Lock your doors, sharpen your instincts, and prepare for a world where no one is who they seem.
These spy series aren’t just here to entertain — they’re pulling you into a thrilling underworld where trust is scarce, danger lurks in every corner, and double-crossing is a perfected art form.
From classic espionage tales that defined the genre to bold new twists that keep you on your toes, this list has it all.
You’ll follow undercover operatives risking it all, unlikely heroes navigating webs of deception, and even some jaw-dropping twists that’ll leave you questioning everything.
And with new shows like The Day of the Jackal and Black Doves on the horizon, the world of espionage just keeps expanding.
So if you’re ready to unleash your inner secret agent, these 21 spy series will take you on a mission you won’t soon forget — just remember to keep your cover.
Slow Horses (2022)
Probably the best spy show on air right now, Slow Horses delivers knockout action and plotlines that keep you hooked.
Adapted from Mick Herron’s Slough House books, Slow Horses is a masterclass in dark humor and espionage.
The series focuses on a group of MI5 misfits shuffled off to Slough House, a dingy outpost for the “rejects” of British intelligence.
Led by the gloriously grumpy Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman in top form), these “failed” agents — like River Cartwright, a legacy spy who sometimes makes you wonder what school he went to — are stuck with dead-end assignments.
But when things go sideways, it’s these underdogs who get the call.
With wit as sharp as its twists, Slow Horses shows that being at the bottom doesn’t mean you can’t save the day.
If you’re not watching yet, what are you waiting for?
Watch Slow Horses Online
Pennyworth (2019)
Would Batman even exist without Alfred Pennyworth?
In Pennyworth, Jack Bannon takes on the role of young Alfred, adding grit and charm to the man who would become Bruce Wayne’s confidant.
This isn’t your typical butler story — Pennyworth dives into Alfred’s life as a former SAS soldier trying to carve out his place in a shady, mod 1960s London.
With dark twists, spy action, and run-ins with soon-to-be Wayne family members, this show reveals a side of Alfred that’s all grit, no tea service.
If you’re a true Batman fan, this origin story is essential viewing. It proves that Alfred is much more than a loyal butler.
Watch Pennyworth Online
Monsieur Spade (2024)
Clive Owen breathes new life into Dashiell Hammett’s iconic gumshoe Sam Spade in Monsieur Spade, set years after The Maltese Falcon.
Now living a quiet life in post-war France, Spade is drawn back into the shadows as murder and intrigue disrupt his countryside retirement.
With its vintage feel, enigmatic characters, and a dose of international flair, the series explores the life of a classic anti-hero who just can’t shake his past.
Before diving in, catch up on the original story with the classic film starring Humphrey Bogart, then settle in for this compelling continuation. Both the movie and series are well worth the watch!
Watch Monsieur Spade Online
The Night Agent (2023)
What happens when a rookie FBI agent answers a mysterious phone call in the dead of night?
In The Night Agent, Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) goes from desk-bound analyst to full-blown hero, pulled into a conspiracy that reaches far beyond his FBI pay grade.
With shadowy allies, dangerous enemies, and a plot that twists through the highest echelons of power, this series is a masterclass in suspense.
Action-packed, high-stakes, and layered with intrigue, it’s the kind of show that makes you question everyone’s loyalty.
This is espionage TV at its best — twisty, pulse-pounding, and perfect for a midnight binge.
Watch The Night Agent Online
Lioness (2023)
Forget tuxedos and gadgets. Lioness brings us into the real and relentless world of women in espionage.
Zoe Saldana stars as Joe, a seasoned CIA operative who leads an all-female team on missions that take them deep into enemy territory.
This is spycraft from a rarely seen perspective, where strength and resilience aren’t just traits — they’re survival tools.
Saldana’s Joe commands the screen as a fierce leader navigating both the pressures of the job and the complexities of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
Lioness strips away the glamour of traditional espionage, offering instead a raw look at the grit, courage, and sacrifice these women bring to the fight.
It’s not just a spy show; it’s a powerful take on what it means to be a woman on the front lines.
Watch Special Ops: Lioness Online
A Spy Among Friends (2022)
Set in the tense climate of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends tells the true story of friendship and betrayal between British spies Nicholas Elliott and the infamous double agent Kim Philby.
Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce bring depth to the roles, portraying two men entangled in a world where loyalty can turn on a dime.
This slow-burn thriller dives into the emotional and political fallout of one of history’s most shocking double-crosses, exploring how personal trust crumbles in the face of national secrets.
For those who appreciate spy stories rooted in complex loyalties and real-world stakes, this series delivers in spades.
Watch A Spy Among Friends Online
Rabbit Hole (2023)
Who doesn’t love Kiefer Sutherland?
