Apple TV+‘sSlow Horsesfollows a dysfunctional group of British intelligence officers who, as a result of their career-ending mistakes and failures, are housed at MI5’s “dumping ground” department called Slough House.
It’s wonderful to immerse within theSlow Horsesand Espionage universe, but for fans looking for more intriguing spy drama, there are several other series like it. The British spy genre is prevalent in the program, which is adored for its slow-moving action and morally gray characters. Thankfully,there are several excellent espionage shows likeSlow Horsesavailable that fans can bingethat have a similar vibe to the Apple TV+ show.
35. ‘Liaison’ (2023)
Directed byStephen Hopkins
Apple TV+’s first French-English original series,Liaisontells the story of Gabriel Delage (Vincent Cassel) and Alison Rowdy (Eva Green), two intelligence agents and former lovers, who are put together on a task force to thwart international cyberattacks threatening the world. As they combat external threats, Alison and Gabriel must also learn to confront their past demons and long-buried secrets that could prove to be disastrous for their future as well as that of their mission.
Liaison, likeSlow Horses, is alsoa high-stakes contemporary spy thriller and packs an intense, multilayered plot with political and espionage thriller elements. But the narrative of the French-English series is more character-focused, and leans more towards the passionate and enduring romance between the protagonists, which often feels clichéd. The series earned mixed reviews from the audience but earned praise for the leadingperformances by Eva Greenand Vincent Cassel, which sparked great on-screen chemistry.
34. ‘The Agency’ (2024–)
Created by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth
Led byMichael FassbenderandJodie Turner-Smith,The Agencyfollows covert CIA agent Brandon Colby, codename ‘Martian’ (Fassbender), who is ordered to abandon his undercover life and return to his station. When his love interest, Dr. Samia Fatima ‘Sami’ Zahir (Turner-Smith) from his past life reappears, reigniting the romance, Martian finds himself pitting his mission and duties for his nation against his emotions in a dangerous game of international espionage.Richard Gere,Jeffrey Wright, andKatherine Waterstonround up the show’s ensemble cast.
A remake of the highly acclaimed French seriesLe Bureau des Légendes,The Agencymatches the tone and pace of its parent show. Still,it stands out with its distinctive storytelling style, intriguing plot lines, and remarkable cinematography, amplified byFassbender’s solid performance. LikeSlow Horses,The Agencyrevives the spy thriller genre with a contemporary narrative on spycraft, more so by focusing on its psychological and emotional impact on agents.
The Agency
33. ‘The Night Agent’ (2023–)
Created by Shawn Ryan
ANeftlix spy drama series,The Night Agentfollows an FBI agent, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) who is drawn into a massive plot involving a mole at the highest levels of the American government. He embarks on a desperate search for the traitor to preserve the country, all the while defending former CEO Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) from the assassins of her aunt and uncle.
Similar toSlow Horses, another book-based television program,The Night Agentcaptivates viewers with a compelling plot, loads of action, and faithfulness to the original source material. Although the series’ storyline isn’t a genre breakthrough, its execution is amusing, and engaging, and does a good job of keeping viewers glued to their seats.
The Night Agent
32. ‘Rabbit Hole’ (2023–)
Created by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Rabbit Holeis a recently released spy thriller series that centers on a corporate spy John Weir (Kiefer Sutherland) who is skilled at deceit and destroying lives. On his final mission, a mystery cabal frames him for murder and turns the tables on him, giving him a taste of his own medicine. As a result, he is forced to play a cat-and-mouse game to free himself.
The appeal ofRabbit Holeis due to a command of key elements, including a snappy narrative, disciplined execution, and a carefully chosen cast led by Sutherland’s captivating and authoritative character. Moreover, the viewers are increasingly confident that Sutherland’s inner Jack Bauer will surface as they delve deeper into this rabbit hole.
