10 Action TV Shows Starring A-List Actors: Your Ultimate Guide

action tv shows keep us on the edge of our seats! There are so many of them that capture us and make those crazy thrills unforgettable! While these series can bring us to exciting, explosive action sequences, some stand out and include huge names of talented A-List stars who bring their incredible acting skills to these crazy stories!

Action-Packed Series:

When you're a movie buff you may wonder if some tv shows are only for smaller screens! However, you may notice how these shows have amazing actors who keep a huge fan base coming back for more.

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10 - The Old Man

Blended image of Angela, Dan, and Hamzad In The Old Man Image

You know it's going to be special If the story brings to life an Academy Award winner!

If you love Jeff Bridges! (The "The Big Lebowski" and "Crazy Heart" star!), he's got an incredible part in the show "The Old Man" where he gives us a take on Dan Chase!

For the series The Old Man, you might get a chance to check out his best work that comes in both action and drama sequences.

If you were not already convinced The Old Man is the show for you, get a glimpse at one of the most intriguing storylines!

Chase has some troubles, he lives an amazing life outside of society, a bit of a recluse for 30 years, then all of a sudden he has to start a brand-new chapter when an intruder attacks him.

It makes a powerful moment as he must hide his true identity!
He has to evade being targeted by the FBI!, all while being in an action-packed fight for his life!

A standout moment comes as Chase creates a bond with the help of Zoe. This series shows what Bridges can do on-screen! If you watch this show it will quickly make The Old Man one of your must-watch series! And there's more!

The Old Man (released in 2022) is set for season two!

FX already released the end of Season 1 and fans are looking forward to what "The Old Man" season 2 might have in store. Although a season 3 may or may not come to life, fans hope they get another set of incredible scenes that showcase Bridges and these characters who seem to always be at the heart of some great suspense!

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9 - The Night Manager

A star-studded cast! There are so many amazing stars to look out for and that's something that has helped "The Night Manager" be so popular, but for fans who are looking to watch, there's a special, memorable pair! The British spy thriller, "The Night Manager" really keeps audiences hooked as they discover that it will have a new Season 2 and Season 3 to see how the incredible actors on-screen can really bring the action and suspense to life!

To say The Night Manager is incredibly intriguing, might be an understatement. This series has such a huge array of stars! The stars who stole the show were the most well known and The Favorites! This series really shines as we watch a show packed full of talented individuals!

You see Tom Hiddleston (an awesome star who's in the MCU), take on a totally new role as the mysterious and talented Jonathan Pine.
Fans of Olivia Colman know she was so memorable as "Queen Anne". She plays an incredible character, "Angela Burr. What she does as a main character in The Night Manager!

This exciting, mysterious series has its suspenseful moments, keeping you guessing at what might be behind those characters that get wrapped into an intense mission with illegal arms dealing. It gives audiences a glimpse into how this exciting mission unfolds. It all takes a twist! When "Pine" has to use some of his prior skills and experience from being a military agent, and all the while trying to protect his own secret, an almost unbelievable mission. In just "The Night Manager," these characters form a great connection and "Burr" and "Pine" get audiences paying close attention to their incredible moments on-screen!

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8 - The Witcher

If you haven't checked out this incredible series based on the novels from Andrzej Sapkowski "The Witcher" is one for your list. A truly awesome medieval world is packed with mystical and dangerous characters and stories. The cast for the series is equally incredible, though with one notable change! The lead for the next season will see a new actor as he takes on this huge responsibility!

We get to see Henry Cavill who stars as Geralt of Rivia, also famous for Superman in other DC adaptations! While it was announced recently that he'd be moving onto a different journey, the latest series on Netflix (that came out in 2019), season four has some exciting new developments with Liam Hemsworth. While there's so much that has already come to the screens, the show is also well-known for having multiple seasons and this includes Season 2 and Season 3 where fans got a glimpse of what a new season may hold! The incredible action of Geralt of Rivia! And this includes so many intense sword-fighting scenes as well. What's also interesting, is that we can't get enough of the show's awesome, complex, lore that adds to this amazing storyline.

So while there might have been a shock as "The Witcher swapped its stars out, there is nothing but optimism for the show, even if it's on a different path. Liam Hemsworth is known for taking on amazing roles! While "The Witcher" will certainly be different as the star makes a huge change to the series.

It's really worth it, as these kinds of roles will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, making the series feel just as cool and dynamic as if it's the first time fans see "Geralt take on this amazing character!

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7 - Rabbit Hole

"Rabbit Hole" had a fast-paced run but it left a major mark on audiences. The star for the show? None other than "Kiefer Sutherland". A star who is most famous as the big shot character, "Jack Bauer,". This was back in 2004! That is quite a few years! So you may notice, Sutherland isn't stuck in a genre box, even though it might feel that way, and has worked in several action movies and titles. But this is one series that really shows how versatile the actor can be.

What makes this such a cool story, is Sutherland's new character, John Weir, who becomes an incredibly complex spy agent. In fact, John Weir had a twist that brought things into an unexpected dimension!

Weir gets accused of a crime
He tries to fight and get to the heart of what made the truth.

Fans were so hooked on "Rabbit Hole" but as much as they enjoyed it, the series ended rather quickly.

There have been some rumors, that the series might make a big comeback, though right now Paramount+, has confirmed it was canceled back in 2023. A loss, as fans wanted a little more insight! However, with just one season that hit big! "Rabbit Hole" still had its exciting moments as Sutherland was truly amazing at delivering! He brought to the role, the skills of action and a dash of wit, something audiences aren't always able to see from this actor!

6 - Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

A transformation in Hollywood history! If there's an "actor" that really is incredible! That’s John Krasinski. Those that enjoyed "The Office," will really be wowed by his work now! He is so diverse in this new show.

