Intricate plotting, explosive action, and nail-biting suspense are the hallmarks of a great spy thriller, a genre that continues to captivate British audiences. The recent success of Amazon Prime Video's 'The Assassin', starring Keeley Hawes, has sparked fresh conversation about the best espionage series on television.
Metro Readers Share Their Ultimate Spy Show Picks
Following the buzz around 'The Assassin', Metro asked its readers to nominate their favourite TV spy thrillers. The response highlighted a mix of modern hits and enduring classics, showcasing the depth and appeal of the genre. From a retired assassin in Greece to disgraced MI5 agents in London, these are the top five series that came highly recommended.
The Night Manager: A Star-Studded Le Carré Adaptation
Multiple readers, including James Lyddall and Pramuditha Lakshan, praised the BBC's 'The Night Manager'. This acclaimed series, based on John le Carré's 1993 novel, features a stellar cast with Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. It follows former soldier Jonathan Pine as he infiltrates the world of a ruthless arms dealer. First airing on BBC One in 2016, the show won three Golden Globes. Excitingly, the BBC confirmed it will return for two new series, with Hiddleston reprising his role. All six episodes of the first series are on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video.
The Americans: Cold War Tension and Family Drama
Readers Simone Rumfitt and Chathurinda Sumithraarachchi highly recommended the award-winning 'The Americans'. Set during the Cold War, it depicts the complex lives of KGB spies Philip and Elizabeth Jennings (Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell), who pose as an American couple in Washington D.C. The series, which ran from 2013 to 2018, is celebrated for its intense character drama and one of 'the best series finales ever', according to fans. All six seasons are available to stream on Channel 4.
Slow Horses: The Gritty MI5 Smash Hit
Unsurprisingly, Apple TV+'s 'Slow Horses' was a frequent favourite, with particular praise for Gary Oldman's performance as the foul-mouthed spymaster Jackson Lamb. The show follows a team of MI5 rejects banished to Slough House. One reader, Green4cl0ver, declared it 'how modern spy shows should be'. Its popularity is undeniable; a seventh season has been commissioned, even though the fifth only launched on 24 September 2025. Metro's reviewer awarded the latest season five stars, suggesting it 'should be bigger than Line of Duty'. All seasons are on Apple TV+.
The Diplomat: A Smart Political Thriller
Netflix's 'The Diplomat' was hailed by readers as 'one of the smartest shows on television'. Keri Russell stars as a US ambassador to the UK, juggling high-stakes international crises with a strained marriage to a political star (Rufus Sewell). The third season premiered on Netflix on 16 October 2025, shortly after the second. All three seasons are available for streaming.
Spooks: The Enduring BBC Classic
Several readers fondly mentioned the long-running BBC series 'Spooks', which aired for ten seasons between 2002 and 2011. Following MI5 officers protecting national security, it featured stars like Keeley Hawes, Matthew Macfadyen, and Hugh Laurie. Reader Val Howard noted they are rewatching old episodes, with many fans now finding its storylines strikingly relevant. All ten series are on BBC iPlayer and UKTV.
The Show That Started the Conversation
The catalyst for this discussion, 'The Assassin' on Prime Video, stars Keeley Hawes as a retired assassin living in Greece, whose life is upended when her estranged son (Freddie Highmore) arrives. Metro's TV editor Sabrina Barr gave it four stars, praising its 'gripping twists'. The series has proven popular with critics and audiences alike, reminding viewers of the enduring power of a well-crafted spy narrative.
