The acclaimed espionage drama The Old Man has officially arrived on the UK streaming platform ITVX, giving British audiences a chance to binge the gripping series that has divided critics but captivated viewers.
A Stellar Cast and Compelling Plot
Originally premiering in 2022, the series features an all-star cast led by Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow. Bridges portrays Dan Chase, a former CIA operative and Vietnam veteran who is pulled back from his life off the grid when an assassin targets him. This forces him to confront his complicated history with the agency and his complex relationship with his former mentor, Harold Harper, played by Lithgow.
The show is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Thomas Perry. Following its successful debut, FX renewed the series for a second season, which aired in 2024. Despite this, the network made the decision to cancel the show towards the end of last year after just two seasons.
Praise from Fans and Criticism from Reviewers
While the series received a mixed reception from professional critics, with one Guardian review branding it 'so silly it’s basically unwatchable', fans have been overwhelmingly positive in their praise.
On Reddit, one viewer, Petyr Dane, commented: 'The Old Man Season 2 is absolutely gripping. Finally decided to give the second season a shot and now I’ve been up for eight hours binging the whole season. Probably the best dad show to come out this year.'
Another fan, @xnodesirex, offered a nuanced view, stating: 'First few episodes are truly incredible. The later half lacked the intrigue and danger that first hooked me.'
Writing on Google reviews, Mark Randolph gave the series a significant endorsement, calling it 'One of the best TV series I’ve watched in recent years.' He praised the casting of Bridges as 'spot on' and the supporting cast as 'brilliant'.
Season Two Storyline and Critical Recognition
The second season of The Old Man saw the narrative intensify, with Chase and ex-FBI Assistant Director Harold Harper focusing on the kidnapping of Emily Chase by Afghan tribal leader Faraz Hamzad.
The series also boasts a strong supporting cast including Alia Shawkat, Navid Negahban, and Amy Brenneman.
Despite its cancellation, the show's quality was recognised with three Critics Choice TV nominations for Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actor for Bridges, and Best Supporting Actor for Lithgow.
An official synopsis reads: 'Former CIA operative, Dan Chase, who has been living off the grid for decades, is forced to confront his past when an assassin comes after him. To ensure his future, he must reconcile with his history.'
The Old Man is available to stream now on ITVX.
