Overrated Action TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Action shows on TV are more popular than ever, with big-budget productions and interconnected universes taking center stage. Often, these series build huge fan bases and receive praise that doesn’t always match the quality of the stories. They frequently depend on impressive visuals or well-known franchises to stay popular, even if the plots become predictable or don’t make much sense. To understand why some action shows are considered overrated, it’s important to look at how well they develop their characters alongside all the action. This list examines several successful action series that have also been criticized for their weaknesses.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

As a huge TV fan, I remember when ‘The Walking Dead’ first hit screens – it was everywhere! The show really grabbed you with its premise: a zombie apocalypse where, honestly, the other survivors often posed a bigger threat than the walkers themselves. It became a massive global hit, breaking all sorts of viewing records for a while there. But, if I’m being honest, it definitely had its ups and downs. Around the middle seasons, it felt like the story dragged a bit, with too many characters and a lot of wandering from place to place. It started to feel a little…samey, you know? Eventually, after eleven seasons, they wrapped things up, but not before launching a bunch of spin-offs. It was a wild ride, though, and I was definitely hooked for a good long time.

‘Arrow’ (2012–2020)

‘Arrow’ tells the story of Oliver Queen, who transforms into a masked vigilante after being marooned on a remote island. The show was groundbreaking, laying the foundation for a large, connected universe of superheroes on The CW. While popular, later seasons sometimes drew criticism for prioritizing romantic drama and soapy storylines. Some longtime fans also felt the show moved away from its realistic, gritty beginnings towards more fantastical plots. Despite these issues, ‘Arrow’ remains an important series in the history of superhero TV.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

‘The Flash’ centers around Barry Allen, who uses his incredible speed to defend Central City from super-powered villains. The series first gained popularity for its fun approach and accurate portrayal of the comic books. However, as it went on, some critics noted that the special effects became less impressive and the storylines started to feel similar each season. Fans also frequently pointed out that Barry would sometimes inexplicably lose his speed or act in ways that didn’t make sense, seemingly just to stretch out the story. After nine seasons, the show finished its run, concluding the story of the fastest man alive.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

‘Prison Break’ centers around an engineer who intentionally gets sent to prison to help his brother, who was wrongly convicted, escape death row. The first season is highly praised for its suspense and compelling, episode-by-episode storytelling. However, many critics believe the show should have concluded after the initial breakout, as later seasons felt contrived. The storyline expanded into a complex government conspiracy that many viewers found hard to understand or accept. A 2017 revival season didn’t resonate with longtime fans in the same way as the original concept.

‘Heroes’ (2006–2010)

‘Heroes’ followed the stories of everyday people who suddenly developed superpowers and had to save the world. The first season was incredibly popular, bringing superhero stories to a wider audience. However, the second season suffered from a writers’ strike and lacked a clear direction, leading to negative reactions. Many critics point to the show as a good example of one that didn’t fully develop its characters, focusing too much on their powers and not enough on their personal lives. Though it ran for four seasons, ‘Heroes’ is often remembered as a series with a lot of promise that ultimately didn’t live up to it.

’24’ (2001–2014)

The show ’24’ centers around Jack Bauer, who works for the Counter Terrorist Unit to prevent large-scale attacks as they happen. Each season takes place over a single 24-hour period, with each episode representing one hour. While the show’s real-time format was groundbreaking, some viewers felt the frequent plot twists involving betrayals and hidden agents weren’t realistic. Critics also grew tired of the repeated torture scenes and increasingly outlandish storylines. However, despite these criticisms, ’24’ was a huge ratings success and significantly influenced the action genre for more than ten years.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

‘Vikings’ tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family, depicting their violent raids and explorations. The show was initially celebrated for its realistic historical setting and exciting battles. However, many viewers believe the series declined in quality after Ragnar’s character left, as the focus shifted to his sons. While the show remained popular, many feel it peaked earlier on and wasn’t as compelling in its later seasons.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

