Reacher was an instant hit for Amazon Prime Video when Season 1 was released in 2022, and it’s not difficult to figure out why. The series is based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, following the titular Jack Reacher (played by Alan Ritchson), a former military policeman who puts his unique mix of brawn and brains to good use as he travels around the U.S. solving mysteries and cracking skulls. The show captures the essence of the books, bringing to life the thrilling adventures of a man who is not only physically imposing but also incredibly intelligent. Viewers are drawn to Reacher’s no-nonsense attitude and his ability to outsmart his opponents, making it a compelling watch for fans of action and mystery alike.
Now that Season 2 is out and the episodes are being released weekly instead of all at once, we’ve got a hankering for some more shows like Reacher while we wait for the next episode. The anticipation builds as we eagerly await each new installment, craving the excitement and tension that the series delivers. To help fill that void, we put together some recommendations for shows like Reacher. From action-packed thrillers to gripping detective stories and other adaptations from popular paperback novels, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained. So, grab a cup of black coffee and a slice of peach pie, and settle in to watch some wisecracking antiheroes beat up some bad guys. These shows promise to deliver the same adrenaline rush and engaging storytelling that made Reacher such a hit.
The Old Man
2022 was a pretty good year for shows featuring men chasing conspiracies with more than just muscle, and while Reacher was one of the best, my vote for THE best of the year would be FX’s The Old Man. Based on the 2017 novel by Thomas Perry, The Old Man stars Jeff Bridges as Dan Chase, a former CIA operative whose life in hermitic retirement is disrupted when someone tries to kill him. This shocking event sends him down a path of revenge and redemption that forces him to confront his past. Like Reacher, Chase is direct, sharp, and can put a man down in ways you’d never expect. However, Chase is sitting on a bed of secrets, which are doled out in excellent fashion throughout the seven white-knuckle episodes. The storytelling is tight, and the pacing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman, and Alia Shawkat also star, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. If you like Reacher, you’ll love The Old Man, as it offers a similar blend of action, intrigue, and character development.
The Terminal List
Amazon has carved out a niche as the streaming home for action shows based on novel series. The streamer started with Bosch, perfected the model with Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (both shows are on this list), and scaled it this year with Reacher and The Terminal List. The Terminal List, which is based on a novel by former Navy SEAL Jack Carr, follows a rogue SEAL played by Chris Pratt on a mission to get revenge on the people that orchestrated a conspiracy that caused great suffering for him and his loved ones. The testosterone-fueled thriller is a Reacher-sized hit, delivering intense action sequences and a gripping storyline. The biggest difference between the shows is that Reacher has a sense of humor and The Terminal List does not. While both series feature strong protagonists who face overwhelming odds, the tone of The Terminal List is darker and more serious, focusing on themes of betrayal and vengeance. This makes it a compelling watch for those who enjoy a more somber take on the action genre.
Sherlock
Another fantastic show that fans of Reacher might enjoy is the modern adaptation of Sherlock. This series reimagines the classic detective stories of Arthur Conan Doyle, bringing the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson into the 21st century. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the titular character, showcasing Holmes’s incredible deductive skills and sharp wit. The show is filled with clever plots, intriguing mysteries, and a unique blend of humor and drama. Each episode is a self-contained story, making it easy to jump in at any point. The chemistry between Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who plays Watson, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the series. If you appreciate the cleverness and problem-solving aspects of Reacher, you will likely find Sherlock to be equally captivating.
In conclusion, while we eagerly await the next episode of Reacher, there are plenty of other shows to dive into that offer similar thrills and excitement. Whether you prefer the intense action of The Old Man, the revenge-driven narrative of The Terminal List, or the clever mysteries of Sherlock, there is something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy these fantastic series that will keep you entertained until Reacher returns with more adventures.
