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Do You Have a Knack for Getting Out of Sticky Situations? Check Out These Shows Like MacGyver!
Ever watched someone escape from a locked room with just a paperclip and thought, “Wow, that’s so cool!”? If you love seeing brilliant minds use everyday stuff to solve big problems, then you’re probably a fan of MacGyver. This awesome TV show from way back in the day was all about a super-smart guy who could fix anything and get out of any jam using his brain and whatever he could find around him.
But guess what? MacGyver isn’t the only show that celebrates cleverness and survival skills! If you’re looking for more shows that will get your brain working and keep you on the edge of your seat, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of 25 brilliant mind and survival TV shows that are just like Shows Like MacGyver. Get ready to meet more smart characters, exciting adventures, and tons of problem-solving fun!
Why We Love Shows Like MacGyver
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why TV Shows Similar to MacGyver are so popular. MacGyver wasn’t just about action; it was about using your brainpower to overcome challenges. These types of shows often have:
- Smart Heroes: Characters who are super intelligent and can think their way out of trouble.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Seeing characters use everyday items in inventive ways to solve complex problems is super satisfying.
- Adventure and Action: These shows are usually packed with exciting situations and thrilling moments.
- Feel-Good Vibes: It’s fun to watch good guys win by being smart and resourceful.
If these things sound good to you, then get ready to explore our list of Best Shows Like MacGyver! You’ll find everything from action-packed adventures to brain-bending mysteries.
25 Action Shows Like MacGyver You Should Watch
Ready for a watchlist that’s full of smarts and survival? Here are 25 Adventure Shows Like MacGyver that you’ll absolutely love:
1. Scorpion
Summary: Imagine a team of super geniuses working together to solve crazy problems that no one else can handle. That’s Scorpion! Led by Walter O’Brien, a real-life computer expert with a super high IQ, this team takes on everything from stopping runaway trains to fixing global crises. They’re not always the best at dealing with everyday life, but when it comes to saving the world with their brains, they’re the best of the best.
MacGyver Connection: Just like MacGyver uses his science smarts, the Scorpion team uses their different areas of genius – computers, math, engineering, and psychology – to figure things out. They also have to be really creative and work together, just like MacGyver often did with his friends. Both shows are about using your brain to solve problems in exciting and sometimes dangerous situations.
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2. Leverage
Summary: What if a group of talented bad guys decided to use their powers for good? That’s the idea behind Leverage. This show follows a team of reformed criminals – a thief, a grifter, a hacker, and a hitter – who work together to help people who have been cheated or wronged by powerful and corrupt individuals. They use their special skills to outsmart the bad guys and get justice for the little guy. It’s like Robin Hood with a modern, tech-savvy twist!
MacGyver Connection: Like MacGyver, the Leverage team is all about using clever plans and tricks to get the job done. They don’t rely on brute force; instead, they use their brains and skills to outsmart their opponents. They also often have to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions when things don’t go according to plan, just like MacGyver when he’s facing a tough situation.
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3. Burn Notice
Summary: Imagine being a super spy, and suddenly you’re fired – “burned” – without knowing why. That’s what happens to Michael Westen in Burn Notice. Stranded in Miami with no job and no money, Michael uses his spy skills to help ordinary people who are in trouble. He’s like a private detective with a super spy background, using his knowledge of espionage to solve crimes and protect the innocent. And while he’s helping others, he’s also trying to figure out who burned him and why.
MacGyver Connection: Michael Westen is a master of improvisation, just like MacGyver. He’s always making gadgets out of everyday items and using his spy training to get out of dangerous situations. Both characters are incredibly resourceful and can think their way out of anything, making them really fun to watch. Plus, Burn Notice has that cool spy vibe that fans of action and adventure shows will love.
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4. Person of Interest
Summary: What if there was a machine that could predict crimes before they even happened? Person of Interest explores this idea. A mysterious billionaire and a former CIA agent team up to use a super-smart computer program that flags people who are about to be involved in crimes – either as victims or perpetrators. Each week, they try to figure out the “person of interest” and stop the crime before it happens. It’s a mix of action, mystery, and a bit of science fiction, all wrapped into one exciting show.
MacGyver Connection: The heroes in Person of Interest, like MacGyver, rely heavily on their intelligence and skills to solve problems. They use technology and clever tactics to prevent crimes, often having to think outside the box and improvise when things get complicated. Both shows feature characters who are smart, resourceful, and dedicated to helping others, even when the odds are stacked against them.