Rabbit Hole
31. ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ (2023–)
Created by Taylor Sheridan
Starring A-listers likeZoë Saldaña,Nicole Kidman, andMorgan Freeman,Special Ops: Lionessis based on a real-lifeCIA program. Also known asLioness, the series follows a young Marine, Joe McNamara, who is recruited to spearhead the CIA’s war on terror and lead an undercover operation that enlists female operatives known as Lionesses. Featuring dangerous missions and clandestine security operations,Special Ops: Lionessjoins the ranks of popular thriller shows likeJack Ryan.
Special Ops: Lionessis a reminder thatTaylor Sheridanis equally convincing with crime thrillers as he is with Westerns. LikeSlow Horses,Special Ops: Lionessis also a spy thriller, but it digs deeper into the espionage operations, as well as the psychological impacts of the missions on the protagonists. Even though the series has received overall mixed reviews for its story and narrative, its cast performance and cinematography are praiseworthy; Saldaña’s convincing portrayal of Joe in particular.
30. ‘Monsieur Spade’ (2024)
Created by Scott Frank and Tom Fontana
From the Emmy-winning creators ofThe Queen’s GambitandOz, comes thisgripping neo-noir thrillerbased on the popular fictional detective, Sam Spade, created byDashiell Hammett. Set in 1963,Monsieur Spadefollows the titular private detective during his peaceful retirement in the French countryside of Bozouls. But when six nuns of the town are brutally killed, and simultaneously, an old enemy returns, Spade is forced to leave the serenity behind and chase the mystery.Monsieur Spademarks the first television adaptation of Hammett’s fan-favorite character and acts like a sequel to the 1930 novel.
Clive Owenmakes a lasting impression with his portrayal of the rugged yet riveting detective, only made better by the show’s cinematography. By reprising the most popular American sleuth of the 20th century, the AMC original serves as a refreshing entry in the genre.A gritty crime thriller at its heart,Monsieur Spadeis whatSlow Horseswould be if it was set in the 1960s.
Monsieur Spade
29. ‘Alex Rider’ (2020–2024)
Created by Guy Burt
The British thriller series narrates the thrilling adventures of the titular protagonist, based on the novel series of the same name byAnthony Horowitzin the second screen adaptation. InAlex Rider,Otto Farrantstars as the London teenager who gets recruited by MI6 to investigate his uncle’s mysterious death involving a controversial corrective academy for the elite.
WhileAlex Rideris a very contemporary espionage show likeSlow Horses,it manages to stay as stylish and slick as classic British spy thrillers. Despite a slow start, the series quickly gained momentum among genre fans and has been praised for its storytelling, pacing, worldbuilding, and character journeys. Focusing on a teen protagonist with a Spider-Man-like backstory,Alex Rideris a coming-of-age showat heart delivered in a thrilling spy adventure narrative. Farrant delivers a very fitting teen agent who discovers skills and tricks he never knew he had, balancing high-stakes missions and super-charged action sequences with sentimental, character-defining moments.
Alex Rider
28. ‘The Day of the Jackal’ (2024–)
Created by Ronan Bennett
Eddie Redmaynestars as the highly skilled titular assassin and a master of disguise, in this spy thriller based onFrederick Forsyth’s novel of the same name and a modern reimagination of the eponymous 1973 film.The Day of the Jackalcenters on a highly elusive and ruthless assassin, who is only known by his alias, The Jackal. When his latest assignment involving a high-profile politician attracts the attention of the relentless intelligence officer, Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch), it puts them in a thrilling but deadly, globe-trotting cat-and-mouse chase.