‘The Witcher’ centers around Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a world of fantasy, magic, and political schemes. The show quickly became popular, thanks to the well-loved books and the actor playing Geralt. However, the first season’s confusing, non-chronological storytelling frustrated some new viewers. Additionally, some book fans were unhappy with how the show altered key details and character backstories. Recent news about a recasting of the lead role has sparked further discussion about the show’s future.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

‘The Boys’ portrays a darkly humorous world where superheroes are essentially brands, and often misuse their abilities in private. The show is well-known for its over-the-top violence and sharp criticism of celebrity culture. While popular, some critics feel the show relies too much on shocking moments and isn’t developing its story enough. Many viewers have also observed that the core conflict between the main groups hasn’t really changed much over several seasons, even though it remains a successful series for its streaming service.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

‘Stranger Things’ combines spooky, supernatural elements with a strong sense of 1980s nostalgia, following a group of kids as they unravel mysteries in their town. It quickly became a beloved show thanks to its likeable characters and immersive atmosphere. However, some viewers and critics think the show leans too much on familiar 80s references and hasn’t changed enough over time. As the number of characters has grown, some haven’t been given enough to do in the overall story. Despite still being incredibly popular, some believe the show’s original sense of wonder has faded.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–Present)

‘Cobra Kai’ picks up the story from ‘The Karate Kid’ movies, following Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as adults and continuing their long-standing rivalry. The show has been well-received for presenting a fresh take on the original story, mixing humor with exciting martial arts action. While some critics point out that many conflicts could be easily resolved if characters simply talked to each other, and that the teen drama can feel a bit over-the-top and repetitive, ‘Cobra Kai’ has still managed to bring the ‘Karate Kid’ universe to a new audience.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

‘The Umbrella Academy’ centers around a group of adopted siblings, each with unique superpowers, who are forced to work together to prevent global disaster. The show is praised for its distinctive blend of offbeat comedy and visually striking action. However, some viewers felt the story moved at an inconsistent pace, with certain seasons losing momentum midway through. As the series went on, the constant threat of the end of the world became a recurring complaint. Despite beloved characters, many critics believe the final season didn’t deliver a conclusive ending to the show’s storylines.

‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–Present)

As a critic, I’ve been following ‘The Mandalorian’ closely, and it’s undeniable the show really breathed new life into the Star Wars universe. It centers around a solitary bounty hunter and his unexpected charge, a little guy named Grogu who quickly stole everyone’s hearts. However, while hugely popular, it hasn’t been without its issues. I’ve heard from plenty of fans who feel some episodes stray into ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ territory, like a video game with a bunch of side missions. The latest season, in particular, seemed to lose sight of what made the show special – that core connection between the bounty hunter and Grogu. And honestly, sometimes it feels like the show leans a little too heavily on bringing in familiar faces just for a quick thrill.

‘The Book of Boba Fett’ (2021–2022)

‘The Book of Boba Fett’ follows the famous bounty hunter as he tries to establish himself as a crime lord on Tatooine. While many viewers were thrilled to see the character finally get his own series after years of being a mysterious figure, critics found the show’s pace to be slow and felt that too much time was spent on flashbacks. Many viewers were also surprised and confused when the story unexpectedly shifted to focus on ‘The Mandalorian’ for two episodes. The show’s depiction of Boba Fett as a more peaceful and diplomatic leader also divided longtime fans.

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022)

The series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ brings back the beloved Jedi Master, now tasked with secretly watching over a young Luke Skywalker while evading the Empire. A major appeal for viewers was seeing familiar faces from the prequel films. However, some critics felt the story was drawn out for a shorter series and lacked strong visual effects. The appearance of a young Princess Leia also sparked debate among fans about how it fit with existing Star Wars history. Ultimately, many viewers felt the show leaned heavily on familiar feelings and characters rather than offering a truly fresh narrative.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

‘Moon Knight’ features a compelling hero struggling with a dissociative identity disorder, all while being connected to an Egyptian moon god. The show received positive attention for its lead actor’s performance and its thoughtful portrayal of mental health within the superhero genre. However, some viewers found the lack of typical action scenes disappointing, and the finale drew criticism for shifting into a generic monster battle that didn’t quite fit the show’s more intimate focus. Despite these issues, ‘Moon Knight’ stands out as a distinctive addition to its universe, though many critics felt its quality was uneven.