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5. The A-Team
Summary: If you have a problem and no one else can help, maybe you should call… The A-Team! This classic show from the 80s is about a group of former soldiers who were wrongly accused of a crime. Now, they work as mercenaries, helping people in need. Led by the cigar-chomping Hannibal Smith, the A-Team is known for their over-the-top action, crazy plans, and always managing to build amazing things out of whatever they can find.
MacGyver Connection: The A-Team and MacGyver share that awesome 80s vibe of action and adventure. Like MacGyver, the A-Team is famous for their creative problem-solving and using everyday items to build incredible gadgets and vehicles. While the A-Team is more about explosions and big action, and MacGyver is more about clever escapes and science, both shows are about resourceful heroes who always find a way to win, no matter how tough things get.
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6. Chuck
Summary: Imagine you’re just a regular guy working at an electronics store, and suddenly you accidentally download a super-secret computer program into your brain that contains all the CIA and NSA’s secrets! That’s what happens to Chuck Bartowski in Chuck. Now, he’s forced to become a spy, teaming up with a tough CIA agent and a no-nonsense NSA agent to stop bad guys and save the world. Chuck is funny, action-packed, and full of spy gadgets and adventures.
MacGyver Connection: Chuck, like MacGyver, has to use his wits and resourcefulness to get out of tricky situations. While Chuck’s main skill is remembering secret information, he still has to be clever and think on his feet to survive in the spy world. Both shows blend action with humor and feature ordinary guys who become heroes through their intelligence and adaptability.
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7. Alias
Summary: Sydney Bristow seems like your average college student, but she’s secretly a super spy for the CIA. In Alias, Sydney juggles her normal life with dangerous missions all around the world. But when she finds out her agency isn’t who she thought it was, she becomes a double agent, working to take down the bad guys from the inside. Alias is full of twists and turns, cool disguises, and intense action.
MacGyver Connection: Sydney Bristow is a master of disguise and espionage, using her intelligence and training to outsmart her enemies, much like MacGyver uses his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness. Both characters are incredibly skilled and resourceful, often relying on their wits to survive dangerous situations. Alias has a strong focus on spycraft and complex plots, which fans of clever, action-packed shows will appreciate.
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8. White Collar
Summary: What happens when a smooth-talking con artist teams up with the FBI agent who caught him? You get White Collar! Neal Caffrey, a charming and brilliant forger, agrees to help Agent Peter Burke solve white collar crimes in exchange for his freedom. Together, they catch art thieves, fraudsters, and all sorts of sophisticated criminals, using Neal’s criminal mind to think like the bad guys. It’s a fun show with lots of clever schemes and a great buddy-cop dynamic.
MacGyver Connection: Neal Caffrey is all about using his brain and his knowledge of cons and scams to solve crimes, just like MacGyver uses his scientific knowledge. Both characters are incredibly clever and resourceful, always finding creative ways to outsmart their opponents. White Collar focuses on a different kind of problem-solving – using deception and strategy instead of science – but it’s still all about smarts and quick thinking.
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9. Castle
Summary: Richard Castle is a famous mystery writer who gets bored with just writing books. When a real-life murder happens that looks just like one from his novels, he teams up with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to solve crimes. Castle brings his writer’s imagination and understanding of stories, while Beckett brings her police skills and experience. Together, they make a great team, solving murders and catching criminals in New York City. Castle is a fun mix of mystery, comedy, and a bit of romance.
MacGyver Connection: While Castle is more of a mystery show than an action show, Richard Castle, like MacGyver, uses his creative thinking and unique perspective to solve problems. He looks at crime scenes and clues in a different way, just like MacGyver looks at everyday objects and sees their hidden potential. Both shows are about using your brain to figure things out, even if they use different approaches.
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10. Sherlock (BBC)
Summary: This isn’t your grandpa’s Sherlock Holmes! Sherlock, set in modern-day London, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a brilliant but eccentric detective. He solves crimes that baffle the police, using his incredible powers of observation and deduction. With the help of his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson, Sherlock takes on mysteries that are both complex and dangerous. Sherlock is smart, stylish, and full of mind-blowing deductions.
MacGyver Connection: Sherlock Holmes is the ultimate brainpower hero, just like MacGyver. Sherlock uses his incredible mind to analyze clues and solve mysteries, while MacGyver uses his scientific knowledge to get out of jams. Both characters are all about using their intelligence to overcome challenges, and both shows celebrate the power of a sharp mind. If you love seeing characters who are smarter than everyone else, you’ll love Sherlock.
