20 TV Shows to Watch If You’re an Aries

This collection gathers shows that swiftly dive into the heart of the action and maintain a rapid pace, reflecting Aries’ fondness for quick progression and audacious decisions. Here you’ll discover intriguing spy stories, grand historical dramas, intense crime chronicles, gripping military suspense, and anime featuring strong-willed characters thrust into thrilling, high-stakes narratives.

Each selection provides clear information about the content of the show, its creators, producers, directors, main cast, and notable production details. Browse through various settings and genres to find shows that resonate with your current mood, then add them to your watchlist.

’24’ (2001–2010)

24 chronicles the intense, real-time journey of Jack Bauer, a Counter Terrorist Unit agent, as he navigates national security crises in both Los Angeles and Washington. The series employs dual screens and a ticking clock to emphasize the urgency as Bauer battles various threats such as assassinations, bioweapons, cyberattacks, and political intrigues.

The show features Kiefer Sutherland alongside Mary Lynn Rajskub, Dennis Haysbert, Elisha Cuthbert, and Carlos Bernard. It was masterminded by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, with various showrunners overseeing different seasons and a production team managing intricate stunts and location work for the series, which aired on Fox.

‘Alias’ (2001–2006)

‘Alias’ revolves around Sydney Bristow, a student studying graduate-level subjects, who is secretly enlisted by a clandestine agency, unaware she’s been working for a criminal organization while pretending to be a double agent for the CIA. The narrative progresses through various undercover tasks, encoded artifacts, and internal conflicts within international spy networks.

The show was crafted by J J Abrams, and Jennifer Garner leads the cast alongside Victor Garber, Michael Vartan, Ron Rifkin, and Bradley Cooper. It premiered on ABC and boasted a team of writers and directors who wove intricate storylines that intertwined fieldwork with the personal life of the main character.

‘Spartacus’ (2010–2013)

‘Spartacus’ tells an engaging story about a Thracian slave turned gladiator, who eventually leads a rebellion against the Roman Republic. The narrative delves into his training in the ludus (gladiator school), his battles in the arena, and the formation of a rebel army that confronts the Roman legions.

The series was developed by Steven S DeKnight for Starz, featuring Andy Whitfield as the lead in the initial season, with Liam McIntyre taking over in subsequent seasons. The ensemble cast also includes Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, and John Hannah. The show comprises a prequel titled ‘Spartacus: Gods of the Arena’. It is renowned for its distinctive combat style, impressive set designs, and a rich supporting cast featuring several historical figures.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

The show ‘Vikings’ chronicles the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary character, along with his family as they embark on raids, explorations, and political power struggles across Scandinavia and the British Isles. The narrative covers their sea journeys to undiscovered territories, conflicts with Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and the emergence of new leaders from the succeeding generation.

Created by Michael Hirst and starring Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Alexander Ludwig, and Gustaf Skarsgård, this series primarily filmed in Ireland. It aired on History channel and took a production approach that highlighted ships, weapons, and locations to accurately portray Norse culture and medieval politics.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Titled ‘Game of Thrones’, the series loosely bases its plot on the initial novels of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. It chronicles the struggle among competing noble houses as they vie for power over the coveted Iron Throne, all while a sinister force brews in the remote north. The narrative seamlessly blends political intrigue, shifting allegiances, and military conflicts across various territories.

Created for television by David Benioff and D B Weiss, the show features an impressive cast including Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, and Nikolaj Coster Waldau. It was aired on HBO, with filming taking place across several nations. The production managed to effectively manage a large cast and frequent directors, while departments handling visual effects and complex battles ensured consistent quality.

‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ (2015–2018)

‘Daredevil’ focuses on Matt Murdock, a lawyer who is blind but uses his heightened senses and martial arts training to fight crime in Hell’s Kitchen at night. The story delves into cases at his law firm, power struggles between criminal families, and conflicts with formidable enemies dominating the area.

Created by Drew Goddard, the show is overseen by showrunners Steven S DeKnight, Doug Petrie, and Marco Ramirez. It stars Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Vincent D’Onofrio, and was initially aired on Netflix as part of Marvel’s television lineup. The series is known for its intricately designed fight scenes in narrow corridors and stairways, orchestrated by a skilled stunt team.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

The drama ‘Peaky Blinders’ showcases the Shelby clan as they expand their gambling and protection empire in Birmingham during the years post-World War I. The narrative unfolds with power struggles against rival gangs, confrontations with law enforcement, and intricate political dealings that broaden their influence.

