The Best Action TV Shows of the 1990s, Ranked

As a child of the ’90s, I fondly remember the golden age of television when shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and Angel graced our screens. Each one of these iconic series left an indelible mark on my formative years, shaping not only my love for storytelling but also my very identity as a young adult navigating the complexities of life.

In the realm of television, I found myself captivated by the diverse offerings of the 1990s – from the cerebral allure of “Twin Peaks” to the relatable humor of “Seinfeld” and “Frasier”. Yet, it was the action-packed series that truly etched their mark on the genre, resonating with fans worldwide. These shows not only revolutionized the action genre but also left an indelible impact on the medium itself.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about how shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ kick-started a wave of supernatural series that followed, such as ‘Charmed’, ‘The Vampire Diaries’, and ‘Teen Wolf’. Not a fan of sci-fi? No worries! The 90s also introduced us to some pulse-pounding dramas set against diverse cultural landscapes, like ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and ‘La Femme Nikita’. Each of these groundbreaking productions carved out a loyal viewership and paved the way for new storytelling styles, propelling television into uncharted territories. If you’re craving some small-screen classics that still get your heart racing, this list is just what the doctor ordered!

11 Renegade (1992-1997)

Titled “Renegade,” this action-packed crime drama chronicles the life of Reno Raines, a former Army Ranger and San Diego cop (played by Lorenzo Lamas). Wrongfully accused of a murder he didn’t commit, Raines finds himself on the run. Eventually, he forms an alliance with Bobby Sixkiller (Branscombe Richmond), an indigenous bounty hunter initially tasked with capturing him. Throughout the series, they work together to apprehend bail jumpers in each episode, frequently discovering that these individuals were actually innocent. The overarching plot revolves around Raines’ quest to clear his name.

Lamas Kicked Butt as Reno Raine

Initially famous for his role in the soap opera Falcon Crest, actor Lamas was eager to be part of Renegade, as he found an opportunity to showcase his own martial arts and motorcycle abilities on screen. Although critics had varying opinions about the script, viewers still hold the series in high regard. Blending elements of contemporary Western and hard-boiled police drama, Renegade kept audiences hooked during its five-season run with its action-packed plotlines and smooth pacing.

10 The Pretender (1996-2000)

The Deceiver, drawing inspiration from the true tale of con artist Ferdinand Waldo Demara, follows the story of Michael T. Weiss as Jarod, a gifted chameleon and master deceiver who was kidnapped in his youth and educated within a secretive think tank known as The Centre. Leveraging his intellect to break free, Jarod assumes multiple identities and embarks on a quest to uncover his biological origins while exposing the illicit activities of The Centre, all the while eluding capture and execution attempts.

The Pretender Showrunners Are Desperate for a Reboot

The show received positive criticism, earning multiple award nominations, and it was greatly appreciated by its audience. Interestingly enough, when The Pretender was eventually taken off the air (due to NBC dismantling its entire “Thrillogy” block), fans initiated a movement to keep it running. Instead of prolonging the series, two TV movies were produced instead – The Pretender 2001 and Island of the Haunted. However, these films left viewers frustrated due to their inconclusive storylines. Over the years, co-creators Steven Mitchell and Craig van Sickle have expressed a desire to complete the narrative they had planned, but no plans for additional production have ever been disclosed.

9 Highlander (1992-1998)

In a similar vein to the 1986 film, “Highlander: The Series” features Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, an immortal Scotsman. Over centuries, he’s refined his skills and fought battles across the globe. The story revolves around “The Game,” a continuous contest among immortals who can only be killed by beheading. Amidst this, Duncan blends seamlessly into contemporary society while engaging in these battles to ultimately become the last immortal standing.

Fans often appreciated the television series “Highlander” more than the film series, with many believing that the show improved as it progressed through multiple seasons. Even after the show’s conclusion, “Highlander” continues to leave a lasting impact. In addition to an audio play, opera, novel series, comic books, and various spin-offs, “Highlander” also inspired card games, board games, and action role-playing games, solidifying its position in the realm of science fiction culture.

