10 Best Revenge-Themed TV Shows of the 21st Century

As a connoisseur of intriguing narratives and captivating performances, I must say that these three series have left quite an impact on me. Each one offers a unique take on the theme of revenge, showcasing the depths to which individuals will go to seek justice or retaliate against injustice.

Revenge, they say, is most effective when served after a long wait. In television, this theme of revenge becomes an irresistible delight for writers, particularly within the thriller genre. It adds depth and intrigue to plotlines, pulling viewers into a world that contrasts sharply with their daily lives. Characters with a grudge are always appealing, and the pleasure derived from seeing such characters exact revenge on their tormentors is hard to resist.

Numerous films across different decades have delved into the topic of revenge, often achieving remarkable success. For instance, movies such as “Kill Bill”, “The Revenant”, and “John Wick” have skillfully provided viewers with a protagonist to support and culminated in fulfilling conclusions. However, plots centered around revenge aren’t exclusive to the big screen; they can also be found on television. These shows excel at demonstrating the consequences of seeking retribution.

10 The Glory (2022–2023)

The critically acclaimed Netflix series, titled “The Glory“, showcases a compelling exploration of revenge narratives within television. Released in two installments in 2022 and 2023, the story revolves around Moon Dong-eun (portrayed by Song Hye-kyo), a victim of school bullying who eventually becomes a teacher. Leveraging her new position, Moon sets out to avenge herself on her childhood tormentors. Notably, one of her adversaries has a student in her class, played by Park Sung-hoon. The cast also includes Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, and Yeom Hye-ran. This suspenseful series promises an intense viewing experience.

Inspired by Real Events

Despite not being a direct adaptation of any particular true story, “The Glory” draws inspiration from various real-life events that lend authenticity to its themes of revenge. Regardless of this key fact, the series was still a significant critical hit, winning three awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama, and earning international acclaim for lead actress Song Hye-kyo’s outstanding performance. The series is both concise and impactful, blending exceptional acting with an engaging plot development – even though there were some unexpected happenings during production. Catch “The Glory” on Netflix.

9 Alias (2001–2006)

The 2001 television program “Alias,” starring Jennifer Garner as CIA agent Sydney Bristow, has become a beloved cult classic for numerous reasons. Over five seasons, viewers became captivated by the intricate world of Bristow, who was secretly working to infiltrate the criminal organization SD-6. Following the murder of her fiancé Danny (Edward Atterton) by SD-6, Sydney was compelled to adopt a succession of false identities to preserve the distinction between her personal and professional lives. Throughout the series, a diverse group of spies and close friends kept abreast of Bristow’s day-to-day activities, with Bradley Cooper, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, and Merrin Dungey among the many well-known actors who contributed to the show’s impressive cast. The series was masterminded by J.J. Abrams.

Action, Science Fiction, and Revenge

Stepping into the realm of television criticism, I must say that “Alias” proudly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with iconic series like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “La Femme Nikita,” thanks to its captivating and self-assured female protagonist, brilliantly portrayed by Jennifer Garner. Her mesmerizing performance in this show played a pivotal role in catapulting her career to new heights within the Hollywood landscape.

8 The Punisher (2017–2019)

It’s hard to picture a better revenge-themed TV show than Marvel’s The Punisher. Jon Bernthal stars as Frank Castle, a former Marine who turns into a renegade vigilante after his family is murdered. However, his violent and thorough methods may put him in the crosshairs of more than just the criminal underworld. The show is a spinoff from another Netflix favorite, Daredevil, and continues Frank’s journey as he unravels his grief throughout New York City. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ben Barnes, Amber Rose Revah, and Daniel Webber co-star.

The Punisher Embodies Revenge

As a former soldier, The Punisher is an expert in firearms and proficient in close-quarter fighting. Despite his brutal tactics, viewers are drawn to the raw intensity, unpredictability, and violent nature of this gripping show. Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Frank Castle skillfully combines deep sorrow and simmering anger. The series, like its source material, delves into the moral dilemmas of lethal vigilantism, earning an Emmy nod for its top-notch stunt choreography. Initially taken off Netflix, The Punisher can now be streamed on Disney+, with Bernthal returning as Frank Castle in the upcoming series Daredevil: Born Again. Watch The Punisher on Disney+.

7 Revenge (2011–2015)

Revenge was an ABC series that ran for four seasons from 2011 to 2015, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The story revolves around Emily Thorne (played by Emily VanCamp), who returns to the Hamptons on Long Island after a long absence. However, she isn’t who she appears to be; her true identity is Amanda Clarke, the daughter of a man wrongfully imprisoned for many years. Driven by a desire for vengeance against those who betrayed her father, Amanda navigates through a web of deceit, secrets, and concealed intentions as she exposes lies and uncovers hidden agendas.

Aptly Titled

In 2011, Revenge made a splash with its debut, attracting viewership comparable to that of Lost, and it didn’t take long for the series to accumulate numerous award nominations. Among these were several Teen Choice Award nods, a win for Outstanding Drama at the Gracie Allen Awards, and even Madeleine Stowe, portraying Victoria Grayson, received a Golden Globe nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2012. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, be sure to catch up with Revenge on Hulu.

6 Scandal (2012–2018)

The show “Scandal,” masterminded by renowned TV producer Shonda Rhimes, is a captivating series. In this production, Kerry Washington portrays Olivia Pope, a White House advisor who collaborates with the President of the United States (Tony Goldwyn) to shape the news coming from his administration. However, when Olivia discovers about a woman named Amanda Tanner (Liza Weil) with the President, she becomes relentless in her pursuit for truth. Alongside Washington, Henry Ian Cusick, Columbus Short, Darby Stanchfield and Katie Lowes also play significant roles.

