Prime Video’s Hard-Hitting Series With A Near-Perfect RT Score Is Defining Action Thrillers Right Now

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Great TV shows come along in every decade, but only a few truly shape an entire genre as they’re being broadcast. Battlestar Galactica did that for science fiction in the 2000s, and the Game of Thrones universe continues to define fantasy on television. While Marvel and DC have tried, it’s Prime Video‘s The Boys that has become the defining superhero show of the late 2010s and early 2020s.

Action thrillers are harder to categorize than genres like sci-fi or fantasy, especially with so many options available on streaming services. It’s tough for these shows to feel unique because many follow similar formulas. However, one standout series on Prime Video is currently setting a new standard for the genre.

Reacher Is The Defining Action Thrillers On TV Right Now

What truly makes Reacher stand out is its ability to deliver thrilling action while also surprising viewers with unexpected depth. Alan Ritchson is currently one of the best action stars on television, and his commitment to the role makes Prime Video’s Jack Reacher far more compelling than typical heroes. The season 3 finale’s fight with Paulie is a perfect example – it’s arguably the best one-on-one fight seen on TV in decades.

The Reacher series has a major advantage when it comes to creating compelling mysteries: it’s based on the excellent novels by Lee Child. With strong stories, exciting action, and well-developed characters, the show confidently delivers everything fans expect from this type of thriller.

While Reacher is known for its action, the show surprisingly excels at humor. When it tries to be funny, it usually lands perfectly. The writers know just when to add a joke and which characters – like Villanueva or David O’Donnell – deliver it best. These moments of well-placed comedy are what truly make the show stand out.

Reacher consistently surprises viewers by forming genuine connections in unexpected ways. While audiences anticipate strong relationships with his past colleagues and romantic interests, the show has delivered more than that. His friendship with Finlay in the first season, the impactful death of Russo in the second, and his evolving role as a father figure in the third season have all added surprising emotional depth to the character.

Reacher’s Ability To Reinvent Itself Keeps The Show Fresh

Jasper Savage / ©Amazon/MGM Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection

Many action-thriller shows follow a formula where each season presents a new case, but they usually keep the core elements consistent – the same base of operations, team members, type of work, and location. However, each season of Reacher feels like a completely separate show.

Because the main character is always on the move, each season of the show feels distinct. Season one had a cozy, small-town atmosphere, while season two was grittier and set in a city. Season three then switched things up again with a glamorous, waterfront setting.

Because Maria Sten returns as Neagley and the rest of the cast changes, Jack Reacher’s relationships feel new each season. This has both pros and cons—some storylines, like highlighting Reacher’s size and social awkwardness, get revisited. However, it prevents the show from becoming stale, a common problem for action thrillers that go on for many seasons.

Because there are so many Jack Reacher novels to choose from, the Prime Video series could continue for a long time. But when it eventually ends, it will likely be remembered as the most important action thriller series of the 2020s streaming era.

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2026-02-27 23:20