The Best New Action TV Shows
The landscape of television has been reshaped in recent years by a surge of high-octane storytelling, proving that small-screen budgets can now rival cinematic blockbusters. From gritty crime thrillers and post-apocalyptic adaptions to expansive sci-fi epics and historical dramas, the variety of action-oriented content has arguably never been richer. This list compiles the most formidable and exciting new series released between 2023 and 2026, highlighting the productions that have defined the current era of action television.
‘Shōgun’ (2024)
Set in the year 1600, this historical drama chronicles the rise of Lord Toranaga as he navigates a deadly political chessboard in feudal Japan. The arrival of English pilot John Blackthorne disrupts the balance of power, leading to an unlikely alliance involving a mysterious female samurai named Mariko. Viewers are immersed in a world of intricate strategies, brutal combat, and cultural clashes that determine the fate of a nation. The series is acclaimed for its meticulous attention to period detail and the intensity of its sword-fighting sequences.
‘Fallout’ (2024)
Based on the popular video game franchise, this post-apocalyptic series explores a world decimated by nuclear war, where survivors live in retro-futuristic underground bunkers known as Vaults. When a naive Vault dweller ventures into the irradiated wasteland to find her father, she encounters a complex society of mutated creatures, militaristic factions, and ruthless bounty hunters. The show blends dark humor with visceral action, capturing the games’ unique aesthetic and moral ambiguity. It expands the lore of the universe while delivering high-stakes survival scenarios.
‘The Last of Us’ (2023)
In a world ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into aggressive creatures, a hardened smuggler named Joel is tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie, across the United States. Their journey is fraught with danger from both the infected and hostile human survivors, forcing them to rely on each other for survival. The series emphasizes the emotional toll of violence and the brutal reality of a collapsed civilization. It faithfully adapts the narrative of the acclaimed video game, focusing on the character dynamics amidst the chaos.
‘The Penguin’ (2024)
Expanding upon the universe established in Matt Reeves’ film, this crime drama follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb as he maneuvers through Gotham City’s criminal underworld following the death of Carmine Falcone. Cobb faces opposition from rival mob families and his own psychological demons as he ruthlessly climbs the ladder of power. The series offers a gritty, ground-level view of Gotham’s corruption, distinguishing itself with intense mob warfare and character study. Colin Farrell reprises his role, undergoing a complete physical transformation for the character.
‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)
This animated series is set in Edo-period Japan and follows Mizu, a mixed-race master of the sword seeking revenge against the four white men who remain in Japan illegally. Mizu must disguise her gender and navigate a society that treats her as an outcast while cutting a bloody path through assassins and samurai. The show combines stylized animation with graphic violence and mature themes of identity and vengeance. It is noted for its fluid action choreography and visual storytelling.
‘One Piece’ (2023)
Adapting the long-running manga, this live-action adventure series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure known as the One Piece. The crew sails the dangerous Grand Line, battling rival pirates, marines, and sea monsters using their unique combat abilities. The show retains the fantastical elements of the source material, including Luffy’s rubber-like stretching powers. It focuses on themes of friendship and freedom while delivering large-scale maritime battles.
‘The Gentlemen’ (2024)
A spin-off of Guy Ritchie’s film of the same name, this series follows Eddie Horniman, who inherits his father’s sizable estate only to discover it is part of a massive cannabis empire. Eddie must navigate the dangerous British criminal underworld to protect his family and extricate himself from the operation. The show features Ritchie’s signature fast-paced dialogue, stylized violence, and ensemble cast of eccentric gangsters. It balances tension with dark comedy as the aristocratic world collides with organized crime.
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024)
Two strangers land jobs with a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, and travel, but with a catch: they must live as a married couple. As John and Jane Smith, they navigate high-risk missions each week while facing a new relationship milestone. Their cover story becomes complicated when real feelings begin to develop amidst the gunfire and explosions. The series reimagines the original film’s premise with a focus on the intimacy and trust required in both marriage and espionage.
‘Gen V’ (2023)
Set in the universe of ‘The Boys’, this series takes place at Godolkin University, a prestigious college exclusively for young superheroes. The students compete for top rankings and future contracts while uncovering a dark conspiracy hidden beneath the school’s polished exterior. The show explores the corrupting influence of power and the physical consequences of superhuman abilities. It maintains the parent show’s graphic violence and satirical tone while focusing on a younger generation of supes.
‘Twisted Metal’ (2023)
In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a motor-mouthed outsider is offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a desolate landscape. He is joined by a badass axe-wielding car thief, and together they face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction. The series adapts the vehicular combat video game with a mix of high-speed chases and explosive car battles. It embraces a chaotic and comedic tone, featuring the iconic killer clown, Sweet Tooth.
