Our team compiled the best spy TV shows and here is what they came up with
Spy TV shows have been a popular genre in television for decades, offering audiences thrilling and suspenseful stories of espionage and covert operations. Some of the most iconic spy TV shows include “Mission: Impossible,” which ran from 1966 to 1973 and follows a secret government agency tasked with carrying out high-stakes missions, and “Get Smart,” a comedy series that ran from 1965 to 1970 and parodied the spy genre. More recent examples of spy TV shows include “24,” which ran from 2001 to 2010 and followed the intense, real-time adventures of a government agent. These shows often feature complex, multilayered storylines, and well-developed characters, making them a favorite among audiences.
Here are the 26 best spy TV shows to check out on the streaming service.
1. Alias (2001-2006)
Starring Jennifer Garner as a double agent working for the CIA, ‘Alias’ follows Sydney Bristow as she navigates her way through a dangerous world of espionage. With a stellar cast including Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, and Michael Vartan, ‘Alias’ was praised for its fast-paced action, complex story lines, and dramatic twists.
2. The Americans (2013-2018)
Set during the Cold War, ‘The Americans’ follows two Russian spies living undercover in America. This critically acclaimed drama stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as the undercover agents and features Noah Emmerich, Alison Wright, and Holly Taylor as their supporting cast. The show was lauded for its gripping storytelling and intense performances.
3. Burn Notice (2007-2013)
‘Burn Notice’ follows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), an ex-spy who is stuck in Miami and unable to return to his old life. With Bruce Campbell and Gabrielle Anwar as his sidekicks, Westen takes on dangerous cases and solves complex mysteries. The show is praised for its sharp writing, thrilling action, and lighthearted humor.
4. Chuck (2007-2012)
This tongue-in-cheek spy comedy follows Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi) as he is unwittingly thrust into the world of espionage. Assisted by his best friends (Yvonne Strahovski and Adam Baldwin), Chuck must navigate the dangerous world of spies and villains. ‘Chuck’ was well-received for its witty writing and entertaining action sequences.
5. Covert Affairs (2010-2014)
This action-drama follows Annie Walker (Piper Perabo) as she enters the world of international espionage as a CIA trainee. With Christopher Gorham and Kari Matchett as her mentors, Annie must use her skills to save the day. ‘Covert Affairs’ was praised for its strong characters, thrilling storylines, and clever dialogue.
6. The Detour (2016-present)
This comedy follows the misadventures of the Parker family as they travel around the world in search of adventure. With Natalie Zea, Ashley Gerasimovich, and Liam Carroll as the main cast, ‘The Detour’ is full of slapstick comedy and outrageous hijinks. The show is acclaimed for its sharp wit and unique sense of humor.
7. The Equalizer (1985-1989)
Starring Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a former special forces operative, ‘The Equalizer’ follows McCall as he takes on cases that the law can’t or won’t handle. Also starring Keith Szarabajka, Robert Lansing, and Richard Jordan, ‘The Equalizer’ was praised for its gripping action sequences and intense performances.
8. The Flash (2014-present)
This superhero action-adventure series follows the adventures of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), a crime-fighting speedster with the power of super speed. With Candice Patton, Carlos Valdes, and Tom Cavanagh as his supporting cast, Allen must use his powers to protect Central City from evil. ‘The Flash’ is acclaimed for its compelling story arcs and entertaining action sequences.
9. Fringe (2008-2013)
This sci-fi thriller follows the investigations of FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) and her team as they uncover a mysterious pattern of strange occurrences. With Joshua Jackson, John Noble, and Lance Reddick as the main cast, ‘Fringe’ was praised for its imaginative storylines and intense action sequences.
10. Gotham (2014-2019)
This crime drama follows the story of Gotham City before the arrival of Batman. Starring Ben McKenzie as Jim Gordon, the show follows Gordon and his allies as they battle the criminal underworld of Gotham. With Donal Logue, David Mazouz, and Robin Lord Taylor as the main cast, ‘Gotham’ was praised for its dark atmosphere and compelling storylines.
11. Homeland (2011-present)
This political thriller follows the story of Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a CIA agent who is assigned to investigate a potential terrorist threat. With Mandy Patinkin, Rupert Friend, and Damian Lewis as the main cast, ‘Homeland’ was praised for its intense performances and gripping story arcs.
12. The Librarians (2014-2018)
This fantasy-adventure follows the adventures of a team of librarians who are tasked with protecting magical artifacts from evil forces. Starring Rebecca Romijn, Christian Kane, and Lindy Booth, ‘The Librarians’ was praised for its imaginative storylines and exciting action sequences.
