The Best New Action TV Shows

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Television has changed a lot recently, with shows now offering the same level of excitement and quality as big-budget movies. There’s more action-packed content than ever before, including intense crime dramas, stories set in post-apocalyptic worlds, huge science fiction series, and compelling historical dramas. This list showcases the best and most thrilling new action series that have come out between 2023 and 2026, and that really define what’s happening in action TV right now.

‘Shōgun’ (2024)

This historical drama takes place in 1600s Japan and follows Lord Toranaga’s climb to power amidst a dangerous web of political intrigue. When an English sailor, John Blackthorne, washes ashore, the existing power dynamics are thrown into chaos, forging an unexpected partnership with the enigmatic samurai, Mariko. The series plunges viewers into a richly detailed world of cunning plans, fierce battles, and clashes between cultures, all of which will decide the future of Japan. It’s celebrated for its accurate historical setting and thrilling sword fights.

‘Fallout’ (2024)

This series, inspired by the popular video game, takes place in a world destroyed by nuclear war. The few people who survived now live in underground bunkers called Vaults. The story follows a newcomer from one of these Vaults as she bravely steps out into the dangerous, radioactive wasteland to find her father. She quickly discovers a harsh world filled with strange creatures, warring groups, and dangerous mercenaries. The show is a thrilling mix of dark comedy and intense action, perfectly capturing the look and complicated moral choices of the games, while also adding to the story and creating exciting, life-or-death situations.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023)

After a devastating fungal outbreak transforms people into dangerous creatures, a tough smuggler named Joel must guide a teenage girl, Ellie, on a perilous journey across the country. They face constant threats from both the infected and other survivors, and must depend on each other to stay alive. The story powerfully explores the emotional consequences of violence and the harsh realities of a world falling apart, closely following the plot and characters of the beloved video game.

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

As a huge fan of Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman,’ I’m really excited about this new series. It dives deeper into the world he created, focusing on the Penguin – Oz Cobb, played again by Colin Farrell, who apparently went all-out with a physical transformation! The show follows Oz as he tries to take control of Gotham’s criminal scene after Falcone’s death, but it’s not easy. He’s facing challenges from other gangs and, honestly, a lot of his own inner struggles. What I’m most looking forward to is that it promises a really raw, street-level look at Gotham’s corruption, filled with intense mob battles and a deep dive into what makes these characters tick.

‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)

Set in historical Japan, this animated series centers on Mizu, a skilled swordswoman of mixed heritage who’s on a quest for revenge. She’s hunting the four remaining foreign men who are unlawfully in the country. To survive in a society that rejects her, Mizu hides her true gender and fights her way through dangerous assassins and samurai. The show is known for its striking visuals, fast-paced action, and mature exploration of themes like identity and revenge, and features both beautiful animation and intense violence.

‘One Piece’ (2023)

This live-action series brings the popular manga to life, following Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew on their quest for the legendary treasure, One Piece. They navigate the treacherous Grand Line, facing off against other pirates, the navy, and dangerous sea creatures, all while utilizing their special fighting skills. The show stays true to the original manga’s imaginative world, including Luffy’s ability to stretch like rubber, and explores themes of friendship and freedom through epic sea battles.

‘The Gentlemen’ (2024)

This series is based on Guy Ritchie’s movie and centers around Eddie Horniman, who unexpectedly inherits a large property only to find it’s connected to a huge cannabis business. He’s then forced to deal with dangerous criminals in Britain to safeguard his family and get out of the illegal operation. Expect the show to have Ritchie’s trademark quick wit, dramatic action, and a colorful group of gangster characters. It’s a tense but funny story about how the upper class clashes with the criminal underworld.

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024)

I’m so excited about this new series! It’s about two people, John and Jane Smith, who unexpectedly become spies for this super secretive agency. The deal? They have to pretend to be married to keep up appearances, which is hilarious and complicated! Every week they’re thrown into these crazy, dangerous missions, all while trying to figure out their fake relationship. But here’s the thing – real feelings start to develop, and it’s not always clear what’s an act and what isn’t. It’s like the movie, but it really dives into how much trust and closeness they need, both to pull off the missions and to make their ‘marriage’ work. It’s a really unique take and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

‘Gen V’ (2023)

As a huge fan of ‘The Boys,’ I was immediately hooked by this spin-off. It’s set at Godolkin University, a college only for young superheroes, and it’s fascinating to watch them all compete for the best spots and future deals. But things aren’t what they seem – a really dark secret is brewing under the school’s perfect image. What I love is that it really dives into what happens when you give young people incredible power, and the toll it takes on them, both physically and mentally. It’s just as violent and darkly funny as ‘The Boys,’ but with a whole new generation of supes to follow.

