Britain’s television landscape has often been linked with gritty characters, compelling storylines, and complex dramas, with no genre embodying those traits quite like an iconic British spy series.The British fiction’sfascination with spies and espionage can be traced back to Ian Fleming’s iconicJames Bondcharacter from 1953, which garnered worldwide attention and acclaim. Though other countries produce quality works in the genre, the British versions tend to have a biting dialogue mixed with intricate, layered narratives that create some of the most intense, thrilling shows of all time.
Uniquely Britishspy series from older generations, such asTinker Tailor Soldier Spy, shows the complexity of the genre and the underlying tension and psychological pressures that agents must endure on their missions.Modern series like the belovedKilling Eveshow a different layer to the genre, with a more quirky and comical tone that is still punctuated with moments of violence and intelligent turns in the story. It’s a genre that has produced some ofthe best thriller showsand has been elevated by these British series, and one that will continue to captivate people for generations to come.
Spies of Warsaw
Cast
Spies of Warsaw is a 2013 drama based on Alan Furst’s novels. It follows a military attaché at the French embassy in pre-World War II Warsaw, navigating abduction and betrayal amidst diplomatic salons and back alleys. Adapted by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it blends espionage with romance.
Spies Of Warsawis a unique mix of backgrounds and cultures, being a British series about a spy portraying a French military ambassador, played by a Scottish actor who is stationed in Warsaw, Poland.The incredible David Tennant plays the agent whose mission is to covertly gather intelligence about the growing threat of Hitlerand the Nazi regime on thebrink of World War II. As with any mission, things don’t often go according to plan, as he gets drawn into a web of international politics and an illicit romance with a Parisian Lawyer.
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Though the series is full of all the usual elements you’re able to expect in an espionage thriller, it wasn’t as popular or critically acclaimed as other shows in the genre.Tennant gives an exceptional performance as the undercover spy, showing a subtlety and nuance that rounds out the narrative, and the show’s storylines all interweave beautifully to create a well-paced, intriguing plot throughout. The series has a beautiful attention to detail in all areas, particularly the period styling, with a romantic subplot that puts a fresh spin on the usual, all-action genre.
A Spy Among Friends
A Spy Among Friends is a historical drama series based on the true story of British intelligence officer Kim Philby. Set during the Cold War, the show explores Philby’s relationship with MI6 colleague Nicholas Elliott and the profound betrayal as Philby is revealed to be a Soviet double agent.
In an extremely unique series based on the real-life events of the ‘Cambridge Five’ spy ring,A Spy Among Friends, directed by Nick Murphy, tells the story of friendship and betrayal starring Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce. The espionage thriller follows British Secret Service intelligence officer Nicholas Elliot (Lewis) as he learns his close friend and co-worker, Kim Philby (Pearce) is actually a Soviet double agent who is secretly working for the KGB. The show focuses on the breakdown of their relationship as Nicholas is torn between his loyalty to his country and his loyalty to his friend.
The brilliance of this series can be summed up in two words, Lewis and Pearce. The character-driven story in a series format allows the full development of their roles and relationships, and the performances and chemistry between the two are spellbinding.A Spy Among Friendsisn’t necessarily a show that keeps you on the edge of your seatfor the duration but entertains as a more understated, emotional drama that simmers throughout the episodes until it reaches a fever pitch, combining stunning acting with beautifully intimate visuals.
London Spy
London Spy, released in 2015, is a mystery-romance series exploring the intersection of two contrasting worlds. When a love affair emerges between a man connected to the Secret Intelligence Service and another from a life of clubs and indulgence, it spirals into intrigue as one inexplicably vanishes.
This five-part crime drama was written and directed by Tom Rob Smith, and stars emerging acting greats Ben Whishaw and Alex Holcroft. It follows the emotional story of the youthful and carefree Danny (Whishaw) as he begins a love affair with the more straight-laced Alex, who turns out to be an MI6 codebreaking spy who then gets mysteriously murdered as the two fall deeper in love. Danny, woefully unprepared to investigate the murder of an MI6 agent, relies on his wise mentor, Scottie, to help him wade into this new world to uncover the circumstances and secrets surrounding Alex’s death.
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London Spysubverts many of the usual tropes and expectations of a stereotypical spy drama, killing off the spy early and leaving all of the espionage to his civilian lover. The show focuses more on love and relationships, excellently representing the LGBTQ+ community in a unique setting.Whishaw’s performance is the highlight of the series, perfectly balanced between nervous and determined. Though it moves away from the more traditional spy story tropes, its emotional narrative and fresh take on the spy thriller is still very engaging to watch.