8 Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001)

In his illustrious career, martial arts master and actor Chuck Norris found another successful venture when he starred in his first major television role with “Walker, Texas Ranger”. Notably, this series was based on the film “Lone Wolf McQuade”, where Norris also played the lead character. The show revolves around the Texas Rangers, a state-level investigative police force. Veteran of the Vietnam War, Sergeant Cordell Walker, portrayed by Norris, emulates the spirit of a Wild West sheriff in his pursuit of justice. On the other hand, Jimmy Trivette, played by Clarence Gilyard, uses modern technology to help solve cases alongside his partner and friend, Walker.

Chuck Norris Shows Off His Martial Arts Skills

The TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger,” known for its impressive martial arts performances and strong emphasis on moral values and community involvement, was a popular hit on CBS. Not only did it generate high viewership, but it also led to spin-offs like “Sons of Thunder” and a made-for-TV movie titled “Trial by Fire.” In 2021, a reboot of the series, endorsed by its original star, was released under the same name with Jared Padalecki from “Supernatural” taking on the main role.

7 Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999)

Following a string of five television films, we have Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, a creative portrayal of ancient Greece, centered around the protagonist Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) and his companion Iolaus (Michael Hurst). Spanning over six seasons, this series presented the duo in their exploits against monsters, warlords, and deities such as Hera (Meg Foster) and later Ares (Kevin Smith). Hercules’ journeys resulted in numerous remarkable feats, including organizing the Olympics, joining the Argonauts, and vanquishing the wicked demon Dahak.

Hercules Led to Many More Projects

The television series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” spawned two spin-offs – “Young Hercules” and the popular “Xena: Warrior Princess”. During the late ’90s, various adaptations were produced, including a novel trilogy, a young adult book, a five-issue comic miniseries, a trading card game, video games for Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color, and even a board game. The series’ success led to an animated version in 1998 titled “Hercules and Xena — The Animated Movie: The Battle for Mount Olympus”, with several original cast members providing voices. However, the characters of Hercules and Xena have faced controversy off-screen, as actors Kevin Sorbo and Lucy Lawless have had disagreements over allegations of racist remarks.

6 La Femme Nikita (1997-2001)

La Femme Nikita, inspired by Luc Benson’s 1990 French film of the same name, delivers a thrilling blend of action and drama within the realm of espionage. Peta Wilson portrays the protagonist, initially a homeless woman wrongfully accused of killing a police officer. She is subsequently recruited by a secret counter-terrorism unit known as Section One, who mold her into an assassin. As she struggles to preserve her humanity and ethical compass amidst her brutal missions, Nikita’s journey unfolds.

Fans Tried to Save La Femme Nikita

For four seasons, the USA Network aired the series “La Femme Nikita,” which enjoyed high ratings and popularity. However, the show was unexpectedly canceled. Fan disappointment led to a massive campaign titled “Save LFN” in an effort to persuade the network to reinstate it. Remarkably, their persistence paid off, and the series returned for a truncated fifth season. Later, in 2010, a reboot named “Nikita” debuted on The CW, featuring Maggie Q in a standout role. Unfortunately, this version only lasted three seasons as well.

5 Nash Bridges (1996-2001)

Nash Bridges served as an entertaining sequel to Don Johnson’s prior hit police series, Miami Vice. In this show, Johnson portrayed a matured, less suave, yet endearing police inspector, filled with more humor. The humor is significantly enhanced by the excellent choice of Cheech Marin, who plays Johnson’s partner in San Francisco’s Special Investigations Unit. This duo ranks among the top buddy cop teams on television.

A More Realistic & Lovable Don Johnson

In a more down-to-earth character shift, Johnson portrays a middle-aged, divorced dad navigating the challenges of parenthood while investigating crimes in San Francisco. The series offers thrilling action scenes, particularly its impressive chase sequences, but truly shines when focusing on Johnson and Marin’s interactions as they witlessly converse in a 1971 Plymouth convertible throughout San Francisco.