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021)

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they confront a worldwide danger and grapple with Captain America’s complicated past. The series tried to blend thrilling action with discussions of important social topics. While some reviewers found the villains lacked depth and clear reasons for their actions, and felt the story might have been better suited for a movie, the show did effectively develop its characters and advance the overall storyline of the Marvel universe.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

‘Supernatural’ centers around two brothers who travel across America hunting demons and other supernatural beings. The show ran for fifteen seasons and gained a very loyal following. However, some critics believe the series outstayed its welcome, with the storylines becoming increasingly outlandish – eventually involving battles with God. Despite the strong connection between the two lead actors, many viewers felt the later seasons became predictable and repetitive.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

‘Titans’ offered a darker, more realistic portrayal of DC’s young heroes and the challenges they faced. Unlike many other superhero shows, it was known for its intense action and mature themes. While popular with streaming audiences, the show sometimes struggled with uneven writing and storylines that weren’t fully developed. With a large number of characters, some fan favorites didn’t get enough attention or screen time, and the overall story sometimes felt disjointed.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

“The Wheel of Time” is a TV adaptation of the popular, sprawling fantasy book series. It follows a group of villagers unexpectedly caught up in a worldwide struggle. The show is known for its large budget and detailed world, hoping to compete with other big fantasy shows. While popular, it’s faced criticism from some book fans for making substantial changes to the original story. Reviewers have also pointed out that the show sometimes feels fast-paced, trying to fit a very long story into a limited number of episodes. Despite this, it remains a hit, though it continues to divide viewers.

‘The Terminal List’ (2022–Present)

‘The Terminal List’ centers on a Navy SEAL seeking to uncover the truth behind a devastating ambush that killed his entire team. The series is packed with action and follows a dark path of revenge. While viewers enjoyed the show, many professional critics found it to be too drawn-out and reliant on familiar tropes. They also described it as bleak and lacking depth. Despite the critical reception, the show has been renewed for a second season to continue the story of its main character.

‘Quantico’ (2015–2018)

‘Quantico’ followed a class of young FBI recruits who were investigated after a terrorist attack at Grand Central Terminal. The show used flashbacks and present-day scenes to unravel the secrets surrounding both the characters and the crime. However, reviewers found the constant plot twists made the story overly complex. The show also prioritized romantic relationships, sometimes at the expense of the FBI investigation itself. Ultimately, declining viewership led to the show’s cancellation after three seasons.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

The show ‘The Blacklist’ centers around a notorious criminal who begins working with the FBI to help them capture other dangerous criminals. The series initially captivated audiences with its lead actor’s compelling performance and the intriguing secret surrounding his character. However, many viewers became disappointed as the show stretched out this central mystery for ten seasons without providing satisfying resolutions. Over time, the show’s formulaic structure and lack of a clear, overarching story frustrated some, and it ultimately ended after ten seasons with a controversial final episode.

‘Blindspot’ (2015–2020)

The TV show ‘Blindspot’ started with a compelling premise: a woman with a full body of tattoos appears in Times Square, and each tattoo points to a different crime. This launched a fast-paced crime drama, but some viewers thought the show lost steam after the initial mystery surrounding the tattoos began to unravel. The storyline shifted towards a more familiar conspiracy thriller format, which wasn’t as original for some. Despite this, ‘Blindspot’ lasted five seasons thanks to the strong connection between the main characters who investigated the cases.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

‘Hawaii Five-0’ updated the original series with a new take on a classic police drama, focusing on a specialized state task force. Known for its stunning Hawaiian scenery and the playful back-and-forth between its stars, the show generally followed a predictable pattern in each episode. While full of action, the dangers faced by the main characters often didn’t feel truly impactful. Despite this, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ was a huge hit and a reliable fixture on Friday nights for ten years.