With its well-executed actions, intense and audacious missions, and an agent’s persistent pursuit of the reptilian assassin, the series is comparable toshows likeKilling Eve, only darker in tone, and is sure to thrill fans ofSlow Horsesas well.A taut crime drama written into a high-octane and stylish narrative,The Day of the Jackalhas been acclaimed for being faithful to the original story and Redmayne’s compelling performance, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
The Day of the Jackal
27. ‘Condor’ (2018–2020)
Created by Todd Katzberg, Jason Smilovic, and Ken Robinson
A television adaptation ofJames Grady’s novel,Six Days of the Condor, and its 1975 film adaptation bySydney Pollack,Condorfollows Joe Turner (Max Irons), a young CIA analyst who joins the agency with the idea of reforming the system from within. After he learns about a secret plan that could kill millions and all his coworkers are massacred, Joe finds his idealism questioned and sets out on a mission to find the culprits and stop an apocalyptic outcome.
Condorbears all the right elements of awell-crafted thriller of the 21st century, likeSlow Horses. And yet,the series never aims to be realistic, and simultaneously maintains the nostalgia of fantastical espionage showslikeAliasorNikita. Its slick and sleek settings, characters, and propulsive pace, supported by solid cast performances makes it a highly engaging and entertaining spy thriller series that merits more than what its two seasons can offer.
26. ‘The Ipcress File’ (2022)
Created by James Watkins and John Hodge
Loosely taken fromLen Deighton’s eponymous 1962 novel, the television series marks the second screen adaptation of the same, following theMichael Caine-led 1965 film. A Cold War spy thriller,The Ipcress Filefollows British Army Corporal Harry Palmer, who moonlights as a smuggler between East and West Berlin. When caught for his crime, Harry agrees to work as an undercover spy for the British Intelligence and find a missing nuclear scientist, in exchange for his freedom.Joe Colestars as Harry Palmer, reprising arole that became Michael Caine’s breakoutin 1965.
A gripping thriller about an underdog using only his survival skills and connections to save the day,The Ipcress File’s Harry has a lot in common withSlow Horses’ Slough House team. Set in 1963, the series feels atmospheric and compelling in its narrative with all the quintessential tension and grungy vibe of the Cold War that quickly gets your mind racing with intrigue.
The Ipcress File
25. ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018–2023)
Created by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland
Inspired by the iconic character created by authorTom Clancy,Jack Ryanfollows the titular character,played by John Krasinski, as he is drawn into the world of international espionage and counterterrorism as he investigates complex threats and confronts dangerous adversaries.
Jack Ryancombines pulse-pounding action sequences, political intrigue, and character-driven drama, making it a captivating and contemporary take on the espionage genre. In addition,Jack Ryanis well-received by both critics and fans alike for its realistic portrayal of geopolitical tensions and its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence professionals.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
24. ‘The Outlaws’ (2021–)
Created by Elgin James and Stephen Merchant
A fantasticshow on Prime Video right now,The Outlawscenters on seven strangers from various backgrounds who are compelled to work together in Bristol to finish a Community Payback term. But, they discover a sack full of cash without realizing its true owners are quite dangerous, and their luck changes.
The show is humorous and unexpectedly tense, andit functions as a more upbeat and colorful crime caper thanSlow Horses’ somber tone.The Outlawsalso does an excellent job of discussing and subsequently linking various sociopolitical and economic concerns that particular members of minorities face in an engaging way.
The Outlaws
23. ‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)
Developed by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa
Homelandis an espionage thriller TV series adapted from the Israeli seriesPrisoners of Warthat centers on Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a CIA officer with bipolar, and Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a Marine Corps Scout Sniper. Mathison believes that Brody was “converted” by the enemy and now poses a threat to the nation since he was held captive by Al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war.
Homelandexcels as both a riveting thriller and a gripping interpersonal dramathanks to the superb talent on both sides of the camera. Also, the series juggles a variety of mini-dramas and subplots, thankfully none of which prove to be frightening or perplexing due to their pleasant and seamless introduction.
22. ‘Alias’ (2001–2006)
Created by J. J. Abrams
Aliasis a spy drama with a bit of science fiction that centers on Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner), a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) double agent who poses as a member of the international criminal and espionage group SD-6. Sydney later discovers that SD-6 is a part of the Alliance of 12, an organization that is trying to take over the world.
