We’re living in the golden age of spy thrillers. This year has gifted us with a lineup of edge-of-your-seat espionage dramas that redefine the genre. Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping action, mind-bending twists, or morally ambiguous characters, these shows capture the essence of high-stakes storytelling. Here are the five best spy thrillers of 2024, all streaming now on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and more. Some of these have even secured a spot on my Best Shows of 2024 list.
1. The Agency (Paramount+ with Showtime)
Based on the acclaimed French series Le Bureau des Légendes, The Agency reinvents the concept of deep-cover espionage. Starring Michael Fassbender as CIA operative “Martian,” the story begins when he’s pulled from a six-year undercover mission in Africa, forcing him to confront loose ends and a past that refuses to stay buried.
With its meticulous attention to detail, gripping performances, and immersive production, The Agency is a slow burn that rewards patient viewers. While the pacing might feel deliberate at times, the payoff is worth every second.
2. Black Doves (Netflix)
What happens when a loving wife and mother is secretly a spy — and out for revenge? Enter Black Doves, Netflix’s campy yet electrifying spy drama starring Keira Knightley as Helen Webb. By day, she’s the wife of a politician; by night, she’s a member of the clandestine Black Doves agency.
When her lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is brutally murdered, Helen teams up with her former partner Sam (Ben Whishaw) to uncover the truth. Think John Wick meets Daniel Craig’s James Bond, with enough blood, sex, and political intrigue to keep you hooked. From gun shops disguised as music stores to assassins meeting their demise in spectacular fashion, Black Doves is unapologetically entertaining.
3. The Day of the Jackal (Peacock)
This modern reimagining of Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel is a sleek, high-octane game of cat-and-mouse. Eddie Redmayne stars as “The Jackal,” a world-class assassin whose missions are as calculated as they are chilling. Lashanna Lynch plays the determined MI6 agent tasked with tracking him down.
The show opens with a haunting Radiohead soundtrack and a jaw-dropping assassination sequence, setting the stage for a ten-episode battle of wits. Packed with suspense and psychological depth, The Day of the Jackal is a must-watch for fans of classic spy stories with a contemporary edge.
4. Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
Slow Horses returns for its fourth season, proving once again why it’s one of the most celebrated spy dramas of our time. Gary Oldman shines as the grizzled and irreverent Jackson Lamb, head of Slough House — a dumping ground for MI5’s misfit agents.
This season, the stakes are higher than ever, with River Cartwright (Jack Lowden) stepping up as the group’s unexpected hero. With tight six-episode pacing and stellar performances, Slow Horses continues to balance dark humor with gripping narratives. Bonus: every season finale comes with a tantalizing teaser for what’s next.
5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
Inspired by the 2005 film, Mr. & Mrs. Smith delivers a refreshing blend of humor, action, and romance. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star as two strangers recruited by a mysterious spy agency. Their first mission? Pose as a married couple while navigating high-stakes assignments.
The show’s mission-of-the-week structure is reminiscent of Suits, but with an espionage twist. From breathtaking car chases in Italy to laugh-out-loud therapy sessions, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is as much a comedy as it is a spy thriller. If you watch only one episode, make it Couples Therapy (Naked & Afraid) — arguably one of the best TV episodes of the year.
Whether you’re in the mood for pulse-pounding action, intricate spycraft, or character-driven drama, 2024’s spy thrillers have you covered. These shows not only redefine the genre but also prove that we’re truly in a golden era of espionage storytelling. Grab your popcorn, find a comfy seat, and prepare to be enthralled.
