Genre: Action, Thriller, Espionage
Creators: Chris Ryan (novel), Andy Harries, Jed Mercurio
Cast: Richard Armitage, Andrew Lincoln, Sullivan Stapleton, Philip Winchester, Amanda Mealing
Strike Back launched in 2010 as a high-octane British action drama, inspired by Chris Ryan’s novel of the same name. The first season, titled Chris Ryan’s Strike Back, follows former SAS soldier John Porter (Richard Armitage), who is haunted by a failed mission during the Iraq War. Years later, he’s called back into service when new intelligence links him to a terrorist plot, forcing him to confront both his past and present enemies.
From its opening moments, Strike Back distinguishes itself with gritty realism and full-throttle action sequences. Its depiction of modern warfare and counter-terrorism is intense and unapologetically visceral, blending shootouts, covert operations, and political intrigue. The series also weaves in themes of guilt, redemption, and loyalty, giving depth to the adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
Richard Armitage delivers a compelling performance as Porter, embodying both the toughness of a seasoned operative and the emotional scars of a man haunted by failure. Andrew Lincoln (best known for The Walking Dead) provides strong support as Hugh Collinson, an intelligence officer whose connection to Porter adds layers of tension and moral ambiguity.
While Season 1 set the stage with a more personal, character-driven narrative, the show would evolve dramatically in later seasons, introducing new leads like Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) and Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester). Their dynamic partnership would go on to define the franchise, giving Strike Back its reputation as one of the most relentless, globe-trotting action series of the decade.
The show’s combination of military authenticity, rapid-fire pacing, and cinematic production values earned it acclaim from fans of the genre. Though critics sometimes noted its heavy reliance on action over nuance, Strike Back quickly found a dedicated following and became a staple for those craving nonstop, high-stakes entertainment.
Ultimately, Strike Back is a gritty and explosive espionage thriller that kickstarted a long-running franchise spanning multiple seasons, each pushing the boundaries of TV action. For fans of military dramas and pulse-pounding missions, it remains one of the most adrenaline-fueled series of its era.
📺 Available to stream on NOW (UK), Max (US), and other digital platforms.