‘Twisted Metal’ (2023)

After a global catastrophe, a fast-talking loner gets a shot at a new life if he can deliver a strange package across a dangerous, ruined world. He teams up with a tough car thief who’s skilled with an axe, and together they battle brutal gangs driving heavily armed vehicles. The show is based on a popular video game known for its intense car combat, filled with thrilling chases and explosive battles. It’s a wild, funny ride featuring the infamous villain, Sweet Tooth.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023)

A seemingly insignificant FBI agent, stuck working a dead-end job in the White House basement, finds himself at the center of a massive conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power. When he answers an urgent call, he’s tasked with protecting a frightened cybersecurity specialist and uncovering a traitor within the government. The show is a fast-paced thriller, mixing intense political maneuvering with thrilling action and chases, and quickly became popular worldwide for its simple, gripping story.

‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (2023)

This series tells the hidden story of Monarch, an organization that studies giant creatures called Titans, including Godzilla. The show follows a brother and sister as they investigate their father’s past and discover their family’s link to Monarch, pulling them into the world of these massive monsters. It blends personal stories with spectacular creature effects, showing the impact of Titan attacks on the world. This series connects the events of other films and shows in the MonsterVerse.

‘Silo’ (2023)

As a total sci-fi fan, I was completely hooked by this series. It’s set in a really bleak future where humanity lives in this massive underground silo – basically, a giant, self-contained world. Everyone follows a ton of rules, supposedly to keep them safe. But the story centers on an engineer who starts digging into why things are the way they are, and what really happened to people who dared to venture outside. It’s a slow burn, super tense because of the way it looks – everything feels cramped and oppressive – and it’s full of these shocking reveals. It really makes you think about who’s in control, what the truth is, and what people will do when they’re pushed too far.

‘Hijack’ (2023)

This gripping thriller unfolds in real-time, tracking a hijacked plane during its seven-hour flight to London. As officials race to understand the situation on the ground, Sam Nelson, a skilled negotiator traveling on the plane, attempts to save the passengers by communicating with the hijackers. The show builds intense suspense by primarily taking place inside the aircraft, focusing on the psychological battle and the practical challenges of a crisis unfolding in mid-air.

‘Lioness’ (2023)

This action-packed series, based on a true US military initiative, centers on Joe, a top CIA operative fighting the war on terror. The show explores the challenges she faces juggling her career and personal life. When she needs help, she teams up with a hardened Marine to get close to the daughter of a suspected terrorist. The series realistically portrays the dangerous world of covert operations, highlighting the careful planning and skill needed for successful rescues and the intense combat and espionage involved.

‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ (2023)

As a huge John Wick fan, I’m really excited about this new prequel series! It’s a three-part event that takes us back to 1970s New York City and shows us how the Continental Hotel – that amazing haven for assassins – came to be. We follow a young Winston Scott as he fights his way through the city’s criminal world, trying to take over the hotel from a seriously tough boss. From what I’ve seen, it perfectly captures the cool, over-the-top action and detailed world that made the John Wick movies so great, and it even dives deeper into the rules and power structure of the High Table. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves the franchise!

‘Fubar’ (2023)

A retiring CIA officer is pulled back into the dangerous world of espionage when a family secret comes to light, forcing him to take on one final mission. Things get even more complicated when he discovers his daughter is also a secret agent, creating a tense and humorous father-daughter relationship as they navigate global intrigue. The show combines action and comedy with classic spy themes, and it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first time leading a scripted live-action TV series.

‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)

After a Taiwanese gang leader is shot, his oldest son – a famous hitman – travels to Los Angeles to safeguard his mother and naive younger brother. The family must confront past conflicts while battling other gangs who want control. The series blends intense martial arts action with relatable family moments, showcasing the sharp contrast between the dangerous criminal underworld and ordinary life in California.

