Action-packed TV shows that deserve a spot on your must-watch list

Action-Shows — Photo: Jonathan Hession/USA Network; Skip Bolen/USA Network; Prashant Gupta/FX

There is an incredible amount of TV out there. Too much, really. And that's the problem. You could fill a notebook with shows that have been recommended, but when you actually have the time to start a new one, it can be hard to remember what's out there or what might scratch the particular itch you're feeling.

If you’re in the mood for something action-packed to watch, look no further. Below, you'll find 14 shows EW knows will get your adrenaline pumping, from long-running series like the 15-season run of Supernatural to more compact fare like Treadstone, which only stuck around for ten episodes.

Here are 14 action-rich shows for your next binge.

01 of 14

Supernatural

Supernatural said goodbye after 15 years on the air in November 2020. The series — which aired on the CW — centers on the adventures of supernatural hunters Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dan Winchester (Jensen Ackles). You can watch all 15 seasons via Netflix.

02 of 14

Batwoman

The CW's Batwoman was a constantly evolving series over the course of its three seasons. Ruby Rose starred in the first season as Bruce Wayne's cousin Kate Kane, a street fighter who needs to overcome her demons in order to become the hero Gotham needs. Then, Javicia Leslie was featured in the second and third seasons as Ryan Wilder, a fighter who assumed the role of Batwoman. All three seasons are streaming on Max.

03 of 14

The Mandalorian

Game of Thrones star Pedro Pascal entered another fantasy universe, Star Wars, as the lead of The Mandalorian. The Disney+ series follows the bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy five years after the fall of the Empire.

04 of 14

Treadstone

Treadstone aired for only one season, but audiences can expect lots of action-packed drama from this series based on the Bourne film franchise. Brian J. Smith, Jeremy Irvine, Michelle Forbes, and Han Hyojoo star in the USA Network series about sleeper agents all over the globe who mysteriously wake up ready to kill their marks. The series is available to stream on Hulu.

05 of 14

Mayans M.C.

Mayans M.C. is the continuation of Kurt Sutter's Sons of Anarchy, and it's just as addicting. Watch EZ (JD Pardo) try to find his place in life alongside his brother Angel (Clayton Cardenas) in the motorcycle club or as an Ivy Leaguer on the right side of the law. Catch up on the crime drama on Hulu.

06 of 14

Watchmen

HBO brought Watchmen to life on the small screen with a Damon Lindelof-created limited series in 2019. Take a trip to their alternate contemporary reality where superheroes are outlawed — but not everyone approves. The Watchmen are ready to revolt, but others will try to stop them. The Emmy-winning nine-episode series is streamable on Max.

07 of 14

Homeland

Showtime's Homeland kept viewers on the edge of their seats for eight seasons, with fans gripped by the ever-changing story of Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes). The series begins with Carrie's fixation on Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a U.S. Marine Sergeant whom she is convinced was turned by al-Qaeda. Watch the many twists and turns along the way on Hulu or Showtime.

08 of 14

Jack Ryan

John Krasinski stars as the titular character on Amazon's Jack Ryan. The CIA analyst becomes embroiled in the machinations of an Islamic terrorist organization in season 1 and a tangled web of a Venezuelan political battle in season 2. The series is available now on Amazon Prime Video.

09 of 14

The Terror

The Terror is an anthology series from AMC that tells a different action-packed true story each season. In its debut season, the show tackles Captain Sir John Franklin's (Ciarán Hinds) lost expedition. The second season, subtitled Infamy, dives into the lives of Japanese Americans during WWII. A third season has yet to be announced, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. In the meantime, the first two seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

10 of 14

Black Lightning

If you're looking for plenty of action and drama, Black Lightning might just be for you. The series tells the story of retired superhero/high school principal Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) who is forced to suit up once again to fight violence in his community. You can watch all four seasons via Netflix.

11 of 14

9-1-1

Ryan Murphy puts the spotlight on L.A.'s first responders on Fox's 9-1-1. The stellar cast of small-screen heroes includes Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Ryan Guzman. The ongoing series airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, but you can catch up with previous seasons on Hulu.

12 of 14

Mindhunter

Serial killer cases are all the rage and Mindhunter caters to that very audience. The Netflix drama follows FBI agent Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they interview serial killers to learn about how they think. A third season is not expected anytime soon, but producer David Fincher has suggested that he may revisit the series in the future.

13 of 14

Queen of the South

Queen of the South aired for five bingeable seasons on USA Network. The series tells the story of Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), an impoverished woman who goes on to build a successful drug empire. The full series is available to stream via Netflix.

14 of 14

Station 19

ABC's Station 19 is a Grey's Anatomy spinoff that follows the professional and personal lives of Seattle firefighters, including former Grey's recurring character Ben Warren (Jason George), with a focus on Andy Herrera (Jaina Lee Ortiz). Catch up on the series via Hulu.