Don’t worry—we’ve rounded up 11 shows that bring the same energy: lone-wolf heroes, gripping conspiracies, and justice served with a side of well-timed punches.
1. Luther
If Reacher wore a badge and the accent of London, he’d resemble John Luther very much. Portrayed with hot-headed intensity by Idris Elba, Luther is a master detective who’s not above bending (or shattering) the law to apprehend the worst of the worst. Dark, intense, and frequently heartbreaking, this British crime thriller delivers cerebral thrills with a brooding twist.
2. The Equalizer
Queen Latifah infuses a new spin on the lone-hero model in Robin McCall, a retired CIA operative who saves the day for those the system forsakes. Unlike Reacher, she has an entourage, but don’t be mistaken: McCall can hold her own against any danger. The Equalizer balances heart and action, with justice always at the forefront.
3. Special Ops: Lioness
Developed by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone), Lioness replaces cowboy boots with clandestine operations. Zoe Saldaña commands a women-led special ops unit taking down high-risk terrorism with grit and emotional depth. Similar to Reacher, Joe is laser-sharp, morally ambiguous, and downright deadly when provoked.
4. Bad Monkey
From Bill Lawrence, creator of Ted Lasso, comes this quirky thriller featuring Vince Vaughn as a fallen detective-turned-unwilling investigator in the Florida Keys. Dark humor, bizarre crimes, and reluctant hero energy, Reacher viewers will love, particularly if you prefer your justice with a smile.
5. Tulsa King
Sylvester Stallone stars as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a gangster dispatched to create an empire in, of all locations, Oklahoma. Tulsa King blends fish-out-of-water humor with crime drama, and although Stallone’s protagonist isn’t precisely a hero, he possesses the same no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude that makes Reacher so enjoyable to watch.
6. The Night Agent
This political thriller is quick-paced and packs a punch. A minor FBI agent is drawn into a deadly conspiracy that is at the very top of the government. Tightly written and full of twists, The Night Agent captures the high-stakes danger and underdog determination that Reacher fans will devour.
7. Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
John Krasinski swaps sarcasm for spycraft in this crisp, globe-trotting spy thriller. As Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst-turned-field-agent, he detects terror plots and corporate machinations with equal vigor. Like Reacher, Ryan’s brain power and instinct make him the man you want when all hell breaks loose.
8. The Old Man
Jeff Bridges plays a retired CIA agent living off the grid—until the past recaptures him. The Old Man is a slow-motion thriller loaded with tension, vicious violence, and raw emotion. Imagine Reacher but with a few more scars and a whole lot of regret. And yes, Bridges is incredible.
9. Tracker
Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, a guy who earns his living tracking down missing persons for pay. What distinguishes Tracker is the combination of episodic mysteries and a larger mystery surrounding Colter’s past. If you enjoy Reacher’s roving-hero persona with an infusion of mystery, this one’s a ride worth taking.
10. The Terminal List
Chris Pratt abandons the comedy and becomes deadly earnest as James Reece, a Navy SEAL who digs into a military cover-up following a devastating ambush. Gritty, visceral, and filled with explosive action sequences, The Terminal List serves up the same level of intensity and personal investment that Reacher viewers can’t get enough of.
11. Bodyguard
Richard Madden stars as David Budd, a damaged war hero turned cop who is tasked with guarding a maverick politician. Bodyguard was an international phenomenon due to its breakneck tension, heart-stopping emotional moments, and clever script. If you prefer your thrillers with high stakes and gray areas of morality, then this is an absolute must-see.
Every one of these shows represents a different aspect of why Reacher is so addictive—whether it’s a solo hero working through threats, sinister conspiracies that play you guessing, or high-octane action sequences that raise your heart rate. So if you’re ready for your next thrill ride, these series will more than suffice to fill the Reacher-sized gap on your watchlist.