‘The Night Agent’ (2023)
A low-level FBI agent who works in the basement of the White House manning a phone that never rings is suddenly plunged into a conspiracy that leads all the way to the Oval Office. After answering a distress call, he must protect a terrified cybersecurity expert while uncovering a mole within the government. The series moves at a breakneck pace, blending political intrigue with close-quarters combat and chase sequences. It became a global hit for its straightforward, high-stakes storytelling.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (2023)
Spanning two timelines, this series reveals the secret history of the Monarch organization as they track the emergence of Titans like Godzilla. Siblings follow in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive group, leading them to the world of monsters. The show combines human drama with massive creature effects, exploring the collateral damage of Titan attacks. It serves as a narrative bridge within the MonsterVerse franchise.
‘Silo’ (2023)
In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground, adhering to strict regulations they believe are meant to protect them. When an engineer begins to question the history of the silo and the fate of those who leave, she uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten the fragile society. The series builds tension through claustrophobic set design and a slow-burning mystery punctuated by moments of intense conflict. It explores themes of control, truth, and rebellion.
‘Hijack’ (2023)
Told in real-time, this thriller follows a hijacked plane on a seven-hour flight to London as authorities on the ground scramble for answers. Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator on board, uses his professional skills to try and save the passengers while interacting with the hijackers. The series maintains high tension by staying largely within the confines of the aircraft. It focuses on psychological warfare and the logistics of a mid-air crisis.
‘Lioness’ (2023)
Inspired by a real US military program, the series follows Joe, the tip of the spear for the CIA in the war on terror, as she balances her personal and professional life. She enlists a rough-around-the-edges Marine Raider to go undercover alongside her to befriend the daughter of a suspected terrorist. The show depicts the brutal reality of undercover operations and the tactical precision required for extraction missions. It features intense military engagements and espionage tradecraft.
‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ (2023)
This three-part event series serves as a prequel to the John Wick films, exploring the origin behind the iconic hotel-for-assassins in 1970s New York City. A young Winston Scott navigates the city’s criminal underbelly to seize control of the hotel from its ruthless manager. The show replicates the film franchise’s stylized “gun-fu” action and intricate world-building. It expands on the rules and hierarchy of the High Table.
‘Fubar’ (2023)
A CIA operative on the verge of retirement discovers a family secret and is forced to go back into the field for one last job. He soon realizes that his daughter is also a covert operative, leading to a dysfunctional father-daughter dynamic amidst global espionage missions. The series blends action-comedy elements with traditional spy tropes. It marks Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first leading role in a scripted live-action television series.
‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)
When the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad is shot by a mysterious assassin, his eldest son, a legendary killer, heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother and clueless younger brother. The family must heal old wounds while fighting off rival societies vying for dominance. The show juxtaposes brutal martial arts sequences with domestic comedy and drama. It highlights the contrast between the hardened criminal world and everyday life in California.
‘Echo’ (2024)
Following the events of ‘Hawkeye’, Maya Lopez returns to her hometown in Oklahoma, where she must come to terms with her past and reconnect with her Native American roots. She is pursued by the criminal empire of Wilson Fisk, leading to gritty, street-level confrontations. The series is notable for its use of sign language and its portrayal of a deaf, amputee protagonist. It delivers hard-hitting choreography and explores the darker corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024)
This live-action adaptation depicts a war-torn world where certain people can “bend” one of the four elements: water, earth, fire, or air. Aang, the young Avatar who can master all four elements, awakes from a century-long slumber to stop the Fire Nation from conquering the world. The series recreates the animated show’s elemental martial arts battles with extensive visual effects. It balances the epic scale of the war with the personal journeys of Aang and his friends.
‘Masters of the Air’ (2024)
From the producers of ‘Band of Brothers’, this World War II drama follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany. The series depicts the psychological and physical price paid by the young airmen as they face anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters at 25,000 feet. It features intense aerial combat sequences and explores the camaraderie formed under fire. The production utilizes state-of-the-art technology to recreate the scale of the air war.
‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ (2023)
This western anthology series chronicles the life of Bass Reeves, the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. Reeves works to bring justice to the lawless Indian Territory, capturing thousands of criminals without ever being wounded. The show combines historical biography with traditional western gunfights and horseback pursuits. It highlights the challenges Reeves faced due to his race and the moral weight of his badge.
‘Justified: City Primeval’ (2023)
U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens returns, leaving the hollers of Kentucky for the streets of Detroit to chase a violent sociopath known as the Oklahoma Wildman. Givens must navigate the complexities of the Detroit legal system and a criminal who constantly slips through the cracks. The limited series continues the neo-western style of the original show, featuring tense standoffs and sharp dialogue. It places the aging lawman in a new environment with higher stakes.
