Overrated Action TV Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Action television has seen a massive surge in popularity with high budget productions and expansive cinematic universes dominating the small screen. Many series garner massive fanbases and critical acclaim that sometimes outweighs the actual quality of the storytelling. These shows often rely on spectacle or established brand names to maintain their relevance even when the plots become repetitive or nonsensical. Understanding why certain shows are considered overrated requires looking at how they balance character development with their high stakes action sequences. This list explores several action series that achieved mainstream success but faced significant criticism for their perceived flaws.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

‘The Walking Dead’ explores the lives of survivors in a world overrun by zombies where the living often prove more dangerous than the dead. The series became a global phenomenon and broke several cable television viewership records during its peak. Critics often argue that the show suffered from a bloated cast and a slow narrative pace in its middle years. Many fans felt the storytelling became repetitive as the group moved from one location to another with similar results. The show eventually concluded with its eleventh season after spawning multiple spin off series.

‘Arrow’ (2012–2020)

‘Arrow’ centers on the journey of Oliver Queen who becomes a vigilante after being stranded on a deserted island. This series established the framework for a massive interconnected superhero universe on the CW network. Some viewers believe the show focused too heavily on romantic subplots and soap opera elements in later seasons. The shift from grounded street level action to more fantastical storylines was also a point of contention for early fans. It remains a significant part of modern superhero television despite these recurring criticisms.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

‘The Flash’ follows Barry Allen as he uses his superhuman speed to protect Central City from various meta human threats. The show was initially praised for its lighthearted tone and faithful adaptation of comic book lore. As the series progressed many critics pointed out a decline in visual effects quality and repetitive seasonal arcs. Viewers often complained that the protagonist would lose his speed or make illogical decisions to prolong the plot. The show ran for nine seasons before concluding the story of the fastest man alive.

‘Prison Break’ (2005–2017)

‘Prison Break’ tells the story of an engineer who gets himself incarcerated to help his wrongly accused brother escape from death row. The first season is widely regarded as a masterclass in tension and serialized storytelling. Many critics feel the show should have ended after the initial escape because the subsequent seasons felt forced. The plot shifted into a sprawling government conspiracy that many found difficult to follow or believe. A revival season in twenty seventeen failed to recapture the magic of the original premise for many long time fans.

‘Heroes’ (2006–2010)

‘Heroes’ features a group of ordinary people who discover they have extraordinary abilities and must prevent a global catastrophe. The first season was a massive cultural hit that brought superhero storytelling to a mainstream audience. Public opinion shifted quickly during the second season which was hampered by a writers strike and aimless plotlines. Critics often cite the show as a prime example of a series that lost its way by failing to develop its characters beyond their powers. It was eventually canceled after four seasons but remains a cautionary tale of squandered potential.

’24’ (2001–2014)

’24’ follows Jack Bauer as he works for the Counter Terrorist Unit to stop major threats in real time. Each season covers a single day with every episode representing one hour of the clock. While the format was revolutionary many viewers found the constant betrayals and moles within the agency to be highly improbable. The repetitive nature of the torture scenes and the increasingly absurd stakes led to some fatigue among critics. Despite these issues the show was a ratings powerhouse that defined the action genre for over a decade.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

‘Vikings’ chronicles the brutal world of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family as they raid and explore distant shores. The show was praised for its historical atmosphere and intense battle sequences during its early years. Many fans felt that the narrative lost its focus and charisma after the departure of the main protagonist. The later seasons shifted the focus to his sons but some viewers found their storylines less engaging than the original journey. It remains a popular historical drama but many argue its best days were behind it long before the finale.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

‘The Witcher’ follows Geralt of Rivia as he hunts monsters in a fantasy world filled with political intrigue and magic. The series gained a massive following due to the popularity of the source material and the lead actor. Critics have pointed out that the non linear timeline in the first season was unnecessarily confusing for new viewers. Some fans of the books also expressed disappointment with the significant changes made to the established lore and character motivations. The news of a major casting change for the lead role has further fueled debates about the longevity of the series.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

‘The Boys’ presents a cynical world where superheroes are corporate entities who abuse their powers behind closed doors. The show is famous for its extreme violence and biting satire of modern celebrity culture. Some critics argue that the shock value has become the primary focus of the show at the expense of meaningful plot progression. Many viewers have noted that the main conflict between the two central factions has remained largely unchanged for several seasons. It continues to be a hit for its streaming platform despite these concerns about narrative stagnation.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