The series was brilliantly conceived by Steven Knight, featuring notable performances from Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, and Tom Hardy. It initially aired on BBC in the UK, and its international reach was cemented through streaming services. The show’s authenticity is reinforced by period-appropriate set design, costuming, and recurring directors, resulting in a visually consistent atmosphere across six captivating seasons.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

As a follower, I delve into the world of ‘Homeland’, where I, as CIA officer Carrie Mathison, grapple with intricate matters related to national security threats arising from foreign operations and domestic arenas. The narrative unfolds with the reappearance of a detained Marine, leading me on a journey filled with surveillance, diplomatic maneuvers, and counterintelligence missions.

Created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, based on the original Israeli series ‘Prisoners of War’ by Gideon Raff, this show features Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis in pivotal roles. Airing on Showtime, it was filmed across various countries with experienced consultants and advisors providing genuine procedural insights to enrich the storyline.

‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018–2023)

In simpler terms, ‘Jack Ryan’ is a TV show that portrays the character Jack Ryan, an analyst from Tom Clancy’s books. He follows suspicious financial transactions that take him on missions in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Each season constructs a self-contained storyline with investigative threads that ultimately culminate in real-world action.

Created by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, the series features John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish, and Michael Kelly in lead roles. It was available on Amazon Prime Video, utilizing location shooting, multi-lingual casts, and a blend of real and digital effects to create exciting chase scenes and strategic action sequences.

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015–2022)

In simpler terms, ‘The Last Kingdom’ is a TV show based on Bernard Cornwell’s ‘The Saxon Stories’. The story revolves around Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a character who finds himself caught between the Danes and Saxons in medieval England. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Uhtred involved in sieges of fortified towns, political maneuverings at court with King Alfred, and familial bonds strained by war.

Created for television by Stephen Butchard, this series features Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Eliza Butterworth, and Ian Hart in leading roles. Originally a co-production with the BBC, it eventually moved to Netflix where it was produced with historical experts, armorers, and horse units to depict the intricate shield wall combat scenes accurately.

‘Banshee’ (2013–2016)

The show “Banshee” centers around an ex-convict who takes on the role of sheriff in a small town, where he engages in a personal vendetta with a powerful criminal figure. The narrative weaves together elements of robberies, undercover operations, and local politics set within a Pennsylvania community that includes characters from the Amish and Native American communities.

This series was developed by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler, with Alan Ball serving as executive producer. It stars Antony Starr, Ivana Milicevic, Ulrich Thomsen, and Hoon Lee. The show aired on Cinemax and earned recognition for its intricate fight scenes, realistic effects, and an innovative production style that focused on close-quarters action.

‘Strike Back’ (2010–2020)

The TV show “Strike Back” focuses on Section 20, an international elite operations team that conducts covert missions in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The storyline consists of prolonged manhunts spanning entire seasons, as well as episodes that combine penetration with withdrawal operations.

Based on the book by Chris Ryan, the series initially stars Richard Armitage, before centering around the pair portrayed by Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton. The supporting cast changes each season. The show originally aired on Sky and Cinemax, and employed a stunt-heavy production that provided actors with training from former military consultants.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

The television show ‘Narcos’ follows the story of the Medellín cartel, depicting its rise, decline, and the joint efforts by Colombian and American law enforcement agencies to bring down their criminal activities. The series uses a blend of factual events with dramatic scenes, providing an accurate portrayal of investigations, partnerships, and power struggles.

The creators of this series are Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, who cast Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar, alongside Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal playing DEA agents. Filmed in Colombia, the show features dialogue that shifts between English and Spanish, with a diverse cast playing political figures, officers, and relatives linked to the cartel.

‘Narcos: Mexico’ (2018–2021)

In a change of perspective, ‘Narcos: Mexico’ delves into the emergence of the Guadalajara cartel and strengthening of drug trafficking networks led by local authorities. The narrative encompasses surveillance, undercover missions, and repercussions stemming from significant actions.

Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, this series features Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Scoot McNairy, and Tenoch Huerta as key players. A large portion of the filming was done in Mexico, and while it introduces fresh characters and timeframes, it retains the investigative framework established in ‘Narcos’.

‘Black Sails’ (2014–2017)

‘Black Sails’ is set before the events of ‘Treasure Island’ and focuses on Captain Flint and his crew based out of New Providence during the early 18th century. The show delves into conflicts between captains, merchant raids, and power struggles with colonial authorities seeking dominance in the Caribbean region.

The series was co-created by Jonathan E Steinberg and Robert Levine, with Michael Bay serving as executive producer. It features Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold, and Tom Hopper in lead roles. ‘Black Sails’ aired on Starz and utilized large ship sets, water tanks, and location work in South Africa for filming naval battles and island fortifications.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

The story of ‘Prison Break’ unfolds around a structural engineer who ventures into a high-security prison to assist his falsely imprisoned brother in escaping. The narrative progresses as they meticulously plan an escape, employ coded tattoos, and delve deeper into complex conspiracies and globe-trotting storylines in subsequent seasons.

