Television series
Cover Up
Cover Up is a 1984 CBS action series where a fashion photographer and a retired special forces operative pose as model and photographer to conduct covert intelligence missions worldwide. It's breezy 80s spy-fi with glamorous locations, practical stunts, and the easy chemistry of two pros who trust each other. Perfect for anyone who wants espionage without heavy stakes.
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The Equalizer2021
Former CIA operative runs a private justice outfit in New York. Stylish, thoughtful action with real consequences, and McCallum brings gravitas to every episode. The formula works because the character actually thinks before he acts.
But Shifts tone wildly between episodes. Some weeks it's social realism, others it's pure adventure fantasy. Can feel uneven if you're watching back-to-back.
Remington Steele1982
Con artist and honest detective pose as boss and secretary while solving glamorous crimes. Same DNA as Cover Up—stylish, witty banter, exotic locations—but sharper writing and genuine romantic tension that actually earns its payoff.
But The will-they-won't-they stretches across five seasons. If you want resolution instead of endless teasing, this will frustrate you by season three.
Miami Vice1984
Two undercover cops living double lives in 1980s Miami. Visually revolutionary, genuinely tense, with a rock-solid partnership at its core. The best episode-to-episode television of the decade.
But Takes itself seriously in ways Cover Up never attempts. The tone is dark and often grim. If you want fun, not moral weight, this will feel overcooked.
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Dangerous Liaisons1988
Like Cover Up, it's built on two people with complementary skills executing elaborate plans, but the real game is what they're doing to each other, not to external enemies.
Two manipulators in 18th-century France play games of intelligence and deception with perfect coordination. Visually sumptuous, intellectually vicious. Every scene is about reading your partner and staying three moves ahead.
But Static. Essentially dialogue in rooms. No action sequences, no chases. If you need physical excitement, this is pure psychology.
More like this (7)
Hart of Dixie2011
Woman inherits bar in small Southern town, finds herself running a front for various schemes with charming locals. Lighter than it sounds, genuinely funny, same blend of glamour and adventure with better chemistry among the ensemble.
But Swerves between comedy and drama without always landing both. Later seasons lose focus. Can feel scattered if you're looking for tight plotting.
Spy Game2001
Brad Pitt and Robert Redford in a heist-spy-romance across decades and continents. High style, globe-trotting adventure, two charismatic leads who make every moment effortless. Pure fun with real stakes buried underneath.
But Plot is deliberately fractured and non-linear. If you need clear cause-and-effect storytelling, the jumping timeline will annoy you.
The Saint1962
Gentleman thief in immaculate suits solves crimes on his terms across Europe. Roger Moore before Bond, all charm and improvisation. Faster, funnier, and less weighed down by continuity than most spy shows.
But 60s production values show their age badly. Some episodes are thinly plotted. You have to be in the mood for breezy and slight.
It Takes a Thief1968
Reformed cat burglar recruited by government for high-stakes heists. Swinging 60s Los Angeles, excellent heist mechanics, and Robert Wagner's charm doing heavy lifting. Every episode satisfies.
But No arc. Every episode resets completely. If you want characters to grow or situations to matter long-term, you'll find it empty.
She Spies2002
Three women on covert ops: action, humour, and actual character dynamics. Female-led spy ensemble before it was standard. Fast, unpretentious, and genuinely inventive within its modest budget.
But Cancelled after two seasons. Uneven in quality, and the premise sometimes overwhelms the storytelling. Feels like a half-formed idea.
The New Avengers1976
British spies in tailored suits stop absurd threats with wit and style. Impossible action sequences played completely straight. A cult classic for a reason—endlessly rewatchable if you like the tone.
But Deliberately campy in ways that don't hold up equally across episodes. Some feel smart, others feel stupid. Requires the right headspace.
Lethal Weapon 21989
Two agents—one reckless, one grounded—whose differences make them stronger together. Cover Up played this for charm; this plays it for explosive chaos. Same engine, completely different fuel.
Riggs and Murtaugh hunt South African diplomats using violence and banter. Genuinely funny, explosively well-choreographed, and the partnership feels earned after one film of trust-building. Action comedy that actually executes both.
But Politically casual about apartheid in ways that date it badly. Cynical and loud where subtlety matters. Some dated attitudes throughout.
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Writing
- Glen A. LarsonCreator