Leverage is an American action crime drama TV series that originally aired on TNT from December 7, 2008, to December 25, 2012
. The show centers on a five-person team led by former insurance investigator Nathan Ford. The team consists of a thief, a grifter, a hacker, and a retrieval specialist ("hitter"), who use their unique skills to carry out heists aimed at fighting corporate and governmental injustices against ordinary people
. The series is often described as combining the charm and intelligence of the Ocean's 11 franchise with the memorable personalities reminiscent of the A-Team
. Each episode typically follows a formula where the team meets a client, researches the villain to find a weakness, and executes a con to outwit the antagonist, often revealed through flashbacks that show clever improvisations or anticipated complications
. Leverage is noted for its engaging characters, including an arrogant combat expert, a psychopathic thief, a brilliant improv actress, and a savvy tech genius, who together form a compelling "TV family" dynamic
. The show has a Robin Hood-like theme, where the team steals from the rich or corrupt to help the needy, though the team members are primarily motivated by money rather than altruism
. The show was well-received for its smart writing, acting, and entertaining plots filled with twists and surprises. It maintained strong viewership during its run, averaging around 4 million viewers per episode in its early seasons
. Due to its popularity, a revival series titled "Leverage: Redemption" began in 2021, featuring most of the original cast and continuing the story with new cons and challenges
. In summary, Leverage is a clever, fun, and original TV series about a team of skilled con artists who use their talents to fight injustice, blending action, drama, and humor in a modern-day Robin Hood style