‘Who is Erin Carter?’ (2023)
A British teacher living a tranquil life in Barcelona finds her past catching up with her when she is caught in a supermarket robbery. Her violent reaction to the robbers reveals combat skills that suggest she is not who she claims to be. The series follows her attempts to protect her family while unraveling a conspiracy connected to her previous life. It features close-quarters fighting and chases through the streets of Spain.
‘Berlin’ (2023)
A prequel to ‘Money Heist’, this series focuses on the character Berlin during his glory days as he plans one of his most ambitious robberies. He assembles a team of experts to steal 44 million euros worth of jewels from a Paris auction house. The show emphasizes the planning and execution of the heist, filled with narrow escapes and clever subterfuge. It retains the stylish visual flair and suspense of the original franchise.
‘Obliterated’ (2023)
An elite special forces team thwarts a deadly threat to Las Vegas and celebrates with a night of debauchery, only to discover the bomb they deactivated was a fake. Intoxicated and impaired, the team must fight through their hangovers to find the real bomb and save the city. The series is a high-octane action comedy that plays with the tropes of the genre. It features chaotic action set pieces mixed with raunchy humor.
‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (2023)
After dying in a selfless act to save a child, a teenage delinquent is given a second chance at life as a Spirit Detective. He is tasked with investigating cases involving demons and apparitions in the human world. The live-action series adapts the classic manga with heavy use of visual effects for the supernatural battles. It focuses on martial arts tournaments and the protagonist’s growth as a fighter.
‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (2024)
Rick Grimes and Michonne, two fan-favorite characters separated by distance and an unstoppable power, attempt to find each other in a world built on a war against the dead. They must navigate the complex politics of the Civic Republic Military, a force that challenges their survival skills and their love. The series delivers large-scale zombie action and resolves long-standing plotlines from the main franchise. It focuses on the epic romance and the military conflict shaping the post-apocalyptic future.
‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ (2023)
Daryl Dixon washes ashore in France, the origin point of the zombie virus, and struggles to piece together how he got there and why. He is tasked with escorting a young boy across the country, encountering new variants of the undead and warring human factions. The show introduces a new European setting with distinct visual aesthetics and combat styles. It revitalizes the franchise by placing a familiar character in a completely foreign environment.
‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ (2023)
Maggie and Negan travel into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, long ago cut off from the mainland, to rescue Maggie’s kidnapped son. The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York their own world of anarchy and danger. The series explores the tense alliance between the two characters amidst vertical urban warfare. It features zip-line traversals and battles in claustrophobic city environments.
‘Parasyte: The Grey’ (2024)
In this South Korean sci-fi thriller, unidentified parasites violently take over human hosts and gain power, forcing humanity to rise to combat the growing threat. A special task force known as “The Grey” is formed to eradicate the parasitic organisms. The series features body-horror action sequences as the parasites transform their hosts’ heads into deadly weapons. It explores themes of coexistence and survival in the face of an invasive species.
‘Tracker’ (2024)
Colter Shaw is a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries. He contends with his own fractured family while navigating the diverse landscapes of America. The show is an action-drama procedural that focuses on physical resourcefulness and investigation. It highlights Shaw’s tactical abilities in various dangerous situations.
‘Those About to Die’ (2024)
Set in the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of chariot racing and gladiatorial fights in ancient Rome, this series explores the business of entertainment for the masses. It follows characters from all corners of the Roman Empire as they collide at the intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties. The show delivers visceral depictions of arena combat and the brutal training required to survive. It features grand set pieces recreating the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
‘The Acolyte’ (2024)
Set during the High Republic era of the Star Wars timeline, this mystery-thriller sees a respected Jedi Master investigating a shocking crime spree. The trail leads him to a dangerous warrior from his past, revealing that the forces he is confronting are more sinister than anticipated. The series features martial arts-inspired lightsaber combat and explores the emergence of dark side powers. It offers a look at the Jedi Order at the height of its power.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ (2024)
Four kids make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. They must find their way home, meeting unlikely allies and enemies along the way, including a Force user. The series is described as a coming-of-age adventure in the vein of 1980s Amblin films but set within the Star Wars universe. It combines space-faring action with a youthful perspective on the galaxy’s dangers.
‘Cross’ (2024)
Based on the James Patterson novels, this crime thriller follows Alex Cross, a detective and forensic psychologist, as he delves into the psyches of killers to capture them. Cross faces threats to his family and his city, requiring him to use both his mind and his physical skills. The series updates the character for a modern setting, featuring intense investigations and confrontations. It balances the cerebral aspects of profiling with street-level police action.
