The Ultimate Guide to the Best Spy TV Shows: From Spooks to Homeland and Beyond!

Are you ready to embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey into the thrilling and mysterious world of espionage? Look no further! In this article, we've curated the ultimate list of the best spy TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. From the long-running British classic "Spooks" to the critically acclaimed "Killing Eve" and the action-packed "24," we've got you covered. Get ready to dive into a world of secrets, double-crosses, and heart-stopping action as we explore the most captivating spy series ever created. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a ride you won't soon forget!

7 Spy Series to Stream

If you're a fan of spy stories and espionage thrillers and looking for something new to stream, here's a list of shows to start with. We'll begin with a gem from Netflix.

Kleo

Kleo is a slick and incredibly addictive German-language spy series that should appeal to fans of shows like Killing Eve and The Americans. The show is set during the Cold War and follows the titular protagonist, an East German spy named Kleo Straub. After spending two years in prison, Kleo is suddenly released following the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. She embarks on a revenge spree that takes her from Berlin to electrifying clubs and scenic locales all the way to Chile's Atacama Desert.

Jella Haase stars as Kleo Straub in the Netflix spy series "Kleo." Image source: Netflix

Kleo has received a 92% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show offers a fun spy romp that doesn't take itself too seriously, as evident from its tongue-in-cheek opening shot set in 1987 East Berlin near the Berlin Wall.

The Americans

The Americans explores the complex marriage of two KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington, D.C. during the Reagan administration. The show follows Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, whose relationship grows more passionate and genuine each day. However, the demands of their spy work and the need to protect their American-born children put a strain on them. They also face the risk of being discovered by their FBI agent neighbor, Stan Beeman, who is tasked with uncovering Soviet agents hiding in plain sight.

Watch The Americans on Hulu

Spooks (MI5 in the US, BBC, 2002 - 2011)

Watch if you enjoy: UK politics, gripping action

Spooks, also known as MI5 in the US, ran for nearly a decade and featured notable British actors such as Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, and Richard Armitage. The show was known for its shocking twists, unexpected character deaths, and a 2015 film sequel starring Kit Harington called The Greater Good.

Spooks made waves with a gruesome death scene in its second episode, which shocked its British audience and sparked hundreds of complaints. The show remains an unpredictable and exciting ride.

Spooks is available to stream on Prime Video in the UK and on BritBox in the US

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (BBC, 1979)

Watch if you enjoy: Hunting for a mole.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a classic spy series based on the novel by John le Carré. This 1979 BBC adaptation stars Alec Guinness in a well-paced, seven-episode rendition of the story. The series revolves around the search for a double agent within MI6, creating a tense and intriguing narrative. The sequel series, Smiley's People, was released in 1982.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is available to stream on BritBox in the UK

Killing Eve (BBC, 2018 - 2022)

Watch if you enjoy: Complex female characters.

Killing Eve is a gripping spy series featuring complex female characters. The show concluded its four-year run on various BBC channels. What sets Killing Eve apart is its unique blend of seriousness and humor. The witty approach, reminiscent of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's hit sitcom Fleabag, adds an extra layer of entertainment to the intense spy drama.

Killing Eve is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Hulu in the US

Alias (ABC, 2001 - 2006)

Watch if you enjoy: Twists and turns.

Alias is a renowned female-led spy show that aired from 2001 to 2006. Starring Jennifer Garner and created by JJ Abrams, the series follows the life of CIA agent Sydney Bristow. Alias is known for its thrilling plot twists, intricate storylines, and unexpected surprises. Each season brings a unique twist, making it a captivating and ever-evolving show.

Alias is available to stream on Disney

Homeland (Showtime, 2011 - 2020)

Watch if you enjoy: 'Are they a traitor?' tension.

Homeland is a long-running American spy drama that aired for eight seasons on Showtime. The series focuses on CIA operative Carrie Mathieson, played by Claire Danes, as she navigates the world of counter-terrorism. Throughout the show, Carrie's work takes her to various locations, and she faces the constant tension of potential betrayal. Homeland delves into the moral gray areas and human costs of intelligence work, while still delivering edge-of-your-seat action.

