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19 Spy Thrillers That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Written by Paige Li & Likewise Pix | Nov 15, 2024 Dive into a world of espionage and intrigue with this comprehensive list of spy thriller series that will have you questioning what you believe to be true.

The Americans

The Americans
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is an intense and masterful exploration of loyalty and deception. Follow the lives of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, Soviet KGB officers posing as an American couple in the Washington D.C. suburbs, as they balance espionage and family life while evading their FBI neighbor, Stan Beeman. The series captivates with its intricate narrative and multifaceted characters, earning a stunning 4.4 average rating since its release on January 30, 2013.

Killing Eve

Killing Eve
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From its premiere on April 8, 2018, Killing Eve has redefined the cat-and-mouse thriller, featuring a riveting game between a security analyst and a cunning assassin. This BBC America hit series features Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, whose performances have drawn critical acclaim and a devoted following. Its tense, twisting plot keeps fans on the edge of their seats, boasting an average rating of 4.0.

Homeland

Homeland
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Homeland is a formidable exploration of espionage, terrorism, and politics. Debuting on October 2, 2011, the series follows the brilliant yet troubled CIA officer Carrie Mathison, portrayed by Claire Danes. Her bipolar disorder adds layers of complexity to her intense missions, constantly risking her well-being and sanity. Supported by mentor Saul Berenson, Kerry ventures into the realm of international espionage, achieving an average rating of 4.

The Man in the High Castle

The Man in the High Castle
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Exploring an alternate reality where the Axis powers won WWII, The Man in the High Castle reimagines history with intricate storytelling. Release on January 15, 2015, the series is adapted from Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel and portrays a dystopian society split between Japanese and German rule in the United States, with an average rating of 3.8.

The Spy

The Spy
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The Spy vividly portrays the true story of Eli Cohen, an Israeli clerk-turned-Mossad agent. Embark on his dangerous undercover mission into Syria during the 1960s, as he infiltrates high society and exposes the intricate world of espionage. This thrilling mini-series debuted on September 6, 2019, and has garnered an average rating of 3.8.

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan
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Stumble onto a thrilling journey with Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, released on August 30, 2018. The series throws Jack Ryan, portrayed by John Krasinski, from his desk job into the heart of a deadly chase involving terrorist threats across Europe and the Middle East. With timely geopolitical themes and relentless action, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan holds an average rating of 4.2.

The Blacklist

The Blacklist
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Debuting on September 23, 2013, The Blacklist offers intrigue through the mysterious Raymond “Red” Reddington. As he surrenders to the FBI to help capture elusive criminals from his personal list, Red only agrees to work with rookie profiler Elizabeth Keen. This compelling drama, rich with complex characters and gripping story arcs, has achieved an average rating of 4.1.

Alias

Alias
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Unravel mystery and betrayal with Alias, where Sydney Bristow discovers the true nature of her employer, a criminal organization called the Alliance of Twelve. Released on September 30, 2001, this series features Sydney as a double agent for the real CIA, carving suspense and action into a thrilling narrative, with a seasoned average rating of 3.9.

TURN: Washington's Spies

TURN: Washington's Spies
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TURN: Washington's Spies spins an intriguing tale from America's revolutionary past. Premiering on April 6, 2014, it follows Abe Woodhull, a farmer who rallies childhood friends to form The Culper Ring—a covert society that changes the course of the War of Independence. This historical drama is enriched with suspense and has received an average rating of 4.2.

24

24
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Experience intense real-time action with 24, where each season unfolds within a single day in the life of counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer. This groundbreaking series that began on November 6, 2001, combines non-stop thrills with a riveting narrative that keeps viewers on the edge, achieving an average rating of 4.0.

Nikita

Nikita
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Join Nikita as she seeks revenge against Division, the covert agency that once molded her into a deadly weapon, in Nikita. Premiering on September 9, 2010, the series is steeped in high-octane drama and thrilling action, portraying Nikita's relentless journey to dismantle the organization, praised with an average rating of 4.0.

Counterpart

Counterpart
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Counterpart offers a mind-bending dive into parallel worlds. From its release on December 10, 2017, follow Howard Silk, a lowly cog in a governmental machine, as he uncovers a secret crossing into a parallel universe—and a sinister conspiracy. Known for its gripping storyline and well-crafted characters, the show maintains an average rating of 4.0.

The Night Manager

The Night Manager
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Adapted from a John le Carré's novel, The Night Manager is a sleek espionage series casting former British soldier Jonathan Pine into the dangerous underworld of arms dealing. Premiering on February 21, 2016, the series follows Pine as he infiltrates the inner circle of a lethal arms dealer, showcasing intense performances that have earned an average rating of 4.3.

Hunted

Hunted
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Discover betrayal and danger with Hunted, where Samantha Hunter navigates the deadly corridors of a private intelligence agency on October 4, 2012. Suspecting a colleague attempted her life, she embarks on a mission to unmask the traitor in this thrilling cat-and-mouse chase, though it holds an average rating of 3.5 with edge-of-your-seat intrigue.

London Spy

London Spy
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London Spy unveils a deeply personal thriller that ties romance to espionage. Premiering on November 9, 2015, it delves into the lives of two men from starkly different worlds who find themselves at the heart of a mysterious disappearance. This engrossing series is known for its atmospheric narrative and emotional gravity, holding an average rating of 3.8.

Spooks

Spooks
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Experience the relentless pace of espionage in Spooks, a beloved series depicting the high-stakes work of British MI5 agents. Known colloquially as "Spooks," this drama from May 13, 2002, captivates with its intense narrative and strong character arcs, safeguarding against global threats with an esteemed average rating of 4.3.

Slow Horses

Slow Horses
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Dive into the eccentric world of Slow Horses, following a team of MI5 agents on April 1, 2022. Led by the notorious Jackson Lamb, these dysfunctional spies work against the espionage world's illusions to protect England from hidden threats. With a mix of dark humor and mystery, the series maintains a strong average rating of 4.2.

The Recruit

The Recruit
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Premiering on December 16, 2022, The Recruit follows a young CIA lawyer entangled in high-stakes international politics when a former asset threatens to reveal sensitive secrets. This tense thriller explores cover-ups and intrigue at deep state levels, holding an average rating of 3.7.

The Night Agent

The Night Agent
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

The Night Agent captivates with its gripping storyline, as it follows an FBI agent's unravelling of a White House mole, initiated by an emergency call. Debuting on March 23, 2023, this timely thriller explores themes of trust, betrayal, and corruption with precision, securing a noteworthy average rating of 4.2.

The world of spy thrillers is a tumultuous yet thrilling realm where nothing is as it seems. From Cold War espionage to modern intelligence exploits, these shows deliver an adrenaline-fueled viewing experience worth binge-watching. Grab your seat and prepare to unravel the mysteries within these 19 exceptional series that redefine suspense and human resilience.

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