Spy
Spy, released in 2011, is a comedy that follows an underachieving single father who accidentally becomes an MI5 agent. As he navigates his secretive government job, he faces the challenge of maintaining custody of his clever son while dealing with his ex-wife.
Spyis a series that puts a more comical spin on the usual spy thriller genre, seeing Darren Boyd star as Tim, a divorced, single father who quits his job in a mundane computer store to gain respect from his ex-wife and son. Tim ends up applying for a data processing position at Westminster and, after acing the role’s testing protocol, is told that it was actually a secret exam for MI5 and he has now fully qualified as a spy in her Majesty’s Secret Service. The show deftly balances humor, espionage plotlines, and family dynamics to create a wonderfully quaint and intriguing show.
Spyhas a rating of 7.9/10 on IMDB based on over 4000 reviews.
Simeon Goulden’sSpysets itself apart from basically every other spy series by blending layers of comedy and everyday family issues into the usual secret agent activities.Boyd puts in an exceptional performance as the ‘everyman’ who stumbles into a suave and stylish role, delivering his lines with perfect comedic timing and an honest sensibility that shows many moments of self-awareness. Though it fails to keep up with the tension and progressive storytelling of some other works, the humor and warmth of the series make it an underrated gem in the genre.
The Avengers
The Avengers, a British television series debuted in 1961, follows Dr. David Keel and his assistant John Steed. Transitioning over time, Steed becomes the central character, partnering with assertive and stylish female assistants like Cathy Gale, Emma Peel, and Tara King, while the series embraces elements of sci-fi and fantasy.
Before the block-busting mega-hit franchise,The Avengerswas a stalwart of classic British evening television, being a popular espionage series that ran for six seasonsand a total of 161 episodes. The show initially focused on secret agent David Keel (Ian Hendry) and his partner John Steed (Patrick Macnee); however, Hendry left after season one, so the series then turned its attention to Macnee’s character. It follows the suave Secret Service agent as he acquires and works with new agents, completes missions, and thwarts zany villains in the nick of time.
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Spooks (a.k.a. MI-5) (2002-2011)
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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
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The Avengerswasn’t just another show on TV for the British public;for many, it was appointment viewing that was not to be missed under any circumstances. It had a massive effect on the genre and television and pop culture as well, with its unique style of storytelling, an ensemble cast of stars, and impeccable performances that lit up the screen. Though the series has a ‘quirkier’ tone that was popular in the 1960s, that doesn’t stop it from combining violence, action, and dry British wit to make it one of the best shows of its era.
The Night Manager
The Night Manager is a drama thriller miniseries based on John le Carré’s novel, featuring Tom Hiddleston as a former British soldier who infiltrates the inner circle of an arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie. The series covers an ever-increasing game of cat and mouse where one false move could spell disaster for either party.
Based on author John le Carré’s 1993 novel of the same name,The Night Manageris a thriller series that delivers across the board in every aspect of the genre. It stars Tom Hiddleston as ex-soldier turn hotel night manager Jonathan Pine, who is tasked by British Intelligence to befriend and infiltrate the world of international arms dealer Richard Roper (played Hugh Laurie). Pine must perform the perfect high-wire act of simultaneously earning Roper’s trust while also betraying his confidence in a tense game of cat-and-mouse that is gripping til the very end.
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The Night Manager’s popularity and impression on its viewers led BBC One and Amazon Prime to green-light the series for a second and third season that is set to be released in 2025. Hiddleston and Laurie put in incredible performances and fully embodied their roles, with the tension and atmosphere giving off palpable friction between the two during their scenes together. The series is perfectly paced, with each episode and its story therein unfolding like clockwork, combined with the gorgeous setting and engaging characters, making it a series destined to be binge-watched.
MI-5
MI-5, also known as Spooks, is a British television series centered on the operations of Section D, a counter-terrorism division within MI-5, the United Kingdom’s domestic intelligence service. The series follows a group of undercover agents as they tackle various national security threats while balancing personal challenges. Starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes, the show provides a gripping portrayal of espionage and intelligence work.