Homeland is available to stream on Netflix in the UK and on Hulu in the US

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (MGM, 1964 - 1968)

Watch if you enjoy: Western and Russian spies working together.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a classic spy series from the 1960s. It follows the adventures of an American spy and a Russian spy working together during the Cold War. The show combines elements of Western and Russian spy tropes, delivering a lighthearted and adventurous viewing experience. If you enjoy the 60s spy genre, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. should be on your watchlist.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is available to buy from Apple TV or Prime Video

Tehran

Tehran is a well-written, character-driven geopolitical thriller that resembles Homeland in its tone. The Israeli series follows Tamar Rabinyan, a Persian-Jewish Mossad agent and computer hacker who goes undercover in Tehran. Her mission is to infiltrate and hack the electric company, but things go awry, leaving her stranded in her birth country, which is now her enemy. In Season 2, she returns to Tehran to rescue someone she couldn't save before. Tehran boasts high production value and has attracted acclaimed Hollywood actors such as Glenn Close and Hugh Laurie.

Tehran is available to stream on Apple TV Plus.

The Bureau

The Bureau is a French spy series that offers a realistic portrayal of the inner workings of the DGSE, France's version of the CIA. The show follows intelligence officer Guillaume Debailly as he returns to Paris after being undercover in Syria for six years. The series delves into Guillaume's struggles with readjusting to his real life, his complicated relationship with his Syrian girlfriend, and his ongoing mission to locate a missing undercover agent. The Bureau combines workplace drama with ethical dilemmas, creating a grounded and emotionally-rich spy series. It ran for five seasons from 2015 to 2020 and an American adaptation is in the works.

The Bureau is available to stream on AMC Plus.

Queen Sono

Queen Sono is a sleek spy thriller that stands as one of Netflix's first South African shows. The main character, played by Pearl Thusi, is Queen Sono, an agent for the Special Operations Group, a secret organization that carries out high-risk missions in Africa. Queen is the daughter of a respected freedom fighter who was assassinated when she was young. As she works to take down a dangerous private military company and crime family, she is also driven by the desire to uncover the truth behind her mother's murder and bring the culprits to justice. Complicating matters further, her ex-boyfriend Shandu now works for this evil company.

Queen Sono offers a captivating blend of twists, drama, and international espionage, providing a unique perspective on a part of the world rarely seen in this manner. Queen herself epitomizes the glamorous secret agent archetype, akin to Sydney Bristow or Nikita Mears, but her battles are grounded in the real-world struggle against colonizers seeking to impose their will on her continent.

Premiering in February 2020, Queen Sono initially received a renewal for a second season. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on production costs, the show was unfortunately unrenewed. Nonetheless, the first and only season, consisting of six episodes, is still highly recommended for its immersive atmosphere and Pearl Thusi's remarkable performance.

Queen Sono is available for streaming on Netflix.

The Family Man

This action-packed Hindi-language thriller is one of Amazon's most-watched Indian shows and has played a major role in inspiring Citadel's local spinoff set in India (The Family Man's showrunners, Raj & DK, are in charge of Citadel India). The series follows Srikant Tiwari, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee, a middle-class father of two. Unbeknownst to his family, Srikant's seemingly mundane government job is actually a thrilling role as an intelligence operative combating domestic threats from groups like ISIS and separatist organizations. At work, he is a hero engaged in dangerous missions, while at home, he strives to be a loving sitcom dad.

The Family Man is an immensely enjoyable show, boasting intense action sequences, witty dialogues, and an outstanding performance by Manoj Bajpayee, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated actors. It invokes comparisons to spy-in-the-family action comedies such as True Lies and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, though it maintains a grittier tone than those films. With two seasons already released and a third on the horizon, this show promises continued excitement and entertainment.

The Family Man is available for streaming on Prime Video.

Iris

If you're seeking a show that combines undercover action with the captivating world of K-drama, Iris is sure to intrigue you. This romantic spy thriller delves into the lives of best friends Kim Hyun-jun, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, and Jin Sa-woo, played by Jung Joon-ho, who serve as soldiers in an elite military unit. The duo is recruited separately by National Security Service agent Choi Seung-hee, portrayed by Kim Tae-hee, who assumes the role of their boss and forms a forbidden romance with Hyun-jun. As both friends fall for her, they find themselves in the complex web of love and espionage. Concurrently, they undergo training to become members of a top-secret organization dedicated to protecting South Korea from threats.