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11. Elementary
Summary: What if Sherlock Holmes moved to modern-day New York City and was a bit… different? That’s the idea behind Elementary. Jonny Lee Miller plays Sherlock as a recovering addict who’s working as a consultant for the NYPD. He’s still incredibly brilliant at solving crimes, but he’s also got his own quirks and struggles. Lucy Liu stars as Dr. Joan Watson, his sober companion who becomes his crime-solving partner. Elementary puts a fresh and modern spin on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories.
MacGyver Connection: Just like Sherlock in the BBC series, the Sherlock in Elementary is all about using his amazing brain to solve mysteries. He pays attention to tiny details that others miss, just like MacGyver notices the little things that can help him build a gadget or escape a trap. Both shows highlight the power of observation and intelligence in solving complex problems.
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12. Prison Break
Summary: When his brother is wrongly convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, Michael Scofield, a structural engineer, comes up with a daring plan to break him out of prison. Prison Break is a nail-biting thriller about Michael’s elaborate plan, which is tattooed all over his body. He has to use his intelligence, engineering skills, and sheer determination to overcome impossible odds and get his brother out before it’s too late.
MacGyver Connection: Michael Scofield is a master planner and problem-solver, just like MacGyver. He uses his engineering knowledge to figure out how to bypass security systems and navigate the challenges of prison life. Both characters are incredibly resourceful and have to think several steps ahead to succeed in their missions. Prison Break is a more intense and dramatic show than MacGyver, but it shares that core element of cleverness and strategic thinking.
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13. 24
Summary: Imagine a TV show that takes place in real-time, with each episode covering one hour of a 24-hour period. That’s 24, starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorist agent racing against the clock to stop deadly attacks. Each season is a single, intense day as Jack faces impossible choices and fights to save lives, often having to bend the rules to get the job done. 24 is famous for its suspense, fast-paced action, and ticking-clock tension.
MacGyver Connection: Jack Bauer, like MacGyver, is a master of improvisation and problem-solving under pressure. He often has to think on his feet and use whatever resources are available to him to overcome obstacles and stop the terrorists. While 24 is much darker and more serious than MacGyver, both shows feature heroes who are incredibly resourceful and dedicated to protecting innocent people, using their skills and intelligence to do so.
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14. The Equalizer (Queen Latifah)
Summary: Robyn McCall seems like an ordinary single mom, but she’s secretly “The Equalizer,” a mysterious figure who helps those with nowhere else to turn. In this reboot of the classic series, Queen Latifah plays Robyn, a former CIA operative who uses her skills to protect the vulnerable and bring justice to the streets of New York City. She’s tough, smart, and always ready to fight for what’s right.
MacGyver Connection: Robyn McCall, like MacGyver, is a resourceful hero who uses her skills and intelligence to help people in need. She’s a master of strategy and combat, often using clever tactics to outsmart her enemies and protect her clients. Both characters are driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to make the world a better place, using their unique abilities to do so.
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15. Magnum P.I. (Jay Hernandez)
Summary: Thomas Magnum is a former Navy SEAL who becomes a private investigator in sunny Hawaii. In this reboot of the 80s classic, Magnum uses his military skills and charm to solve crimes, often with the help of his friends, including former MI6 agent Juliet Higgins. Magnum P.I. is full of action, beautiful scenery, and a fun, lighthearted tone.
MacGyver Connection: Thomas Magnum, like MacGyver, is a resourceful and skilled hero who often finds himself in exciting and dangerous situations. He uses his military training and investigative skills to solve crimes, often having to think on his feet and improvise. Both shows are about heroes who are good at what they do and always manage to come out on top, using their wits and abilities.
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16. Kung Fu (2021)
Summary: Nicky Shen is a young Chinese American woman who drops out of college and goes on a life-changing journey to a monastery in China. When she returns to San Francisco, she finds her hometown overrun with crime and corruption. Using her kung fu skills and spiritual teachings, Nicky becomes a vigilante, fighting to protect her community and bring justice to those in need. Kung Fu is a modern action series with great fight scenes and a strong focus on family and community.
MacGyver Connection: Nicky Shen, like MacGyver, is a hero who uses her unique skills to help people and fight for what’s right. While Nicky’s skills are martial arts-based and MacGyver’s are science-based, both characters are incredibly resourceful and use their abilities to overcome challenges and protect the innocent. Kung Fu brings a fresh, modern perspective to the resourceful hero archetype.
