10 Exhibits Like ‘Reacher’ To Watch If You Love Glossy Motion Dramas
Prime Video struck gold with the gripping action-mystery drama, Reacher. Since its 2022 debut, the series based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels has captivated audiences with the formidable combination of intellect and muscle embodied by the eponymous character. Played by Alan Ritchson, Jack Reacher is a former military policeman, who roams around the United States, unravelling mysteries and dispensing justice with an action-packed punch.
Reacher season 2, which premiered on December 15, 2023, and released its last episode on January 19, 2024, promised to be a bigger hit than season 1 with Jack confronting more murders and mysteries.
Now that season 2 has officially come to an end, fans have been left wanting for more and are already rooting for Reacher season 3. With the inevitable lull between seasons, the search for the next adrenaline-pumping mystery is on.
To satisfy your binge-watching urge, we’ve curated a list of 10 exceptional shows like Prime Video’s Reacher to watch next.
What to watch after completing ‘Reacher’? 10 shows that will satisfy your appetite for action and suspense
From hard-hitting action dramas to clever detective tales and adaptations of gripping novels, our recommendations of shows like Reacher promise to keep you enthralled.
24 (2001 to 2014)
First up on our list is the high-stakes action series 24. Spanning 204 episodes over 9 seasons from 2001 to 2014, the Prime Video show became a binge-watching sensation, captivating audiences with its real-time, 24-hour format and outlandish plot. Kiefer Sutherland‘s portrayal of counter-terrorist federal agent Jack Bauer earned acclaim for its gritty intensity. Sutherland’s character, with a penchant for no-holds-barred tactics, shares similarities with Reacher, envisioning a dynamic duo taking on corrupt officials and criminals.
While Reacher’s adventures are more contained, Bauer navigates a political battlefield, encountering powerful foes and global conspiracies. Bauer’s rogue missions, facing formidable adversaries like Nina Myers and Charles Logan, deliver silly yet engaging fun. Sutherland’s award-winning performance anchors the show, ensuring audiences stay riveted for nine long years, even as the plot ventures into unpredictable territory.
Homeland (2011 to 2020)
Another critically acclaimed show by the minds behind 24, Homeland was created by Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon. Running from 2011 to 2020, the show unfolded a gripping narrative featuring CIA officer Carrie Mathison and Marine Corps scout sniper Nicholas Brody. Across eight seasons, the series garnered multiple awards. Starring Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin and Rupert Friend, it navigates the intense world of global security threats and espionage.
In season 1, Mathison, portrayed by Danes, suspects Brody of planning a terrorist attack, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. Similar to the rollercoaster experience of Reacher, Homeland captivates with its relentless pace, shocking twists and emotionally charged performances. The series explores complex characters and heart-wrenching moments, keeping you hooked from start to finish. With a warning for potential viewers to prepare for an addictive journey, Homeland promises hours of suspense, drama and unexpected turns.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018-2023)
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan delivers explosive military action and political intrigue in a gripping four-season series on Amazon Prime Video. Starring John Krasinski as the iconic hero, the show takes viewers on a global journey as Ryan races to thwart terrorists and protect innocent lives. Unlike the source novels, the series charts its own course, occasionally resembling a character from the Call of Duty franchise rather than the desk-bound analyst of Clancy’s books.
Despite deviations, Jack Ryan offers top-notch entertainment, blending hard-hitting action with clever plotlines. Krasinski’s charisma shines in a role previously portrayed by Hollywood heavyweights. While purists may notice differences from Clancy’s original vision, the series guarantees a thrilling experience that balances brains with brawn.
Sneaky Pete (2015-2018)
This crime drama captivated audiences with its intriguing plotline of cons and family ties for over three seasons, despite facing an unexpected cancellation. Sneaky Pete revolves around a conman leaving prison, adopting the identity of his cellmate, Pete, and getting entangled with the latter’s bounty-hunting family.
Originally developed as a CBS pilot in 2015, the series skillfully balances grit and hijinks, creating a compelling crime caper. Season 3, which premiered in May 2018, showcased the show’s masterful storytelling with a Rube-Goldberg-like precision, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The abrupt cancellation left fans yearning for more of the series’ intricate and suspenseful narrative.
Longmire (2012-2017)
If you talk about shows like Reacher, Longmire with its neo-Western experience makes for a compelling watch. Set in the fictional town of Absaroka County, Wyoming, the show follows Sheriff Walt Longmire, played by Robert Taylor, as he investigates various crimes within his jurisdiction. The series embraces traditional Western elements, with the titular character embodying the grizzled yet honourable hero who navigates challenges involving the local casino, Native Americans and government issues.
While Longmire may not revolutionise the mystery genre, its strength lies in the portrayal of its central character. Sheriff Longmire is a good man with a strong sense of honour but is also flawed, adding depth to the narrative. The show weaves complex psychological character arcs for its ensemble cast, including Jacob Nighthorse, Victoria Moretti and Henry Standing Bear.
BOSH (2014-2021)
For those craving more detective drama, Bosch is a must-watch. Following LAPD detective Harry Bosch, portrayed by Titus Welliver, the show loosely adapts Michael Connelly’s novels, offering a complex character study beneath its procedural cop drama exterior. With a stellar cast, including Lance Reddick, Jamie Hector, Madison Lintz, Amy Aquino and Mimi Rogers, Bosch delivers intense shootouts and thrilling fight scenes, catering to Reacher fans’ tastes.
While the show demands patience with its intricate mysteries and sprawling storylines, the payoff is consistently rewarding. Though it occasionally ventures into unbelievability, Bosch provides an old-school detective thriller, reminiscent of characters from a bygone era — making it a good choice for those seeking a gripping and well-crafted detective series.
The Terminal List (2022)
Chris Pratt‘s undeniable charisma elevates The Terminal List, an Amazon series where he stars as a man seeking to clear his name for the murder of his wife and daughter. While the show, filled with bone-crunching action and suspense, doesn’t offer groundbreaking material, Pratt’s presence makes it worth watching. The series features plot twists, intense fight sequences and a mission that requires assembling a team played by Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu and Jai Courtney.
The Terminal List stands out for taking its revenge storyline seriously, making viewers feel the impact of every gunshot and reflecting on the lives lost during operations. If you’re seeking a revenge series with dramatic force, The Terminal List is another compelling show like Reacher that you must add to your watchlist.
Luther (2010-2019)
Idris Elba‘s powerful performance takes centre stage in the riveting BBC One drama Luther, where he portrays Detective Chief Inspector Luther, a complex and conflicted investigator entangled with a serial killer. The series, spanning five seasons and a film, unfolds a narrative with the same DNA as Reacher, albeit on the other side of the pond.
Luther navigates a world where solving crimes means confronting the criminal mastermind Alice Morgan, played by Ruth Wilson. While more psychological than action-packed, Luther showcases Elba’s prowess against the scum of society, presenting unorthodox yet effective methods in his pursuit of justice.
Nikita (2010-2013)
Mission: Impossible III star Maggie Q shines as an action star in the CW’s thrilling but short-lived series Nikita. Running for four seasons, the show is based on Luc Besson’s French film La Femme Nikita and the ’90s TV series, delivering a captivating tale of spying and vengeance. As Nikita Mears, Q portrays a spy on a mission to dismantle Division, the agency she escaped, known for recruiting and training assassins.
The series, sleek and stylish, showcases Q’s cool and sexy demeanour as she takes on hordes of adversaries effortlessly alongside Shane West, Lyndsy Fonseca and Xander Berkeley. For those craving a bit more excitement in their TV lineup, Nikita works as an entertaining distraction with its gripping narrative and impressive performances.
Slow Horses (2022-present)
Another gripping show like Reacher on Amazon is the Apple TV show Slow Horses. Starring Gary Oldman, the series presents an intriguing tale of failed government agents uncovering a conspiracy within MI6. Based on Mick Herron’s novel of the same name, the show opens with intense action as MI5 agent River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, faces a critical mission gone awry. Shuffled to the less glamorous Slough House, Cartwright and a team of outcasts, led by the bad-tempered Jackson Lamb (Oldman), stumble upon a larger conspiracy involving a kidnapped British Muslim young man.
The series expertly balances espionage plotting with character beats, delving into the complex lives of the Slow Horses. While the storytelling occasionally feels a bit knotty, the stellar cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas and Olivia Cooke, will keep your attention hooked. With three seasons out and season 4 already in the pipeline, Slow Horses is worth starting for both completists and newcomers.
(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Reacher/Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan)
This story first appeared on Augustman India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which is the best show to watch after Reacher?
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Slow Horses and Longmire are a few shows that will work as the perfect action-packed alternate for Reacher.
Source: Prestige Online