4 Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)

The television series Stargate SG-1 is an exciting military adventure, modeled after the 1994 science fiction film Stargate. This show follows a special operations team from the American Air Force, who are assigned to traverse the cosmos in search of advanced alien technology and defend Earth against ancient extraterrestrial foes known as the Goa’uld. The series boasts a talented cast, with Richard Dean Anderson portraying Jack O’Neill, the leader of SG-1; Michael Shanks as Egyptologist Daniel Jackson; Amanda Tapping as astrophysicist Sam Carter; Christopher Judge as Teal’c, an alien defector from the Goa’uld; and the late Don S. Davis as Stargate major general George Hammond.

SG-1 Was One of the Best

As a diehard fan of sci-fi shows, I can’t help but express my admiration for SG-1. From day one, it captivated audiences with its gripping storylines, earning no less than eight Emmy nominations during its run. It’s often hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi series ever made.

3 Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)

Xena: Warrior Princess was born as a spin-off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, masterminded by Robert Tapert. A character named Xena (played by Lucy Lawless) initially appeared in just three episodes on that show, but her rapid popularity led to the creation of an entire series centered around her. The story takes place in ancient Greece and eventually expands across the globe, chronicling the life of the titular character – a reformed villain who now dedicates herself to protecting the innocent as a means to atone for past transgressions.

The show blends fantasy, action, humor, and various other elements, offering both dramatic intensity and lighthearted comedy. Each installment focuses on a unique mission for Xena, who journeys alongside her companion and emotional tie, Gabrielle (played by Renee O’Connor), battling foes and embarking on significant journeys.

Xena Grew a Cult Following

The creators of Xena: Warrior Princess deliberately kept the nature of Xena’s relationship with Gabrielle vague, though hints and underlying messages strongly suggested a romantic bond between them. As the series grew in popularity and eventually developed a dedicated fanbase, Xena emerged as an influential figure for the LGBTQ+ community, representing lesbian characters on TV. The show was critically acclaimed and widely watched, receiving seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations with one win, and establishing itself as a franchise. Post-TV series, various movies, video games, and even a convention for diehard fans were produced in the Xena universe.

2 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

In the 90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer emerged as one of the most memorable TV series, blending elements of horror, martial arts, fantasy, and humor. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, a teenage girl destined to fight evil forces, this show is packed with supernatural powers such as heightened physical strength, healing abilities, and psychic talents. Guided by her mentor Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), who serves as her “Watcher,” Buffy’s life takes a bizarre turn as she attends a suburban California high school. Alongside her friends, affectionately known as the “Scoobies,” she navigates her extraordinary new existence.

Where the Buffyverse Began

The television series, titled “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” is structured with a mix of standalone episodes focused on weekly villains and ongoing storylines involving a main antagonist known as the “Big Bad.” This show gained significant popularity and was highly praised by scholars, critics, and fans for its impact on storytelling, cultural significance, and overall success. Over time, it spawned various spin-offs such as video games, books, comics, and more, collectively referred to as the “Buffyverse.” This universe still has a dedicated fanbase today. The most popular spinoff was the TV show “Angel,” which ran from 1999 to 2004 and starred David Boreanaz.

1 The X-Files (1993-2002)

Over nine seasons, The X-Files captivated audiences as an influential sci-fi thriller, earning a loyal fanbase and cementing its place in popular culture. The series revolves around two FBI agents, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), whose contrasting methods of solving mysteries are at the heart of the story. Assigned to probe unexplained occurrences, Mulder’s faith in the supernatural and his conspiracy theories clash with Scully’s scientific and medical background, leading to a compelling dynamic between them.

The X-Files Lives On

The television series The X-Files achieved such remarkable success that it returned for two more limited seasons (in 2016 and 2018) over a decade after its initial conclusion. Moreover, two movies were made from the show: one in 1998 titled The X-Files, and another in 2008 called The X-Files: I Want to Believe . The series was nominated for an impressive 62 Primetime Emmys, winning a total of 16 awards, as well as several Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and a Peabody. Gillian Anderson’s and David Duchovny’s performances were highly praised, earning them both admiration from fans and individual accolades. As of 2024, Anderson is open to reprising her role in Ryan Coogler’s upcoming remake of The X-Files.

2024-11-17 05:05