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17. The Librarians
Summary: Imagine a secret organization hidden beneath the Metropolitan Public Library that protects the world from magic! The Librarians follows a group of extraordinary people – a thief, a historian, a mathematician, and a martial artist – who are chosen to become the new Librarians. They travel the world, solving mysteries, battling supernatural forces, and collecting magical artifacts to keep them out of the wrong hands. The Librarians is a fun, adventurous show that blends fantasy, action, and a bit of humor.
MacGyver Connection: The Librarians, like MacGyver, are all about using their brains and unique skills to solve problems and overcome challenges. Each Librarian brings a different area of expertise to the team, and they have to work together, using their intelligence and resourcefulness to deal with magical threats. Both shows celebrate the power of knowledge and clever thinking in the face of danger.
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18. Warehouse 13
Summary: What if the U.S. government had a secret warehouse where they stored dangerous and strange artifacts from all over the world? Warehouse 13 is about two Secret Service agents who are assigned to this top-secret facility. Each week, they have to track down and secure new artifacts that are causing trouble, dealing with everything from cursed objects to scientific anomalies. Warehouse 13 is a mix of science fiction, mystery, and adventure, with a touch of humor.
MacGyver Connection: The agents in Warehouse 13, like MacGyver, often have to use their wits and resourcefulness to deal with unusual and unpredictable situations. They have to figure out how to contain dangerous artifacts and solve mysteries related to these strange objects, often using their knowledge and quick thinking to save the day. Both shows feature characters who are intelligent, adaptable, and always ready to face the unexpected.
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19. Relic Hunter
Summary: Sydney Fox is not your average professor; she’s a globe-trotting relic hunter! In Relic Hunter, Sydney travels the world in search of ancient artifacts, often racing against rivals and facing dangerous situations. With her knowledge of history and archaeology, and her skills in combat, Sydney is always ready for adventure. Relic Hunter is a fun, action-packed series that’s like Indiana Jones for TV.
MacGyver Connection: Sydney Fox, like MacGyver, is a resourceful and intelligent adventurer who uses her knowledge and skills to overcome obstacles and solve problems. She often has to think on her feet and use her wits to get out of tricky situations, just like MacGyver. Both shows are about smart heroes who use their brains and abilities to succeed in exciting and often dangerous missions.
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20. Andromeda
Summary: Captain Dylan Hunt wakes up after being frozen in time for 300 years to find his galaxy in ruins. In Andromeda, Dylan sets out on a mission to restore peace and rebuild the Commonwealth, a once-great interstellar civilization. He gathers a diverse crew on his starship, the Andromeda Ascendant, and together they face challenges across the galaxy, battling enemies and trying to bring hope to a fractured universe. Andromeda is a space opera with action, adventure, and a strong sense of heroism.
MacGyver Connection: Captain Dylan Hunt, like MacGyver, is a resourceful and intelligent leader who has to use his wits and skills to overcome seemingly impossible odds. He faces constant challenges in his mission to rebuild the Commonwealth, and he has to rely on his own ingenuity and the abilities of his crew to succeed. Both shows feature heroes who are determined, clever, and always find a way to keep fighting for what they believe in.
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21. Stargate SG-1
Summary: What if the ancient pyramids were actually stargates to other planets? Stargate SG-1 follows a team of explorers who use a stargate to travel to different worlds, encountering alien civilizations, battling powerful enemies, and uncovering the secrets of the universe. Led by Colonel Jack O’Neill, SG-1 is a mix of military action, science fiction adventure, and exploration of the unknown.
MacGyver Connection: The SG-1 team, like MacGyver, often has to use their intelligence and resourcefulness to get out of tricky situations when exploring new planets and encountering alien threats. They use their scientific knowledge, military skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges, just like MacGyver uses his science and everyday items to solve problems. Both shows are about smart heroes who use their abilities to explore new frontiers and protect humanity.
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22. Quantum Leap (1989)
Summary: Dr. Sam Beckett is a scientist who leaps through time, putting himself in other people’s lives to fix historical mistakes. In Quantum Leap, Sam jumps from one time period to another, experiencing different lives and challenges each week. He has to rely on his wits and knowledge to navigate these unfamiliar situations and make things right, hoping that each leap will bring him closer to returning to his own time. Quantum Leap is a heartwarming and thought-provoking show with a science fiction twist.
