The best action TV shows of 2024 span a thrilling array of genres, from war dramas to superhero sagas to sci-fi thrillers. Building on the success of standout series from the previous year, like The Last of Us, Gen V, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, this year’s lineup demonstrates the rich diversity within the action genre. These shows deliver high-stakes drama and adrenaline-pumping sequences and layer other elements like romance, comedy, and social commentary. Many of these are on the list of best TV shows of 2024 across all genres.

Compared to the best action movies, these series leverage long-form storytelling to develop deeper character arcs and sustained tension. They prove that the small screen can pack just as much of a punch as the big screen. Due to the higher budget involved, many action TV shows get canceled too soon. However, some of these series involve such thoughtful world-building and compelling character development that they will continue for years to come. The best action TV shows of 2024 include both returning favorites and fresh narratives, ensuring fans of the genre are spoiled for choice.

10

The Gentlemen

Guy Ritchie’s Slick, Stylish Action Comedy

The Gentlemen is an exciting blend of stylish crime drama and compelling characters. Created by the acclaimed Guy Ritchie and Matthew Read for Netflix, the series follows Eddie Halstead (Theo James), who unexpectedly inherits his father’s sprawling estate and a massive, clandestine cannabis empire. The show effectively intertwines familial dynamics with the gritty underworld of the English countryside, offering a narrative rich with Ritchie’s signature stylistic elements, including slick action, exaggerated zooms, and rapid cuts.

The series is greatly elevated by Kaya Scodelario’s portrayal of Susie Glass, Eddie’s business partner who runs the cannabis enterprise. Her dynamic with Eddie forms the crux of The Gentlemen, with their evolving power struggle adding to the tension. James, too, portrays Eddie with the necessary charm and sophistication of the character. While the writing occasionally falls short, the series is largely entertaining and effectively combines action set pieces with comedic moments, cementing its place on this list of best action TV shows of 2024. If The Gentlemen season 2 happens, it should be darker and even more action-packed.

9

Star Wars: The Acolyte

A Solid Addition To The Star Wars Universe

Star Wars: The Acolyte is a solid sci-fi thriller, with its deep dive into the Star Wars universe’s darker corners. Created by Leslye Headland, this Disney+ series explores the rise of the dark side in the final days of the High Republic era. The plot follows a former Padawan (Amandla Stenberg) who reunites with her Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) to investigate a series of mysterious crimes, uncovering sinister secrets and dark forces threatening the galaxy. This prequel series offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars saga.

Its compelling combination of action-packed sequences, intricate character development, and stunning visual effects sets it apart. The Star Wars: The Acolyte cast delivers powerful performances that bring depth and authenticity to their roles. The Acolyte also benefits from Headland’s visionary direction and the production team’s commitment to high-quality, immersive world-building. The series’ ability to blend intense action with philosophical and moral dilemmas makes it one of the best action TV shows of 2024 and a must-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Star Wars movie franchise.

8

The Brothers Sun

A Thrilling Action Comedy Starring Michelle Yeoh

The Brothers Sun blends thrilling fight sequences, fascinating characters, and dark humor. Created by Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, this Netflix original series follows Charles Sun (Justin Chien), a Taipei gangster who returns to Los Angeles after his father, a Triad boss, falls into a coma. Charles must navigate the dangerous underworld while protecting his unsuspecting brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li), and their mother, Mama Sun (Michelle Yeoh). The action series expertly balances intense hand-to-hand combat scenes with a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics.

The Brothers Sun excels with its breathtaking action choreography and standout performances — particularly from Chien, whose martial arts prowess and screen presence drive the show. Yeoh, too, brings depth and gravitas to her role. Additionally, the contribution of renowned stunt coordinator Jon Xue Zhang elevates the action sequences to some of the best seen on TV in 2024. Netflix’s cancelation of this acclaimed action series is a real shame as it’s no doubt one of the best action TV shows of the year.

