10 Shows & Movies Like Chuck (2007)

Description: Like 'Chuck', this J.J. Abrams show features a young protagonist balancing spy life with personal relationships. Both series mix action, humor, and emotional depth, with protagonists who must maintain secret identities.

Fact: Jennifer Garner did most of her own stunts. The show popularized the 'spy in a fancy dress' trope.

Description: Like 'Chuck', this show mixes crime-solving with comedy, featuring a neurotic but brilliant protagonist. Both series balance lighthearted moments with deeper emotional arcs about loss and personal growth.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub won 3 Emmys for his role. The show's theme song was written by Randy Newman.

Description: Like 'Chuck', 'Psych' blends comedy with crime-solving, featuring a protagonist with extraordinary observational skills (though Shawn Spencer's are fake, unlike Chuck's real abilities). Both shows have a light-hearted tone, witty dialogue, and a strong bromance at their core.

Fact: The pineapple appearing in every episode is a nod to the show's creator's love for the fruit. James Roday Rodriguez (Shawn) and Dule Hill (Gus) had such great chemistry that they often improvised scenes together.

Description: Similar to 'Chuck', this show combines spy action with humor and features a protagonist who uses unconventional methods. Both Michael Westen and Chuck are thrown into the spy world unexpectedly and must navigate it while maintaining personal relationships.

Fact: Bruce Campbell's character Sam Axe was so popular he got his own TV movie. The voiceovers teaching spycraft were inspired by old instructional films.

Description: Like 'Chuck', this show features a team of misfits taking on powerful adversaries using clever schemes rather than brute force. Both series balance heist/spy elements with humor and found family themes.

Fact: The show was inspired by classic caper films. Christian Kane (who plays Eliot) is actually a professional musician in real life.

Description: While more serious than 'Chuck', this show shares the theme of an ordinary-seeming guy with extraordinary abilities (Patrick Jane's observational skills) working with law enforcement. Both protagonists use humor to mask deeper pain.

Fact: Simon Baker often directed episodes. The Red John mystery was inspired by real serial killers.

Description: This series shares 'Chuck's' mix of crime-fighting and humor, with Neal Caffrey's charm and wit reminiscent of Chuck Bartowski. Both shows feature an unlikely partnership between a regular guy and a government agent, blending action with character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Matt Bomer did many of his own stunts. The show's art theft plots were often inspired by real-life cases.

Description: This shares 'Chuck's' blend of spy action and personal drama, featuring a young protagonist unexpectedly thrust into the world of espionage. Both shows balance mission-of-the-week plots with longer character arcs.

Fact: Piper Perabo did extensive weapons training. Many locations were actual CIA sites (with permission).

Description: This shares 'Chuck's' perfect balance of comedy and action/crime elements. Both shows feature lovable, quirky characters and emphasize found family dynamics in a workplace setting.

Fact: Andy Samberg was cast after just one audition. The Halloween heist episodes became a fan-favorite tradition.

Description: Similar to 'Chuck', this show features geniuses solving high-stakes problems with a mix of intellect and action. Both series showcase underdogs using their unique skills to help government agencies.

Fact: Inspired by real-life genius Walter O'Brien. The cast underwent tech training to make their performances authentic.