The 55 Best Action Shows Of 2021, Ranked
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Vote up the best action series that aired new episodes during the 2021 calendar year.
- 1Sope Dirisu, Joe Cole, Colm MeaneyThe head of London's most powerful crime family is assassinated, creating a power vacuum.More Gangs of London
- #33 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- #72 of 136 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #13 of 28 onTV Shows That Make You Feel Like Thomas Shelby
- 2Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony StarrThe Boys embark on a quest to expose the truth about The Seven, superheroes who abuse their powers.More The Boys
- 3James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Hisham Tawfiq"Red" Reddington agrees to work with the FBI, on the condition he'll only work with profiler Keen.More The Blacklist
- #55 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #123 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #56 of 651 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 4Pedro Alonso, Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro MorteAn organized band of thieves intends to commit the robbery of the century.More Money Heist
- #214 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #163 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #41 of 50 onTV Shows To Watch When You’re Raging Against The Machine
- 5Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Daniel BrühlExploring the aftermath of the Avengers' epic battles, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier delves into the lives of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) as they navigate a world without Captain America. This action-packed drama, boasting a Marvel pedigree, tactfully balances intense fight scenes with poignant character development. Nominated for Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, the six-episode limited series tackles timely themes such as patriotism, identity, and redemption. As the duo faces new threats and old enemies, viewers are treated to an engrossing exploration of legacy and heroism in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- 6
Condor
Max Irons, Brendan Fraser, William HurtCondor (Audience, 2018) is an American television series created by Todd Katzburg and Jason Smilovic, based on the novel by James Grady. Young CIA analyst Joe Turner (Max Irons) has his idealism tested when he joins the CIA hoping to reform it from within, but ends up stumbling onto a terrible plan that threatens the lives of millions. - 7Alexander Dreymon, Emily Cox, Timothy InnesSet against the backdrop of the tumultuous 9th century, The Last Kingdom unravels the gripping narrative of Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon-born warrior who finds himself torn between two worlds. As the series unfolds, viewers are transported through the power struggles and alliances that shaped England's history. With its impeccable storytelling and richly developed characters, this historical drama has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The Last Kingdom continues to enthrall with its potent mix of brutal battles, political intrigue, and personal vendettas, all while staying true to its source material - Bernard Cornwell's best-selling novels.
- 8Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Vera FarmigaClint Barton and Kate Bishop shoot a few arrows and try to avoid becoming the target themselves.More Hawkeye
- Dig Deeper...Fans Share Interesting Things They Noticed In 'Hawkeye' That Are Spot On
- And Deeper...What To Watch If You Love 'Hawkeye'
- #35 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 9Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes ChathamThe Expanse, a gripping science fiction series, offers a rich narrative that unfolds in a meticulously crafted universe. Set amidst the vast expanse of space, the show delves into political intrigue, interstellar conflict, and the complexities of human nature. Featuring an ensemble cast, standout performances include Thomas Jane as Detective Josephus Miller and Shohreh Aghdashloo as the formidable Chrisjen Avasarala. The series has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following, earning a Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. With its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes, The Expanse is a must-watch for any sci-fi aficionado.More The Expanse
- #2 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #144 of 651 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #264 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- 10Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Oh Yeong-suIn the realm of television, there occasionally emerges a show that transcends borders and becomes a global phenomenon. Squid Game is a prime example of this, with its gripping narrative centered around a deadly competition that unfolds within a dystopian society. The South Korean thriller, directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations. Through its intricate storytelling and compelling character development, particularly that of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), Squid Game delves into themes of morality, social inequality, and survival, all while maintaining an air of suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- 11David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot, Neil BrownA tight-knit unit of Navy SEALs trains, plans and executes dangerous, high-stakes missions.More SEAL Team
- #10 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #53 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #28 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- 12Alice Braga, Hemky Madera, David AndrewsQueen of the South, premiering in 2016, is a gripping crime drama that follows Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), a woman forced to run from a Mexican drug cartel and seek refuge in America. The series goes into themes of survival, power, and the human cost of the drug trade. As Teresa builds her own drug empire to take down her enemies, she becomes the 'queen' of her domain. Notable for its strong female lead and intense storytelling, Queen of the South has been recognized with an Imagen Foundation Award for Best Television Drama.
