Saagar Kote
Prime Video’s ‘Butterfly’ follows a chaotic tale of a father and daughter, both trained intelligence operatives, who get stuck in a conspiracy of epic proportions. David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim) and Rebecca (Reina Hardesty) must confront their complex parent-child relationship while also surviving from assassins sent after them by their own agency. Due to the father’s actions in the past, he now faces a situation where he must not only protect himself from getting killed, but also accept the fact that his daughter is in danger because of him. The Steph Cha and Ken Woodruff creation is based on the eponymous graphic novel series by Arash Amel (BOOM! Studios). The South Korean and American action adventure drama series explores the complexities of familial ties, loyalty, deception, and compromises, while also delivering epic action scenes and chases. If you enjoyed witnessing the visuals and themes of the narrative, these shows, similar to ‘Butterfly’ will entertain you.
12. Alex Rider (2020-2024)
Based on the eponymous book series by Anthony Horowitz, the action thriller series ‘Alex Rider’ is a tale of youth, spycraft, and deception. The narrative depicts the life of an unassuming teenager named Alex Rider (Otto Farrant), who finds himself unexpectedly recruited by England’s elite intelligence agency, MI6. Created by Guy Burt, it unravels several layers of the protagonist’s past as he learns to accept his new identity and mission. Akin to ‘Butterfly,’ it deals with familial emotions, identity, past, and the secrets behind the world of spies. The narratives are connected due to their depiction of intense action sequences, dramatic moments, and similar character motivations of survival.
11. Person of Interest (2011-2016)
Created by Jonathan Nolan, ‘Person of Interest’ is a science fiction thriller series that chronicles the journey of an agent named John Reese (Jim Caviezel). The protagonist explores the world of surveillance, secrets, deception, and the concept of autonomy in a technologically advanced world. The CIA agent, who the world thinks is dead, is hired by a billionaire named Harold Finch (Michael Emerson), who has his own motivations that are connected to technological development and a mysterious invention that could be consequential to society. Despite being a science fiction show, it resembles the world of ‘Butterfly,’ as both shows feature intense action sequences, while also dealing with the issues of surveillance and technology. The narratives examine the morality behind the excessive observation of people and also comment on issues such as survival, privacy, and security.
10. FUBAR (2023-)
Created by Nick Santora, Netflix’s action comedy series ‘FUBAR’ delves into the themes of loyalty, family, national interest, spycraft, and deception. It is a hilarious and entertaining tale of a retiring old CIA spy named Luke Brunner ( Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his unexpected partnership with his daughter Emma Brunner (Monica Barbaro), who, unbeknownst to him, also happens to be working for the same organization. Once the two lead characters find out each other’s truth, it leads to hilarious moments of argument and unexpected instances of warmth and love between the father and daughter. In ways closely resembling the emotional father-daughter dynamic in ‘Butterfly,’ the series also features high-intensity action sequences and instances where characters are pursued ruthlessly. Both shows explore the difficulties in maintaining family relationships while dealing with existential threats and conspiracies from within and outside the agencies the main characters belong to.
9. Hanna (2019-2021)
Prime Video’s ‘Hanna’ is a mystery action drama series that is based on the eponymous film by Joe Wright. Created by David Farr, it deals with the themes of liberty, identity, conspiracy, pursuits, and the consequences of skills. The nucleus of the story lies in its depiction of the life of the titular protagonist (Esme Creed-Miles), who is a skilled assassin raised in the woods of Poland from a young age. Unfortunately for the isolated girl, she is hunted down by the CIA, who want her life to ensure their own secrecy and safety. Essentially, the series is a tale of self-discovery and liberation from the clutches of authority. Akin to ‘Butterfly,’ it also deals with familial ties, deadly skills, survival, and courage. Both shows feature strong female characters who balance their gender roles in a world dominated by men and deception, while also honing their abilities.
8. Bodyguard (2018)
‘Bodyguard’ is a violent tale of conspiracies that is narrated through the experiences of a down-on-his-luck military man named David Budd (Richard Madden). The British action drama series is a poignant tale of patriotism, secrecy, lies, and courage that unfolds after the protagonist is tasked with the protection of England’s Home Secretary, named Julia Montague (Keely Hawes). Due to their proximity, the two characters begin a discreet affair that soon threatens to endanger them. The core element of the series is its depiction of vulnerability, isolation, state excess, and the idea of security. Despite being a tonally more serious show, it shares similarities with ‘Butterfly’ in terms of its portrayal of intimate relationships (of different kinds) and the idea of protecting someone from harm. Both shows feature characters that struggle with their own sense of morality while being forced to act for the safety of their loved ones. The idea of surveillance and pursuit by the government is also a major connection between the stories.