‘MacGyver’ (2016–2021)

The new ‘MacGyver’ series updates the iconic character as a young spy who relies on science to overcome challenges without resorting to violence. While it tried to capture the feel of the original show and added more action and teamwork, some viewers found it lacked the original’s appeal and that the scientific solutions were unrealistic. Off-screen issues also caused problems for the show, and despite having a solid viewership, it was canceled after five seasons.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018–2024)

The recent ‘Magnum P.I.’ series updated the classic 1980s show, relocating the action to modern-day Hawaii with a new cast. It followed a former Navy SEAL working as a private detective from his beautiful home. While the show delivered solid action, critics generally thought it was a typical crime drama and didn’t offer anything particularly original. Many viewers also felt the new lead character didn’t quite capture the charm of the original. The show faced cancellation once, was revived by a different network, but ultimately ended its run.

‘Walker’ (2021–2024)

The show ‘Walker’ offered a fresh take on the classic Texas Ranger series, prioritizing family relationships and exploring difficult moral questions. While it initially drew a large audience, some viewers who anticipated fast-paced action were surprised by its slower rhythm and focus on personal lives. Critics generally described the writing as typical for a CW drama, but felt it lacked the intensity found in many contemporary action shows. After four seasons, the series was canceled due to changes in the network’s programming plans.

‘Lethal Weapon’ (2016–2019)

The TV series ‘Lethal Weapon’ adapted the popular buddy cop films, featuring new actors in the roles of Riggs and Murtaugh. The first two seasons were well-received, praised for the strong connection between the lead actors and exciting action. However, the show struggled when one of the main actors left due to disagreements with those involved. Many viewers felt the chemistry was gone in the third season, and the show no longer lived up to its name. Ultimately, the changes didn’t attract an audience, and the series was canceled.

‘Taken’ (2017–2018)

‘Taken’ is a prequel to the ‘Taken’ movies, showing a young Bryan Mills as he starts working in intelligence. While the show tried to build on the movies’ success, it had trouble standing out. Many critics found it to be a typical spy show, lacking the strong, focused action of the original films. After the first season, most of the actors were replaced hoping to boost viewership, but ratings didn’t improve, and the show was soon canceled.

‘Shooter’ (2016–2018)

‘Shooter’ centers on a skilled, retired sniper who is brought back into service to stop an assassination attempt on the president. The show, adapted from a book and movie, featured realistic gun action and built suspense. However, some reviewers felt the storyline wasn’t complex enough to sustain multiple seasons, and the plot became predictable as the main character repeatedly faced false accusations and worked to prove his innocence. Ultimately, the series was canceled after three seasons because fewer people were watching.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

‘S.W.A.T.’ centers around a sergeant navigating the challenges of leading a specialized tactical team while balancing his connection to his community and his obligations as a police officer. The show is known for its exciting stunts and action-packed scenes, attracting a wide viewership. However, critics generally view it as a typical police show that doesn’t often deviate from established formulas. Most episodes follow a familiar structure: a crime is committed, the S.W.A.T. team intervenes with a tactical operation, and the case is ultimately solved. Despite being predictable, the show consistently draws a solid audience on television.

‘SEAL Team’ (2017–2024)

SEAL Team centers around the lives of a highly skilled group of Navy SEALs, showcasing both their dangerous work and personal challenges. While the show is known for its realistic depiction of military operations and the emotional impact of war, some viewers feel it occasionally leans too heavily on melodrama and predictable family storylines. Though the action is well-done, it can sometimes feel repetitive. The show moved to a streaming platform for its later seasons, continuing to appeal to a loyal fanbase.

