We first published this list on April 26, 2018, and are sharing it again now to celebrate the launch of season five of *Slow Horses*.
British spy shows on TV are surprisingly varied. You can find everything from gritty dramas with deadly assassins to lighthearted comedies about secret agents. Whether you prefer intense action or silly situations, these shows have it all – clever gadgets, exciting chases, hidden identities, and plenty of unexpected twists. So, dive in and enjoy this collection of classic spy entertainment!
Slow Horses (2022–present)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=HLVg_D1cznE
The team at Slough House – a group of MI-5 agents who’ve fallen from grace – might not be London’s top spies, but they consistently prove their worth, often exceeding the performance of their more polished colleagues. Led by Jackson Lamb, a brilliantly cynical veteran played by Gary Oldman, this unlikely team tackles dangerous conspiracies and protects Britain. Despite being called ‘Slow Horses,’ the Apple TV+ series is fast-paced and gripping, building tension with each episode and culminating in a thrilling, unpredictable, and action-filled finale. –Tolly Wright
A Spy Among Friends (2022)
Espionage often involves both telling lies and detecting them, but Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service was deeply embarrassed when they discovered Kim Philby (played by Guy Pearce) was secretly a double agent working for the KGB. The series *A Spy Among Friends*, based on Ben Macintyre’s 2014 book, explores this damaging event in British spy history through the complex, long-lasting friendship between Philby and his colleague, Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis). –T.W.
Treason (2022)
It’s a rough time for Adam. Just as he’s temporarily put in charge of MI-6, his daughter is kidnapped, and he discovers his quick promotion may be part of a scheme by a Russian spy. This thrilling miniseries follows Adam as he navigates a complicated web of enemies and former allies, trying to rescue his daughter and expose some unsettling secrets within the highest levels of MI-6. –T.W.
Killing Eve (2018–2022)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Kk0PyD-XNZA
Sandra Oh finally gets the starring role she deserves! After thirty years, she’s leading this captivating thriller created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and it’s a perfect fit for her skills. Oh plays Eve, an MI-5 agent stuck at a desk who dreams of field work. That dream comes true when she becomes obsessed with a dangerous, elusive assassin (Jodie Comer), and the feeling is mutual. -Devon Ivie
The Night Manager (2016)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=JfzzLqzEf-I
This miniseries was a huge hit when it came out in 2016, and it’s not hard to see why. With a fantastic cast – including Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie – the suspenseful story of a former soldier going undercover to take down a dangerous arms dealer is incredibly captivating, especially with its beautiful international locations. However, whether he actually succeeds in his mission remains to be seen. –D.I.
London Spy (2015)
Okay, so I just finished watching *London Spy*, and wow. It’s the classic story of two totally different people falling for each other. This guy, a really fun-loving club kid, meets someone he *thinks* is a banker, and they hit it off. Turns out, the guy is actually a super important agent with British Intelligence – talk about a surprise! When he vanishes, our hero gets pulled into this incredibly dangerous world of crime and espionage just to find out what happened to him. Honestly, diving headfirst into that kind of mess for someone? That’s dedication – or maybe just crazy love. Either way, it’s a great show. – *D.I.*
The Game (2014)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=BZ04xaKs9wA
This historical drama, set during the Cold War, isn’t about the rapper or other TV shows with similar names. It follows a young MI-5 agent who attempts to defect to the Soviet Union, driven by romance, but his plan goes terribly wrong. He returns to MI-5, and surprisingly, his boss isn’t angry. Instead, they suspect he could be valuable in uncovering other spies within the agency, and, crucially, preventing a global catastrophe. –D.I.
Spies of Warsaw (2013)
Imagine this: David Tennant as a French spy! In the years before World War II, Tennant plays a secret agent for the French intelligence service, pretending to be a soldier. He travels between Warsaw, Berlin, and Paris, becoming convinced a major war is coming. Unfortunately, his French colleagues dismiss his warnings, so he resorts to charm and enjoys the finer things in life – like beautiful women and excellent Cointreau – hoping they’ll eventually listen. –D.I.
Spy (2011)
Think of this show as a funny spy story similar to *Chuck*. It centers around a friendly, but somewhat directionless, computer store worker who wants to improve his financial situation for his son and ex-wife. When he realizes the job test he took wasn’t for a regular job, but a test for MI-5, the British secret service is so impressed they recruit him as a spy. It’s not realistic, but it’s definitely a fun watch! -*D.I.*
Spooks (a.k.a. MI-5) (2002–2011)
If you’re looking for a gripping, long-running show about Britain’s top counterterrorism team, *Spooks* is perfect. Over ten seasons, it covers pretty much every type of spy story imaginable, following the MI-5 agents who work to protect the country. (It also featured some popular British actors like David Oyelowo and Matthew Macfadyen!) While it’s primarily a serious drama, it has moments of humor too. -*D.I.*
The Avengers (1961–1969)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=C1eRCQzyMI0
Long before Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans became famous as the Avengers, the original 1960s series *The Avengers* was a stylish spy show. It featured a sophisticated secret agent traveling the globe to capture dangerous criminals, always accompanied by a strong and capable female partner. Similar to *Doctor Who*, the show has gone through many different versions and actors over the years, and you’ll quickly find yourself picking a favorite team of spy and sidekick. (Many fans agree that Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg are the best!) –D.I.
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2025-09-24 23:55