The “British Tom Clancy” Created An Underrated Action Series That’s Perfect For Jack Ryan Fans

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Chris Ryan is often compared to Tom Clancy, and he’s created an eight-episode action series that fans of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will likely enjoy. Like Clancy, whose books and movies often feature the character Jack Ryan, Ryan specializes in exciting military and political thrillers. Clancy was a very productive author known for this type of story.

Tom Clancy’s novels have greatly impacted video games, notably the Rainbow Six and Splinter Cell series. Though he died in 2013, many authors have attempted to replicate his signature style, but none have quite succeeded. Chris Ryan, a former SAS soldier and successful author, is one of the closest alternatives to Clancy’s work.

Ryan first became well-known after surviving a firefight with his SAS patrol in Iraq in 1991 – he was the sole survivor. He detailed his experience in his 1995 book, The One That Got Away. Since then, he’s written many fiction and non-fiction books centered around military themes, including the Danny Black and Strike Back series.

Ryan has also worked in television, both hosting shows and creating series like the action drama Ultimate Force, which aired for four seasons in the 2000s. His work has led many to call him the “British Tom Clancy,” a nickname even used by journalist Chris Ryan (who isn’t related) on the Unspooled podcast.

Chris Ryan’s Strike Back Is Perfect For Fans Of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

Ryan’s Strike Back novels are probably what he’s most famous for, and they were turned into a TV series in the 2010s. The show, which initially starred Richard Armitage, centers on Section 20, a secret British counter-terrorism team. Over eight seasons, the series followed the team’s changing members as they traveled the world to prevent terrorist attacks.

Strike Back is similar to the series based on Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, but with a lot more action and a bit less focus on politics and moral questions. While Jack Ryan includes plenty of action, it delves deeply into global politics and the difficult choices its characters make. Strike Back prioritizes non-stop action, with political elements added as a supporting feature.

Even after all these years, Strike Back remains a fantastic and surprisingly overlooked show. Over its eight seasons, it boasted a stellar lineup of guest stars – including Charles Dance, Michelle Yeoh, and Iain Glen – and delivered genuinely impressive action sequences and stunts. If you’re searching for a smart, gripping thriller that moves quickly, Strike Back is definitely worth watching.

Strike Back Was Rebooted Twice

This Sky and Cinemax series is notable for having three different phases. The first season, Chris Ryan’s Strike Back, was originally funded by Sky in the UK and featured Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln. It unexpectedly became popular, which led Cinemax to co-produce the second season, Project Dawn. However, because Richard Armitage committed to The Hobbit films, the second season essentially started over with a new direction.

Following the death of Armitage’s Porter in the first episode of Project Dawn, the series focused on new Section 20 agents Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) and Stonebridge (Philip Winchester). This pair became the central characters of Strike Back for four seasons, and their close partnership made them popular with viewers. Originally, the plan was to conclude the show after the fifth season, Legacy.

As a big fan, I was thrilled when Strike Back came back a few years later with season six, Retribution. That’s when we met Wyatt, Gracie, and Mac – they quickly became the main team for the show’s final three seasons. Most fans, myself included, agree that the seasons with Scott and Stonebridge were the absolute best. The very first season with Armitage feels a bit different now, almost like its own separate thing, because the show changed so much after that.

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2026-05-25 03:18