- 13Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Sean BeanSet in a dystopian, frozen world, Snowpiercer chronicles the remnants of humanity as they traverse the globe on a perpetually moving train. The series, adapted from the critically acclaimed film and graphic novel, delves into the complex socio-political hierarchy that exists within the train's 1001 cars. Highlighting the struggle for power and survival, the show features compelling performances by Jennifer Connelly as Melanie Cavill, the voice of the train, and Daveed Diggs as Andre Layton, a former detective turned revolutionary. With its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, Snowpiercer has earned a dedicated following and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a must-watch television series.More Snowpiercer
- #18 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- #108 of 409 onThe Best TV Shows Returning In 2022
- #52 of 72 onTV Shows We've Already Seen (And Loved) As Both Movies And Books
- 14Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget MoynahanA multigenerational family of police officers dedicated to enforcing the law in New York.More Blue Bloods
- #199 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #58 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #29 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- 15Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Jay HarringtonA Los Angeles S.W.A.T. lieutenant balances loyalty to the job and to the streets where he grew up.More SWAT
- #60 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #45 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #48 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
- 16Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa DiazThe Rookie, a refreshing take on the crime-drama genre, follows the story of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a forty-something rookie police officer who trades in his comfortable small-town life to pursue his dream of becoming an LAPD cop. The series, which has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, strikes a fine balance between high-stakes action, emotional depth, and well-timed humor. As the oldest rookie on the force, Nolan faces skepticism from his fellow officers and superior officers alike, but his unwavering determination and unique perspective prove to be invaluable assets in solving cases and navigating the complexities of modern policing.More The Rookie
- #44 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #11 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #19 of 53 onThe Best ABC Dramas of All Time
- 17Olivia Liang, Kheng Hua Tan, Shannon DangKung Fu, a 2021 reimagining of the 1970s series, centers on Nicky Shen, a young Chinese-American woman who drops out of college and embarks on a life-altering journey to an isolated monastery in China. When she returns to her hometown of San Francisco, she finds it overrun with crime and corruption. Using her martial arts skills and Shaolin values, Nicky takes on the city's troubles while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her family. The CW series stars Olivia Liang and looks into themes of self-discovery, justice, and familial duty.More Kung Fu
- #107 of 409 onThe Best TV Shows Returning In 2022
- #35 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #130 of 949 onThe Best New TV Shows Of 2021
- 18Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John BishopTime travel, intergalactic adventures, and a dash of whimsy come together in the long-running British television series that has captured the hearts of viewers for decades. Doctor Who cleverly intertwines science fiction, drama, and occasional humor to create a universe where anything is possible. The ever-changing lead role of the Doctor, with Jodie Whittaker being the Thirteenth, is accompanied by a rotating cast of loyal companions, each bringing their own unique dynamic to the story. With numerous awards under its belt, including BAFTA and Hugo Awards, Doctor Who continues to be a staple in the realm of TV sci-fi, delivering fresh storylines and memorable characters that keep fans eagerly awaiting each new episode.More Doctor Who
- Dig Deeper...The Best TARDIS Interior Designs on Doctor Who
- And Deeper...21 Doctor Who TARDIS Tattoos
- #11 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- 19Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle PanabakerWhen a freak accident grants CSI Barry Allen superspeed, he uses the power to solve crimes.More The Flash
- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters On 'The Flash'
- #13 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #79 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- 20Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren CohanIn a world ravaged by an apocalyptic outbreak, The Walking Dead delves into the raw struggles and triumphs of humanity amidst a gruesome reality. This gripping drama series, which has garnered numerous accolades including a Golden Globe nomination, expertly balances heart-wrenching emotion with nail-biting action. Viewers follow the journey of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a former sheriff's deputy, as he navigates this unforgiving landscape alongside an ensemble of diverse and dynamic characters. As they face both flesh-hungry walkers and treacherous humans, their resilience and morality are put to the ultimate test, resulting in a thought-provoking exploration of survival and human nature.More The Walking Dead
- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Walking Dead' Characters, Ranked
- And Deeper...These Fan Theories About The Walking Dead Will Make You Question Everything
- #10 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 21Brandon Routh, Dominic Purcell, Caity LotzA time-traveling group of heroes and villains must confront formidable threats to reality itself.More Legends of Tomorrow
- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters On 'Legends of Tomorrow'
- #117 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #230 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 22
9-1-1
