Copyright Screen Rant
These action TV shows have memorable first episodes, and future seasons are just as fantastic. From fun action series streaming on Netflix to releases on other platforms, there are more than a few action shows to pick for an entertaining binge-watch, but not all of them stand out from the beginning to the end. A truly excellent action series needs to include all the character development of other genres, and if there are some jokes and clever lines along with the expected epic fight scenes, that's even better. From some of the most exciting action animated series to one iconic show with an unforgettable narrative format, these action shows are solid the entire time. Cobra Kai (2018-2025) Cobra Kai season 1, episode 1, "Ace Degenerate," sets up how the new and older, nostalgia-inducing characters fit together, which makes this a worthy adaptation. When Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) helps teenager Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), he sees Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) again through an intense chain of events, and that kickstarts his renewed interest in karate. All six seasons of the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai are as solid as the first one, combining the past and present to deliver a memorable and inspiring story about starting over, pursuing passions, and letting go of preconceived beliefs in order to succeed. It's hard not to feel moved by the finale, too. Covert Affairs (2010-2014) The pilot episode of Covert Affairs introduces us to Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a brilliant woman who has just started working at the CIA. Her being brand new is a brilliant premise since it immediately throws her into danger. The beginning works so well since someone from Annie's past appears. This ups the stakes and makes her even more motivated to excel in her new role because she wonders what's really going on. Throughout five seasons, Covert Affairs makes you invested in Annie's story, and you'll cheer her on as she gets better at the job and feel terrified every time she comes close to death or harm. The final season, thankfully, is as good as the show's start and has many surprises in store. Sadly, the season 5 finale ends on a major cliffhanger, and Covert Affairs got canceled before season 6. Still, Annie's final words are intriguing and satisfying. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) From lovable Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) to the world-building of a society revolving around the four elements, such as Air Nomads, Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, and Water Tribes, Avatar: The Last Airbender has a fantastic start. The pilot ends on a perfectly dramatic note, with the villain Zuko (Dante Basco) knowing Aang's location, and it has some sweet moments, too. After learning Aang has been in an iceberg for a long time, he bonds with Katara (Mae Whitman) and Sokka (Jack DeSena) despite the danger and conflict around them. This kicks off three excellent seasons of friendship, competition, fighting, and observing Aang's incredible powers. While there are several movies in the franchise, along with a 2024 live-action Netflix show, there's something special about the particularly well-done animated series. Alias (2001-2006) Whether it's the strong-willed main character Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), the shocking secrets she learns about her dad Jack (Victor Garber), or the strange CIA group she begins working for, not to mention the personal tragedy she faces, the Alias pilot doesn't waste any time. Alias maintains its quality for five seasons, blending an epic romance between Sydney and the smart and mysterious Michael Vaughn (Michael Vartan) with Sydney's impressive physical and mental feats. Sydney remains as captivating in other episodes as she does in the pilot. She's masterful at getting what she wants and figuring out the truth. Invincible (2021-Present) The high-quality Prime Video animated series Invincible has an incredible voice cast from Sandra Oh to J.K. Simmons, Steven Yeun, and Walton Goggins, which is just one reason to check it out. It also has a solid pilot full of moving moments and plenty of adventure, and continues that streak throughout. It's hard to beat the smart premise, which finds superhero Nolan (Simmons) realizing his teenage son, Mark (Yeun), has his powers, too, and it's time to work on them. Not only does each episode have fantastic stand-offs between heroes and villains, but it's an emotional and clever story about a father-child bond. NCIS (2003-Present) The CBS procedural has a fun pilot episode that sets up the formulaic nature of the series, but since it's still going, we can tell that it works perfectly. In the first episode, we meet lovable characters like Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander) and Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), who investigate a Navy member's death and a strange sickness that seems to be the reason. The great ending makes you want to keep watching, and every episode features the brilliant, intense NCIS agents solving a crime. Sadly, some fan-favorite characters have left, which is to be expected on a long-running series. But there are always plenty of smart agents to cheer on during their stressful work days. The Boys (2019-2026) The first episode of the Prime Video hit The Boys sets up the unique Supes, superheroes who everyone loves but who are actually villains. An early scene shows kind-hearted Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) facing unimaginable grief after a particularly violent moment. This is the brilliant inciting incident that makes him work with Billy Butcher (Karl Urban). The show's political satire makes it a particularly interesting watch. And after meeting villain Homelander (Antony Starr), we're thrown into a shocking world, and the dark humor and big surprises make every season of The Boys a memorable experience. Jack Ryan (2018-2023) The first episode of Prime's Jack Ryan proved that John Krasinski was the right star for this TV adaptation of the famous Tom Clancy novels. He's an everyman kind of character who never thought he'd become an action hero, and once he thinks he's discovered terrorist activity, his world is forever altered. The four-season series becomes even more captivating as time goes on. Jack is a lot of fun to watch in the first episode since he's a regular person getting used to an adventure-packed lifestyle. But as he travels the world and gains more experience, his arc becomes even more gripping since he's always in danger. Bosch (2014-2021) Harry Bosch's (Titus Welliver) terrible childhood experiences come back to haunt him in the first episode of Bosch. He also tries his hardest to forget about a tragedy he and Jerry Edgar (Jamie Hector) face while working. From both of these horrible moments, we can tell that he pushes aside his feelings to focus on various criminal cases, and he's likely going to continue this pattern until something breaks. Welliver is great in every episode of Bosch, and his work across the show's seven seasons keeps every episode interesting and layered. 24 (2001-2010) The 24 pilot finds action hero Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) trying to find out who wants to kill Senator David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) and also hoping that his messy personal life will get better again. It's a fast thrill ride, with a shocking ending that makes it easy to keep following his intense career. 24 was one of the first big action TV shows, thanks to the brilliant decision to have each episode take place over 24 hours. This adds more tension and a sense of urgency in every single episode.