‘Echo’ (2024)

After the events of ‘Hawkeye,’ Maya Lopez goes back to her hometown in Oklahoma to face her past and rediscover her Native American heritage. She’s hunted by Wilson Fisk’s criminal organization, leading to intense, realistic fights. The show is unique for its prominent use of sign language and features a deaf, amputee lead character. It features powerful fight sequences and delves into the more complex and shadowy side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024)

This series brings the popular animated story to life with real actors. It’s set in a world torn apart by war, where some people have the power to control water, earth, fire, or air. Aang, a young hero who can master all four of these elements, wakes up after being asleep for 100 years. His mission is to stop the Fire Nation from taking over the world. The show features impressive visual effects to recreate the exciting elemental fighting from the original, and it combines the large-scale war with the personal stories of Aang and his friends.

‘Masters of the Air’ (2024)

From the creators of ‘Band of Brothers’ comes a gripping WWII series about the brave men of the 100th Bomb Group. The show follows their dangerous bombing missions over Germany, highlighting the mental and physical toll the war takes on these young pilots and airmen. Expect intense aerial battles and a powerful look at the bonds of friendship forged in the face of danger. Cutting-edge technology was used to realistically portray the massive scale of the air war.

‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ (2023)

This series tells the incredible true story of Bass Reeves, a pioneering Black lawman who served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Wild West. Set in the rough and tumble Indian Territory, the show follows Reeves as he bravely brings criminals to justice – capturing thousands of outlaws without ever being injured. It’s a blend of historical storytelling, classic Western action, and a look at the difficulties Reeves faced as a Black man enforcing the law, and the ethical dilemmas that came with the job.

‘Justified: City Primeval’ (2023)

U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is back, this time trading the hills of Kentucky for the city streets of Detroit. He’s on the hunt for a dangerous and unpredictable criminal called the Oklahoma Wildman. The series follows Givens as he deals with Detroit’s tricky legal system and a criminal who’s always one step ahead. Continuing the feel of the original show, it’s a neo-western with plenty of tension and smart dialogue, putting the veteran lawman in a more challenging situation than ever before.

‘Who is Erin Carter?’ (2023)

A quiet life in Barcelona is shattered for a British teacher when she’s caught in a supermarket robbery. Her surprisingly skilled and forceful response to the robbers hints at a hidden past. The series follows her as she tries to shield her family and uncover a dangerous conspiracy linked to who she really is, filled with intense hand-to-hand combat and thrilling chases across Spain.

‘Berlin’ (2023)

This series is a prequel to ‘Money Heist,’ following Berlin in his prime as he masterminds a daring robbery. He gathers a skilled team to steal €44 million in jewels from a high-security auction in Paris. The show highlights the intricate planning and thrilling execution of the heist, complete with close calls and cunning deception. Like the original ‘Money Heist,’ it’s visually striking and full of suspense.

‘Obliterated’ (2023)

A highly skilled special forces team saves Las Vegas from a dangerous attack, then lets loose with a wild celebration. But their partying takes a turn when they realize the bomb they disabled was a decoy. Now, hungover and struggling, they have to pull themselves together and find the real bomb before it’s too late. The show is a fast-paced, funny action comedy that both embraces and playfully subverts typical genre conventions, delivering over-the-top action alongside crude, hilarious moments.

‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (2023)

A troubled teen who dies saving a child is unexpectedly given a new life as a Spirit Detective. Now, he investigates cases involving ghosts and demons that plague the human world. This live-action series, based on a popular manga, uses a lot of special effects to bring the supernatural fights to life. The story centers around fighting tournaments and the hero’s journey to become a stronger fighter.

‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (2024)

In a world overrun by zombies, Rick and Michonne, beloved characters who have been kept apart, are searching for each other. Their journey forces them to deal with the powerful and complex Civic Republic Military, which tests both their survival skills and their relationship. The series features intense zombie battles and finally wraps up storylines from the original show, all while exploring their grand love story and the military conflicts that define this new, post-apocalyptic world.

‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ (2023)

Daryl Dixon finds himself stranded in France, the place where the zombie outbreak began, and has no memory of how he arrived. He must guide a young boy on a dangerous journey across the country, facing both evolved zombies and conflicts between different groups of survivors. The series offers a fresh take on the story with a new European setting, unique visuals, and different ways of fighting. By putting a well-known character in an unfamiliar world, it breathes new life into the franchise.

‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ (2023)

Okay, so I just watched this new show, and it’s seriously intense. Maggie and Negan team up to go into old, abandoned Manhattan – it’s been totally cut off for ages. They’re on a mission to find Maggie’s son, who’s been taken. But New York isn’t empty; it’s overrun with walkers and a whole bunch of dangerous people who’ve built their own messed-up society there. What’s really cool is seeing Maggie and Negan work together – it’s a really uneasy partnership. The action is amazing too, with fights happening all over the place, even using zip lines to get around, and a lot of the battles are in these really tight, claustrophobic spaces. It’s a wild ride!

‘Parasyte: The Grey’ (2024)

This South Korean sci-fi thriller centers around a terrifying invasion: unidentified parasites that violently take control of people, turning them into dangerous hosts. As the threat grows, a special team called “The Grey” is assembled to fight back and eliminate the parasites. The series is filled with intense, gruesome action as the parasites horrifically transform their hosts, and it raises questions about survival and whether coexistence is possible when faced with an invading species.

‘Tracker’ (2024)

Colter Shaw is a skilled survivalist who travels the country offering his tracking expertise to solve mysteries for both ordinary people and the police. While working cases, he also deals with personal issues related to his complicated family. The show is an action-packed drama that combines thrilling investigations with impressive displays of physical skill and problem-solving in challenging and dangerous environments.

‘Those About to Die’ (2024)

This series takes place in ancient Rome, a world of thrilling chariot races, gladiatorial combat, and widespread corruption. It’s a look at how entertainment was created for the Roman public, following the stories of people from across the empire whose lives intersect through sports, politics, and powerful families. Expect realistic and intense scenes of arena fights and the harsh training gladiators endured, all brought to life with impressive recreations of iconic locations like the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.

‘The Acolyte’ (2024)

This Star Wars story, set during the High Republic period, follows a well-known Jedi Master as he investigates a series of disturbing crimes. His investigation forces him to confront a formidable enemy from his past, uncovering a threat far greater than he imagined. Expect exciting lightsaber battles inspired by martial arts, and a deeper look into the growing power of the dark side. The series showcases the Jedi Order when it was at its strongest.

‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ (2024)

Four young friends stumble upon a secret on their home planet and unexpectedly find themselves lost in a dangerous part of the galaxy. Their journey home is filled with challenges, new friends, and enemies – including someone connected to the Force. The series is a classic coming-of-age story, reminiscent of 80s adventure films like those from Amblin Entertainment, but takes place in the world of Star Wars, blending exciting space adventures with the perspective of young heroes facing galactic threats.

‘Cross’ (2024)

This thrilling crime series, inspired by James Patterson’s novels, centers on Alex Cross, a detective who’s also an expert in understanding the minds of criminals. As he hunts down dangerous killers, Cross must protect his family and city, relying on both his intelligence and physical strength. The show updates the classic character for today’s world, delivering gripping investigations and intense showdowns, and blends psychological profiling with realistic police work.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ (2024)

This thrilling series updates the story of a notorious assassin, known only as the Jackal. As he moves across Europe, an intelligence officer relentlessly pursues him in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, leaving chaos in their wake. The show delves into the intricate world of assassination, highlighting both the skills of a professional killer and the extreme efforts to stop them. Expect intense sniper scenes, clever disguises, and international spycraft.

‘Dune: Prophecy’ (2024)

This series takes place 10,000 years before the Dune movies and tells the story of two Harkonnen sisters fighting to protect humanity’s future. They’re also responsible for founding the Bene Gesserit, a powerful and mysterious group. The show is set in a distant past filled with political intrigue, warfare, and the unique combination of advanced technology and medieval-style combat that defines the Dune universe.

‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (2024)

This animated series offers a fresh take on Batman, presenting a dark and gritty world inspired by classic detective stories. It follows Bruce Wayne as he fights crime in a deeply corrupt Gotham City, facing off against updated versions of his iconic enemies. The show delves into the complex inner lives of its characters and features visually striking, shadowy action. It’s a return to Batman’s origins as a fearsome vigilante.

‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (2025)

I’m so excited to have Daredevil back! Matt Murdock is juggling being a lawyer and a masked vigilante in Hell’s Kitchen, and it looks like things are about to get really intense. Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, is aiming for political power, which obviously puts him on a collision course with Daredevil. What I loved about Daredevil before was the raw, brutal fight choreography, and it sounds like they’re keeping that. Best of all, it’s finally bringing this grounded, street-level hero into the bigger Marvel Cinematic Universe – it feels like he truly belongs now.

‘Alien: Earth’ (2025)

A strange spaceship crashes to Earth, and a young woman along with a team of soldiers uncover a terrifying secret – a massive threat to the planet. This series brings the fear and intense action of the Xenomorphs to Earth for the first time, revealing the beginnings of the Weyland-Yutani corporation’s efforts to control these deadly creatures. Expect a blend of suspenseful corporate intrigue and thrilling survival horror.

‘Ironheart’ (2025)

Riri Williams is a young, incredibly talented inventor who builds an armor suit that’s even more advanced than Iron Man’s. She quickly becomes entangled in a struggle between the worlds of magic and technology, facing danger from both criminals and powerful organizations who want to control her inventions. The series is full of exciting aerial battles and features cutting-edge weapons, all while exploring what Tony Stark’s legacy means for a new generation of heroes.

‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ (2025)

This series is a prequel to ‘The Terminal List,’ showing how Ben Edwards and James Reece became who they are while serving in the Navy SEALs. It’s a gritty look at the realities of war and the toll it takes on those involved, focusing on realistic military tactics and the strong relationships between special forces operators. Expect plenty of intense action and secret missions.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026)

Set 100 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ this series centers on Ser Duncan the Tall, a good-hearted but inexperienced knight, and his young squire, Egg. Together, they travel across Westeros during the reign of the Targaryen dynasty, when stories of the last dragons are still remembered. Unlike the epic battles of ‘Game of Thrones,’ this show focuses on smaller-scale combat in tournaments and the importance of personal integrity and chivalry.

‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ (2025)

This new installment of Spartacus imagines a world where Ashur, a key villain from the original series, lived on. As a reward for his loyalty to Rome, he’s given ownership of the gladiator school previously run by Batiatus. The show brings back the intense arena battles and political scheming fans loved, focusing on a fresh group of gladiators battling for their lives and a chance at fame.

‘Countdown’ (2025)

A highly respected LAPD officer is chosen to join a clandestine team investigating a puzzling murder. He’ll find himself in a world of lies and hidden identities, racing against time to stop a much bigger disaster. This fast-paced police thriller is packed with action, including car chases, gunfights, and complex detective work, highlighting the intense pressure of solving crimes under tight deadlines.

‘Murderbot’ (2025)

This series, inspired by award-winning stories, centers on a security android who can modify itself. Though disturbed by human feelings, it finds itself connecting with the people it’s meant to protect. The android must keep its independence a secret while undertaking risky missions in a galaxy controlled by powerful corporations. The show blends fast-paced sci-fi action with the android’s inner thoughts as it reluctantly becomes a guardian, and includes exciting battles with futuristic weapons and cyber warfare.

‘Zero Day’ (2025)

When a devastating cyberattack throws the nation into chaos, a retired President is called back into service to lead the investigation. As he digs deeper, he discovers a far-reaching conspiracy that could unravel the foundations of society. The show is a fast-paced blend of political intrigue and thrilling action, featuring special forces and intelligence operatives, and highlights just how fragile our modern systems can be.

‘Ahsoka’ (2023)

Taking place after the Empire’s defeat, Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi, is investigating a new danger facing the galaxy. She’s on a quest to find the missing Grand Admiral Thrawn while also teaching a new apprentice the ways of the Force. Expect plenty of exciting lightsaber fights and space battles! The show connects the events of the animated series ‘Rebels’ to the current live-action stories.

‘Citadel’ (2023)

The world’s top spy organization, Citadel, has been destroyed, and all its agents have lost their memories. Now, as a dangerous new group takes control, two former elite spies must rediscover who they were to prevent a global power grab. The series is planned as a huge international franchise, packed with thrilling action sequences filmed around the world. Expect cutting-edge spy tech, intense fight scenes, and fast-paced chases.

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2026-02-08 23:30