Thrillers generally fall into two types: those that build suspense gradually, like Silo and Severance, and those that are action-packed from beginning to end. The fast-paced ones demand your full attention – you won’t want to miss a moment, or even pause to get a snack! They’re ideal for binge-watching because each episode seamlessly leads into the next, pulling you into a captivating story.
I’ve definitely binged a few of these – sometimes in one go, or over a couple of evenings. They vary in length, from short series to shows with many seasons. But if you’re looking for something to relax with that will actually hold your attention – and not make you reach for your phone – certain thrillers are perfect.
’24’ (2001–2010, 2014)
Image via Fox
The TV show 24 gives the impression it might have quiet moments, but it’s almost non-stop action. Kiefer Sutherland plays Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent in Los Angeles who constantly works to prevent attacks and save lives. He’s famous for being relentlessly on the go – barely eating or even taking bathroom breaks! Just when he eliminates one danger, another one immediately appears, keeping the tension high. (It’s truly exhausting to watch!)
Throughout the show 24, you often see Chloe O’Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) working tirelessly at headquarters. Using her computer expertise, she supports Jack Bauer on his missions, often shown simultaneously on a split-screen. Each season delivers intense, high-stakes action, whether the team is stopping an assassination or taking down a drug cartel.
‘The Night Agent’ (2023–)
Netflix
The beginning of The Night Agent offers a brief moment of peace, introducing us to young FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) quietly monitoring a special hotline in the White House. But as soon as that phone rings, his life quickly descends into chaos. The show is a non-stop thrill ride filled with intense chases, shootings, and complex conspiracies.
Throughout the first two seasons of The Night Agent, and continuing into Season 2 which arrives February 19, 2026, Peter is constantly on the move, fighting to protect people and getting very little rest. Season 2 kicks off with an exciting car chase and shootout, immediately grabbing your attention, and maintains that fast pace. Season 3 looks set to be just as action-packed.
‘Reacher’ (2022–)
Prime Video
The Amazon Prime Video series Reacher stars Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson), a former military police officer who’s always pursuing justice. Based on Lee Child’s novels, the show follows Reacher as he travels the country taking down criminals, often working alongside local law enforcement. He’s incredibly strong, determined, and skilled, allowing him to succeed where others would fail – or wouldn’t even try.
Each season brings bigger and more dangerous challenges for Reacher, from protecting a key witness for the DEA to seeking justice for a fallen colleague. These cases hit close to home for him, and the show is relentlessly paced, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a gripping experience that mirrors the addictive quality of Lee Child’s books, constantly pulling you in and making it hard to look away.
‘Bodyguard’ (2018)
Netflix
The thrilling series Bodyguard starts with a tense scene on a train. David Budd, a former soldier now working as a security officer, is traveling with his children when he realizes something isn’t right. He quickly spots a bomb and immediately takes charge, and even his calm focus creates a gripping sense of danger – you’re left holding your breath, expecting him to survive but fearing the worst. This explosive opening sets the stage for the show’s fast-paced plot. The story then follows David as he begins a new assignment protecting Julia Montague, the Home Secretary, and they both become entangled in dangerous conspiracies.
Things get much more intense when David is accused of a crime, and his fragile mental state leads to a nail-biting climax. With only six episodes, Bodyguard is incredibly easy to watch all at once—and you might just find yourself doing exactly that! (We won’t blame you.)
‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)
NBC
While The Blacklist lost its way in later seasons, especially after Megan Boone’s departure, the first half of the show feels remarkably similar to a streaming series. James Spader stars as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a notorious criminal who surprisingly surrenders to the FBI with a deal: he’ll help them catch the most dangerous criminals, but only if he can continue operating on his own terms.
Red isn’t who he seems – he’s secretly working to create his own powerful network, and he’s using the takedowns of these criminals to achieve it. He also shares a mysterious, undisclosed connection with Liz, which constantly leaves her anxious and confused, and that tension is palpable for viewers. Be aware that The Blacklist doesn’t offer a fully satisfying conclusion, but the early seasons are compelling thanks to the fascinating criminals, effective police investigations, and Red’s captivatingly calm, yet intimidating, presence.
‘Paradise’ (2025–)
Hulu
The second season of Paradise arrives on February 23, 2026. This gripping political thriller, set in a post-apocalyptic world, is full of unexpected twists that will make you want to watch it again immediately. The story follows Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), the head of the president’s security team, as he gets caught up in a scandal after President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) is discovered dead.
After a surprising reveal at the end of the first episode, the show quickly becomes a high-stakes battle as Xavier attempts to build a resistance against the formidable and secretive billionaire, Samantha “Sinatra” Redmond (Julianne Nicholson). Season 2 introduces a fresh setting and a compelling new group of characters, maintaining the same thrilling pace with occasional quieter moments.
‘The Following’ (2013–2015)
Fox
Many fans feel The Following was canceled prematurely. The show centers on a dangerous game of cat and mouse between ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) and the charismatic serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy), a former professor who leads a devoted cult. Even after Ryan helped put Joe in prison, Joe continues to cause trouble through his followers. When Joe escapes, Ryan must do everything he can to protect innocent people, including Joe’s ex-wife, Claire (Natalie Zea), with whom Ryan shares a complicated history.
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The Following is a thrilling TV series guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Kevin Purefoy gave an outstanding performance as a killer who was both charismatic and unsettling. Even the slower parts of each episode cleverly set the stage for the shocking twists to come. It’s been ten years since the show ended after three seasons, but this crime thriller is absolutely worth revisiting.
‘Gangs of London’ (2020–)
Sky/AMC
Gangs of London is a fast-paced and incredibly violent show about the power struggles between different gangs in London. The murder of a major crime boss throws the city’s criminal underworld into chaos, sparking intense and brutal conflicts between Albanian, Kurdish, Pakistani, and other rival groups.
A fourth season of Gangs of London is coming, though we don’t have a premiere date yet. Be warned – it’s a very violent show! But if you can handle the graphic content, the gripping story is definitely worth watching. With three seasons and 25 episodes already available, it’s consistently exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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2026-02-12 06:35