7

Sweet Tooth

A Gripping Final Season Combines Intense Action With Emotional Depth

Sweet Tooth Season 3 is a gripping final chapter that adeptly balances intense action and emotional depth. Created by Jim Mickle and Beth Schwartz, this Netflix series is based on the DC (Vertigo) comic book and follows Gus (Christian Convery), a half-human, half-deer hybrid in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a pandemic known as the Sick. As Gus, Big Man (Nonso Anozie), Wendy (Naledi Murray), and Becky (Stefania LaVie Owen) embark on a perilous journey to Alaska to find Gus’s mother, Birdie (Amy Seimetz), they face numerous challenges, including the sinister plans of new antagonist Helen Zhang.

One of the highlights of Sweet Tooth Season 3 is the profound character development, particularly of Gus, who has matured significantly since the series began. Convery delivers his best performance yet, capturing Gus’s transformation from a naive, sheltered boy into a resilient and compassionate leader. With this final season, the series continues to impress with its stunning visuals, breathtaking action sequences, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s certainly one of the best action TV shows of 2024.

6

Crooks

A German Crime Series With A Compelling Mix Of Action And Drama

Crooks is a thrilling German crime series co-written and directed by Marvin Kren. It takes viewers on a wild ride across Europe, including Berlin, Vienna, and Marseille. The story starts with a daring heist where brothers Karim (Veysel Gelin) and Tarek (Nimo) steal a rare coin worth over two million euros from a museum. Meanwhile, expert locksmith Charly (Frederick Lau) gets reluctantly pulled back into the criminal underworld by his old associate Stepan (Sergej Trifunovic) to crack a seemingly impenetrable safe.

Charly and Joseph (Christoph Krutzler) — who works for an organized crime gang in Vienna — find themselves forced into a precarious alliance as they navigate threats from rival gangs and their own associates. The action sequences, from high-speed chases to tense shootouts, are executed with precision, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The Netflix series also delves into the personal motivations of its characters, offering more than typical crime drama tropes. With its engaging plot and well-rounded characters, Crooks delivers a thrilling mix of action and drama, earning its place among the best action TV shows of 2024.

5

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

A Worthy Spin-Off Blending Gory Zombie Action With Romantic Tension

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is an intense, gory, romantic thriller that brings back beloved characters Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira). Created by Scott M. Gimple and Danai Gurira, this sequel spin-off picks up years after the duo’s mysterious disappearances. Rick, a prisoner of the enigmatic Civic Republic Military (CRM), is desperate to escape and reunite with Michonne, who embarks on her own perilous journey to find him. Streaming on AMC and AMC+, the series delves deep into their relationship while unraveling long-awaited answers about the CRM, blending high-stakes action with emotional resonance.

The highlight of The Ones Who Live is undoubtedly the reunion of Rick and Michonne, whose chemistry has always been at the franchise’s core. Lincoln and Gurira’s performances are stellar, breathing new life into their iconic roles. The series also introduces intriguing new characters like Thorne (Lesley-Ann Brandt) and Nat (Matthew August Jeffers), who add layers to the unfolding drama. The mix of romantic tension, gory zombie action, and deep character exploration makes The Ones Who Live a valuable addition to The Walking Dead franchise and one of the best action TV shows of 2024.

4

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

A Fresh And Exciting Take On The Iconic 2005 Spy Film

Mr. & Mrs. Smith brings a fresh and exhilarating twist to the classic spy story. Created by Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane, this Prime Video series reimagines the iconic 2005 film by focusing on two spies, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine), who are paired in an arranged marriage for an undercover mission. Unlike the original, where the spouses are unaware of each other’s espionage careers, this adaptation places their professional lives at the forefront, allowing romance to blossom as they navigate their high-stakes missions.