Originally created by Paul Scheuring, the series features notable performances from Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, and Robert Knepper. It initially aired on Fox, with production teams crafting detailed prison sets and implementing practical effects for various escape scenes. Later, it returned for a special revival, bringing back its principal cast members.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

‘Attack on Titan’ offers an intriguing depiction of a civilized society fortified against colossal beasts that pose a grave risk to mankind. The storyline follows young soldiers who delve into the mysterious genesis of these Titans, the chronicles of their fortifications, and upheavals that transform their reality.

‘Kill la Kill’ (2013–2014)

As a movie enthusiast, I delve into the electrifying world of ‘Kill la Kill’, a series where I, as transfer student Ryuko Matoi, journey to uncover truths about my late father’s demise while engaging in epic battles within the school system powered by mystical attire. This exhilarating narrative seamlessly blends high-stakes arena battles, heartfelt family discoveries, and escalating menaces intertwined with the enigmatic origins of these extraordinary uniforms.

Produced by the talented duo Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima at Studio Trigger, ‘Kill la Kill’ boasts a top-notch voice cast led by Ami Koshimizu and Ryoka Yuzuki in the original Japanese version, with Erica Mendez and Carrie Keranen spearheading the English dub. The production showcases striking editing techniques and visually captivating aesthetics, complemented by an intriguing ensemble of characters hailing from Honnouji Academy and the Matoi household.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

In ‘Samurai Champloo’, we find the trio of travelers – Jin, a roaming swordsman, Mugen, an unpredictable fighter, and Fuu, a young woman – traversing through Japan during the Edo period. The story unfolds in a series of episodic adventures, blending historical backdrops with contemporary cultural influences.

This anime masterpiece was directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and produced by Manglobe. The soundtrack is a blend of music from artists like Nujabes, Fat Jon, Tsutchie, and Force of Nature. Voice talents in the original Japanese version include Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sakamoto, and Ayako Kawasumi. A talented English cast also lent their voices to bring this series to global audiences.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

‘Cowboy Bebop’ is an anime that follows a team of interstellar bounty hunters aboard their ship, the Bebop. As they traverse the solar system pursuing rewards, they encounter personal issues that add complexity to each mission. The narrative blends self-contained episodes with storylines revolving around criminal organizations and mended relationships.

Created by Sunrise and directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, this series boasts music by Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts. Key cast members include Koichi Yamadera, Unsho Ishizuka, and Megumi Hayashibara in Japanese. The show’s episodes are constructed using a mix of genres and feature intricate designs for spaceships and planetary settings.

‘Rome’ (2005–2007)

The show titled ‘Rome’ illustrates the shift from Roman Republic to Empire, focusing on the lives of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and common soldiers who experience political transformation both on the city streets and within the legions. Key events such as campaigns in Gaul, civil war, and power struggles in the city are showcased throughout its narrative.

The series was developed by Bruno Heller, John Milius, and William J MacDonald, featuring prominent actors like Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Ciarán Hinds, and Polly Walker. A collaboration among HBO, the BBC, and Rai, it was filmed with elaborate sets in Italy, utilizing extensive costumes and props to authentically re-create ancient Rome.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

‘The Expanse’ is a series based on the novels by James S A Corey. The storyline revolves around an investigation into a missing person that unfolds into a vast conspiracy spanning Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt. The narrative encompasses political intrigue, rigorous space science, and the enigmatic protomolecule.

Created by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the show features Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Wes Chatham as prominent characters. Initially aired on Syfy, it later moved to Prime Video. With intricate spaceship interiors, zero-gravity sequences, and a diverse cast speaking multiple languages, the series portrays the complexities of life in space.

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015–2019)

‘Into the Badlands’ depicts a future world where power is concentrated among rulers known as barons, who oversee resources and armies of skilled fighters. The show follows a proficient clipper and his young protege as they journey through competing factions and concealed powers.

This series was created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and features Daniel Wu, Emily Beecham, Aramis Knight, and Nick Frost in lead roles. It was broadcast on AMC, collaborating with fight choreographers and martial arts groups to produce individual duels and grand action scenes.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

‘Black Lagoon’ tells the story of a corporate worker who gets kidnapped by a band of mercenaries, eventually deciding to join their crew in the chaotic city of Roanapur. The narrative explores illegal activities such as smuggling, rival gangs, and missions that pit the crew against powerful global figures.

This engaging anime, based on the manga by Rei Hiroe, was produced by Madhouse under the direction of Sunao Katabuchi. It features talented voice actors like Daisuke Namikawa and Megumi Toyoguchi (in Japanese) as well as a separate English cast. The series showcases contemporary weaponry and vehicles while boasting intricate animation of cityscapes and ports.

Please feel free to share some of your preferred selections from the given list in the comments section below, and don’t forget to mention which ‘TV shows‘ you believe would resonate well with an Aries personality.

2025-08-24 20:47