13. The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)
This alternate history drama follows the story of a world in which the Axis powers have won World War II. Starring Alexa Davalos, Rupert Evans, and Rufus Sewell, ‘The Man in the High Castle’ was lauded for its thought-provoking storylines and intense performances.
14. McGyver (1985-1992)
Starring Richard Dean Anderson as the eponymous MacGyver, this action-adventure series follows MacGyver as he uses his scientific knowledge and skills to save the day. With Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill, and Michael Des Barres as the supporting cast, ‘MacGyver’ was praised for its clever writing and thrilling action sequences.
15. Mission: Impossible (1966-1973)
Starring Peter Graves as Jim Phelps, the leader of a secret international spy agency, ‘Mission: Impossible’ follows Phelps and his team as they take on dangerous missions. With Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, and Greg Morris as the main cast, the show was praised for its thrilling action and suspenseful storylines.
16. Navy NCIS (2003-present)
This crime drama follows the investigations of a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Starring Mark Harmon, Pauley Perrette, and Michael Weatherly, ‘NCIS’ was praised for its strong characters, witty dialogue, and thrilling action sequences.
17. The Night Manager (2016)
This miniseries stars Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, a former soldier recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate the inner circle of an international arms dealer. With Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, and Tom Hollander as the main cast, ‘The Night Manager’ was acclaimed for its gripping plotting and intense performances.
18. 24 (2001-2010)
Starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, an agent of the Counter Terrorist Unit, ’24’ follows Bauer as he races against the clock to save the world from a variety of threats. With Mary Lynn Rajskub, Carlos Bernard, and Dennis Haysbert as the main cast, ’24’ was praised for its intense action sequences and compelling story arcs.
19. Person of Interest (2011-2016)
Starring Jim Caviezel as John Reese, an ex-CIA agent, ‘Person of Interest’ follows Reese as he is recruited by a mysterious AI to help solve crimes. With Taraji P. Henson, Michael Emerson, and Kevin Chapman as the main cast, ‘Person of Interest’ was praised for its intelligent plotting and thrilling action sequences.
20. Quantico (2015-2018)
This crime drama follows the story of Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra), a former FBI agent who is framed for a terrorist attack. With Aunjanue Ellis, Jake McLaughlin, and Yasmine Al Massri as the main cast, ‘Quantico’ was praised for its strong female characters and compelling storylines.
21. Scorpion (2014-2018)
Starring Elyes Gabel as Walter O’Brien, an eccentric genius and computer expert, ‘Scorpion’ follows O’Brien and his team of geniuses as they take on impossible missions. With Katharine McPhee, Robert Patrick, and Eddie Kaye Thomas as the main cast, ‘Scorpion’ was praised for its thrilling action sequences and clever writing.
22. Strike Back (2010-present)
This action-drama follows the adventures of a special forces team as they take on dangerous missions around the world. With Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton, and Robson Green as the main cast, ‘Strike Back’ was praised for its intense action sequences and gripping storylines.
23. The Unit (2006-2009)
This action-drama follows a team of special forces soldiers as they take on dangerous missions around the world. Starring Dennis Haysbert, Robert Patrick, and Scott Foley, ‘The Unit’ was praised for its intense action sequences and gripping story arcs.
24. The X-Files (1993-2002)
This classic sci-fi drama follows the investigations of FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they uncover a mysterious conspiracy. With Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, and Mitch Pileggi as the main cast, ‘The X-Files’ was praised for its gripping storylines and intense performances.
25. White Collar (2009-2014)
This crime drama follows the partnership between a con artist (Matt Bomer) and an FBI agent (Tim DeKay). With Willie Garson and Tiffani Thiessen as the main cast, ‘White Collar’ was praised for its witty dialogue, lighthearted humor, and thrilling action sequences.
26. Zoo (2015-2017)
This sci-fi drama follows a team of scientists as they investigate a mysterious pandemic that is turning animals against humans. Starring James Wolk, Kristen Connolly, and Nonso Anozie, ‘Zoo’ was acclaimed for its thrilling action sequences and gripping story arcs.
Spy TV shows have been captivating audiences since the 1990s. From thrilling espionage adventures to comedic crime capers, these shows have become some of the most popular TV series in history. With a diverse range of genres, settings, and stories, these shows have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for intense action or witty comedy, there’s sure to be something for you.