‘The Day of the Jackal’ (2024)
A modern reimagining of the classic novel and film, this series follows a ruthless, chameleon-like assassin known only as the Jackal. An intelligence officer tracks him across Europe, engaging in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game that leaves a trail of destruction. The show focuses on the tradecraft of assassination and the desperate measures taken to stop a professional killer. It features sniper sequences, disguises, and international espionage.
‘Dune: Prophecy’ (2024)
Set 10,000 years before the events of the Dune films, this series follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. The show explores the political machinations and warfare of the distant past. It features the franchise’s signature blend of sci-fi technology and feudal combat.
‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (2024)
This animated series reimagines the Batman mythology with a noir aesthetic, focusing on the detective aspects of the character. Bruce Wayne navigates a corrupt Gotham City, battling reimagined versions of his rogue’s gallery. The show emphasizes the psychological depth of the characters and features stylized, shadowy action sequences. It returns to the roots of the character as a vigilante striking fear into criminals.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (2025)
Matt Murdock returns as the devil of Hell’s Kitchen, balancing his life as a blind lawyer with his vigilante activities. Wilson Fisk pursues his own political ambitions in New York, setting the two adversaries on a collision course. The series promises to retain the gritty, hand-to-hand combat style that defined the character’s previous appearances. It integrates the street-level hero fully into the current continuity of the MCU.
‘Alien: Earth’ (2025)
When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat. The series brings the terrified horror and action of the Xenomorphs to a terrestrial setting for the first time. It explores the Weyland-Yutani corporation’s early attempts to harness the perfect organism. The show mixes corporate espionage with creature-feature survival action.
‘Ironheart’ (2025)
Riri Williams, a brilliant teenage inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man, finds herself caught in a conflict between magic and technology. She must navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld and legitimate threats that seek to control her designs. The series features aerial combat and high-tech weaponry battles. It explores the legacy of Tony Stark through a new generation of armored hero.
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ (2025)
A prequel to ‘The Terminal List’, this series focuses on the backstory of Ben Edwards and James Reece, exploring their time in the SEAL teams. It delves into the dark side of warfare and the human cost of special operations. The show emphasizes tactical realism and the bond between operators. It features intense military action sequences and covert missions.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026)
Set a century before ‘Game of Thrones’, this series follows a naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. They wander Westeros during an era when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed. The show focuses on tournament combat and the personal honor of knighthood. It offers a more intimate scale of action compared to the main series’ large battles.
‘Spartacus: House of Ashur’ (2025)
This revival of the Spartacus franchise posits an alternate history where the villain Ashur survived the events of the original series. He is gifted the gladiator school of Batiatus in return for his services to the Romans. The show returns to the bloody, stylized arena combat and political treachery that defined the original. It features a new generation of gladiators fighting for survival and glory.
‘Countdown’ (2025)
A coveted LAPD officer is recruited to join a secret task force of undercover agents investigating a suspicious murder. He must navigate a web of deception where no one is who they seem, and the clock is ticking to prevent a larger catastrophe. The series is a high-energy police thriller featuring chases, shootouts, and intricate investigations. It focuses on the pressure of time-sensitive police work.
‘Murderbot’ (2025)
Based on the Hugo Award-winning novellas, the series follows a self-hacking security android that is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable “clients.” It must hide its free will while completing dangerous assignments in a corporate-dominated galaxy. The show combines futuristic sci-fi action with the internal monologue of a reluctant protector. It features combat with advanced weaponry and cyber warfare.
‘Zero Day’ (2025)
A former President is pulled out of retirement to head a commission investigating a massive cyber-attack that has caused chaos across the country. As the investigation deepens, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. The series blends political thriller elements with action sequences involving special forces and intelligence assets. It explores the vulnerability of modern infrastructure.
‘Ahsoka’ (2023)
Set after the fall of the Empire, former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. She searches for the lost Grand Admiral Thrawn while training a new apprentice in the ways of the Force. The series features extensive lightsaber duels and space battles. It bridges the gap between the animated ‘Rebels’ series and the live-action era.
‘Citadel’ (2023)
Global spy agency Citadel has fallen, and the memories of its agents have been wiped clean. Now, a powerful syndicate is rising in the void, and two former elite agents must recall their past to stop a new world order. The series is designed as a massive global franchise with high-budget action set pieces across multiple countries. It features futuristic spy gadgets, hand-to-hand combat, and high-speed chases.
Share your favorite new action series from this list and let us know what we missed in the comments.