7 Thrilling Shows to Watch if You Liked 'Duster'

Custom Cover Image edited by Sportskeeda (Image via Amazon Prime)
Hap and Leonard, Reacher, and Terriers are some popular thriller shows. (Custom Cover Image edited by Sportskeeda, Image via Amazon Prime)

Thrilling shows have become the backbone of advancing television, and viewers find themselves captivated by Max's latest offering, Duster.

Ad

This gripping, thrilling series, produced by J.J. Abrams, has set a new record for period crime dramas with its compelling storytelling about the FBI's first Black woman agent on a mission to stop a crime syndicate boss with the assistance of a talented getaway driver in the 1970s Southwest.

The show masterfully amalgamates elements of classic thriller storytelling with modern sensibilities, creating a visual experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Ad

What makes this movie particularly compelling is its ability to weave together multiple thriller elements, from a psychological tug-of-war between criminals and law enforcement to high-stakes car chases.

For viewers who appreciate this product of sophisticated thriller entertainment, there's a treasure trove of similar thrilling shows that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping experience.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the writer.


Hap and Leonard, Reacher, Terriers, and four other thrilling shows to watch if you liked Duster.

1) Hap and Leonard

Ad
A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@Series Trailer MP)
A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@Series Trailer MP)

Few thrilling shows capture the same character-driven essence as Duster, and few match the raw intensity of Hap and Leonard. This underrated thriller show, based on Joe R. Lansdale's novels, follows two best friends as they navigate the dangerous depths of East Texas.

Ad

Like Duster, this thriller series excels at bending period drama narrative with modern storytelling techniques. The show's strength lies in its character development, much like what makes Duster so compelling. Both thrilling shows feature unlikely camaraderie between protagonists from different backgrounds who must depend on each other to survive increasingly dangerous circumstances.

The chemistry between Hap and Leonard mirrors the dynamic tension between Duster's getaway driver and FBI agent, creating that crucial thriller element where personal relationships become as vital as the surfacing threats.

Ad

This movie is available on Amazon Prime.


2) Reacher

A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ Prime Video)
A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ Prime Video)

Reacher delivers it perfectly for Duster fans who want more action-packed thriller content. This thriller series shares Duster's commitment to showcasing the main character outside the conventional law enforcement system.

Ad

Where Duster features a getaway driver working with federal agents, Reacher demonstrates a former military officer who becomes a one-man justice system.

Both thrilling shows excel at enhancing tension through their protagonists' skill sets. The small-town corruption themes in both thrilling shows create similar viewing experiences.

Reacher consistently places its protagonist in communities where things aren't what they seem, like how Duster explores the hidden criminal networks operating beneath the superficial charm of America in the 1970s.

Ad

The movie is available on Amazon Prime.


3) Terriers

A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@MadchesterRu)
A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@MadchesterRu)

Among thrilling shows that capture the same essence of unexpected partnerships and morally grey characters, Terriers is a criminally underrated masterpiece.

Ad

This thriller series follows two private investigators whose personal flaws make them apt for cases that traditional law enforcement is not accustomed to handling.

Like Duster, Terrier is based on the relationship between two main characters who complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The investigative thriller elements in Terriers mirror the cat-and-mouse dynamics of Duster. Both thrilling shows feature characters navigating complex criminal situations while fighting their demons. What makes this movie essential viewing for Duster fans is its commitment to a character-driven thriller narrative that prioritizes emotional journey over explosive action sequences.

Ad

The show is available on Amazon Prime for viewers to watch.


4) True Detective

A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ HBO UK)
A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ HBO UK)

No discussion of modern thrilling shows would be complete without acknowledging True Detective's revolutionary impact on the genre. This HBO anthology thriller series shares Duster's commitment to atmospheric storytelling and complex character relationships.

Ad

Each season of this acclaimed thriller presents a new mystery while maintaining the same high-quality thriller elements that define great television.

The partnership dynamics in this movie eventually parallel what makes Duster so engaging. Both thrilling shows feature law enforcement officers with widely different approaches to their work, creating natural conflict and compelling character development.

The psychological thriller elements that define True Detective strongly mirror the mind games featured throughout Duster.

Ad

The movie is available on Amazon Prime.


5) Mare of Easttown

A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ Rotten Tomatoes TV)
A still frame from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ Rotten Tomatoes TV)

Mare of Easttown offers a flawless combination of criminal investigation and personal drama. It is also a perfect fit for those seeking thrilling shows with a strong female main character.

Ad

This HBO limited thriller series shares Duster's focus on a female law enforcement officer dealing with personal and professional challenges.

Detective Mare Sheehan (portrayed by Kate Winslet) creates the same complicated, flawed main character that makes Duster's FBI agent relatable.

Both thrilling shows excel at creating an authentic small community ambience where everyone knows everyone else's business, but secrets still run deep.

The investigative thriller mechanics in Mare of Easttown create similar viewing experiences to Duster, where personal relationships complicate professional duties and provide genuine thriller tension.

Ad

This film is available on Disney+ Hotstar for viewers to watch.


6) Yellowjackets

A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ SHOWTIME)
A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ SHOWTIME)

Among thrilling shows that blend criminal investigation with psychological horror, Yellowjackets represents the cutting edge of modern thriller television.

Ad

This Showtime thriller series shares Duster's interest in how past events influence present circumstances. The dual timeline structure creates the same layered thriller storytelling that makes 'Duster' so narratively rich.

Yellowjackets and Duster feature ensemble casts in which every character holds intense secrets. This thriller series shows that compelling suspense comes from never knowing who can be trusted or who cannot.

The psychological thriller aspects that define Yellowjackets resonate with the manipulation and deception tactics that drive Duster's criminal syndicate storylines.

Ad

The series is available for viewers on Amazon Prime.


7) The Night Of

A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ HBO UK)
A still image from the trailer of the series (Image via Youtube/@ HBO UK)

Completing the list of essential thrilling shows for Duster fans, The Night Of represents thriller television at its most psychological intensity. This limited HBO thriller series shares Duster's commitment to exploring how single events can completely transform multiple lives.

Ad

The procedural thriller elements create similar viewing experiences, with each episode revealing new information that changes everything viewers thought they knew.

The Night Of and Duster both excel at showing how criminal activities affect everyone involved, not just the investigators and main suspects. Viewers can watch this thriller series on Hotstar.


These are the few compelling, thrilling shows for viewers who liked Duster.

Edited by Niharika Dabral
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications