‘Reacher’ Fans Will Love These ’90s Action Shows

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With Season 4 of Reacher still a ways off, fans might be looking for something similar to watch while they wait for Jack Reacher to return. Luckily, there are plenty of options! If you enjoy the action in Reacher, here are some ’90s shows that could hit the spot.

Action movie lovers are enjoying a fantastic era right now, but the 1990s were just as exciting. Today, we have great action films like Sisu and Nobody in theaters, and shows like Reacher on TV. Back in the ‘90s, fans could leave movies like True Lies and Face/Off and then continue the fun with action-packed TV shows at home.

10
‘Tropical Heat’ (1991 – 1993)

The iconic theme song of Tropical Heat, created by Fred Mollin, immediately draws you in, and the show quickly captivates you for its entire run. The series centers on Nick Slaughter (Rob Stewart), a former DEA agent who now works as a private investigator, solving mysteries in the made-up Florida resort town of Key Mariah. Despite his colorful shirts, Nick is far from lazy – he’s a skilled and effective investigator.

Initially, Tropical Heat (sometimes called Sweating Bullets) seems very similar to Magnum P.I., but it quickly establishes its own identity. While Magnum was known for his mustache, the hero of this show, Slaughter, sports a ponytail. Plus, Slaughter is more charming and successful with women – think James Bond with a bit more action. The action itself isn’t revolutionary, but the show features a wide range of interesting villains, making it consistently entertaining. And the show is visually stunning – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful series.

9
‘Cobra’ (1993 – 1994)

If you enjoy action shows featuring stars from the 1980s and 90s, check out Cobra. Don’t confuse it with the classic Sylvester Stallone film, though! This series stars Michael Dudikoff (known from American Ninja) as Robert “Scandal” Jackson, Jr., a former Navy SEAL who went missing after a failed operation. He’s eventually persuaded to work with COBRA, a secret organization dedicated to fighting crime.

Beyond its exciting action, Cobra is a remarkably well-made show. Its unique visual style – characterized by bold colors, dramatic shadows, and unusual camera angles – became a hallmark of creator Stephen J. Cannell’s future work. These techniques powerfully emphasized the show’s themes of social unrest and the characters’ emotional struggles. It’s unfortunate that only one season was ever made.

8
‘La Femme Nikita’ (1997 – 2001)

Don’t confuse it with the 2010s series! The original La Femme Nikita is much better – a raw, brutal story where kindness doesn’t survive. Based on Luc Besson’s film, the show follows Peta Wilson as a woman wrongly accused of murder who is then turned into a trained killer by a shadowy organization.

The TV series La Femme Nikita was created by Joel Surnow, who also made 24, so you can expect plenty of intense action. It’s a fun and thought-provoking show that explores the world of secret organizations, but it also raises unsettling questions about who’s really in control. The acting is fantastic across the board, with Roy Dupuis particularly captivating as Nikita’s partner.

7
‘The Sentinel’ (1996 – 1999)

It’s no secret that solving crimes would be simpler with a hero who has abilities beyond the norm. But we’re not talking about full-blown superpowers – just slightly enhanced senses. That’s exactly what we get in The Sentinel. After a plane crash in Peru, ex-Army Ranger Jim Ellison (Richard Burgi) rejoins the Cascade Police Department with incredibly sharp senses of sight, smell, hearing, and taste. Consider this a warning to criminals!

Let’s be real – no one can actually sniff out a criminal mastermind from a distance, and honestly, is Reacher ever concerned with being realistic? What’s really great about the show is how it highlights the power of teamwork. While Ellison often seems like a lone wolf, he occasionally gets lost in thought and misses obvious threats, leaving it to his partner to step in and save him – which is always entertaining! Plus, the show isn’t just about action; it also features compelling character development and personal stories.

6
‘Counterstrike’ (1990 – 1993)

Counterstrike features Christopher Plummer as Alexander Addington, a wealthy businessman whose wife is kidnapped. He creates a highly skilled, private team to save her and fight international crime that official agencies can’t control, leading to a series of exciting adventures.

I absolutely love Counterstrike! Honestly, the story isn’t the most important part – it’s all about the incredible action and how visually stunning it is. The camera work is so smooth and creative, it really pulls you into this wild, over-the-top adventure that anyone can enjoy. And, as usual, Plummer is fantastic as the leader, and the whole cast really delivers. It feels like this series is just begging for a fresh start on a streaming service – it would be amazing to see it rebooted!