Even though the plot might seem perplexing at times,Aliascharms the audience with its brilliant action sequences, excellent storytelling, and likable characters. The interestingly clever decision to combine espionage and science fiction to create a hybrid that may be accurately referred to as “spy-fi” makesAliasamust-watch show for a genre mashup.
21. ‘The Spy’ (2019)
Created by Gideon Raff
Based on the true story ofEli Cohen, who successfully infiltrated the Syrian government in the 1960s and gathered crucial intelligence on their military activities and plans,The Spyis a miniseries that offers a grippingand intense look at the life of Cohen, portrayed bySacha Baron Cohenin a striking departure from his usual comedic roles.
Cohen’s double existence is explored inThe Spyas he juggles his obligationsas a family man with his risky covert profession in this dramatic and thrilling drama. Additionally, the performance by Sacha Baron Cohen is astounding, displaying both his acting range and his capacity to capture the nuanced personality of a real-life spy.
20. ‘24’ (2001–2010)
Created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran
24is an action drama TV series that follows a counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland). Each season uses a real-time narrator to take viewers through 24 straight hours of Bauer’s life. Moreover, each episode contains a number of interconnected narratives, many of which involve Bauer’s contacts in dangerous situations.
24stands out from other movies in the genre thanks to its tension, complexity, and novel concept. It’s a suspenseful thriller with genuine thrills and a captivating mystery along with an assortment of odd events, unsettling individuals, and ominous shadows. Moreover, Sutherland immediately convinces the audience that this character is real with his succinct and brilliant performance.
19. ‘Tehran’ (2020–)
Created by Moshe Zonder, Dana Eden, and Maor Kohn
Tehrantells the story of the Mossad computer hacker-agent Tamar Rabinyan (Niv Sultan) whose first assignment takes place in the titular city, a hostile and dangerous place where she was born. Tamar goes rogue to Tehran after the Mossad mission fails, rediscovering her Persian heritage and falling in love with a pro-democracy activist.
Tehrandeparts from preconceived notions about Iran and emphasizes the variety of complex attitudesthat the Iranian people have toward their government. The show may be dark at times, but it nonetheless offers plenty of espionage action for those seeking to watch moreagents undercover action on TV likeTehran.
18. ‘Treason’ (2022)
Created by Matt Charman
This British spy thriller series comes from Academy Award-nominatedMatt CharmanofBridge of Spiesfame and explores internal conflicts and politics in espionage likeSlow Horses.Treasonfollows MI6 agent Adam Lawrence, whose life takes a drastic turn when his boss is poisoned and he is made the new head. After a reunion with a Russian spy, Adam begins to question his entire life and career, setting on a quest to find his place in the world of spies while juggling politics, investigation, and his family’s safety.
The spy drama miniseries featuresDaredevilstarCharlie Cox as MI6 agent Adam Lawrencein a compelling performance of a man torn between his good intentions and past failures.Treasonis a short and breezy series with only five episodes, but it delivers ample thrillswith double-crossing agents and high-stakes espionage operations.
17. ‘Burn Notice’ (2007–2013)
Created by Matt Nix
Burn Noticefollows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a highly skilled covert operative who, after being inexplicably “burned” by his own agency, finds himself blacklisted and stranded in Miami. To survive and uncover the truth behind his burn notice, Westen utilizes his exceptional spy skills, aided by a colorful cast of characters.
Burn Noticestrikes a unique balance between espionage action, humor, and character-driven drama, making it an engaging and enduring part of the spy genre. Moreover, the show has been well-received for its character development, action sequences, and depiction of the espionage world, making it a series that appeals to fans of both action and espionage thrillers.