7. Citadel (2023-)
Created by Josh Appelbaum, Bryan Oh, and David Weil, ‘Citadel’ is an adventure thriller series that narrates a story of memory, identity, and deception in the world of spycraft. The series focuses on the secret workings of the titular global spy agency, which isn’t loyal to any particular agency, but a collection of determined individuals who fight for the greater good. The protagonists, Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra) and Mason Kane (Richard Madden), find themselves in a complex situation after their memories are erased by their agency following a dangerous mission. The two former lovers reunite after a few years, but Nadia’s memory issues make Mason a stranger to her. As new threats emerge, the two agents must find the strength to use their skills again. Akin to ‘Butterfly,’ it follows the adventures of two extremely close individuals who are emotionally invested in one another. Both shows deal with the idea of collateral damage and the ruthlessness of clandestine agencies that target their own operatives to ensure secrecy and security.
6. The Terminal List (2022-)
Prime Video’s ‘The Terminal List’ is a saga of vengeance created by David DiGlio. The action thriller series is based on the eponymous novel by Jack Carr, who also serves as co-creator. The story follows the life of James Reece (Chris Pratt), who seems to be facing memory loss. However, something related to his past keeps haunting him. After witnessing his whole team of Navy SEALs getting killed by mysterious individuals on foreign soil, the protagonist must decipher the mystery and also understand the nature of his own mind. Resembling ‘Butterfly,’ the series delves into themes of loss, betrayal, familial ties, and skills. The main characters in both shows are pursued by their own government, leading to chaos and violence. The aspect of vendetta is also present in the narratives.
5. Burn Notice (2007-2013)
‘Burn Notice’ is a story of betrayal, redemption, and courage. Created by Matt Nix, it chronicles the journey of Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a secret agent whose identity is erased after a botched mission on foreign soil. Realizing that he has nothing left to offer as a government spy, the man turns to private entities to offer his skills and services. While adjusting to his new life, the protagonist also attempts to figure out the mystery of his past. On the lines of ‘Butterfly,’ the mystery drama series takes a look at identity and secrecy. Both shows feature characters who were betrayed by their own agencies. The issue of justice and loyalty is also prevalent in both stories, connecting them on a greater level.
4. The Americans (2013-2018)
Created by Joe Weisberg, ‘The Americans’ is a historical spy drama series that follows the lives of a Soviet couple who are embedded in the United States as agents. The story looks at the complexities of marriage, patriotism, loyalty, and identity. Starring Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings and Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings, the story unravels layers of intrigue and mystery experienced by the main characters. The cost of spycraft and dual identities is one of the major themes of the show. In ways close to ‘Butterfly,’ it deals with the idea of family in the world of deception. The relationship dynamics faced by the characters in both shows connect them on a spiritual level.
3. Homeland (2011-2020)
Based on ‘Prisoners of War’ by Gideon Raff, ‘Homeland’ is a thriller series by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. It narrates the story of the workings of the CIA through the eyes of Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), who strives to protect her country from a threat she believes is real. When a missing Marine Sergeant is rescued from the clutches of terrorists, the protagonist starts to believe that the man may have been turned and poses a danger to his country. Like ‘Butterfly,’ the show deals with issues of identity, loyalty, and patriotism. Both shows feature characters that struggle to find their place in the world of spies and deception, while also executing dangerous objectives. The aspect of pursuit plays a role in both narratives.
2. Slow Horses (2022-)
Created by Will Smith, Apple TV+’s British spy drama thriller series ‘Slow Horses’ narrates a tale of redemption, loyalty, patriotism, and courage. Based on the novel series ‘Slough House’ by Mick Herron, it chronicles the lives of down-on-their-luck MI5 agents who find themselves working for a lower-level unit at Slough House, an old building. The nucleus of the drama is the relationship between Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), the head of Slough House, and his team of demoted agents, which includes River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) and others. Akin to the world of ‘Butterfly,’ the narrative features the act of pursuit from the characters’ own agency, while also dealing with the dangers of personal relationships in dangerous settings. Both shows feature the arc of redemption, which becomes a motivation for the main characters.
1. The Old Man (2022-2024)
Based on the eponymous novel by Thomas Perry, ‘The Old Man’ is an action thriller series that follows the journey of Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges), a CIA agent who has to run from the FBI due to the actions of his past and present. The series navigates the themes of deception, loyalty, identity, and patriotism. As the FBI pursues him, the protagonist must do everything he can to survive the ordeal. Resembling ‘Butterfly,’ the show deals with ideas of sacrifice and survival. Both shows contain characters that struggle to find their place in the world of spies, while also being pursued by their own governments. The themes and character arcs bring the stories together on a greater level.
Read More: Shows Like FUBAR