5
‘Martial Law’ (1998 – 2000)

As a huge fan of action comedies, I really enjoyed Martial Law. It definitely owes a lot to Jackie Chan’s style – you can see the inspiration in the fun, over-the-top action. But it’s not just a copycat! Sammo Hung brings something fresh to the table as Sammo Law, a Chinese law officer and martial arts master. The story follows him traveling to Los Angeles to find a friend, and things just escalate from there, leading to him sticking around in the US. It’s a really fun ride!

The show was revolutionary because Hung was the first East Asian actor to lead a primetime series in the US. Despite not being fully fluent in English, his character doesn’t speak much—similar to the character Sisu—which surprisingly adds to his cool and powerful presence. Today, the show’s simple, practical effects actually enhance its appeal. Combined with the engaging supporting characters and their cleverness, the series remains incredibly enjoyable even decades after it first aired.

4
‘Pointman’ (1995)

In the TV series Pointman, Connie Harper (played by Jack Scalia) always bounces back from setbacks. After being wrongly accused of a crime and later cleared, he leaves his corporate life behind and starts a new career as a problem-solver in Florida. This new job quickly puts him face-to-face with all sorts of criminals and troublemakers.

As a movie buff, I was really intrigued by Pointman, another creation from Joel Surnow. He teamed up with Steve Hattman and Maurice Hurley to really dig into how people change, how we present ourselves, and what all that does to who we are. The directors did an amazing job visually – it’s gorgeous to look at, and they constantly blur the line between what’s real and what isn’t, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a fantastic mix of action and artistry, a really compelling look at crime and what’s right and wrong. And even when the main character starts to fall apart mentally, the show does such a good job that you still find yourself rooting for him.

3
‘The Marshall’ (1995)

In the film The Marshall, Jeff Fahey plays Winston MacBride, a dedicated family man and Deputy U.S. Marshal known for relentlessly tracking down criminals. He’s the type who won’t stop until he finds his target and brings them to justice – though he’s not quite as intense as Liam Neeson’s action heroes.

The Marshall feels like a big-screen movie thanks to its impressive sound and visuals. It’s no wonder the episode “Hitwoman” received an Emmy nomination for outstanding sound editing. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the show’s $1 million per episode budget was primarily spent on technical production, not actor salaries, which accounts for its high-quality look and feel. Jeff Hafey also deserves recognition for his work, proving he has the talent to succeed at a higher level.

2
‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ (1993 – 2001)

Most big action movie stars avoided television in the 1980s and 90s, but Chuck Norris was an exception. He took a chance by playing Cordell Walker, a tough but honorable Texas Ranger who was known for his signature kick, in Walker, Texas Ranger. Surprisingly, the show actually brought him the biggest part of his audience. This was largely because it was broadcast in over 100 countries, making it one of the most widely distributed American TV series ever.

From 1995 to 1999, Walker, Texas Ranger consistently ranked among the top 25 television shows, which is quite a feat! The show’s focus on martial arts and its dramatic use of slow motion were clearly influenced by Chuck Norris’ previous films, especially Lone Wolf McQuade. However, this modern Western action series is exceptional in its own right, delivering one of the most memorable police stories ever. And who could forget the iconic opening theme, with its unforgettable guitar riffs?

1
‘Renegade’ (1992 – 1997)

When it comes to iconic theme songs and opening sequences, nothing tops Renegade. The narration – “He was a cop… and good at his job… but he committed the ultimate sin and testified against other corrupt cops” – still gives me chills! It’s about Reno Raines (Lorenzo Lamas), a former police officer who’s now a private investigator, cruising around on a Harley-Davidson. He’s arguably the coolest action hero ever.

The show’s iconic opening voiceover, narrated by the incredible Donald LaFontaine (known as ‘The Voice of God’), played a huge part in its success. Another memorable element was the Native American sidekick, Bobby Six Killer (Branscombe Richmond), and his Humvee. Seeing the Humvee and the hero’s motorcycle together was a real treat. It’s a shame we don’t see more shows with a hero who rides a motorcycle – it’s a winning formula, as fans of shows like Sons of Anarchy can attest. Renegade deserves a full article dedicated to its greatness, and I plan to write one soon.

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2026-04-06 03:36