‘Stranger Things’ blends supernatural horror with eighties nostalgia as a group of kids investigates mysteries in their small town. The show became an instant classic for its charming cast and atmospheric world building. Some critics feel the series relies too heavily on nostalgia and has struggled to evolve its formula across subsequent seasons. The growing cast has led to several characters feeling sidelined or underutilized in the larger story. While it remains one of the most popular shows in the world some argue the mystery has lost its initial spark.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–Present)

‘Cobra Kai’ continues the story of the Karate Kid films by focusing on the rivalry between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as adults. The series was praised for its clever reversal of perspectives and its blend of comedy and martial arts. Critics have noted that the plot often relies on simple misunderstandings that could be solved with a single conversation. The drama between the teenage characters has also been criticized for feeling repetitive and overly melodramatic. Despite these flaws the show has successfully introduced a new generation to the franchise.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

‘The Umbrella Academy’ features a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings with superpowers who must reunite to save the world. The show is known for its quirky humor and stylized action sequences. Some viewers found the pacing to be uneven with certain seasons dragging in the middle episodes. The repetitive threat of a looming apocalypse became a common criticism as the show progressed. While the characters remain fan favorites many critics felt the final season failed to provide a satisfying conclusion to the various mysteries.

‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–Present)

‘The Mandalorian’ follows a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the Star Wars galaxy as he protects a mysterious child. The show was credited with revitalizing the franchise and introducing the world to Grogu. Some fans have criticized the episodic nature of the series for feeling like a video game with side quests. The third season in particular faced backlash for losing focus on the central relationship between the two main characters. While it remains a massive success critics often debate if it relies too much on cameos from other characters.

‘The Book of Boba Fett’ (2021–2022)

‘The Book of Boba Fett’ centers on the legendary bounty hunter as he attempts to take over the criminal underworld of Tatooine. Many fans were excited for the character to finally have his own spotlight after decades of mystery. Critics felt the pacing was sluggish and that the flashbacks took up too much of the narrative. A significant portion of the audience was also confused when the show suddenly shifted focus to the Mandalorian for two full episodes. The portrayal of Boba Fett as a more diplomatic leader also polarized long time fans of the character.

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022)

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ sees the return of the iconic Jedi Master as he watches over a young Luke Skywalker while being hunted by the Empire. The reunion of major prequel characters was the primary draw for millions of viewers. Some critics argued that the story felt stretched to fill a limited series format and lacked visual polish. The inclusion of a young Princess Leia was a surprise that divided the fan base regarding its impact on the established timeline. Many felt the show relied more on emotional nostalgia than on providing a compelling new story.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

‘Moon Knight’ introduces a complex hero who deals with dissociative identity disorder while serving an Egyptian moon god. The series was praised for the lead performance and its exploration of mental health within a superhero context. Some viewers were disappointed by the lack of traditional action and the decision to skip over major fight sequences. The finale was criticized for devolving into a standard giant monster battle that felt disconnected from the personal story. It remains a unique entry in its universe but many critics felt the execution was inconsistent.

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021)

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ explores the legacy of Captain America as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes team up to stop a global threat. The show aimed to tackle complex social issues while delivering high octane action. Some critics felt the villains were underdeveloped and their motivations were poorly explained. The pacing was also a point of concern with many feeling the story would have worked better as a feature film. Despite these issues it successfully moved its characters forward within the larger franchise narrative.

‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)

‘Supernatural’ follows two brothers as they hunt demons and other paranormal creatures across the United States. The show developed an incredibly dedicated fanbase over its fifteen season run. Many critics argue that the series stayed on the air much longer than its narrative could support. The stakes escalated to a point where fighting god became the primary plot which some fans found to be absurd. While the chemistry between the leads remained strong the later seasons are often viewed as repetitive.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

‘Titans’ provides a gritty and mature take on the young heroes of the DC universe as they face various threats. The show was known for its dark tone and brutal action sequences that separated it from other superhero media. Some viewers found the writing to be inconsistent with many plot threads being introduced and then forgotten. The large cast meant that many fan favorite characters received very little screen time or development. It remained popular on streaming services but often faced criticism for its lack of a cohesive narrative.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

‘The Wheel of Time’ adapts the massive fantasy book series about a group of villagers who find themselves at the center of a global conflict. The show features a high budget and expansive world building that aims to rival other major fantasy epics. Some fans of the books have been critical of the significant departures from the source material. Critics have also noted that the pacing can feel rushed as the show tries to condense thousands of pages into a few episodes. It remains a major hit but continues to polarize its core audience.

‘The Terminal List’ (2022–Present)

‘The Terminal List’ follows a Navy SEAL as he investigates the conspiracy behind an ambush that wiped out his entire platoon. The show features intense military action and a dark revenge driven plot. Some critics found the story to be overly long and filled with common genre clichés. The show was a hit with audiences but received a cold reception from professional reviewers who found it to be joyless and one dimensional. It has been renewed for a second season to continue the story of its brooding protagonist.

‘Quantico’ (2015–2018)

‘Quantico’ centers on a group of young FBI recruits who are suspected of being involved in a terrorist attack on Grand Central Terminal. The show used a dual timeline structure to reveal mysteries about the characters and the plot. Critics eventually felt that the twists became too frequent and the story became unnecessarily complicated. The focus on romantic drama often overshadowed the actual investigative work of the agency. By the third season the ratings had dropped significantly leading to its cancellation.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

‘The Blacklist’ follows a high profile criminal who turns himself in to work with the FBI to catch other dangerous fugitives. The series was built on the charismatic performance of its lead actor and the mystery of his true identity. Many fans grew frustrated as the central mystery was dragged out for a decade without providing clear answers. The procedural format became repetitive for some viewers who felt the show had lost its overarching narrative drive. It finally concluded its run after ten seasons with a divisive series finale.

‘Blindspot’ (2015–2020)

‘Blindspot’ begins with a mysterious woman who is found in Times Square covered in tattoos that are clues to various crimes. The concept was initially intriguing and led to a high stakes procedural drama. Some critics felt the show struggled to maintain its momentum once the initial mystery of the tattoos was partially solved. The plot eventually veered into more traditional conspiracy thriller territory that many found less unique. It managed to run for five seasons by focusing on the chemistry of its lead investigative team.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

‘Hawaii Five-0’ is a modern reboot of the classic police procedural following an elite state police task force. The show was famous for its beautiful locations and the banter between its two lead characters. Critics often pointed out that the show relied on the same formula for almost every episode throughout its long run. The high stakes action often felt disconnected from any sense of real consequence for the main characters. It was a massive commercial success that remained a staple of Friday night television for a decade.

‘MacGyver’ (2016–2021)

‘MacGyver’ reimagines the classic character as a young secret agent who uses his scientific knowledge to solve problems without lethal force. The show aimed to capture the spirit of the original while adding modern action elements and a team dynamic. Some viewers felt the new version lacked the charm of the original and that the science was often too far fetched. The drama behind the scenes also overshadowed the show in its later years. It was eventually canceled after five seasons despite maintaining a decent audience.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018–2024)

‘Magnum P.I.’ rebooted the famous eighties series with a new cast and a modern setting in Hawaii. The show focused on a former Navy SEAL who works as a private investigator while living on a luxury estate. Critics often found the series to be a standard procedural that offered nothing new to the genre. The action was competent but many felt the character lacked the iconic personality of the original portrayal. The show was canceled by one network only to be picked up by another before finally ending.

‘Walker’ (2021–2024)

‘Walker’ is a reimagining of the long running Texas Ranger series that focuses more on family drama and moral complexity. The show was a significant ratings hit for its network during its debut. Many viewers who expected high octane martial arts action were disappointed by the slow pace and focus on domestic issues. Critics found the writing to be standard for a CW drama and often lacking the grit of modern action shows. It was recently canceled after four seasons as the network shifted its programming strategy.

‘Lethal Weapon’ (2016–2019)

‘Lethal Weapon’ brought the famous buddy cop film franchise to television with a new duo playing Riggs and Murtaugh. The first two seasons were praised for their chemistry and high quality action sequences. The show faced significant challenges when one of the lead actors was replaced due to behind the scenes conflict. Many fans felt the dynamic was lost in the third season and that the show could no longer justify its title. It was canceled shortly after the cast changes failed to resonate with the audience.

‘Taken’ (2017–2018)

‘Taken’ serves as a prequel to the film series and follows a young Bryan Mills as he begins his career in the intelligence community. The show attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the movie franchise but struggled to find an identity of its own. Critics felt the series was a generic spy thriller that lacked the intense focus of the original film. The cast was largely overhauled for the second season in an attempt to improve the ratings. This change was not successful and the series was canceled shortly after.

