10 Action TV Shows That Delivered from Start to Finish

I’m a huge fan of action TV, and I’ve seen a lot of shows start strong, but it’s rare to find one that stays good throughout all the seasons. There are tons of action series available now, especially on streaming services like Netflix, and while many are fun for a while, only a few really grab you from the first episode and keep you hooked until the very end. I’m always looking for those gems!

Great action series aren’t just about exciting fights—they also need well-developed characters. Adding humor and smart dialogue makes them even better. The shows listed here deliver on all fronts, offering consistently strong stories and thrilling action, from some of the best animated series to a truly memorable, groundbreaking show.

Cobra Kai (2018-2025)

The first episode of Cobra Kai season 1, titled “Ace Degenerate,” effectively introduces both new and familiar characters, proving it’s a respectful continuation of the original story. When Johnny Lawrence helps a young man named Miguel, it unexpectedly leads to a confrontation with Daniel LaRusso and reignites Johnny’s passion for karate.

Each of the six seasons of the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai is consistently excellent, seamlessly blending the show’s history with current events. It tells a compelling and uplifting story about second chances, following your dreams, and overcoming old assumptions to achieve success. The series finale is particularly emotional and impactful.

Covert Affairs (2010-2014)

The first episode of Covert Affairs follows Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a smart and newly hired CIA agent. Starting her with no experience is a clever move, as it quickly puts her in a dangerous situation. The episode gets off to a strong start when someone from Annie’s past unexpectedly shows up.

This adds to the tension and drives Annie to succeed in her new position, as she questions the true situation. Over five seasons, Covert Affairs draws you into Annie’s journey, making you root for her as she improves and holding your breath during every dangerous moment.

The last season of the show is just as strong as when it began, with plenty of unexpected twists. It’s disappointing that the fifth season ended on a cliffhanger and the show wasn’t renewed for a sixth season. However, Annie’s closing lines are both thought-provoking and give a sense of closure.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

With a charming main character, Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), and a richly imagined world built around the four elements – including the Air Nomads, Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes – Avatar: The Last Airbender gets off to a great start. The first episode ends with a thrilling cliffhanger, revealing that the antagonist, Zuko (Dante Basco), now knows where Aang is, and it also includes some heartwarming scenes.

When Aang is discovered after being frozen in an iceberg for years, he quickly becomes friends with Katara and Sokka, even though their lives are filled with danger and challenges. Their adventures together make for three fantastic seasons, showcasing their strong bond, playful rivalry, exciting battles, and Aang’s amazing abilities.

The franchise includes multiple movies and a new live-action Netflix show coming in 2024, but the animated series really stands out as being exceptionally well-made.

Alias (2001-2006)

The first episode of Alias immediately grabs your attention. It quickly introduces Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), a determined main character, and throws her into a whirlwind of shocking revelations about her father, Jack (Victor Garber), a mysterious CIA assignment, and personal heartbreak. It doesn’t waste any time setting up the complex story.

The show Alias consistently delivers quality throughout its five seasons, combining a sweeping love story between Sydney and the intriguing Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan) with thrilling action showcasing Sydney’s skills. Sydney remains a compelling character, as resourceful and determined in later episodes as she is in the very beginning – always skilled at uncovering secrets and getting results.

Invincible (2021-Present)

Amazon’s animated series Invincible is worth watching for many reasons, starting with its amazing voice cast featuring stars like Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, Steven Yeun, and Walton Goggins. The show gets off to a strong start with a fantastic first episode – full of both heartfelt scenes and exciting action – and maintains that quality throughout the entire series.

The show starts with a great idea: superhero Nolan discovers his teenage son, Mark, also has superpowers, and it’s time to train him. Each episode is full of exciting hero-versus-villain action, but at its heart, it’s a touching and smart story about a father and son connecting.

NCIS (2003-Present)

The CBS show starts with an enjoyable first episode that quickly establishes its predictable pattern, but its continued success proves that the formula is effective.

The first episode introduces us to engaging characters like Caitlin Todd and Leroy Jethro Gibbs as they investigate the death of a Navy member and a mysterious illness. The episode ends on a high note, leaving you wanting more, and each installment follows the talented NCIS team as they crack a new case.

It’s always a little sad to see beloved characters go, which is natural for a show that’s been on for a while. Luckily, there are always new and capable agents to root for as they tackle tough cases.

The Boys (2019-2026)

The first episode of the popular Prime Video series The Boys introduces a world where superheroes – known as Supes – are famous and admired, but secretly dangerous and corrupt. The episode begins with a heartbreaking scene where Hughie Campbell (played by Jack Quaid) experiences a terrible loss due to a brutal act. This pivotal moment is what drives him to team up with Billy Butcher (Karl Urban).

What really sets this show apart is its sharp political commentary. Once you’re introduced to the character Homelander (played by Antony Starr), you’re pulled into a truly shocking world. With its blend of dark humor and unexpected twists, each season of The Boys is consistently captivating and unforgettable.

Jack Ryan (2018-2023)

The premiere of Prime Video’s Jack Ryan showed that John Krasinski was a perfect choice to play the character based on Tom Clancy’s novels. He portrays an ordinary guy unexpectedly thrust into a world of danger, and his life changes forever when he suspects terrorist activity.

This show gets better with each season. It’s entertaining to see Jack at the beginning, as he’s just an ordinary guy thrown into an extraordinary situation. But as he journeys around the world and becomes more seasoned, his story becomes truly compelling, because he’s constantly facing danger.

Bosch (2014-2021)

The first episode of Bosch reveals how Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) is still affected by a difficult childhood. Throughout the episode, he also struggles to cope with a painful event he and his colleague, Jerry Edgar (Jamie Hector), experienced while on the job.

These difficult scenes reveal that he buries his emotions to concentrate on solving crimes, and he’ll probably keep doing that until he reaches a breaking point. Lance Welliver consistently delivers a compelling performance throughout all seven seasons of Bosch, adding depth and nuance to every episode.

24 (2001-2010)

The first season of 24 introduces Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), an action hero determined to uncover who is targeting Senator David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert). Alongside the high-stakes mission, Jack is also hoping to sort out his complicated personal life. The show is a gripping, fast-paced adventure with a surprising finale that leaves you eager to see what happens next in Jack’s career.

The TV show 24 was a groundbreaking action series, largely because of its innovative format: each episode unfolded in real-time over a 24-hour period. This created intense suspense and a constant feeling of urgency.

The TV show 24 became known for its unique way of telling stories, and many other shows started using similar techniques – it wasn’t limited to just action series. A standout example is the HBO Max drama The Pitt, a medical show that also presents episodes unfolding in real time.

2025-10-29 22:18