The saying goes that revenge is best when it’s carefully planned and delivered without haste. But it’s also incredibly satisfying to watch on screen – especially when it involves a slow build-up of tension, plenty of action, a little bit of enjoying someone else’s misfortune, and a strong sense of fairness being served.
These TV shows deliver satisfying revenge stories slowly, letting viewers enjoy the thrill of taking justice into their own hands without the guilt or complications of doing so in real life.
Knives out…
1. The Night Manager (BBC iPlayer)
Tom Hiddleston plays Jonathan Pine, a man determined to get revenge for the death of his secret love, Sophie. His target is Richard Roper, a dangerous arms dealer played by Hugh Laurie, who is known as “the worst man in the world.”
Pine finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, working secretly with intelligence agencies to expose Roper. The season two finale has just been released, and with a third season already planned, the suspenseful story continues.
2. Beef (Netflix)
What starts as a minor parking lot disagreement between Danny Cho and Amy Lau quickly escalates into a major conflict, as both begin to use the situation to vent their frustrations with each other.
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It starts with a small act of revenge, but quickly spirals into something wild, intense, and totally captivating. Blending dark humor with thrilling suspense, this show expertly builds tension. Plus, a brand new season – with a fresh story and cast, featuring Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan – premieres on April 16th.
3. Frauds (ITVX)
Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker play Bert and Sam, two old criminal partners who reconnect in sunny Spain. Bert has recently been released from prison early due to a serious illness.
Bert convinces a hesitant Sam to help with a major art theft, and their shared history quickly complicates things. Past resentments – Bert served time while protecting a secret from Sam – resurface and create tension as unexpected events unfold.
4. Revenge (Channel 4)
The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic tale of revenge, exploring whether seeking justice can be harmful and showcasing the power of newfound wealth. This new adaptation brings the story to the present day, featuring Emily VanCamp as a mysterious woman who arrives in the wealthy Hamptons determined to avenge the injustices suffered by her and her family.
5. The Boys (Prime Video)
Never was a story of more woe than this of Wee Hughie and his luckless girlfriend Robin.
Hughie is a regular guy whose life changes forever when his girlfriend is accidentally killed by a superhero. Seeking justice, he joins a chaotic and unpredictable group of vigilantes determined to take down a powerful team of heroes who have become dangerously corrupt. Prepare to be surprised by just how far they’ve fallen.
With its sharp and often shocking humor, The Boys is a scathing critique of celebrity obsession, far-right ideologies, and the outrageous behavior we often accept from those in the spotlight. It’s not delicate, but it’s consistently bold, impactful, and genuinely funny.
6. The Glory (Netflix)
Netflix has become well-known for its high-quality Korean shows, and this series was one of the first big dramatic successes to follow the popularity of Squid Game.
When Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) was in school, she was severely bullied by her classmates, and felt abandoned by both the school and her mother. Her experiences were so incredibly difficult, they almost felt unbelievable.
Now, years after the bullying, those who tormented her are thriving, while Dong-eun works as an elementary school teacher. She carefully works her way into their lives, setting in motion a detailed and calculated plan for revenge.
7. Reunion (BBC iPlayer)
I just finished watching Reunion, and it’s a really gripping drama. It centers around Daniel, played by Matthew Gurney, who’s a deaf ex-con. He gets out of prison and is totally focused on tracking down the people he believes wrongly sent him away. A cool thing about the show is that parts of it are actually in British Sign Language, which adds a whole other layer to the story.
The series begins as a straightforward revenge tale, but quickly becomes more complex – especially with Anne-Marie Duff in the cast. It delves into themes of anger, long-held secrets, and the pursuit of truth, all within a concise four-episode run.
8. Doctor Foster (BBC iPlayer)
Doctor Foster is a gripping drama packed with psychological suspense, and it’s a fantastic vehicle for Suranne Jones, who brilliantly plays a woman determined to get revenge on her unfaithful husband.
Jodie Comer, Bertie Carvel, and Victoria Hamilton join forces with Jones in this captivating thriller. It proved so popular that a second series was created, and a third is currently in development.
9. Happy Valley (BBC iPlayer)
Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire, is a hugely memorable character – so much so that Lancashire is now jokingly selling Yorkshire Tea as a nod to the role.
Despite its upbeat title, the show is actually quite serious. Sergeant Catherine Cawood is determined to track down Tommy Lee Royce, the man responsible for the assault that led to her daughter’s suicide.
As a fan, I just have to say this show is amazing! It’s packed with intense crime, really emotional family moments, and the ending of season three is so good – totally worth watching from the very beginning. I was hooked from episode one!
10. Malice (Prime Video)
This dark thriller follows Adam (Jack Whitehall), a tutor who seeks revenge on wealthy financier Jamie (David Duchovny), whom he blames for his parents’ death. Adam cleverly gets a job as a ‘manny’ for Jamie’s family and uses manipulation to disrupt their lives, causing emotional, financial, and psychological turmoil.
Okay, so the latest issue of Living Legends just dropped, and it’s all about Harry Styles! It’s a massive 100-page, full-color magazine, and honestly, it’s a must-have for any fan. I just grabbed my copy – you can find it at newsagents or online for only £8.99.
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2026-04-05 11:20