‘Shooter’ (2016–2018)

‘Shooter’ follows a highly decorated sniper who is coaxed out of retirement to prevent a plot to kill the president. Based on both a novel and a film the show provided plenty of technical firearm action and suspense. Some critics argued that the plot was too thin to be stretched over multiple seasons. The narrative often felt repetitive as the protagonist was framed for various crimes and had to clear his name multiple times. It was canceled after three seasons due to declining viewership.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

‘S.W.A.T.’ follows a sergeant who is torn between loyalty to the streets and duty to his fellow officers while leading a specialized tactical unit. The show features impressive stunts and high budget action sequences that appeal to a broad audience. Critics often describe the series as a standard police procedural that rarely takes risks with its storytelling. Many episodes follow a predictable pattern of a crime occurring followed by a tactical breach and a resolution. It remains a consistent performer on network television despite its formulaic nature.

‘SEAL Team’ (2017–2024)

‘SEAL Team’ follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train and execute dangerous missions. The show is praised for its technical accuracy and its portrayal of the toll combat takes on soldiers. Some viewers find the show to be overly sentimental and repetitive in its depiction of family struggles. The action sequences while well executed can feel similar from week to week. It transitioned to a streaming service for its final seasons where it continued to serve a dedicated niche audience.

‘Under the Dome’ (2013–2015)

‘Under the Dome’ tells the story of a small town that is suddenly trapped under a massive and indestructible transparent dome. Based on a Stephen King novel the show started with high ratings and a compelling mystery. Critics and fans quickly grew frustrated as the plot moved further away from the source material into increasingly bizarre territory. The character motivations were often seen as nonsensical and designed only to create conflict. It was eventually canceled after three seasons as the audience lost interest in the declining quality.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

‘Gotham’ explores the origins of Batman’s greatest villains and the early career of Jim Gordon in a corrupt city. The show was known for its campy tone and stylized depiction of the DC universe. Some fans felt the timeline was too compressed as every major villain appeared before Bruce Wayne ever became a hero. The writing was often criticized for being inconsistent and leaning too heavily on fan service. It concluded its run by finally showing a brief glimpse of the Dark Knight after five years of buildup.

‘Manifest’ (2018–2023)

‘Manifest’ follows the passengers of a flight that reappears after being missing for over five years with everyone on board presumed dead. The show blends supernatural mystery with personal drama as the characters experience strange callings. Some critics felt the show relied too heavily on cliffhangers and failed to provide meaningful answers to its central mysteries. The dialogue and acting were also points of criticism for some viewers who found the show to be overly melodramatic. After being canceled by one network it was saved by a streaming service to finish its story.

‘Reacher’ (2022–Present)

‘Reacher’ follows a former military police investigator who travels the country and finds himself in the middle of various criminal conspiracies. The show was praised for its faithful casting of the physically imposing lead character from the books. Some critics have noted that the second season felt more generic and lacked the grounded tension of the first. The protagonist is often seen as an invincible hero which some viewers find reduces the stakes of the action. It remains a massive hit but some argue it is starting to follow a predictable formula.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

‘Shadowhunters’ follows a young woman who discovers she is part of a race of human angel hybrids who hunt demons. Based on a popular young adult book series the show was known for its dedicated online fanbase. Critics often found the acting to be wooden and the special effects to be subpar for a fantasy series. The heavy focus on romantic triangles and teenage angst often overshadowed the supernatural action elements. It was canceled after three seasons leading to a large scale fan campaign to save it.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

‘Batwoman’ features a new hero protecting Gotham City after the disappearance of Batman. The show faced significant hurdles including the departure of its lead actress after the first season. Critics and fans were often divided on the show’s writing and its handling of established comic book characters. Many felt the series struggled to maintain a consistent tone while dealing with frequent cast changes. It was part of the larger Arrowverse but was eventually canceled as the network began phasing out its superhero content.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

‘Supergirl’ follows Kara Zor El as she embraces her powers to protect National City while balancing a civilian life. The show was praised for its optimistic tone and for providing a strong female lead in the superhero genre. Some viewers felt the show became increasingly focused on political allegories that were sometimes handled without much nuance. The quality of the action and visual effects also varied significantly between seasons. It concluded its run after six seasons as part of the winding down of the CW superhero era.

‘Secret Invasion’ (2023)

‘Secret Invasion’ follows Nick Fury as he attempts to stop a faction of shapeshifting aliens from taking over Earth from within. Despite a talented cast and a high budget the show was widely panned by both critics and fans. Many felt the stakes were poorly defined and that the death of a major character was handled poorly. The finale in particular was criticized for a messy CGI battle that seemed to contradict the grounded spy tone of the earlier episodes. It is often cited as one of the most disappointing entries in its massive franchise history.

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