10 Shows & Movies Like Burn Notice (2007)

Description: 'Alias' shares with 'Burn Notice' a focus on espionage, undercover operations, and a protagonist (Sydney Bristow) with a complex personal life. Both shows blend action, drama, and intricate plots, with a strong emphasis on the protagonist's dual life.

Fact: Jennifer Garner, who plays Sydney Bristow, performed many of her own stunts on the show. 'Alias' was created by J.J. Abrams, who later went on to direct 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. The show's iconic 'Rambaldi' mythology was one of the first major TV myth arcs to captivate audiences.

Description: 'Hustle' mirrors 'Burn Notice' in its focus on a team of con artists who use their skills to outwit corrupt individuals. Both shows feature clever schemes, charismatic characters, and a mix of humor and suspense, with a strong emphasis on the 'con' as an art form.

Fact: 'Hustle' was created by Tony Jordan, who also wrote for 'EastEnders' and 'Life on Mars'. The show's style was heavily influenced by classic heist films like 'The Sting' and 'Ocean's Eleven'. Each episode of 'Hustle' features a unique con, often with a twist ending that surprises both the mark and the audience.

Description: 'Chuck' shares with 'Burn Notice' a blend of action, comedy, and espionage, with an ordinary guy (Chuck Bartowski) suddenly thrust into the world of spies. Both shows feature a mix of high-stakes missions and lighthearted moments, with a strong emphasis on character relationships.

Fact: Zachary Levi, who plays Chuck, was a last-minute replacement for the role after another actor dropped out. The show's 'Buy More' store was inspired by real-life electronics retailers like Best Buy. 'Chuck' was saved from cancellation multiple times by fan campaigns, including a 'Subway' sandwich promotion that helped fund the show.

Description: Similar to 'Burn Notice', 'Leverage' features a team of skilled individuals with unique talents working together to take down corrupt and powerful figures. Both shows blend action, humor, and clever cons, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and justice.

Fact: 'Leverage' was created by John Rogers, who also wrote for 'Cosby' and 'The Core'. The show was inspired by classic heist films like 'The Sting' and 'Ocean's Eleven'. Timothy Hutton, who plays Nate Ford, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the age of 20 for 'Ordinary People'.

Description: 'The Mentalist' shares with 'Burn Notice' a protagonist with a unique skill set (Patrick Jane's observational prowess) who operates outside traditional law enforcement to solve crimes. Both shows mix procedural storytelling with personal vendettas and a touch of humor.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, is Australian and had to perfect an American accent for the role. The character of Patrick Jane was inspired by real-life mentalists like The Amazing Kreskin. The show's iconic 'Red John' storyline was one of the most talked-about mysteries on television during its run.

Description: Like 'Burn Notice', 'White Collar' follows a charming and resourceful protagonist (Neal Caffrey) who uses his skills to solve crimes, often with a mix of wit and deception. Both shows feature a balance of procedural elements and overarching storylines, with a focus on clever problem-solving.

Fact: Matt Bomer, who plays Neal Caffrey, was originally considered for the role of Superman in 'Superman Returns'. The show's creator, Jeff Eastin, is a trained pilot and incorporated his love of aviation into the series. 'White Collar' was filmed entirely in New York City, capturing the city's iconic landmarks.

Description: Like 'Burn Notice', 'Covert Affairs' follows a skilled operative (Annie Walker) navigating the complexities of espionage while balancing personal relationships. Both shows feature strong female leads, exotic locations, and a mix of action and drama.

Fact: Piper Perabo, who plays Annie Walker, did many of her own stunts on the show. The show's title was originally going to be 'Annie Walker', but was changed to 'Covert Affairs' to better reflect the spy genre. 'Covert Affairs' was praised for its realistic portrayal of CIA operations, with input from former intelligence officers.

Description: Like 'Burn Notice', 'Nikita' follows a rogue operative (Nikita) who uses her skills to take down a corrupt organization. Both shows feature strong, resourceful protagonists, high-stakes action, and a mix of personal and professional conflicts.

Fact: Maggie Q, who plays Nikita, is a trained martial artist and did many of her own stunts. The show is a reboot of the 1990s series 'La Femme Nikita', which was itself based on a French film. 'Nikita' was praised for its strong female lead and its portrayal of complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Description: Similar to 'Burn Notice', 'Person of Interest' features a protagonist with a shadowy past (John Reese) who uses his skills to help people while navigating a larger conspiracy. Both shows blend action, suspense, and moral dilemmas, with a focus on vigilante justice.

Fact: The show was created by Jonathan Nolan, who co-wrote 'The Dark Knight' with his brother Christopher Nolan. The machine's voice in the show was provided by actor Jim Caviezel's wife, Kerri Browitt Caviezel. 'Person of Interest' was one of the first shows to explore the implications of artificial intelligence and mass surveillance.

Description: Similar to 'Burn Notice', 'The Blacklist' follows a mysterious and highly skilled protagonist (Raymond 'Red' Reddington) who works with law enforcement to take down criminals. Both shows feature a mix of procedural and serialized storytelling, with a focus on the protagonist's enigmatic past.

Fact: James Spader, who plays Red Reddington, also serves as an executive producer on the show. The character of Red was inspired by real-life criminals like Whitey Bulger. 'The Blacklist' was one of the first shows to be renewed for a full season based solely on its pilot episode.