Over the past ten to twenty years, television has changed dramatically in terms of how intense and action-packed its shows have become. What used to be reserved for movies – elaborate fight scenes and complex stunts – is now common on TV. Shows are now investing significant money in professional stunt teams and fight choreography to deliver these experiences.
We’re now seeing a new kind of TV show where the action sequences are just as crucial to the story as the plot itself. No matter the type of fight, these shows are made with incredible detail, adding a new level of quality. Here are a few series that have really raised the bar for action on television.
Vikings Set a New Standard for the History Channel
Originally debuting on The History Channel in 2013, the show started as a historical drama focused on Viking culture. Early episodes featured smaller, more personal scenes. While the series always had a raw, realistic feel, it became known for its large-scale, intense battles in later seasons.
As Ragnar became more ambitious, the battles in the show became larger and more intense. Episodes like the Siege of Paris showed the brutal reality of war up close. What started as a historical drama transformed into one of the most violent shows on television today.
Gareth Evans Brings The Raid to Gangs of London
Gareth Evans, the director known for the thrilling martial arts film The Raid, helped create Gangs of London, and his signature style is clear in every fight. From the very beginning, particularly in a standout pub scene in the first episode, the show makes it obvious that this is no ordinary action series.
The camera follows the fighters closely during their battles, making the action feel incredibly real. While the series features a lot of intense fighting, it’s not just about the violence. It skillfully creates suspense beforehand, building pressure until it finally explodes into action.
Spartacus Didn’t Pull Any Punches When It Comes to Brutality
The Starz original series is known for its intense action. Early on, the fight scenes were very dynamic and visually striking, similar to the movie 300, and the show wasn’t afraid to be dramatic and exaggerated.
The fighting changed when the show moved beyond the arena battles of the first season and into the story of the slave rebellion. The fight scenes became less flashy and more realistic. Spartacus started portraying its major fights with a sense of weight and consequence, as seen in the battle with Theokoloes, where every blow felt crucial and the resulting win felt truly deserved.
The Punisher Introduced High-Octane Madness to the MCU
Jon Bernthal made a strong impact when he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His character, Frank Castle, first appeared in a Netflix series that was already known for its action. However, introducing The Punisher really intensified the violence. When Bernthal later starred in his own series as the anti-hero, the level of violence increased dramatically.
Marvel’s The Punisher stood out by being much darker and more realistic than typical superhero shows. Unlike most costumed hero fights, the action in The Punisher felt brutal and impactful. The show didn’t shy away from showing the physical and emotional consequences of violence on Frank Castle, making the fights feel genuinely weighty and believable.
Warrior Pays Homage to Bruce Lee With Intense Martial Arts Action
Fans of martial arts will enjoy this series, which was inspired by the iconic Bruce Lee. Set in the late 1800s during the brutal Tong Wars, the show clearly reflects Lee’s style and philosophy, particularly in the way Andrew Koji portrays the character Ah Sahm.
Every character fights in a way that reflects who they are. The show Warrior clearly takes inspiration from classic martial arts movies, but the fight choreography also incorporates modern mixed martial arts, making it feel new and exciting. Although the show was unfortunately canceled after three seasons, it remains a fantastic example of how action scenes on television have improved and become more dynamic.
Alan Ritchson Makes Reacher More Imposing Than Ever
Amazon Prime’s series Reacher stars Alan Ritchson, who dramatically bulked up – gaining 30 to 40 pounds of muscle – to play the role. The show initially focuses on Ritchson’s imposing physique, with many fight scenes designed to showcase the character’s incredible strength.
Throughout the series, Reacher faces opponents who show us his vulnerable side. While viewers enjoy watching him defeat villains, it creates more suspense when he’s not depicted as all-powerful. His early victories feel predictable, but as the show goes on, his wins become more rewarding and feel truly deserved.
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2026-04-05 04:37