Burn Notice
16. ‘Chuck’ (2007–2012)
Created by Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak
Chuckis an action-comedy/spy drama that follows Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) when he receives an encrypted e-mail from a former classmate who is now employed by the CIA. The message causes the CIA and the NSA to give Chuck handlers and use him on top-secret operations because it embeds the sole copy of a software program holding the most important American spy secrets into Chuck’s brain.
Chuckcontains the alluring charm of the comedy genre and also the incredibly amusing journey of the spy dramathat creates an interesting show where fans get to meet the seamless collaboration of secret operatives and high-tech nerds. Additionally, the cast is equally talented and has great chemistry, upping the quality as well as the comedy aspect of the show.
15. ‘In From the Cold’ (2022)
Created by Adam Glass
From the writer-producer ofshows likeCriminal MindsandSupernaturalcomes this spy thriller starringMargarita Levievaas mother and former Russian agent whose life is turned upside down when her past returns to haunt her.In From the Coldfollows Anya Petrova/The Whisper, a former Russian spy and assassin who lives a double life in the United States as a recently divorced single mother, Jenny Franklin. While escorting her daughter to a figure skating championship, Jenny’s past gets exposed, forcing her to choose between her family’s safety and returning to her past.In From the Coldis unique in its concept and characterization where Jenny/Anya is not just a Cold War-era secret agent but genetically modified to be a shape-shifting spy. Unlike most spy thrillers,this Netflix original series blends sci-fi and spy action into a quirky yet thrilling narrative.
In From the Cold
14. ‘The Night Manager’ (2016)
Directed by Susanne Bier
The Night Manageris a spy drama miniseries that is based on the 1993novel of the same name by John le Carré. The show follows Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a night manager at a five-star hotel in Cairo and a former British soldier, who is hired by Angela Burr (Olivia Colman), the head of a Foreign Office task team to look into shady operations of the arms dealer, Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie).
The Night Manager’s riveting immediacy is a result of screenwriterDavid Farr’s updating of the script with references to current crises in the Middle East by the time it was released.The intriguing direction of Susanne Bier and the superb ensemble hold the viewer’s attention, especially Hiddleston, while the stunning setting and the attractive cast give it a grimy glamor.
The Night Manager
13. ‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)
Created by Jon Bokenkamp
The Blacklistrevolves around the enigmatic and charismatic criminal mastermind Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), who voluntarily surrenders to the FBI and offers to help them apprehend some of the most dangerous and elusive criminals in the world. Moreover, there is an exciting and complex cat-and-mouse game between Reddington and the FBI, especially with his designated handler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone).
The series blends aspects of crime drama with espionage, and viewers look forward to each newepisode ofThe Blacklistbecause of its sophisticated narrative twists and fascinating characters. Moreover, what sets the show apart is Spader’s magnetic performance as Reddington, a character who is equal parts charming, cunning, and mysterious.
The Blacklist
12. ‘Deutschland 83’ (2015)
Created by Anna Winger and Joerg Winger
Deutschland 83follows a 24-year-old East German native, played byJonas Nay, who is transferred to West Germany in 1983 as an undercover agent for the HVA, the Stasi’s foreign intelligence service. His actions as a new spy frequently jeopardize his cover and prompt his organization to take drastic steps.
Although the writers ofDeutschland 83have changed the facts, they have successfully recreated the drama of those crucial hourswhen large numbers of East Berliners passed through Checkpoint Charlie. The program was also able to cover all the essential elements of a classic spy thriller, including tone, intrigue, and drama.
Deutschland 83
11. ‘A Spy Among Friends’ (2022)
Directed by Nick Murphy
Based on the 2014 spy novel of the same namebyBen Macintyre,A Spy Among Friendsis set in England in 1963 and follows a British intelligence officer for SIS, Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis) who is devastated to find that Kim Philby (Guy Pearce), his close friend and colleague, has been covertly serving as a double agent for the KGB and had deserted to the Soviet Union.
