10 Best TV Shows Like Reacher You Need To Watch Next

As a gamer, I’ve always been intrigued by how Hollywood turns books into blockbuster movies or shows. Ever since “The Bourne Identity” took the world by storm, it seems like every studio is scouring airport bookstore shelves for the next big story to bring to life on screen. One of the standout adaptations in recent years has been “Reacher,” based on a series of mystery novels by Lee Childs. Initially, these books were turned into two action-packed movies starring Tom Cruise, but the “Reacher” TV series has surpassed those films in terms of quality and popularity. Alan Ritchson’s portrayal of the titular character has earned him legions of fans and critical acclaim.

The television series, “Reacher,” features the title character, a former military police officer, who embarks on selfless missions after leaving service. Acting alone, he stands for justice by assisting law enforcement in their most challenging cases or tackling investigations that the police choose to avoid. A lone wolf driven by an unyielding sense of righteousness, Reacher is ready to go to any lengths to aid the underdog. Although the show differs from its cinematic counterparts, “Reacher” has resonated with audiences, as Ritchson’s imposing physique sets him apart from Cruise while simultaneously propelling him to stardom on television.

To be sure, ‘Reacher’ isn’t the only show in its genre. Tales about lone wolves challenging the status quo are a classic theme, and sometimes the protagonist isn’t entirely virtuous. There are numerous series that will satisfy fans of ‘Reacher’, ranging from police procedurals to action-packed thrillers. We’ve compiled a list of 10 top picks for you.

Justified

Prior to Lee Child penning the initial exploits of Jack Reacher, author Elmore Leonard was crafting crime novels with a similar raw edge. Some of his most renowned pieces were transformed into films, such as “Hombre,” “Out of Sight,” and “3:10 to Yuma.” In 2010, a short story titled “Fire in the Hole” was developed further into the prime-time cable series “Justified” – a drama revolving around Raylan Givens, a hard-nosed law enforcer portrayed brilliantly by Timothy Olyphant.

Initiating the storyline, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens attempts to leave his past misdeeds in the dust, following his contentious shooting incident involving a suspect. As a form of reprimand, he is reassigned to his previous turf in Kentucky—a place he’s been trying to distance himself from for years. Upon returning, Givens finds solace among family and acquaintances, but soon learns that his hometown harbors issues he can address effectively—such as his old friend Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), who has transformed into the head of a menacing white supremacist organization.

For six seasons, the show “Justified” originally followed a more episodic crime structure, but soon evolved into longer storylines per season. Throughout its run, Givens encountered dangerous gun-runners, fugitives, blackmailers, and kidnappers, much like Reacher. He’s the type of character who never backs down, no matter the circumstances. Even when he’s outmatched – facing overwhelming firepower and numbers – he always manages to emerge victorious. The series made a comeback in 2024 after nearly a decade with a follow-up miniseries titled “City Primeval,” demonstrating that some heroes grow stronger with time.

The Punisher

If you’re drawn to “Reacher” for its brutal action and no-nonsense approach, then you might appreciate Netflix’s portrayal of Marvel’s famous gun-wielding lone wolf, “The Punisher.” In truth, Reacher seems more like a comic book vigilante than anything else. The main difference between him and the Punisher is a catchy nickname and a readiness to shed a lot of blood.

In essence, “The Punisher” is a standalone series stemming from the 2015 TV show “Daredevil,” where Jon Bernthal portrayed Frank Castle, the relentless avenger seeking vengeance for his family’s murder, in its second season. Now leading his own storyline, Castle uses this opportunity to delve deeper into his pursuit of the man responsible for his tragic loss. This journey unravels a dark underbelly of New York City’s criminal world.

Contrary to expectations, “The Punisher” offers more than just a series of brutal hunts; it boasts complexity that may catch viewers off guard. The narrative tackles pressing issues such as poverty and the harrowing effects of war, forcing its audience to grapple with difficult moral dilemmas. In contrast to typical comic book adaptations featuring a vigilante with a skull insignia on his chest, “The Punisher” presents more introspective commentary than one might anticipate.

Absolutely, what draws people to this series is not just its potent themes, but mainly the action. If you’re seeking a character who fights with fists and sometimes uses a gun to bring justice, then “The Punisher” is the show for you. Originally broadcast on Netflix, it’s now available on Disney+, and there are plans for a movie sequel in the future.

Tulsa King

If you’re into gripping mysteries and heart-pounding action with a dash of humor, then “Reacher” is your go-to show. But if you’re craving something raw, gritty, yet sprinkled with playful undertones, then “Tulsa King” should be on your watchlist. Starring the legendary Sylvester Stallone, this series delivers a tough guy who knows how to handle business – usually through his fists. However, in this show, the Italian Stallion is an aging gangster, far from his prime glory.

Dwight Manfredi is the name, a man recently out of prison after serving a long term for his refusal to betray his criminal associates in the mob. Upon release, his superiors in New York dispatch him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a move he’s less than thrilled about. However, upon arrival, Manfredi finds that this seemingly insignificant city holds more opportunities than he initially thought. He swiftly gathers a new team, consisting of a crypto-mining marijuana dealer, an aspiring gang member, a barkeep with musical talents, and a former mob associate who owes him some favors.

