If you loved the thrilling espionage and charismatic charm of 'The Saint' (1997), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same blend of action, intrigue, and a roguish protagonist. Whether you're a fan of high-stakes heists, globe-trotting adventures, or clever disguises, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive in to discover your next favorite watch!

The Persuaders! (1971)
Description: Like 'The Saint (1997)', 'The Persuaders!' features a suave, sophisticated protagonist who excels in espionage and high-stakes adventures. Both shows blend action, humor, and a touch of romance, with charismatic leads who navigate dangerous situations with wit and charm. The international settings and glamorous lifestyles of the characters also mirror the globe-trotting nature of 'The Saint'.
Fact: Starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, the show was a British-American co-production. It was Roger Moore's last TV role before becoming James Bond. The series was known for its stylish fashion and exotic locations.


Remington Steele (1982)
Description: This series shares with 'The Saint' a blend of mystery, romance, and action, featuring a charming, enigmatic lead with a mysterious past. Both protagonists use aliases and possess a knack for getting out of tight spots with cleverness and style. The show's mix of lighthearted humor and suspenseful plots is reminiscent of 'The Saint's' tone.
Fact: Pierce Brosnan's role in this series led to him being cast as James Bond. The show was initially rejected by multiple networks before becoming a hit. It was one of the first TV shows to feature a female private detective as a lead character.


MacGyver (1985)
Description: Like 'The Saint', 'MacGyver' features a resourceful protagonist who relies on intelligence and ingenuity rather than brute force. Both characters are adept at improvisation and often find themselves in international intrigue. The shows share a sense of adventure and moral clarity, with heroes who operate outside traditional law enforcement but for the greater good.
Fact: The character's name became a verb meaning to fix something ingeniously. Richard Dean Anderson performed many of his own stunts. The show was known for its scientific accuracy, consulting with real scientists for plot ideas.


Moonlighting (1985)
Description: While more comedic than 'The Saint', 'Moonlighting' shares its blend of mystery and romantic tension between the leads. Both feature charismatic, quick-witted protagonists who engage in playful banter while solving cases. The show's innovative breaking of the fourth wall and stylish presentation echo 'The Saint's' self-aware charm.
Fact: It launched Bruce Willis's career. The show was notorious for production delays due to its complex scripts. It won multiple Emmys for its innovative storytelling techniques.


The Pretender (1996)
Description: This series shares with 'The Saint' a protagonist with extraordinary abilities who assumes different identities. Both characters are master manipulators with shadowy pasts, operating outside the law but with noble intentions. The shows mix action with psychological intrigue and feature protagonists who are always one step ahead of their pursuers.
Fact: The lead actor, Michael T. Weiss, performed most of his own stunts. The show's concept was inspired by real-life stories of child prodigies. It developed a cult following and spawned several TV movies after cancellation.


Burn Notice (2007)
Description: This series shares with 'The Saint' a spy protagonist who uses his unique skills while operating outside official channels. Both feature a mix of action, humor, and exotic locations, with leads who explain their tradecraft to the audience. The shows balance standalone missions with ongoing personal storylines.
Fact: Bruce Campbell's role was originally written for a woman. The voiceover narration became a trademark of the show. Many spy techniques shown were vetted by real intelligence operatives.


Leverage (2008)
Description: Like 'The Saint', 'Leverage' features a team of charismatic con artists and thieves who use their skills to help the oppressed. Both shows blend heist elements with moral storytelling, featuring protagonists who operate in gray areas of the law. The clever plots and stylish execution mirror 'The Saint's' blend of intelligence and action.
Fact: The show was created by Dean Devlin, producer of 'Independence Day'. Each episode's con was based on real-world scams. The series was revived for a sequel in 2021 after fan demand.


White Collar (2009)
Description: Like 'The Saint', 'White Collar' features a charming, sophisticated con artist with a moral compass who works with law enforcement. Both protagonists use their criminal skills for good, blending heist elements with detective work. The shows share a lighthearted tone despite dealing with serious crimes.
Fact: Matt Bomer did many of his own stunt drives. The art and forgery plots were often based on real cases. Willie Garson improvised many of his character's funniest lines.


Person of Interest (2011)
Description: While more technologically focused than 'The Saint', this series shares its theme of a mysterious benefactor operating outside the law to help people. Both feature protagonists with special skills who assume different identities and use surveillance to prevent crimes. The shows blend action with moral dilemmas about justice.
Fact: Jonathan Nolan developed the show while working on 'The Dark Knight'. The Machine's code displays were real programming languages. Amy Acker's character was originally intended to be killed off early.


The Blacklist (2013)
Description: Like 'The Saint', this series features a charismatic, enigmatic criminal who assists law enforcement with his unique knowledge and skills. Both protagonists have mysterious pasts and operate by their own moral code. The shows mix standalone cases with ongoing mythology and feature stylish, intelligent leads.
Fact: James Spader improvises many of his character's monologues. The show holds the record for most watched premiere on NBC. The blacklist items often reference classic literature and art.