In Rabbit Hole, he’s back in action as John Weir, a corporate espionage expert suddenly framed for murder.
What begins as a high-stakes corporate thriller quickly spirals into a maze of conspiracies and betrayals that reach far beyond the boardroom.
As Weir races to clear his name, he’s drawn deeper into a world where trust is nonexistent, and each twist cuts closer to the truth — and to danger.
Sutherland brings his signature intensity, making every double-cross and revelation more thrilling than the last.
This show will keep you guessing — and it might leave you feeling just a little paranoid.
Watch Rabbit Hole Online
Citadel (2023)
Espionage gets a global upgrade in Citadel, where former agents of a fallen spy organization unite to stop a sinister power from pulling the world’s strings.
Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas lead the charge with a mix of chemistry, high-octane action, and missions set in stunning international locales.
This isn’t your standard spy series; it’s an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride packed with cinematic flair, jaw-dropping stunts, and twists around every corner.
With every mission, Citadel raises the bar on what it means to go undercover, making it a must-watch for anyone craving a fresh, globe-spanning take on espionage.
Watch Citadel Online
Condor (2018)
Inspired by the classic Three Days of the Condor, this modern thriller follows Joe Turner (Max Irons), a CIA analyst who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within his own agency and suddenly finds himself on the run.
Joe isn’t a trained field agent; he’s an analyst, thrown into a high-stakes game of survival, relying on his wits to stay one step ahead of his pursuers.
As he confronts shifting loyalties and hidden threats, Condor delivers tight suspense and the kind of story that makes you wonder if you can really trust anyone, especially at work.
Watch Condor Online
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018)
Tom Clancy’s iconic CIA analyst Jack Ryan is back, and this time he’s not just at a desk.
Played by John Krasinski, Ryan goes from deskbound analyst to full-blown action hero, proving he has the brains, grit, and skill to take on global threats.
Each season throws Ryan into a new, high-stakes mission in dangerous corners of the world, where he uses his sharp intellect and strategic thinking to outsmart enemies.
With intense action scenes, gripping spy drama, and a touch of classic American heroism, Jack Ryan delivers everything you want in an espionage thriller — and then some.
It’s smart, explosive, and brings Clancy’s beloved character to life in a big way.
Watch Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Online
Reacher (2022)
Based on Lee Child’s best-selling series, Reacher brings the iconic ex-military cop Jack Reacher to life with a mix of muscle, brains, and relentless determination.
When Reacher, played by Alan Ritchson, lands in a small town full of buried secrets, he quickly finds himself unraveling conspiracies and facing off against serious threats.
It’s gritty, action-packed, and unapologetically intense, showing exactly why crossing Reacher is a very bad idea.
With each episode delivering hard-hitting action and twists around every corner, Reacher is a must-watch for fans of no-nonsense justice.
Watch Reacher Online
Mission Impossible (1966)
Cue the iconic theme music. Mission: Impossible may be best known as a film franchise today, but it all began with this classic 1966 series that redefined the spy genre.
Each episode followed the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) team as they took on high-risk assignments with meticulous planning, intricate disguises, and seemingly impossible odds.
Led by the unflappable Jim Phelps, the IMF’s missions were tense and inventive, keeping viewers guessing with every twist.
Even decades later, the original Mission: Impossible stands out for its clever storytelling, groundbreaking use of technology, and suspense-filled “how will they pull this off?” moments.
For fans of the films — or anyone who loves tightly plotted espionage — it’s a thrilling throwback that still delivers on action and intrigue.
Watch Mission Impossible Online
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Espionage, romance, and explosions make Mr. & Mrs. Smith a spy series that’s as unpredictable as it is fun.
This reboot, inspired by the 2005 hit movie starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, follows a husband and wife who unexpectedly discover they’re both elite assassins working for rival agencies.
What starts as a typical relationship quickly turns into a high-stakes game of love and lethal secrets.
With humor, heart, and plenty of action, the series takes the “will-they-won’t-they” tension to new heights, keeping viewers guessing whether they’re about to embrace or eliminate each other.
If you enjoyed the film’s blend of love and spycraft, the series adds a fresh, exciting twist to the ultimate couple’s showdown.
Watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith Online
The Little Drummer Girl (2018)
From the same producers as the acclaimed The Night Manager, The Little Drummer Girl adapts John le Carre’s novel into a tense, visually rich espionage drama.
Florence Pugh stars as Charlie, an actress recruited by an Israeli agent to infiltrate a dangerous terrorist network.
Set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of the late ’70s, the series captures an era when espionage demanded personal sacrifice and loyalty was constantly tested.
Directed by Park Chan-wook, this story of deception and identity explores how far someone can go undercover before losing themselves.