Created by ‘Yellowstone’ mastermind Taylor Sheridan, the series ‘Tulsa King’ might not follow the traditional definition of a hero, but it certainly embodies the spirit of an underdog tale. The gang led by Manfredi is comprised of misfits and outsiders, banding together with the ambition to leave their mark on society while battling both law enforcement and their own Mafia associates who resent their unconventional actions. Unflinching in its exploration of gritty subject matter, ‘Tulsa King’ maintains a balance between intense drama and humor.

Bosch

In contrast to Jack Reacher, who delves into unsolvable crimes as an investigator, Harry Bosch, from the series named after him, is a police officer who tackles the toughest cases that the Los Angeles Police Department encounters. Similar to Reacher, Bosch is also derived from a set of mystery-thriller novels, but these are penned by Michael Connely. Similarly, Titus Welliver, like Alan Ritchson, is an experienced character actor who has been given the opportunity to demonstrate his acting skills by spearheading his own series.

In this series, we follow Harry Bosch, a tough, no-nonsense veteran homicide detective, who’s currently under investigation and facing legal troubles of his own. A recent shooting incident has put him in the crosshairs, and he’s also dealing with a lawsuit filed by the family of a young boy he failed to save. Unlike Reacher, Bosch’s life is not just about solving crimes; it delves deep into his personal relationships and experiences both on and off the job. Much like Reacher, Bosch is a complex individual who often struggles to adhere to the rules, leading him into conflicts with his superiors on multiple occasions, even resulting in temporary suspension of his badge.

Lance Reddick, who recently passed away, takes on the role of Bosch’s stern and authoritative police chief Irvin Irving in Welliver. This character is considered one of his best performances across film and television. In addition, Jamie Hector, Amy Wersching, and “Star Trek” veteran Jeri Ryan contribute to an impressive ensemble cast. Spanning over seven seasons and a spin-off series, “Bosch: Legacy,” the adaptation covers more than a dozen “Bosch” novels, ensuring there’s plenty of engaging content for viewers.

Banshee

You may not be familiar with the crime drama “Banshee” from 2013, but chances are you recognize its lead actor. Just like Alan Ritchson, he gained prominence late in his career despite his undeniable talent being underestimated for years. Nowadays, you would recognize him as Homelander in the Amazon series “The Boys,” but a decade before that, Antony Starr was portraying a different type of antagonist.

In the role of “Banshee”, Starr shifts towards an anti-hero as he yearns to flee his haunting past. After serving a long prison term, this ex-criminal with a questionable background finds freedom, yet faces threats from his previous Ukrainian Mafia overlord, Rabbit (portrayed by Ben Cross). Simultaneously, he seeks to reconnect with his former flame Ana (Ivana Miličević), who has since moved on and is now living a different life – incidentally, she is Rabbit’s daughter. To elude Rabbit’s watchful eye, Starr assumes the identity of a recently deceased small-town sheriff, Lucas Hood.

In a surprising twist, the character “Hood” serves as both sheriff and a criminal underworld figure, all while evading his nemesis, Rabbit. This intriguing series, penned by author Jonathan Tropper, doesn’t stem from a collection of books like “Reacher,” but shares the gritty spirit of pulp fiction. Unlike other shows in its genre that strive for realism, this one leans into unconventional action and intense violence, often suspending disbelief for an engaging and fast-paced narrative.

Walking Tall

The character of “Reacher” and the genre featuring stubborn, unorthodox law enforcers is not a novelty on television, having roots that date back to the early 1980s. If you’re interested in exploring this theme further, there’s an action-drama from 1981 that you might find intriguing: “Walking Tall,” which serves as a sequel to a well-known movie and is based on real events. Bo Svenson portrayed Sheriff Buford Pusser in this series, taking over the role from Joe Don Baker after assuming it following the original film’s two theatrical sequels.

In the late 1960s, McNairy County, Tennessee, was plagued by crime, leaving the local law enforcement struggling for control. However, Pusser, the chief enforcer of the law, refused to back down against the criminals. As portrayed in earlier films, he tirelessly worked to combat a wide range of illegal activities, from moonshining to homicide to arms trafficking. Remarkably, he also confronted the Ku Klux Klan in an episode that delved into the deep-seated issue of racism within small-town America.

Walking Tall” shares many similarities with “Reacher”, both featuring protagonists who are relentless in their pursuit of justice and frequently operate as a lone vigilante against their town’s most formidable criminals. The series, comprising seven episodes, offers an engaging blend of raw masculinity, high-octane action, and plenty of gunplay and hand-to-hand combat. Notably, “Walking Tall” was remade in 2004, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portraying a more muscular interpretation of Pusser, while Kevin Sorbo stepped into the role for two subsequent direct-to-video sequels that might have escaped your notice.