Released in 2009, Iris became South Korea's most-watched series at the time, with the distinction of being the most expensive Korean drama series ever produced. The show's irresistible mix of thrilling spy action and captivating romance drama contributed to its immense popularity and acclaim.

Iris is available for streaming on Netflix.

Kleo

One of the standout spy shows of the last decade was Killing Eve, a BBC series that catapulted Jodie Comer to stardom with her portrayal of the sociopathic and stylish Russian assassin, Villanelle. While Killing Eve is an exceptional show, its widespread recognition excludes it from this list. Instead, I recommend Kleo, a German series that highlights a female assassin, showcases a visually appealing aesthetic, and surprises viewers with its unique sense of humor.

The fast-paced series centers around Kleo Straub, portrayed by Jella Haase, a young woman working as an off-the-books contract killer for the East German secret police, known as the Stasi, during the final years of the Eastern Bloc. After being betrayed by her contacts within the agency, she is falsely accused of treason and spends years in prison. Following her release after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she employs the techniques she learned from the Stasi, including surveillance, honeypotting, and various methods of murder, to exact revenge on those who wronged her.

Kleo is a hybrid spy-revenge thriller that stands as one of Netflix's consistently entertaining shows. The series captivates with its stunning visual aesthetics, Kleo's stylish outfits, and a vibrant color palette that defies the expectations typically associated with shows set in Communist Europe. Moreover, it subverts expectations through unexpected humor that catches viewers off guard.

Season 1 premiered last summer and quietly became one of Netflix's best shows of 2022. With the renewal of Kleo for a second season, diving into the first season now guarantees an enjoyable viewing experience, with the promise of continued fun in the future.

Kleo is available for streaming on Netflix.

The Little Drummer Girl

In 2018, prior to her breakout roles in Midsommar and Little Women, Florence Pugh starred in this stylish limited series produced jointly by the BBC and AMC. The Little Drummer Girl is a sophisticated and alluring thriller based on a novel by renowned spy fiction author, and former spy, John le Carré. Respected filmmaker Park Chan-wook directs the series, which creates a sensual and sexy atmosphere reminiscent of The Day of the Jackal.

Pugh's character, Charlie, is a young British actress whose political views lean towards leftist ideologies, though she lacks unwavering convictions. During a summer vacation in Greece in 1979, she encounters a mysterious and attractive stranger named Gadi, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. Unbeknownst to her, Gadi is an Israeli intelligence officer. Through Gadi, Charlie is introduced to his boss, Martin, played by Michael Shannon. Martin recruits her for a crucial mission: infiltrating a group of Palestinian radicals responsible for the death of an 8-year-old boy. As Charlie and Gadi embark on a journey across Europe, assuming the roles of a revolutionary couple to build a credible backstory, Charlie finds herself falling in love with Gadi. However, she struggles to decipher whether Gadi's affections are genuine or part of a manipulation designed to further their mission.

Park's skilled direction utilizes '70s-style snap zooms and whip pans to great effect, while Pugh and Skarsgård radiate elegance in their period costumes. The series prioritizes aesthetics and character development over a fast-paced plot, resulting in a deliberate pace that may not be filled with constant suspense. Nevertheless, Florence Pugh delivers an extraordinary performance, portraying a young woman with an indistinct sense of self, which proves to be both an asset and a liability.

The Little Drummer Girl is reminiscent of The Night Manager, another visually striking le Carré adaptation that aired on BBC and AMC during the mid to late-'10s. Although The Night Manager is excellent and could have easily made this list, its accolades, including Emmy and Golden Globe wins and a second season renewal, led me to recommend the relatively underrated gem, The Little Drummer Girl. Watching this series will allow you to witness Florence Pugh's rise to stardom.

The Little Drummer Girl is available for streaming on AMC Plus.

Mission: Impossible

Mission: Impossible is a remarkable franchise where the remake has surpassed the original, yet the original remains thoroughly enjoyable. The 1966 series may not contain moments as audacious as Tom Cruise hanging from the side of a plane during takeoff, but its charm endures. During its time, it was considered one of the finest shows, winning the Drama Series Emmy twice. As a result, it's worth revisiting if you're in search of a classic series with numerous episodes.

