10 Solid TV Shows Starring ‘80s & ‘90s Action Stars

Since the 2010s, it has become more and more common to see major movie stars in TV shows. Such occurrences were rare in earlier decades, with Hollywood A-listers preferring to only sign up for big-screen projects that guaranteed fatter checks. Such reservations have largely vanished in the streaming era, allowing us to witness incredible performances, like Anthony Hopkins in Westworld, Mark Ruffalo in Task, and Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown.

Many ‘80s and ‘90s action stars have also given some of their best performances on television. Most of them only opted for the small screen recently, after they stopped being box office draws, but some, such as Chuck Norris, embraced television while still at their peak. Others, such as Bruce Willis, were on television before they became major nose-breakers. No matter which decade the shows came out in, they feature on the list if they are good. Steven Seagal’s True Justice doesn’t qualify because it’s a total mess. Peek into it for 10 minutes. You’ll see.

Here are 10 solid TV shows starring ’80s and ’90s action stars.

‘SAF3’ (2013 – 2014)

Dolph Lundgren’s attempt to make a new Baywatch didn’t go as perfectly as his fans might have hoped, but SAF3 is good enough entertainment for a lazy evening. Starring Lundgren as Captain John Eriksson, the show follows an elite multi-agency rescue team based in Malibu, California, focusing on sea, air, and fire emergencies. Consisting of lifeguards and Coast Guard operatives, the unit makes major rescue efforts each day.

Adventures in the Low Seas

SAF3‘s paper-thin plots prevent it from being as good as the legendary series it tries to imitate, but it has wonderful friendship arcs that reverberate with emotion and warmth. Visually, the series also bursts with color and inventive camera shots, with a coup de grâce you’ll love. Perhaps the show would have gotten even better if it had lasted a little longer, but time is never a luxury granted to showrunners. There’s only one season of it, and despite the flaws, it doesn’t feel like a waste of time.

‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’ (2023)

The Continental presents the backstory of Winston Scott (portrayed here by Colin Woodell), the iconic manager of The Continental hotel (a safe haven for assassins) in the John Wick movies. Set in an alternate history version of the 1970s, the series explains how he found himself in charge of the New York branch. Mel Gibson stars as Cormac O’Connor, the proprietor of the Continental during Scott’s younger years.

Years Before the Puppy Was Killed

The neo-noir miniseries enthralls and entertains as much as the movies, thanks to neat action sequences and gangster tropes. All the cast members (including Gibson) shine, their loaded repartee adding welcome spice to the proceedings. Occasionally, it feels like something is missing, probably because Keanu Reeves isn’t present, and because Chad Stahelski wasn’t involved in making it, but the fun never stops. The three episodes fly by quickly.

‘Cobra’ (1993 – 1994)

Shortly after American Ninja 4, Michael Dudikoff signed up for Cobra, a show tailored to his strengths. Here, he is Robert “Scandal” Jackson, Jr., an ex–Navy SEAL who went A.W.O.L. after a mission-gone-wrong. Soon, he is entreated to join COBRA, an undercover anti-crime agency that provides justice for victims who haven’t found it from the system. But it won’t be easy. He is about to find himself in several scenarios where his soul will be in the balance.

Time To Break Some Jaws

Cobra might not have lasted long, but it helped inspire many other shows (and even movies of its kind). With a zinging script by Stephen J. Cannell (better known for A-Team, 21 Jump Street, and Renegade), the series maintains the action at hyper speed and the overall fun at a fever pitch. All kinds of action villains join the party; thrills come by way of kicks and shootouts, and the basic human themes of friendship and love are maintained.

‘FUBAR’ (2023 – 2025)

In this comical action charmer, Luke Brunner (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his daughter Emma (Monica Barbaro) have no idea that both of them are CIA operatives. After learning the truth, the agency forces them to work together. As Emma spends more time with her dad, a closer bond is built. Hardly surprising, since they have much more in common than they knew. But who will defend whom when deadly foes emerge in FUBAR?

A Slightly Funny Arnie

Schwarzenegger was clearly going for the True Lies vibe here, and even though he doesn’t quite nail it, the deficiencies are masked by disarming performances from the rest of the cast members. Rather than opt for endless punches and shootouts to pump up the level of fun, the show achieves the desired effect with inflection, emotion, and endless locomotion. Primarily due to light-hearted moments, FUBAR dazzles throughout its two seasons..

