7 tense shows to watch after Hostage to keep the thrill of that pulse-pounding series lasting longer

If you found yourself completely engrossed in the series Hostage from the very first episode and still feel drained after watching its thrilling finale, then you’re not alone – many viewers are in the same boat!

The latest political thriller on Netflix, featuring Suranne Jones as a captivating British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton and Julie Delpy as the powerful French President Vivienne Toussaint, is hard to resist. Much of its appeal lies in the exceptional acting from these two main characters.

Initially, a strong competition arose between two influential figures, each facing personal struggles against the established patriarchal system. Over time, this antagonistic relationship evolved into a powerful alliance, though it came with a mix of joy and regretful outcomes.

What to Read Next

1. 24 (TV Series) – A fast-paced drama about a day in the life of anti-terrorist agent Jack Bauer, who must thwart a major terrorist attack in Los Angeles within 24 hours.

2. Homeland (TV Series) – An intelligence officer comes home from eight years fighting terrorism overseas only to find her job taken by a younger, more tech-savvy CIA operative.

3. The Wire (TV Series) – Tells the story of Baltimore’s drug scene through the eyes of law enforcement and the drug dealers themselves.

4. Prison Break (TV Series) – Two brothers attempt to break out of prison by staging an intricate plan that will take them all over the world in search of innocence which was lost behind bars.

5. Alias (TV Series) – A young woman is recruited by a top-secret U.S. government agency to be a spy and an agent, taking on the most dangerous missions in the world.

6. The Blacklist (TV Series) – A new criminal threat emerges every week as Raymond “Red” Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, works with the agency to bring down a list of criminals that matter the most.

7. Designated Survivor (TV Series) – An lower-level cabinet member survives an attack on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union, and is subsequently asked to become President of the United States.

The Diplomat

In the midst of a global predicament, the freshly appointed U.S. ambassador to the UK, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), finds herself charged with lessening hostilities and forging tactical partnerships.

In this scenario, she needs to handle everything as she adjusts to her new role, and at the same time, her tumultuous marriage with a prominent politician seems to be nearing its end.

Black Doves

While Black Doves may differ from Hostage, both share a powerful female-centric storyline and a gripping, intense atmosphere. Therefore, one could say that Black Doves resides in the same narrative neighborhood as Jones’ political thriller, offering similar elements that enthusiasts of the genre will appreciate.

This compelling limited series centers around Helen Webb, played by Keira Knightley, who is both an undercover agent and the wife of a prominent politician. A deeply personal tragedy sets her on a path to uncover the truth and seek vengeance. Yet, she doesn’t embark on this journey alone; an old assassin friend lends her his assistance. In addition to Knightley, the cast includes Ben Whishaw (known for his role in Skyfall) and Sarah Lancashire (acclaimed for her work in Happy Valley). Black Doves is their shared endeavor.

The Assassin

If someone understands the challenges of working in a profession predominantly filled with men, similar to Abigail Dalton played by Suranne Jones, then they are familiar with the experiences of Julie, portrayed by Keely Hawes, from ‘The Assassin’.

In the latest Prime Video series, a former hitwoman is compelled to flee alongside her distant son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore). However, her hazardous history catches up and seeks retribution. During their journey, they stumble upon a sinister plot that jeopardizes an already strained bond between them.

The Night Manager

If you enjoy stories that delve into political intrigue and underhanded dealings, then you should undoubtedly consider adding ‘The Night Manager’ to your watchlist.

In this suspenseful drama, Tom Hiddleston plays the role of Jonathan Pine, who has transitioned from being a soldier to managing a high-end hotel at night. However, things become intricate for him when he takes on a job from a prominent official heading a special task force within the Foreign Office.

With new seasons of the hit show on the way, there’s no better time to revisit The Night Manager.

Scandal

The Shonda Rhimes show seems to be filled with more scandals than President Vivienne Toussaint’s single instance of questionable behavior might imply.

The Shonda Rhimes show is packed with so many scandals that it reminds one of President Vivienne Toussaint’s solitary moment of impropriety.

As a devoted admirer might put it, I’m often referred to as the “fixer,” with my name being Olivia Pope. From my strategic base in the heart of Washington D.C., I lead a dynamic team who specialize in smoothing over the mishaps of those wielding power, including the political elite.

The Recruit

In the high-octane thriller, Noah Centineo, famously known from “To All The Boys,” takes on the role of Owen Hendricks, a freshly enlisted CIA attorney.

In his first week at work, events take an unexpected turn when he discovers a menacing letter from a former agent, Max Meladze (portrayed by Laura Haddock). Owen then finds himself navigating through a challenging and unpredictable landscape of power struggles and mysterious characters, as described by Netflix.

Day of the Jackal

In the drama Day of the Jackal, either the politicians’ spouses are in peril, or it’s the politicians themselves who are under threat – quite often, they’re the ones at risk.

In a nutshell, Eddie Redmayne portrays The Jackal, a cunning and evasive hitman, who’s pursued relentlessly by intelligence agent Bianca, skillfully played by Lashana Lynch.

As I traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Europe, I find myself locked in an intriguing game of cat and mouse. However, with each passing turn, the mystery deepens, and it’s evident that unseen forces are pulling the strings behind this grand chase…

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2025-08-23 19:50