The episodic structure will be familiar to anyone who has watched a Mission: Impossible movie. An agent from a covert spy organization receives a perilous mission that they may choose to accept. They assemble a team of skilled spies to complete the task, employing various espionage techniques, including disguises, advanced gadgets, and physical prowess. The show boasts a visually appealing aesthetic, with Martin Landau's striking blue eyes leaving a lasting impression. Furthermore, Lalo Schifrin's iconic score remains captivating no matter how often you've heard it. You can simply let the series play on Pluto TV, where it has its own dedicated channel.

Mission: Impossible is available for streaming on Paramount Plus, and can be watched for free with ads on Pluto TV.

The Old Man

If you want to know about the sleeper hit of 2022, just ask your dad. He'll enthusiastically tell you about the complex characters, the exceptional acting by Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, and he'll be absolutely right.

Jeff Bridges takes on the role of Dan Chase in The Old Man. Chase is a CIA agent who disappeared 30 years ago and has been living off the grid ever since. Although he once had a family, his wife has passed away, and his relationship with his daughter remains somewhat strained. He shares his life with two well-trained Rottweilers. One night, Chase's quiet existence is interrupted when a hitman breaks into his home. After dispatching the intruder, Chase realizes that his cover has been compromised, and the agency is now pursuing him. Faced with the chase, the FBI brings on Assistant Director Harold Harper, played by John Lithgow, to lead the operation. Harper and Chase have a shared history, as they both carry a dark secret from their time together during the Soviet-Afghan War. This connection creates a riveting rivalry, with Chase utilizing his espionage skills to evade capture, all while Harper understands what drives his former colleague.

The FX series offers thrilling action sequences, compelling writing, and soulful performances from Bridges, Lithgow, and an ensemble cast that includes Amy Brenneman, Gbenga Akinnagbe, and Alia Shawkat. The show has been renewed for a second season, so if you missed it last summer, now is the perfect time to catch up and have something engaging to discuss with your dad.

The Old Man is available for streaming on Hulu.

Patriot

There is no other spy show quite like Patriot. In fact, there are very few shows that capture the essence of Patriot across any genre. It's a testament to the unique vision of filmmaker Steven Conrad (also known for Perpetual Grace Ltd. and Ultra City Smiths). Patriot is a sublimely strange, dark comedy that would appeal to fans of shows like Atlanta and Barry if only they were aware of its existence.

Michael Dorman takes on the lead role of John Tavner, a melancholic intelligence agent who moonlights as a singer-songwriter. John goes undercover by taking a job at an industrial engineering firm based in Milwaukee, which frequently conducts business in Luxembourg. His mission involves passing money to support the CIA's preferred candidate in an upcoming Iranian presidential election. However, things quickly deviate from the plan when John's bag of money is stolen. In addition, his inadequacies in maintaining his cover job place him at risk of being fired by his tough but understanding boss, Leslie Claret, portrayed by Kurtwood Smith, who delivers a magnificent performance. Delving into desperate measures to restore the mission's integrity, John's actions never unfold in predictable ways.

Patriot spans two seasons on Amazon Prime Video, having quietly flown under the radar upon release in 2017 and 2018. Despite its premature cancellation, this truly hidden gem of a series warrants your attention, serving an intoxicating blend of absurdist comedy and dark, introspective character drama.

Patriot is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Slow Horses

Prepare for the antithesis of James Bond in this British spy show. Slow Horses offers an alternative perspective to the world of espionage, adopting a satirical lens. Based on Mick Herron's series of novels, the show revolves around a group of intelligence officers stationed at Slough House, an uninspiring MI5 administrative outpost. Slough House serves as a form of punishment for agents whom the agency cannot fire. Leading this unconventional house is Jackson Lamb, portrayed by Gary Oldman. Lamb possesses a disheveled appearance and a penchant for verbally abusive behavior. His placement in Slough House was the result of angering the wrong people. Despite his flaws, Lamb remains a brilliant spy. As he discovers his ambitious new recruit, River Cartwright, played by Jack Lowden, embarking on an off-the-books investigation of domestic far-right terrorists, he insists on becoming involved.

Slow Horses delves into the realm of a workmanlike spy thriller, utilizing its sharp and witty dialogue, along with Gary Oldman's top-tier acting, as standout elements. Oldman brings life to a character draped in a dirty raincoat who emits noxious fumes, yet delivers a performance of sheer enjoyment. The series has already aired two seasons, with a renewal for two more, guaranteeing continued intrigue and entertainment.

Slow Horses is available for streaming on Apple TV Plus.

