The thriller genre is one that has been experiencing a bit of a golden age, and it seems that almost every network wants to have one of its own. It’s actually easy to see why the genre would continue to maintain its popularity.
More than almost any other genre, it aims to keep the audience on the edge of their seat, constantly wondering just what’s going to happen and how the mystery (or mysteries) will ultimately be resolved. The Endgame is the newest thriller to grace NBC, and it s a large number of similar series, both on that network and elsewhere.
The Blacklist (2013-present)
Stream On Netflix
There is much about The Blacklist that will appeal to those who also enjoyed The Endgame. Most notably, there is the central conflict between its two main characters, Raymond Reddington and Elizabeth Keene.
It’s a densely woven series, with a number of enigmas and mysteries that it constantly keeps in the air. There’s no denying, though, that a major part of its appeal stems from James Spader’s scenery-chewing performance as the enigmatic yet compelling Reddington, and it remains one of his best roles.
Narcos (2015-2017)
Stream On Netflix
American popular culture has an enduring fascination with the figure of the drug lord, and there are few drug lords who are as renowned as Pablo Escobar. This series, one of the best that Netflix has made, focuses on this powerful figure, as well as the man whose mission it is to take him out, including Javier Pena (played by Pedro Pascal in one of his best roles).
Though Narcos can be a bit grim at times, and though its characters are often morally compromised, it still remains a powerful drama about the darkness of the drug trade.
Fargo (2014-present)
Stream On Hulu
The original Coen Brothers' best movies, and a great deal of its grimly hilarious sensibility has made its way into the series.
Each of its first three seasons (though not as much the fourth) focused on a cat and mouse game that will be very familiar to those who enjoyed The Endgame, as officers of the law matched wits with formidable criminal minds that were willing and able to commit acts of great cruelty and malice. Like other great crime dramas, the series excelled at showing the sinister side of the human condition.
The Following (2013-2015)
Buy On Apple TV
The iconic The Following is one of those. Like The Endgame, the series focuses on a cat and mouse game between an FBI agent and a sinister figure, in this case, Joe Carroll, a charismatic serial killer.
It’s a violent and disturbing series, made all the more so by the fact that James Purefoy makes it very believable that someone like Carroll would command such devout and dangerous loyalty from those who essentially worship him.
The Fall (2013-2016)
Stream On Peacock, Amazon Prime, AMC+, Hoopla, & Tubi
The Fall is yet another series that focuses its story on a battle of wits between law enforcement and a serial killer. What’s more, it also features a powerful cast, led by Gillian Anderson in one of her best roles.
As compelling as Anderson is, she is matched by Jamie Dornan as the serial killer, who exudes his familiar charm and charisma. While there are moments when the series can lose its momentum, there’s no question that it is a provocative exploration of the criminal psyche.
Hannibal (2013-2015)
Stream On Hulu
It’s hard to think of a more famous fictional serial killer than Hannibal Lecter, who has appeared in multiple forms, including books, movies, and, of course, the TV series that bears his name.
There are many things that set Hannibal apart from almost every other series on network TV, but most notable are its stylized violence and the undeniable chemistry between Hannibal and Will Graham. Though supposedly enemies, the two have a bond that forms the emotional core of the series.
Quantico (2015-2018)
Stream On Netflix
Like other great serial crime dramas, one of the most appealing things about The Endgame is the light that it sheds on the workings of the FBI. Those who enjoy that particular aspect of the series will also find much to like about Quantico.
Starring Priyanka Chopra as an FBI agent who is framed for a terrorist attack, it is notable for both its divided narrative (in the first couple of seasons), as well as the diversity of its cast. Though it can be formulaic at times, there’s no question that it is still an entertaining series for fans of the genre.
Homeland (2011-2020)
Stream On Showtime & Hulu
The FBI isn’t the only intelligence organization that has been the subject of a television series, for the CIA is the focus of Homeland. During the course of its long run, the series focused in particular on Claire Danes’ Carrie Mathison, an agent who becomes convinced that a war hero has in fact become a terrorist.
As the series goes on, she goes on various missions, before growing disillusioned with the organization that she has devoted so much of her career to serving.
Prodigal Son (2019-2021)
Stream On HBO Max
Like so many other procedurals of recent vintage, Prodigal Son uses the formula of the genre to explore other issues and, like The Endgame, many of these involve a cat-and-mouse relationship.
In this case, however, it’s between a criminal profiler and his father, an infamous serial killer that he helped to imprison. There’s also no question that one of the series’ most compelling, and chilling, characters is the father in question, who is played by the great Michael Sheen.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Stream On Netflix
In addition to serial killers and drug lords, American popular culture is also invested in the figure of the fraudster. The most recent series to address this is Inventing Anna, which focuses on a young woman who managed to convince many of the most powerful people in the country that she was something she wasn’t.
There’s a notable battle of wits in this series, as reporter Vivian Kent won’t rest until she uncovers the truth about this extraordinary individual who seems to be a different person depending on whom she’s talking to.