Each episode stands alone with unique and thrilling adventures, keeping the show lively and unpredictable. The exceptional chemistry between Glover and Erskine fuels Mr. & Mrs. Smith, as their characters’ banter and clashing personalities create a dynamic that captivates viewers from start to finish. The series dives deep into John and Jane’s personal motivations and vulnerabilities, providing a nuanced portrayal of their evolving relationship. Glover’s portrayal of John reveals a sensitive side, juxtaposed with Erskine’s Jane, who keeps her emotions guarded, resulting in powerful moments of connection and conflict.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s episodic structure allows for creative and diverse missions, from quirky couples therapy sessions to intense ski trip operations, ensuring that each episode brings something new to the table. While the overarching mystery of the shadowy agency employing the spies remains frustratingly elusive, the show’s focus on the spies’ personalities and dynamic keeps it engaging. Mr. & Mrs. Smith ultimately delivers a perfect blend of action, humor, and romance, making it one of the best action TV shows of 2024.

3

The Boys

Razor-Sharp Satire Meets Explosive Superhero Action

The Boys season 4 continues to push the boundaries of superhero storytelling under the expert guidance of showrunner Eric Kripke. The plot picks up with Homelander (Antony Starr) facing a midlife crisis and cracks forming within The Boys, as a new threat emerges in the form of Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit), the Vice President with a covert pro-Supe agenda. Alongside the return of familiar faces like Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), Hughie (Jack Quaid), and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara), the introduction of Sister Sage (Susan Heyward) adds a fresh and sinister dynamic, challenging Homelander’s supremacy in unexpected ways.

The Boys Season 4 blends razor-sharp satire with relentless intensity, explosive action, and complex character development. While the series remains a darkly humorous critique of modern society, it also delves deeper into the backstories of characters like Kimiko and Frenchie (Tomer Capon), providing a richer emotional landscape. Despite criticism of feeling repetitive, the show retains its edge with high-stakes drama and visceral action sequences. Season 4 continues to entertain and dials up the provocative social commentary, earning its place among the best action TV shows of 2024.

2

Fallout

An Excellent Adaptation Of A Video Game Series Set In A Post-Apocalyptic LA

Fallout is an excellent adaptation of the beloved video game series by Bethesda. Created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner, the Prime Video series plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles where nuclear war has devastated the world. The plot weaves together the stories of three main characters: Cooper Howard (Walton Goggins), a ghoul with a haunting past; Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), a vault dweller exploring the surface for the first time; and Maximus (Aaron Moten), a Wastelander affiliated with the Brotherhood of Steel.

This engaging narrative is peppered with dark humor and brutal action, true to the original game’s spirit, making Fallout accessible to newcomers and a treat for long-time fans. The Fallout cast is uniformly fantastic. The series manages a masterful balance of world-building, character development, and homage to its source material. It captures the retro-futuristic aesthetic and the darkly comedic tone of the games.

Each episode is packed with nods to the franchise, from Vault-Tec’s iconic blue-and-yellow jumpsuits to the use of the Pip-Boy. The series offers fresh, engaging, and unpredictable storytelling by not leaning on pre-existing narratives. Fallout’s ability to blend high-stakes conflict with moments of hilarity and heartfelt character interactions makes it a compelling watch, securing its place as one of the best action TV shows of 2024.

1

Masters Of The Air

Breathtaking War Drama From The Band Of Brothers Team

Masters of the Air is the latest collaboration between Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, who previously brought Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Based on the book by Donald L. Miller, the Apple TV+ war drama series follows the harrowing experiences of the 100th Bomb Group, known as the “Bloody Hundredth,” as they fly perilous missions over Nazi Germany in their iconic B-17 bombers. What sets Masters of the Air apart is its extraordinary technical prowess. The aerial scenes are a marvel, capturing the terror and intensity of dogfights and bombing runs with stunning realism.

However, the series also excels in depicting the physical and psychological toll of war, portraying both the heroism and the horrors these young men face. The Masters of the Air cast, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, anchor the story with a heartfelt exploration of courage and camaraderie. The best action TV show of 2024, this series is not just a jaw-dropping action-packed spectacle, but a poignant tribute to the bravery and resilience of World War II aviators.