Tell Me Who I Am (2020-21)

The Spanish thriller series, Tell Me Who I Am, delves into 20th-century European conflicts through the perspective of a socialist-turned-wartime spy. The gritty and glamorous show seamlessly transitions between past and present, maintaining a dynamic narrative. Amelia Garayoa, portrayed by Irene Escolar, serves as the protagonist in this intriguing tale.

Tell Me Who I Am can be streamed on IMDb TV in the United States and on Netflix in select countries.

‍

Condor (2018 - )

The paranoid thriller Condor follows the journey of millennial CIA analyst Joe Turner, portrayed by Max Irons. Turner's life takes a drastic turn when he discovers that everyone in his office has been killed. This revelation leads him to question whether the lives of millions of others are also at stake. The series offers a gripping interpretation of James Grady's novel, Six Days of the Condor, delving deeper into themes of truth, deception, and the bounds of loyalty.

Condor can be streamed on Prime Video.

White House Plumbers (2023)

White House Plumbers brilliantly presents a satirical take on the real-life Watergate break-in at the Democratic election headquarters in 1972. The series revolves around two significant figures: former CIA officer and dirty tricks specialist E. Howard Hunt, played by Woody Harrelson; and former FBI agent G. Gordon Liddy, portrayed by Justin Theroux. These larger-than-life characters firmly believe they are above the law or, at the very least, know how to circumvent it. As they embark on the covert mission to bug the Democratic National Committee headquarters, they discover that they may have overestimated their own abilities.

White House Plumbers is available for streaming on HBO.‍

Three more shows you should watch

The following titles are available on different streaming platforms: Hulu, Prime Video, and Sundance Now.

The Old Man

Another spy series based on a novel, FX's The Old Man (which you can watch on Hulu if you don't have cable or the FX channel in your cable package) stars Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow as Dan Chase and Harold Harper. These two characters come from an older generation of spies and unexpectedly find themselves entangled in a new version of The Game in their twilight years.

The series is based on Thomas Perry's 2017 novel of the same name. Unlike many other spy series, you don't need to have an interest in spies or espionage to appreciate the superb storytelling and talented cast that will keep you on the edge of your seat through all seven episodes.

Don't worry about the season ending on a cliffhanger, though. FX has already ordered a second season of the show.

Watch The Old Man on Hulu via FX.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Prime Video's Jack Ryan is another exciting and action-packed spy series, and its fourth season was released on Amazon's platform in June. John Krasinski plays the title role, with Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly reprising their roles as CIA Officer James Greer and former CIA Officer Mike November, respectively.

From Prime Video's summary of Season 4:

"The fourth and final season of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan finds the titular character on his most dangerous mission yet: facing an enemy both foreign and domestic. As the new CIA Acting Deputy Director, Jack Ryan is tasked with uncovering internal corruption. In doing so, he uncovers a series of suspicious black ops that could expose the vulnerability of the country. As Jack and the team investigate the depth of the corruption, they discover a far-worse reality — the convergence of a drug cartel with a terrorist organization. This ultimately reveals a conspiracy much closer to home and tests our hero's belief in the system he has always fought to protect."

Watch Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan on Prime Video.

The Bureau

Now, onto my personal favorite, the French-language thriller The Bureau (aka Le Bureau des Legendes) available on Sundance Now.

Much of the action in this spy series takes place in and around an office — specifically, the Dírection Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE), France's equivalent of the CIA. This unique setting gives the series a workplace drama feel, with interruptions of field sequences and picturesque views of Paris. You'll also witness spooks analyzing operations from their computers and conference room tables, far away from home.

In each season, the bureau confronts existential threats to France and its agents, including ISIS terrorists and Russian hackers. You'll follow DGSE agents, analysts, bureaucrats, and bosses as they study files, give orders, and monitor real-time events, captivated by every word.

Creator Eric Rochant shared insights about the series in an interview with us in 2020.

Watch The Bureau on Sundance Now.

With a wide range of thrilling espionage dramas available for streaming, these spy TV shows provide the perfect combination of suspense, action, and intrigue. Whether you're a fan of iconic classics like "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" or prefer contemporary hits like "Killing Eve," there's something for everyone in the world of undercover operations. So, grab your popcorn and settle in for an adrenaline-pumping binge-watch session with these top-notch spy series. Happy streaming!