‘Under the Dome’ (2013–2015)

‘Under the Dome’ is about a small town unexpectedly sealed off from the world by an enormous, impenetrable clear dome. The show, based on a Stephen King novel, began with strong viewership and an intriguing premise. However, both critics and viewers became disappointed as the storyline diverged significantly from the book, becoming increasingly strange. Characters often acted in ways that didn’t make sense, seemingly just to manufacture drama. Ultimately, the show was canceled after three seasons due to falling ratings and a perceived drop in quality.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

‘Gotham’ tells the story of how Batman’s most famous enemies came to be, and follows Jim Gordon’s early days as a police officer in a city filled with corruption. The show was distinctive for its over-the-top style and unique take on the DC world. However, some viewers thought the story moved too quickly, introducing all the major villains before Bruce Wayne had a chance to become Batman. The writing also received criticism for being uneven and relying too much on references designed to please fans. After five seasons, the show finally offered a quick look at Batman himself.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

The series ‘Manifest’ centers around the passengers of a plane that mysteriously returns after being lost for over five years, with everyone aboard previously believed to be deceased. The show combines supernatural elements and personal stories, as the characters grapple with unexplained premonitions. While intriguing, some critics found the show frustrating due to its frequent cliffhangers and lack of satisfying resolutions to key questions. Others felt the acting and dialogue were sometimes too dramatic. Originally canceled by one network, the show was revived by a streaming platform to conclude its storyline.

‘Reacher’ (2022–Present)

“Reacher” centers around a former military police officer who wanders the country and repeatedly gets caught up in criminal plots. The show has been well-received, particularly for casting an actor who physically embodies the character from the novels. While the first season was praised for its realistic suspense, some critics found the second season less distinctive. A common point of discussion is that the main character is often portrayed as too powerful, which can lessen the feeling of danger in the stories. Despite this, the show remains very popular, though some believe it’s beginning to rely too much on familiar patterns.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

‘Shadowhunters’ centers around a young woman who learns she’s descended from a line of angel-human hybrids dedicated to hunting demons. The show, adapted from a popular series of young adult books, gained a strong following online. However, reviews frequently criticized the acting as stiff and the visual effects as weak for a fantasy program. The show’s emphasis on love triangles and typical teenage drama often distracted from the exciting supernatural storylines. Despite being canceled after three seasons, fans launched a major campaign to try and bring it back.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

After Batman vanished, ‘Batwoman’ introduced a new hero to protect Gotham City. The show had a rocky run, including a lead actress leaving after season one. Viewers and critics often disagreed about the quality of the writing and how it portrayed familiar characters from the comics. It also struggled with keeping a consistent feel and faced frequent cast changes. Though initially part of the ‘Arrowverse,’ the show was ultimately canceled when the network decided to move away from superhero programming.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

‘Supergirl’ tells the story of Kara Zor-El, who learns to use her abilities to defend National City while also trying to live a normal life. The series was well-received for its hopeful outlook and for featuring a powerful female superhero. However, some viewers thought later seasons relied too heavily on political themes, and weren’t always presented in a thoughtful way. The show’s action sequences and special effects also weren’t consistently strong throughout its six seasons, ultimately concluding as part of the CW’s shift away from superhero programming.

‘Secret Invasion’ (2023)

‘Secret Invasion’ centers on Nick Fury’s efforts to prevent shapeshifting aliens from secretly conquering Earth. While the show featured a strong cast and generous budget, it received largely negative reviews from critics and viewers alike. Common complaints included unclear goals for the conflict and a disappointing handling of a key character’s death. The final episode was particularly criticized for its chaotic and unconvincing visual effects, which clashed with the more realistic, spy-focused style of previous episodes. Many consider it a low point for the overall franchise.

Share your thoughts on these choices in the comments.

2026-01-07 04:18