License to binge: 8 spy shows you can watch right now
- Binge God
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Spy thrillers are kinda like rorschach tests: different viewers can see/be drawn to different elements of the genre.
Maybe you're lured in by the g glamor of sleek suits, fast cars, & international trips. maybe it’s the rush of never knowing if an agent’s cover will hold or if everything’s about to unravel. it could be the psychological intrigue of the complex minds of those who choose this high-stakes life and its effect on their personal lives.
Whatever your reasons, this press-playlist has you covered. From high-stakes action to mind-bending mind games, here are eight top-tier spy series available to stream right now. So don’t just stand there—your next mission, should you choose to accept, is to scroll to the bottom and find your next binge.
Synopsis:
Global spy agency Citadel has fallen, and its agents' memories were wiped clean. Now the powerful syndicate, Manticore, is rising in the void. Can the Citadel agents recollect their past and summon the strength to fight back?
sleek, stylish classic spy craft, down to the action, the twists & turns, and even the wardrobe.
There’s only one season so the whole story gets wrapped up nicely at the end.
The ending is a little convoluted, but at only 7 episodes, it’s a pretty entertaining ride.
Synopsis: CIA operative Joe attempts to balance her personal and professional lives as the tip of the spear in the agency's war on terror.
high-intensity American style spy craft (leaning heavily into armed forces territory).
lots of high-octane, high-adrenaline, high-quality action sequences.
strong women-led cast, strong performances, complex characters.
Synopsis: Helen embarks on a passionate affair with a man who has no idea what her secret identity is. Caught in the crosshairs when her lover falls victim to the dangerous London underworld, Helen's employers call in Sam to protect her.
Dark, British, gritty., and lots of action.
Only 6 eps so you can binge it in 1 or 2 settings, or spread it out without it taking too long to finish.
Strong cast, recognisable faces & talented actors.
well-executed plot that feels fresh & unique.
several complex, memorable & likeable characters to explore.
Synopsis:
Covert black ops and espionage take a back seat to zany personalities and relationships between secret agents and drones.
So many hilarious quotable lines and iconic characters brought to life by an extremely talented voice cast.
A whole 145 episodes (14 seasons) waiting for you! It works great as background/chilling TV and with that many episodes, you’ll be covered in that area for a while.
The spy element is private sector espionage. think American James bond who’s an alcoholic, sex addict and works for his mother at her spy agency instead of the British government.
Synopsis:
Follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve as a dumping ground department of MI5 due to their career-ending mistakes.
High quality spy storylines
A whole host of talented recognisable British actors (Gary Oldman in particular is amazing here)
Everybody loves an underdog (or a slow horse) and this show is about a whole team of ‘em.
4 seasons of 6 high-quality episodes, all available to stream right now (with more on the way).
It’s on apple tv, and as i always say, apple tv does not miss
Synopsis:
Alex Rider is an ordinary teenager enlisted to work on behalf of MI6, where he uses skills he didn't know he had to become an extraordinary spy.
Does the original series a lot of justice, strong recommend for fans of the books
Alex (Otto Farrant) was very well cast - he really embodies the character.
Executes the kid-spy concept without feeling childish, so it's suitable for mature audiences and the stories are fun enough for younger audiences to enjoy too.
3 seasons (with 8 eps each) to enjoy. The show has finished its run so you won’t have to wait to find out how it ends.
Synopsis:
Low-level FBI agent Peter Sutherland works in the basement of the White House manning a phone that never rings - until the night it does, propelling him into a conspiracy that leads all the way to the Oval Office.
Big hit on Netflix with 2 seasons out and another on the way
Strong performance from series lead gabrielle Basso: brings a very cool & likable character to life, and the show adds a lot of growth/development for him in season 2
Lots of action, several twists & turns & intense moments. The show knows how to hold your attention.
Synopsis:
Owen Hendricks, a CIA lawyer becomes involved in massive international conflicts with dangerous parties after an asset tries to expose her relationship to the agency.
Unfortunately the show was recently cancelled after poor viewership of its second season, which is a shame because:
Noah Centineo was fantastic as series lead, Owen Hendrix. Charismatic, cool, complex and likable. His leading man energy adds a lot of entertainment value.
Season 2 is largely set in Korea, which adds a cool international espionage feel to the show.
Despite being cancelled, there are still 2 full seasons available right now to be streamed at your convenience.
Whether you’re craving pulse-pounding action, razor-sharp wit, or the psychological complexity of life undercover, this list has got you covered.
From suave agents and high-stakes missions to gritty underdogs and dark betrayals, these shows deliver the full spy-thriller experience.
So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to dive into a world where nothing is as it seems — your next binge-worthy obsession is just a click away.
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