘Lioness’ program, which trains women to work undercover in high-risk situations. The show follows Joe as she struggles to manage the demands of her dangerous job with her personal life.

As a big fan of TV, I’ve been following Taylor Sheridan’s work, and his new show, Lioness, definitely delivers on the action front – much more so than Yellowstone, actually. When the action sequences hit, they’re raw and impactful. And Zoë Saldaña? She absolutely proves why she’s a top-tier action star. Seriously, she’s fantastic!

The Night Agent (2023 – Ongoing)

I’m completely hooked on The Night Agent – it’s quickly become one of my favorite shows on Netflix! It reminds me of a mix between Reacher and 24, honestly. You follow Peter, played by Gabriel Basso, an FBI agent who gets pulled into this incredibly secretive program called ‘Night Action.’ It’s a real thrill ride watching him constantly try to prevent disasters and stop terrible things from happening, all against the clock.

While not as fast-paced as shows like 24, The Night Agent effectively mixes a suspenseful conspiracy plot with action-packed scenes. The main character, Peter, is skilled in combat, but he’s also a genuinely good person who consistently tries to make the right choices, which makes the show even more appealing.

The Terminal List (2022 – Ongoing)

This thrilling series stars Chris Pratt and is adapted from the novels by Jack Carr. The story begins with Pratt’s character, a former Navy SEAL named Reece, receiving a devastating diagnosis and, after a terrible tragedy – the murder of his wife and child – creating a list of targets for revenge.

The Terminal List is an intense, action-packed military series filled with exciting sequences in every episode. While the underlying conspiracy gets a bit complicated, the show stays focused and delivers plenty of action for fans of the genre, boosted by a strong cast.

The Old Man (2022 – 2024)

In This Dad Show, Jeff Bridges plays Chase, a former CIA agent who’s been out of the game for years and now finds himself the target of a hit. The series jumps between the present day and flashbacks, revealing how past errors are creating problems for Chase now.

Unlike many action thrillers, The Old Man takes a slower, more deliberate approach, balancing a complex story with moments of intense action. The action sequences feel particularly raw and realistic, likely due to the lead character’s age. Though the show was unfortunately cancelled after just two seasons, it remains a hidden treasure.

Gangs Of London (2020 – Ongoing)

Films and TV shows about London gangsters usually focus more on the drama than intense action like you’d see in a movie like The Raid. That’s why it makes sense that Gareth Evans, the director of The Raid, was behind Gangs of London – a large-scale crime story that also delivers stunning fight scenes and shootouts.

Despite some issues in its second season, Gangs of London stands out as a truly original show. It’s violent, full of surprises, and doesn’t hesitate to kill off important characters. You’ll be hooked by the complex crime story and amazed by the incredibly brutal fight scenes!

Bosch (2015 – 2022)

No list of great detective shows would be complete without Bosch. The series centers around Harry Bosch, a determined and somewhat rebellious LAPD detective who never gives up on finding justice. While he shares similarities with other hard-boiled cops, it’s a compelling show that’s hard to stop watching.

As a big fan of crime dramas, I have to say Bosch is really something special. It’s based on the books by Michael Connelly, the guy who wrote The Lincoln Lawyer, and it just nails the police procedural genre. What really hooked me was the main character, Harry Bosch – he’s incredibly compelling. But it’s not just him; the whole world of the show feels so real and detailed, it completely draws you in. It’s just absorbing viewing, honestly.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018 – 2023)

Tom Clancy created his CIA agent, Jack Ryan, to be a more relatable and intelligent alternative to James Bond. The character has been portrayed by numerous actors in films – including Harrison Ford and Chris Pine – and is currently featured in the Amazon series, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

I have to say, the series definitely ramps up the action compared to the books! You see Jack Ryan, played by John Krasinski, with a gun or in a fight much more often. It was great while it lasted – four seasons total – but thankfully, the story isn’t over. We’re getting a movie spinoff, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, in 2026, and I’m already excited!

2026-04-10 16:11