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver StarkThe lives and careers of emergency response providers who put their lives at risk to save others.More 9-1-1- #20 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #1 of 46 onThe Best Current Fox Shows
- #6 of 16 onThe Best Current Procedural Dramas
- 23Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, Mehcad BrooksIn a world where superheroes are often portrayed as male, Supergirl breaks the mold with its strong, female lead character Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist). The show skillfully blends action, drama, and humor to create an engaging narrative that appeals to a wide audience. Throughout the series, viewers witness the growth of Kara as she navigates her dual life as a reporter and a crime-fighter, facing off against various adversaries while also grappling with personal relationships. The show's well-crafted storylines and top-notch performances have earned it several award nominations, including Teen Choice Awards and Saturn Awards. Supergirl's fresh take on the superhero genre makes it a standout addition to the ever-growing roster of comic book adaptations.More Supergirl
- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters On 'Supergirl'
- And Deeper...Fan Theories About Supergirl
- #125 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- 24Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, April BowlbyIn a brilliantly offbeat and surreal foray into the superhero genre, Doom Patrol explores the lives of a group of misfits as they navigate their newfound powers and personal challenges. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast, including Robotman (Brendan Fraser), Crazy Jane (Diane Guerrero), and Elasti-Woman (April Bowlby), the series delves into darker themes with humor and heart, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Recognized for its exceptional storytelling and character development, Doom Patrol has been nominated for multiple awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Superhero Television Series. Amidst the chaos, viewers will find a compelling narrative that transcends traditional comic book adaptations.More Doom Patrol
- Dig Deeper...The Best Characters On 'Doom Patrol'
- And Deeper...The Best Doom Patrol Members
- #66 of 684 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- 25Jared Padalecki, Kale Culley, Violet BrinsonThe life of Cordell Walker, a widower and father of two with his own moral code.More Walker
- Dig Deeper...15 Times Sam And Dean From 'Supernatural' Were Basically Brothers In Real Life
- And Deeper...23 Pictures of Young Jared Padalecki
- #508 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 26Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Rubén BladesFear the Walking Dead, a riveting spin-off of the acclaimed series The Walking Dead, delves into the onset of the zombie apocalypse from a fresh perspective. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast led by Kim Dickens as Madison Clark, the show masterfully navigates the chaos and uncertainty that ensues as society collapses. With its rich character development and gripping storylines, Fear the Walking Dead has garnered numerous award nominations, including Saturn Awards for Best Horror Television Series. As the survivors grapple with their new reality, they must confront the horrors lurking around every corner while also facing the darkness within themselves.
- #219 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #195 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #27 of 207 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- 27Jason Beghe, Patrick Flueger, LaRoyce HawkinsChicago P.D.'s Intelligence Unit investigates formidable offenses to deliver justice for the city.More Chicago P.D.
- #23 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #40 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #89 of 207 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- 28Otto Farrant, Stephen Dillane, Vicky McClureStepping into the world of espionage, Alex Rider brings a fresh perspective to the spy genre with its youthful protagonist and engaging storytelling. Based on the popular book series by Anthony Horowitz, this thrilling TV adaptation has received critical acclaim and garnered a loyal fan base since its debut. The show follows the journey of teenage spy Alex Rider (Otto Farrant), who is recruited by a secret intelligence agency, as he navigates high-stakes missions and uncovers dangerous conspiracies. With its dynamic action sequences, compelling character development, and gripping plotlines, Alex Rider offers an immersive viewing experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.More Alex Rider
- #134 of 179 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
- #841 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #10 of 36 onThe Very Best British Teen Shows, Ranked
- 29
MacGyver
Lucas Till, Tristin Mays, Justin HiresIn an ingenious fusion of action, adventure, and problem-solving, the rebooted series pays homage to its classic '80s predecessor while incorporating modern twists. Viewers follow the resourceful Angus MacGyver (Lucas Till) as he uses his extraordinary intellect and unconventional methods to outwit adversaries and save countless lives. Nominated for multiple Teen Choice Awards, this show delves into the intricacies of teamwork and friendship, as MacGyver collaborates with a covert government organization, led by the stern but caring Patricia Thornton (Sandrine Holt). With each thrilling episode, audiences are treated to a masterclass in creative thinking and daring escapades.More MacGyver- #12 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #1 of 81 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #1 of 23 onThe Best '80s TV Reboots
- 30Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Fátima Molina, Horacio Garcia RojasA drug kingpin escapes a Mexican prison only to encounter deadly mutant zombies.
- #728 of 1,053 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #577 of 949 onThe Best New TV Shows Of 2021
- #24 of 46 onThe Best Zombie Related TV Series