Smart and razor-sharp,A Spy Among Friendsdelivers a tale that most North American audiences are likely unfamiliar within a very British way. Despite its complex storyline and fertile ambiguity, the show doesn’t lose sight of the more fundamental, universal story it conveys about the anguish of betrayal. It also offers outstanding performances from its leading actors.
A Spy Among Friends
10. ‘The Game’ (2014–2015)
Created by Toby Whithouse
The Gameis a six-part British Cold War spy thriller miniseries set in London in 1972. It relates the story of the covert conflict MI5, played byTom Hughes, waged while fighting to defend the country from Cold War dangers.
The show shines in the crucial areas that an espionage drama cannot get wrong: ambiance, suspense, and tone. In addition,The Gameis a beautifully put-together piece that doesn’t contain a transparent and straightforward plotbut one that oozes out hints and dollops of background information for viewers to constantly think about throughout the show.
9. ‘Kleo’ (2022–)
Created by Hanno Hackfort, Richard Kropf, and Bob Konrad
Set in the late 1980s, the German spy thriller comedy is essentially a revenge thriller story about the titular character Kleo Straub (Jella Haase), a former East German Stasi assassin. The story ofKleobegins in 1987 when Straub successfully kills a double agent in West Berlin but is falsely arrested by her agency and imprisoned. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, she sets out to seek revenge on everyone who framed her while Sven Petzold (Dimitrij Schaad), an underappreciated West Berlin police officer, sets out to stop her quest.
Kleois fast-pacedand highly entertaining, with stylized spy action and gripping plotlines. With two seasons and 14 episodes under its belt, the Netflix series has been highly praised for its story, characterization, pace, and Haase’s portrayal of a gritty spy.
8. ‘Killing Eve’ (2018–2022)
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
BBC adaptation ofLuke Jennings’ novel series,Villanelle,Killing Evefollows the titular MI5 investigator, who is tasked with finding the notorious and elusive assassin, Villanelle/Oksana Astankova. What begins as a mission to take down an international criminal, turns into a complicated and intimate game of obsession, when the hunter and the hunted find themselves strangely drawn to each other.Sandra OhandJodie Comerstar as Eve and Villanelle, respectively, in remarkable performances that won them several awards and accolades.
Killing Eveis colorful and quirky unlikeSlow Horses, but it is as thrilling asthe Apple TV+ originalwith ample action, suspense, and drama. The love-hate chemistry between Eve and Villanelle remains the crux of the series.Killing Eveis a quirky, funny, and thrilling series with remarkable character design, styling, music, and action choreography, that is sure to appeal to genre fans.
Killing Eve
7. ‘The Old Man’ (2022–)
Created by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine
The Old ManfollowsAcademy Award-winner Jeff Bridges as the protagonist, Dan Chase, a former CIA operative who has been living off the grid for 30 years. After an assassin tries to kill him, Chase goes into hiding again, while FBI’s Harold Harper (John Lithgow), who has a complicated past with Chase tries to hunt him down.
The Old Manis based on the novel of the same name byThomas Perry, and like the Apple TV+ series, also focuses on an older protagonist which lends a much-needed gravitas to the spy thriller narrative.It’s gripping, bold, and sharp, like any good spy thriller should be, and is every bit as thrilling asSlow Horses. The first season ofThe Old Manwas highly acclaimed and earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, and the show only continues to impress.
The Old Man
6. ‘The Little Drummer Girl’ (2018)
Directed by Park Chan-wook
The Little Drummer Girlis anotherrenowned spy thriller miniseriesbased on John le Carré’s novel of the same name. The show follows a promising English actress (Florence Pugh) who is chosen by Mossad to infiltrate an organization that is planning terrorism against Europe after a bomb detonates inside the residence of an Israeli attaché in West Germany.
The charming and competent Pugh masterfully brings to life the one and only le Carré adaptation featuring a female lead.This is complemented by directorPark Chan-Wook’s skill at building suspense and his impeccable interpretative work, which makes the show not only a notable adaptation but also one of the best British spy series.