Carried by Kerry Washington

Washington carries the show with her impressive performance as Olivia, so much so that she was nominated for several Outstanding Actress awards at the Emmys, the Golden Globe Awards, and the SAG Awards. That’s not to suggest that the show itself didn’t receive general praise, however. The series received a Peabody Award for Excellence in Television as well as an Outstanding Drama Series award at the Image Awards. Though Scandal had some mixed critical reviews during its run, there were definitely huge fans that were sad to see it go. When Scandal ended in 2018, it blew up on social media. Stream Scandal on Hulu.

5 My Name (2021)

Another captivating South Korean drama, “My Name,” premiered on Netflix in North America. This gripping story revolves around Yoon Ji-woo (played by Han So-hee), a young woman seeking justice for her father’s mysterious and tragic death. She joins the criminal organization Dongcheon to uncover the truth, forming an alliance with Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon), the gang’s leader. This series was masterfully directed by Kim Jin-min, who has previously worked on Netflix’s “Extracurricular.

A Murder Most Foul

This show, named “My Name“, has been praised extensively and boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s also included in NME’s list of top Korean dramas from 2021. With just eight episodes, it delivers a gripping story of revenge in a style reminiscent of noir, filled with intrigue and action. Currently, it’s one of the top Korean dramas available on Netflix to stream right now. Check out “My Name” on Netflix.

4 Dexter (2006–2013)

Over the course of eight seasons and 96 episodes, the Showtime mystery/drama series known as “Dexter” has solidified its status as a beloved fan choice. Michael C. Hall portrays Dexter Morgan, a forensic expert for the Miami Metro Police Department who leads a clandestine dual life. By day, he assists in solving crimes for the department. However, when night falls, he assumes the role of a vigilante serial killer, hunting down and eliminating other murderers to make amends for their countless victims. The series is adapted from Jeff Lindsay’s novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter“.

An Incredibly Strong Start

Generally speaking, many people would concur that the TV series Dexter starts to lose momentum towards its conclusion. However, everything that happens prior to that is simply amazing. Michael C. Hall delivers an iconic performance as the emotionally distant Dexter, earning him numerous Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award. For a period, Dexter even became a cultural sensation, leading to spin-off series, prequels, and a follow-up limited series that addressed its controversial ending. It’s also important to note that Dexter played a significant role in establishing Showtime as a premium streaming service, joining the ranks of Weeds and Homeland in their modest original programming lineup. Watch Dexter on Netflix.

3 Killing Eve (2018–2022)

The show “Killing Eve,” which aired on BBC America from 2018 to 2022, is an engaging series centered around the theme of revenge. Initially, this captivating production was co-written and produced by the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The narrative revolves around Eve Polastri (portrayed by Sandra Oh), a MI5 analyst who yearns for excitement in her routine life. After crossing professional boundaries on a protective detail job, Eve makes a bold move to join MI6. Her new assignment involves tracking a mysterious assassin known as Villanelle (played by Jodie Comer), who works for the lethal organization called The Twelve. As the story unfolds, their mutual fascination evolves into an intricate dance of obsession, culminating in a dramatic pursuit of vengeance.

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer Shine

The acclaim for the series Killing Eve is primarily directed towards Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and it’s well-deserved. Sandra Oh even took home a Golden Globe for Best Actress, while Comer won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in recognition of their exceptional performances. Despite the varying critical responses during its later seasons, the first two seasons were undeniably impressive, garnering praise for their deep analyses of relationships and exhilarating action sequences. Why not check out Killing Eve on Netflix?

2 How to Get Away With Murder (2014–2020)

Titled “How to Get Away With Murder,” this captivating series follows Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a lawyer and law professor who becomes entangled in a murder investigation alongside her students. As Annalise’s husband Sam is mysteriously killed, she grapples with uncovering the truth about his death. The audience is transported back in time through flashbacks, immersing themselves in a gripping tale of envy, retribution, and deceit. Produced by Shonda Rhimes under her Shondaland production company, the show belongs to the genre of murder mysteries and dramas. Filmed primarily in Philadelphia, “How to Get Away” aired on ABC from 2014 to 2020.

Shondaland Does It Again

In this gripping revenge show, Viola Davis delivered a performance that marked a significant milestone in her career. After the series concluded, she amassed an impressive collection of awards, including being the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Under the guidance of Peter Nowalk, who both created and oversaw the show, Davis portrayed a character with great depth, whose past traumas added layers to an engaging narrative. The supporting cast, including Billy Brown and Aja Naomi King, offered compelling contrast to the intense drama unfolding on-screen. Catch How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix.

1 The Terminal List (2022–Present)

Amazon Prime Video’s war series titled “The Terminal List” features Chris Pratt playing Lieutenant Commander James Reece, a US Navy SEAL on a mission to expose a secret plot. Following an unexpected ambush that claims his team, Reece comes home to discover a chilling truth – not only is he suspected of participating in the brutal attack, but his family is now in grave danger too. The series draws inspiration from Jack Carr’s novel and delves into Reece’s internal struggles as he seeks vengeance for his fallen comrades.

Jack Carr’s Book Comes to Life

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I must admit that while some critics were somewhat harsh towards this series, the general public found “The Terminal List” to be a truly gripping, visceral journey. Chris Pratt, as always, delivers an impactful performance, but it’s the supporting cast that truly propels this series to new heights. The likes of Constance Wu, Riley Keough, Taylor Kitsch, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Jai Courtney are just a few of the big names gracing our screens in this production. Notably, composer Ruth Barrett’s work on “Victoria” earned an Emmy nomination, further elevating the series. Pratt himself has confirmed that season two is in the works. If you haven’t already, stream The Terminal List on Prime Video.

2024-09-14 23:32