‘True Story’ (2021)

Created by Eric Newman (famous for Narcos), True Story stars Kevin Hart as a fictionalized version of himself. In the show, he is a world-famous comedian known as The Kid whose well-ordered life spirals into endless chaos after a night out with his reckless brother Carlton (Wesley Snipes). A murder happens, and covering it up becomes quite a complicated process.

Bad Company, Bad Outcomes

Deserving more love than it got, this endlessly tense saga demands a lot from its two leads, and they deliver. We are used to seeing Wesley Snipes in shootouts, but he really shows his range here, effortlessly portraying one of the most annoying characters in television history. Beyond that, the twists are so wild you’ll wonder how anyone even thought about them. The show’s only crime? It’s too short.

‘Jean-Claude Van Johnson’ (2016 – 2017)

Jean-Claude Van Johnson takes us to an alternate universe where Jean-Claude Van Damme has been a spy all along. His movie career was all a cover story. What? When the show begins, he is revealed to be retired, but his people pull him back in for one last job. It involves stopping terrorists who have a special weapon that can control the weather.

The Kickboxing Spy

Kicks? Chases? Shootouts? All the things you loved from Van Damme’s ‘80s and ‘90s movies are here. Even better, there is a sprinkle of comedy. It’s also important to note that the show was produced by Ridley Scott, under his Scott Free Productions house, so nothing looks cheap, and the cinematography is spectacular. For one, Van Damme also conveys a more dramatic range. They ought to have given him a Golden Globe or something.

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ (1993 – 2001)

Syndicated in over 100 countries, Walker, Texas Ranger was (and still is) bigger than any movie Chuck Norris ever made. He portrays Cordell Walker, a principled Texas Ranger who relies on martial arts skills to dispatch criminals. Aided by his partner, James Trivette (Clarence Gilyard Jr.), he battles all kinds of lawbreakers, ranging from corrupt politicians to gang leaders.

A Round-Kick Fest

According to Nielsen ratings, Walker, Texas Ranger ranked among the Top 25 shows from 1995 until 1999. Though some may focus on its few dated touches, the show’s themes are still relevant, and its underlying moral messages hit home. Norris delivers an impeccably balanced portrayal of a principled man momentarily forced to engage in acts of violence. And the “Eyes of the Ranger” opening theme song will get you every time.

‘Moonlighting’ (1985 – 1989)

Bruce Willis might have worn a frown and a smirk for most of his career, but he was actually a funny guy in the ‘80s. His wisecracks in Die Hard are enough proof, and before that, he was also making a fool of himself in Moonlighting. On the show, he is a P.I. David Addison, running the Blue Moon Detective Agency with ex-model Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd).

The Amazing Life of a P.I.

Winner of six Emmys and three Golden Globes, Moonlight trains its nozzle on the smarmy, corrupt practices that law enforcement officers often ignore. While Willis always seems at his best when he is gunning down tough guys without a smile, he steals the show as a quip-loving detective making fools out of slick, cynical criminals. In all, this remains a fresh TV offering, imbued with intelligence, mood, and heart. Prepare to be frustrated by the unresolved romantic tension between Addison and Hayes.

‘Genius’ (2017 – Present)

Genius is an anthology show, telling the stories of various influential people from the world’s history. Antonio Banderas stars in the third season, which covers the triumphs and misdemeanors of the legendary Spanish painter, printmaker, sculptor, ceramicist, and theatre designer, Pablo Picasso.

Bright Paintings, Dark Life

There have been many great Antonio Banderas performances, but none tops his incredible portrayal of Picasso. For his work, the Desperado star received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Prepare to discover the dark side of one of the most talented people who ever walked the Earth, and while at it, you’ll feel like you are part of a piece of art. The costume design and cinematography are aspects to behold.

‘Tulsa King’ (2022 – Present)

Sylvester Stallone has insisted on making action movies his entire career, yet he is a better drama actor. Check the first Rocky and Creed. Both movies earned him Oscar nominations. His hidden acting prowess also surfaces in Paramount+’s Tulsa King, where he portrays the mob capo, Dwight “The General” Manifredi. Seen as unimportant following his parole, he is sent to the dull Tulsa by his superiors in New York, only to surprise everyone by creating a major empire. Consequently, jealousy and feuds play out.

Stallone at His Best

Created by Taylor Sheridan, this delightful crime drama follows a fashion-savvy Cosa Nostra member who just can’t seem to please his steely, rough-edged superiors, so he stops trying and goes about it his own way. Dwight’s expressive facial gestures rival Tony Sopranos’s sheer charming-but-lethal aura. Besides that, there is a pretty long list of great supporting characters. Spare all the time you can for Tulsa King. There’ll be no regret.