With its slow-burn tension and layered storytelling, The Little Drummer Girl is a must-watch for fans who loved The Night Manager and crave more of le Carre’s morally complex world.
Watch Little Drummer Girl Online
Star Wars: Andor (2022)
Spies in a galaxy far, far away? Yes, please.
Star Wars: Andor dives into the gritty backstory of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) long before the events of Rogue One, exploring the dangerous path that led him to the Rebellion.
Set in the darker corners of the Star Wars universe, this series offers a fresh take on espionage, where sacrifice, danger, and intrigue unfold against a backdrop of stormtroopers and imperial threats.
With its edgier tone, Star Wars: Andor adds a new layer to Star Wars lore, showing the human cost of rebellion in a galaxy dominated by control.
It’s a must-watch for fans eager to see the raw, unglamorous side of fighting for freedom.
Watch Star Wars: Andor Online
Chuck (2007)
Chuck Bartowski is just a regular guy until a government supercomputer accidentally gets downloaded into his brain, turning him into an unlikely spy.
Suddenly, he’s thrown into a world of espionage, teaming up with CIA and NSA agents as he learns the ropes of a job he never signed up for.
Chuck blends comedy, action, and a touch of romance, creating a lighter, heartfelt take on the spy genre.
With his mix of bravery and cluelessness, Chuck proves that sometimes the best spy is the one who’s just figuring it out as he goes.
Watch Chuck Online
Archer (2009)
For a spy show with a twist — and a shot of absurd humor — Archer is in a league of its own.
Don’t let the animation fool you; this series is as sharp and well-crafted as any live-action espionage drama.
Following Sterling Archer, the world’s most dangerously incompetent (and sarcastic) secret agent, Archer takes every spy trope and flips it into dark comedy gold.
His questionable skills, mixed with wild missions and outlandish antics, make this spy spoof both hilarious and unpredictable. It’s espionage turned on its head, and somehow, it’s pure genius.
Watch Archer Online
Killing Eve (2018)
One of my all-time favorites, Killing Eve is deliciously evil in all the right ways.
This dark, thrilling game of cat and mouse follows MI5 officer Eve Polastri as she becomes obsessed with tracking down the quirky yet merciless assassin Villanelle.
The show isn’t just about espionage; it’s about two fierce women locked in a psychological dance they can’t escape.
Clever writing, stylish action, and unforgettable characters make this series a standout, flipping the spy genre on its head and keeping every moment unpredictable.
Watch Killing Eve Online
The Americans (2013)
The Americans isn’t just good — it’s one of the best spy series ever made.
Starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, this Cold War thriller follows two Soviet KGB officers posing as the picture-perfect American couple in D.C.
By day, they’re suburban travel agents; by night, they’re deep in covert missions that put everything — including their own family — at risk.
With constant tension, gut-wrenching loyalty tests, and characters you can’t get enough of, The Americans delivers a spy story that’s as intense as it is impossible to stop watching.
If you’re looking for espionage that hooks you from the first episode, this is it.
Watch The Americans Online
Burn Notice (2007)
When a spy gets burned, he’s got nothing left to lose, and Burn Notice makes the most of it.
Set in the sun-soaked streets of Miami, this series follows former spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) as he tries to uncover who sabotaged his career.
While he digs for answers, he puts his skills to work helping those in need, armed with clever spy tactics, plenty of explosions, and razor-sharp banter.
With his unconventional team — Fiona, the ex-girlfriend who loves a good explosion, and Sam, the loyal friend with a drink in hand — Burn Notice delivers a fresh, witty take on the spy genre.
It’s the perfect mix of heart and action, proving that even burned spies have a lot of fight left in them.
Watch Burn Notice Online
Deutschland86
Available for purchase on Amazon (DVD)
I didn’t think I’d get hooked on Deutschland86, especially with it being a German show with subtitles, but it turned out to be one of my all-time favorites.
The series picks up with East German spy Martin Rauch in 1986, as he’s thrown into high-stakes missions across Africa and Europe amid Cold War tensions.
As Martin grapples with shifting alliances and the demands of a double life, the story dives deep into the gritty, dangerous world of espionage in a way that’s intense and endlessly captivating.
Smart, suspenseful, and incredibly well done, Deutschland86 is an oldie but goodie that’s every bit as compelling as today’s best spy dramas. Well worth checking out even if you have to get it on DVD.
Mission Complete
From suspense-filled classics to fresh, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these spy series have taken you deep into the world of secrets and deception.
But don’t stop here — there’s always another mission, another twist, and another hidden enemy waiting to be uncovered.
So stay sharp, agent, and remember: trust no one.
The post 21 Spy Series to Feed Your Inner Secret Agent appeared first on TV Fanatic.
Source: TV Fanatic
