Remember 'Banshee'? 12 Years Later, It’s Still the Best Violent Action Series Ever

Over a decade has passed since Banshee first exploded onto screens, but for action fans, this series’ legacy remains unmatched. Let's explore why!
Banshee premiered in 2013 on Cinemax and lasted for four seasons, offering a rather gritty blend of bone-crunching fight scenes mixed with complex personal arcs.
The characters in the series were always ready to push boundaries and were never afraid of the consequences that might await. If you somehow haven’t seen Banshee yet, here’s why you should.
What Is ‘Banshee’ About?
Set in the small town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, the series follows an ex-con who assumes the identity of the town’s murdered sheriff. As he attempts to outrun his past and dispense justice in a town full of secrets, Banshee creates a world that’s as violent as it is addictive.
What sets Banshee apart though is its uncompromising action. While other series shied away from physical brutality, Banshee leaned in…hard. Every fight scene felt intense and authentic, thanks to the show’s commitment to practical effects and realistic choreography. It offered more than just spectacle: it really showed grit, pain, and consequence.
‘Banshee’ Is Perfect Choice For Those Not Afraid of On-Screen Violence
And frankly, the raw portrayal of physical pain is one of the things fans highlight when talking about why this is their favorite series.
“One thing for sure, I was not ready for that level of violence. I figured the big bar fight early in the show was going to be as extreme as it gets, but damn, there is some brutal sh*t in Banshee,” Redditor goatlll said.
Twelve years later, few shows have dared to match Banshee. In an age of sleek, sanitized action, Banshee stands as a reminder that grit and heart can coexist with style and swagger.
What Do Critics and Fans Think of ‘Banshee’?
- On Rotten Tomatoes, Banshee has 90% from critics and 93% from viewers.
- On IMDb, Banshee has 8.4/10.
“Banshee was sensational, one of the greatest series to come out this century. And it was great starting at episode 1, to your point completely defying expectations, bringing in characters and situations you have never seen before, fight scenes so intense and brilliantly done that you cannot believe your eyes, and perfectly cast actors really rocking the Casbah,” one Redditor said.
Where to Stream ‘Banshee’?
Banshee is available to stream on Hulu.