The Little Drummer Girl
5. ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ (2013–2020)
Created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen
As part of theMCU,Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.follows a team of agents working for the secret government organization S.H.I.E.L.D. as they investigate and confront various extraordinary and superhuman threats. The series is notable for its interconnectedness with the larger MCU, with storylines and characters often tying into events from the Marvel films.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.transformed throughout the course of its seven-season run from a procedural to a sophisticated and ambitious storythat investigated time travel, parallel universes, and the effects of superhuman talents. Moreover, the show appeals to both Marvel fans and those searching for a gripping and long-running series that delves into the complicated world of espionage and superhuman abilities thanks to its blend of action, science fiction, and drama.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
4. ‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)
Created by Joe Weisberg
The Americanscenters on Elizabeth (played by Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), two Soviet KGB spies disguised as a married American couple residing in Falls Church, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. with their children. Following the viewpoints of spies on both sides, it also investigates the tension between the FBI office in Washington and the KGB Rezidentura.
The seamless balance between spy hijinks and agenuine drama about an unconventional marriage and two people reaching a turning point in their relationship is what makesThe Americansso intriguing. Moreover, shootouts, chases in cars, disguises, and unusual wigs will delight viewers as the tension builds minute by minute, making it one of the best spy series ever made.
The Americans
3. ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024–)
Created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover
StarringDonald GloverandMaya Erskineas the titular couple,Mr. & Mrs. Smithfollows two strangers who agree to become secret agents for a clandestine organization, pose as a married couple, and undertake espionage missions. AlthoughMr. & Mrs. Smithis inspired by the 2005 film of the same name, the narrative is vastly different. The Prime Video original uses the lead characters as two strangers paired up to work undercover, while their skills and relationship dynamics are put to a test, focusing on the working chemistry of the couple.
The first season ofMr. & Mrs. Smithearned great accolades for the excellent cast performance, with Erskine and Glover earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations for their acting. Considered one of the best thriller titles on the streamer since its release,Mr. & Mrs. Smithis highly acclaimed for delivering a fast-paced narrative balancing relationship drama with high-stakes spy hijinks.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
2. ‘Black Doves’ (2024)
Created by Joe Barton
ThisBritish thriller seriescomes fromJoe Barton, best known for creating shows likeGiri/HajiandThe Lazarus Project.Black Dovestells the story of Helen, an agent from the titular intelligence agency, whose cover gets blown when her lover, Jason (Andrew Koji) is suddenly murdered. To find Jason’s killer and uncover the truth, Helen seeks the help of a fellow spy and old friend, before her alias life is exposed and upended.Keira Knightleystars as Helen andBen Wishawas Sam, with their respective performances earning glowing reviews.
Black Doveshas been praised for its gripping, noir-style narrative, which is a reminder of classic British espionage stories, packed with plot twists, action, and witty humor, likeSlow Horses. Although billed as a thriller,Black Dovessuccessfully blends genres and delivers a unique story of love, friendship, and spy craft that can keep you engaged all the way to the end.
Black Doves
1. ‘Counterpart’ (2017–2019)
Created by Justin Marks
Counterpartis a sci-fi espionage drama that follows Howard Silk (J. K. Simmons), a kind and quiet office worker who has been employed by the Office of Interchange (OI), a United Nations organization with offices in Berlin for 30 years. Silk later learns that his organization guards the checkpoint crossing into a parallel dimension and the only person he can trust is his nearly identical counterpart from this parallel universe.
The show may take a while to get going, but with each episode, it becomes a little more worthwhile. IfPhilip K. DickandJohn Le Carré had a TV series together, that show would be this show. Moreover, with two mesmerizing performances from Simmons and amazing worldbuilding by show creator,Justin Marks,Counterpartis the perfect harmony between sci-fi and espionage thriller that fans cannot skip.