He's done amazing work in acting! That means Krasinski even does a little directing for those that loved "A Quiet Place." He is an awesome performer! A super versatile talent with Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan which stars the CIA analyst, Jack Ryan!! Ryan is no ordinary guy. While he's doing his day-to-day, work. It turns out, this ordinary desk job had something crazy attached!

While many have praised "Jack Ryan" as a character who gives us that thriller type of excitement, what makes this series so powerful is that it includes a unique twist. He must also find a way to handle some dangerous tasks. As the show goes through so many events that change his life. And these moments are truly a roller coaster, for any fan!

Jack Ryan also has a new set of dangers as each new season gives audiences a fresh take, making sure they'll want more, to learn about these intricate plots. But he gets to see the darker side of this world that brings a blend of humor.

5 - The Terminal List

Those who follow the awesome Chris Pratt know that the actor was part of "Parks and Recreation.", a must watch, lighthearted show, which shows the star's vast range!

But this actor is much more than just a lighthearted figure! Fans will enjoy the thrill as Pratt plays "James Reece," and gets involved in another dramatic take on the Navy. He's well known as "Star-Lord" in the "Guardians of the Galaxy." series but has some other impressive roles, as well. For this amazing, complex storyline "Reece" takes the lead for the "The Terminal List." It’s not as lighthearted as what you’ve seen him play, because in this action-packed series we see how difficult the story can get. "Reece" is challenged by moments that make him feel so lost! That's right he questions who he really is and it gets him through a long journey! As he must track down those who brought tragedy into his world! That means dealing with enemies who have done a lot of harm and violence.

You are going to see a darker version of Pratt and just how the actor can truly shine in any situation. Get ready because you've been wanting another set of moments to watch and "The Terminal List" (currently on Amazon Prime) will not disappoint. The newest installment will release its new season. And this time "Reece" is up against a lot more, getting pulled into a story with dangerous acts that will keep fans captivated as they look for more episodes from the show!

4 - The Last of Us

What makes a TV show great? Well a star-studded cast, that’s a great starting point. And that's certainly what makes The Last of Us such a must-see. Fans have gotten used to seeing Pedro Pascal (as "Oberyn Martell," from Game of Thrones! And for those who may have seen this series. It also features "Bella Ramsey.".

What makes these shows even more powerful, is Pascal's amazing talent for playing a role!

If you've had a chance to check it out, Pascal plays a fantastic character "Joel Miller". "The Last Of Us" was developed into a video game, and in 2023 it was reimagined as a TV show. Fans really fell in love with "The Last Of Us" as we got to see such a tragic, yet powerful moment where he is so struggling with loss!

"The Last of Us " is about a time when society crumbles! There's this awful viral outbreak that devastates people's lives.
You get a glimpse of his amazing performance as "Joel," who, at this moment, has an intense desire to just want to survive, yet it becomes more complicated as the series goes along!

There's a super unexpected meeting in the series that really throws him for a loop, Ellie who is played by the talented Ramsey. It’s almost as if a powerful relationship, and bond is born. They do a lot more than just surviving as they end up having intense battles.

3 - Hijack

You can't have these incredible TV shows without another Apple TV+ favorite!

Idris Elba brings the excitement as he stars as "Sam Nelson," in "Hijack"! An incredibly engaging series!

The premise of "Hijack" has some really intriguing concepts. When "Nelson" goes on an airplane. He had no clue a crazy mission awaits!

The best part, he has no control but must work through the problem! As a negotiator, this actor shows off just what he's capable of as he's challenged. Elba has some amazing acting credentials. Those who watched "Luther" or "The Wire"! Will get a glimpse into the series’ story, he really proves just what an incredible, versatile actor he is!

2 - Alias

This series is not as well-known as others on this list, but Alias has had such an impressive impact on those who were fans. And there is something even more surprising! A Golden Globe nominated "Jennifer Garner." who's really known for rom-coms.

It looks like Garner can bring an entire world of magic. While you've been laughing along, the actress takes on a powerful, action-packed character, who is also an agent. Fans are now enjoying Alias even more with the arrival of the show on Disney+. "Sydney Bristow" a double agent. As a skilled "spy," she finds herself always balancing a lot of competing realities.

Alias will keep you thinking as this intriguing spy thriller and sci-fi action story makes its way onto your list.

1 - The Gentlemen

Get ready for the most memorable characters and amazing action!

You can find a really special, and dynamic series that came out in 2024 as a spin-off. If you’ve ever watched "The Gentlemen," the Guy Richie classic, then you will definitely want to watch the television show "The Gentlemen."!

It looks to have even more thrills!

You may be wondering who the star of the show is? The talented "Theo James,"

This series will take us to the drug trade that has become such a big business all while making it into something cool, social, and a bit crazy. "James," (known for films such as "Divergent"), has this awesome character who gets into a truly chaotic position! When his dad unexpectedly passes away, the property goes to him! A crazy inheritance, and it looks to bring a whole new adventure!

This will have viewers tuning in.

It also brings to light a couple of characters that fans really love!

"Susie Glass" (played by "Kaya Scodelario").

"Scodelario" takes over her father’s operation. "The Gentlemen" will be full of these memorable stars. For fans who like fast-paced action, this series might just be the perfect fix! There's certainly lots to discover! It also takes viewers back into a very entertaining, action-heavy story! There is so much energy with "James" and "Scodelario" together and really gives us something that keeps those action, adventure fans excited about the genre!

"The Gentlemen" will give viewers everything that was great in the film, a brand new perspective and characters! So while the action is at its core! We also get the beauty, and sometimes hilarious, moments of this great series! It really takes "The Gentlemen" to new levels that no one will be able to ignore!