MacGyver Connection: Dr. Sam Beckett, like MacGyver, is a resourceful and intelligent hero who has to adapt to new and challenging situations every week. He has to use his knowledge and quick thinking to solve problems in different time periods and different lives, often with limited resources and under pressure. Both shows are about heroes who are smart, adaptable, and always trying to do the right thing, using their brains to overcome obstacles.
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23. Sliders
Summary: What if you could travel to parallel universes? Sliders is about a group of friends who accidentally invent a device that allows them to “slide” into alternate realities. But when they get lost in the multiverse, they have to travel from one parallel Earth to another, trying to find their way back home. Each world they visit is different and often dangerous, forcing them to use their wits and skills to survive and keep sliding. Sliders is a science fiction adventure with a fun, concept-driven premise.
MacGyver Connection: The sliders, like MacGyver, constantly face new and unpredictable challenges in each new world they visit. They have to be resourceful and adaptable, using their intelligence and skills to survive in these alternate realities and figure out how to get closer to home. Both shows are about heroes who are clever, quick-thinking, and always facing the unknown with courage and ingenuity.
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24. Lost
Summary: After a plane crash, the survivors find themselves stranded on a mysterious island in the middle of nowhere. Lost is a complex and intriguing show about these survivors, their past lives, and the strange secrets of the island. As they struggle to survive, they uncover mysteries, face dangers, and learn that nothing is quite what it seems. Lost is a mix of survival drama, mystery, and supernatural elements, with a large ensemble cast and plenty of twists.
MacGyver Connection: The survivors in Lost, like MacGyver, have to be incredibly resourceful and use whatever they can find to survive in a difficult environment. They have to work together, solve problems, and overcome challenges, often using their ingenuity and skills to make the best of a bad situation. While Lost is more focused on character drama and mystery than MacGyver, both shows feature heroes who are tested and have to rely on their inner strength and intelligence to survive.
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25. The Wilds
Summary: A group of teenage girls from different backgrounds are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The Wilds is a modern survival drama that explores how these girls cope with being stranded, how they work together (and sometimes clash), and the secrets of their pasts. As they fight to survive, they also discover that there’s more to their situation than just a plane crash. The Wilds is a character-driven show with suspense, mystery, and a focus on female resilience.
MacGyver Connection: The girls in The Wilds, like MacGyver, have to be incredibly resourceful and learn to use their skills and intelligence to survive in a harsh environment. They have to figure out how to find food, build shelter, and protect themselves, often using creative solutions and working together. Like MacGyver, The Wilds is about overcoming challenges with ingenuity and determination, but with a focus on a group of young women finding their strength in a crisis.
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FAQ About Shows Like MacGyver
Q1: What makes a show similar to MacGyver?
Shows similar to MacGyver usually feature smart and resourceful main characters who use their intelligence, skills, and creativity to solve problems and overcome challenges. They often involve action, adventure, and a focus on clever problem-solving rather than brute force.
Q2: Are Shows Like MacGyver just action shows?
Not necessarily. While many Shows Like MacGyver have action elements, the core is often about intelligence and problem-solving. Some may lean more into mystery, science fiction, or even comedy, but the common thread is the celebration of brainpower and resourcefulness.
Q3: Are there any modern Shows Like MacGyver?
Yes! Our list includes many modern shows like Scorpion, Person of Interest, Chuck, The Equalizer (2021), Magnum P.I. (2018), Kung Fu (2021), and The Wilds, among others. These shows take the spirit of MacGyver and update it for today’s audiences with new characters and contemporary storylines.
Q4: Which of these Shows Like MacGyver are good for families?
It depends on your family’s preferences. MacGyver (the original) and shows like The Librarians, Warehouse 13, and Relic Hunter tend to be lighter and more family-friendly. Shows like 24 and Prison Break are more intense and may be better for older teens and adults. Always check ratings and reviews to see if a show is right for your family.
Q5: Where can I watch these Shows Like MacGyver?
You can find these shows on various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+. Some may also be available for purchase or rent on platforms like iTunes or Google Play. Availability can change, so it’s always best to check where a specific show is currently streaming.
Ready for Your Next Smart Adventure?
Here you go – 25 incredible shows like MacGyver that will give you the same exciting problem-solving and brain-teasing thrill. Whether you enjoy spies, detectives, scientists, or time travelers, this list has something for every fan of clever heroes in action. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the resourcefulness and bravery of these unforgettable characters! Which one will you watch first? Enjoy the adventure!