Internationally known asMI-5, the long-running British spy seriesSpooksran from 2002 to 2011, totaling ten seasons in a show that kept a consistently high quality throughout its run.The serial drama follows the lives of multiple intelligence officers in ‘Section D’ of MI5 as they pursue and navigate various plotlinesof terrorism, counter-surveillance, cybercrime, and political conspiracies. The show was a favorite of the British public for many years, with its brilliant narratives, rotating cast of characters, and thrilling suspense that made for an exciting watch each show.
MI-5proved a popular format worldwide being syndicated to more than 26 countries.
David Wolstencroft’sSpooksis one of the most intricate spy series being celebrated for its incredible storytellingand unique ability to seamlessly wave many interconnected stories. The show blends issues from the characters' personal lives with massive, overreaching global problems to create an intimate yet expansive series that covers all bases. The show’s unique combination of events helps it provide a layer of authenticity and realism that often goes underappreciated in the espionage genre.
Killing Eve
Killing Eve is a black comedy thriller series starring Sandra Oh as British intelligence officer Eve Polastri who is assigned to track and capture a dangerous assassin named Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. Bored with her life, Eve finds herself hired by an undercover MI6 division tasked with tracking down Villanelle - who, after just a brief time studying and following her, she becomes obsessed with her. However, the obsession becomes mutual as soon the two enter a game of cat and mouse that deviates them from their missions as they venture to learn more about one another.
Killing Eveis one of the most popular series to come out of Britain in recent years, created by a myriad of top British talent in all aspects of the show. The spy thriller follows British Intelligence investigator Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) as she is put on the case of psychopathic, charismatic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer), who has crossed Europe committing a slew of high-profile murders. The show is a quintessential blend of British dark humor, graphic violence, and unique psychological elements to create a series that is simply spellbinding across all four seasons.
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Like many of these series, though the storylines, actions, and captivating visual sequences are all major elements, it’s the chemistry and interplay between leads that really make a series.Oh and Comer display some of the best work of their careers and do an excellent jobas the neurotic agent and enchanting assassin, with chemistry in the roles that feel like only the two could ever have played them. The biting dialogue, dark humor, and fascinating criminal psychology that punctuate every episode make it one of the most enjoyable and easy-to-watch series of all time.
Slow Horses
Slow Horses follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents led by the notorious Jackson Lamb. Set against the backdrop of the espionage world, the agents must navigate complex operations and defend England from sinister forces, all while dealing with internal struggles and their abrasive boss.
Author Mick Herron’sSlough Houseseries of novels provided the basis for the masterful spy seriesSlow Horses, produced by media giant Apple TV+.The series' plot follows a collective of dysfunctional MI5 misfits who have been deemed unfit for serious tasksand consigned to an administrative purgatory of mundane, ‘paper-pushing’ duties by an obnoxious boss named Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). Though on the surface it sounds like a tedious watch, the truth is anything but, as the group of ‘Slow Horses’ at Slough House get involved in all sorts of action that threaten Britain’s future and livelihood.
Slow Horsesis a rare series that seems to just get better and better with every episode, with Apple TV+ putting faith in the work by renewing it for a fifth and sixth season before the conclusion of the fourth.The paradox of dull and mundane office work while simultaneously conducting espionage missions, thwarting potential attacks, and uncovering conspiracies at the highest levels of government makes for fascinating viewing. The show is defined by its dialogue, masterfully delivered up and down the cast, which combined with its intriguing premise, makes it one of the best spy dramas in British history.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a Cold War espionage drama released in 1979. It focuses on George Smiley, a seasoned intelligence officer, as he is drawn back from retirement to uncover a high-ranking mole within the British Secret Service, navigating a web of deceit spun by his adversary, Karla of the KGB.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyis aseven-part spy drama directed by John Irvin faithfully adapted from John le Carré’s 1974 novel of the same name. The showstars Alec Guinnessas retired British intelligence agent George Smiley, who is told about a deep-cover Soviet spy who has found himself in the upper echelons of the Secret Service. Smiley, who is now outside the department and thus deemed trustworthy, is put on the case to find the mole and bring them to justice before they can destroy national security from inside the very system designed to protect it.
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Though the double agent trope is nothing new,Tinker Tailor Soldier Spytakes it to a completely new level, not by reinventing the idea but by perfecting so many elements of it. Led by Guinness' epic portrayal of an agent who must show unimaginable wit and intelligence to uncover the mole, the performances and storyline create an intricate work with all the insight and brilliant qualities of the novel it is based on. It is truly a masterclass in storytelling and production, creating the finest spy drama in British television.
