10 Best Spy Shows On TV Right Now That You Need To Be Watching

The spy genre has been experiencing a resurgence over the last few years, and some of the best espionage thrillers of all time are airing right now as a result. From suave, sophisticated agents cleverly navigating secret worlds without suspicion, to licensed killers saving the world, spies and spycraft have always been a compelling core for storytelling.

Not only that, but the entire genre of spy movies and TV shows lends itself perfectly to blending and mixing genres. Whether that means having tense action, suspenseful mystery, or even a comic twist. And with so much versatility, the current landscape of spy TV shows is exceptionally strong.

10

Citadel

Citadel is a compelling spy action series which incorporates futuristic technology. A top secret spy organization has been disbanded, and the agents of that group have had their memories erased. Meanwhile, a crime syndicate, known as Manticore, seeks to take control amidst the chaos.

This series comes from Amazon Prime Video and is due to have a second season release sometime in 2026. The show stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra and is executive produced by the Russo brothers, showcasing the incredible talent putting this series together.

9

Spy x Family

While anime may not be the first thing that anyone would think of when it comes to spy shows, it’s undeniably produced one of the best spy shows currently on the air. Spy x Family is a wonderful and fresh take on a classic genre that has popularized spy shows for a completely new audience.

When an elite secret agent needs to recruit a cover family to complete a sensitive mission, he unwittingly recruits a psychic child and an assassin who also need a fake family. The ensuing adventures are wild and heartfelt as they learn more about one another, and start to form a genuine connection.

The series is more comical than most on this list, but it is certainly a worthwhile entry that could find favor among fans of spy shows. And as an anime, the show has the ability to get creative in ways that traditional TV shows struggle to fully embrace.

8

The Night Agent

The Night Agent sees a young FBI agent get caught up in an intense dilemma way beyond his brief period of experience when his laid-back night shift monitoring an emergency line leads to a national security breach due to the presence of a mole in the White House.

Gabriel Basso does a fantastic job as Peter Sutherland, and the levels of conspiracy and thrilling action throughout the show’s first two seasons are absolutely incredible. With a third season now confirmed to be happening, and the show rising to become one of Netflix’s most watched series, The Night Agent has proven to be a big hit.

7

Black Doves

Also on Netflix, Black Doves delivers a romantic affair cast against the backdrop of a tense British spy thriller. Helen is the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, and a spy. And when her passionate affair ends in tragedy, her employer calls in another agent to protect her.

This series delivers a range of emotions and drama throughout, while slowly unraveling a mystery that encapsulates everyone involved. Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw also elevate this show into something that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Season 2 is currently in the works, and after the excitement of season 1, it’s certain to be a wild ride.

6

The Agency

Image via SHOWTIME

When an undercover CIA agent is ordered to return to London Station, his former life comes back to haunt him. A former lover appears on the scene and the agent is caught between his life, his work, and the constant threat of danger.

Michael Fassbender leads this series with stunning skill and intention in every scene. He is also joined by several talented actors who help to bring the story to life, and create a tense and dangerous environment that makes this story so intriguing.

5

Special Ops: Lioness

A spy thriller with a particular focus on the female agents who keep the world safe from hidden threats. With a top-tier spy leading a team of the world’s greatest female agents, these Lionesses go undercover to fight the War on Terror on the homefront.

This spy thriller comes from the incredible mind of Taylor Sheridan, who is also responsible for Yellowstone and the many offshoot series’ set within that world. The show also boasts the incredible talent of Zoe Saldaña as the lead, with a supporting cast that includes Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman to name just a few of the talented individuals involved.

Special Ops: Lioness has released two seasons already, with a third on the way. It also features a fresh take on an old genre that makes the entire experience vibrant and engaging in a way that few other shows manage to do.

4

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Inspired by the 2005 movie, Mr. & Mrs. Smith follows a couple of spies who are working undercover as husband and wife. However, departing from the original premise, these spies were strangers before being assigned to their mission as man and wife.

It’s definitely a more comedic take on the usual spy story, but Donald Glover and Maya Erskine were excellent in their roles for this incredible Prime Video series. The show has been renewed for a second season, though precisely when it will air is unknown.

3

The Terminal List

Justin Lubin / ©Amazon/MGM Studios/ Courtesy Everett Collection

After a Navy SEALs operation goes south and a team is ambushed, James Reece finds himself returning home alone and forever changed. However, he soon learns that he hasn’t quite escaped the front lines as enemies target the newly returned soldier.

Chris Pratt stars in this series and is joined by an incredible cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Riley Keough, and Patrick Schwarzenegger. The Terminal List is dark, tense, and full of incredible action that really puts Pratt to the test as an action hero. Fortunately, he nailed it, and the series is in a strong position ahead of season 2.

2

The Day Of The Jackal

Image via Peacock

The Day of the Jackal is inspired by the classic spy film from 1973. With a former soldier now operating as an elite assassin for hire, government agencies find themselves struggling to get their hands on this careful and meticulous killer. However, not everyone’s motivations are as clear as they first appear.

Eddie Redmayne stars as the master of disguise killer known as the Jackal, while Lashana Lynch leads the charge in finding him as a skilled MI6 agent. The tension, mystery, and perspective of both the killer and the agents in pursuit make this a fascinating watch which questions morality on either side.

1

Slow Horses

Slow Horses follows the most contentious group of agents in MI5 as they have found themselves pushed out due to various issues, and caught up in the cross-hairs of the politics of higher ups. However, these supposed failures manage to rally together to constantly get the upper hand on the agency.

Apple TV+ may be one of the less popular streamers, but the quality they put out is spectacular. This series, led by Gary Oldman alongside a stellar cast, absolutely nails the dark, gritty tone of spy drama, while also creating incredibly tense storylines and clever twists throughout.

Slow Horses takes the underdogs of MI5 and turns them into heroes while highlighting controversy and greed among the leadership. It’s a game of chess played across several levels. As far as spy shows go, this is one of the best currently on TV, and currently in its fifth season to boot.