The Night Agent

The series ‘The Night Agent’ is the creation of Shawn Ryan, who has previously crafted hit cop dramas like ‘The Shield’ and co-created ‘S.W.A.T.’ Gabriel Basso, known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ portrays a future U.S. vice president in this show. Similar to ‘Reacher,’ it carries an air of mystery but is driven by a man on a mission to expose a conspiracy. It’s adapted from the novel of the same name by Matthew Quirk.

In 2023, “The Night Manager” premieres on Netflix, with a storyline that seems eerily possible. Known as the Night Action Program, this secretive group operates within the U.S. government to support intelligence agents across different departments such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, or Homeland Security. In dire situations where an agent needs assistance and has nowhere else to turn, they contact the Night Action team, who work discreetly from a subterranean office beneath the White House.

In this scenario, one character is Peter Sutherland (Basso), yet when his recent communication uncovers a potential leak within the U.S. administration, it becomes his mission to unearth who might be betraying sensitive information to adversaries and potentially exposing covert agents. This intricate plotline creates an exhilarating, tension-filled drama that combines politics and international spying with the established format from “Reacher,” while maintaining its escapist appeal – a factor that Gabriel Basso attributes to the series’ success.

Tracker

Similar to “Reacher,” the Paramount+ series “Tracker” is adapted from a collection of airport thriller novels, and interestingly, both feature an actor who was once Aquaman in DC Comics. Specifically, Justin Hartley took over the role previously played by Alan Ritchson when the CW produced an “Aquaman” spinoff pilot that didn’t air. In this series, Hartley swaps his aquatic adventures for heart-pounding escapades as he slips into the shoes of Colter Shaw, a skilled tracker who frequently aids local law enforcement, U.S. marshals, and even the FBI in their most challenging investigations.

As a seasoned outdoorsman, Shaw possesses remarkable survival abilities, proving invaluable when it comes to aiding in searches for missing individuals. The series unfolds on a weekly basis, following the format of traditional police dramas, with each episode typically resolving its own self-contained storyline. Whether it’s a runaway teenager or an abducted victim, Shaw devises innovative strategies each week to rescue those who have eluded law enforcement.

Living out of a recreational vehicle, he journeys from place to place much like a contemporary version of the Incredible Hulk, making a positive impact wherever he goes. This gives the show a fresh backdrop and new characters every week, preventing the lone hero on a quest narrative from growing too repetitive since you can’t predict where he might appear next. Debuting on CBS in February 2024, “Tracker” was renewed for a second season that began airing later that year.

The Old Man

Have you ever pondered about the different path Jack Reacher’s life could have taken if he had made a single mistake? You might find your answer in “The Old Man,” a hard-boiled crime drama. In this series, Jeff Bridges plays Dan Chase, an old soldier and former FBI agent who is now a cantankerous senior citizen with a shady past. He’s the kind of man who exudes a quiet fury that makes him a formidable adversary regardless of which side you’re on. The series is adapted from a book of the same name.

In “The Old Man,” the protagonist, initially appearing as an ordinary elderly man, proves to be much more than meets the eye. He resides peacefully with a couple of dogs in a remote Vermont town, but his tranquility is shattered by a home invasion. This unexpected event sets him on a chase, where he must evade not only international adversaries, but also American government agents. As layers peel off, it becomes clear that his experiences in Afghanistan are catching up with him, unveiling a hidden past.

In contrast to the series “Reacher,” “The Old Man” shares an identical gritty style, featuring a protagonist with a similar tough demeanor: a relentless figure of justice who is underestimated by all, yet conceals a surprising ferocity and capability beneath his calm facade – a hidden beast within a tranquil exterior. Over the course of two seasons before its termination, “The Old Man” served as a platform for Clint Eastwood-like actor Kevin Spacey to showcase his remarkable talent, proving that some acting prowess should not be confined by two-hour movie limitations.

The Terminal List

An increasing number of TV series are showcasing actors who have previously shone on the big screen, either rejoining television after a long spell in blockbuster films or making their small-screen debut. Shows like “The Terminal List” exemplify this trend, with Chris Pratt, star of “Parks and Recreation,” returning to TV following his roles in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World” franchises. He takes center stage in “The Terminal List,” an action-packed drama that will delight fans of “Reacher.

Just like The Punisher, Pratt portrays James Reece, a U.S. Navy SEAL who might be implicated in the demise of his entire platoon during an operation that went awry. Back at home, Reece’s recollections of the incident appear inconsistent with the facts, casting doubt on what truly happened. Struggling to come to terms with this enigma, Reece eventually suspects a government conspiracy is afoot against him. With no other choice, he sets out to confront those he believed were his allies, aiming to clear his name and mete out retribution in the form of brutal vengeance.

The Terminal List,” derived from Jack Carr’s book, represents another television adaptation of the initial installment in a series of suspenseful novels. Despite receiving mixed opinions from critics, it has been well-received by viewers, who appreciate its gritty narrative and uncompromising approach. Notably, this series boasts an impressive roster of talent, with Antoine Fuqua directing the premiere and a top-tier cast that includes Constance Wu, Taylor Kitsch, and Riley Keough.

2025-03-09 23:32