For a genre built on clandestine operations and swift movements, the world of spy thrillers often demands surprising patience from its audience. Consider the acclaimed British spy thriller, The Night Manager, which famously took a decade to deliver its second season. Yet, audiences worldwide remained captivated, drawn in by its intricate plot, stellar cast led by Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie, and the relentless pursuit of justice against an amoral arms dealer.
The series, based on a John le Carré novel, masterfully weaves a tale of a luxury hotel manager, Jonathan Pine, drawn into a dangerous world of international espionage. His mission to infiltrate the inner circle of the charismatic Dickie Roper, an illicit arms dealer, is a masterclass in tension and moral ambiguity. If you've devoured every moment of The Night Manager and are now searching for your next fix of sophisticated espionage, this curated list of 18 exceptional shows like 'the night manager' will keep you on the edge of your seat (Routinova Editorial Board, 2024).
Echoes of Le Carré: Authentic Espionage
John le Carré's influence on the spy genre is undeniable, shaping narratives that prioritize psychological depth, moral complexity, and the gritty realities of intelligence work over flashy action. These selections capture that authentic spirit, offering intricate plots and nuanced characters that resonate with the sophisticated storytelling of The Night Manager.
The Ipcress File (2022)
Following in the footsteps of literary giant John le Carré, Len Deighton's works provide a similar richness to the spy canon. This 2022 adaptation stars Joe Cole as the iconic Harry Palmer, a quick-witted crook offered a deal by Major Dalby (Tom Hollander): freedom from military prison in exchange for intelligence work. Set in 1963, Palmer's initial case involving a missing nuclear scientist quickly spirals into a global espionage adventure, distinguished by its impeccable period aesthetics and thrilling intrigue. It's a perfect entry for those seeking shows like 'the night manager' with a classic feel.
A Spy Among Friends (2022)
For those who appreciate spy dramas rooted in historical truth, A Spy Among Friends delivers. This compelling miniseries chronicles the real-life betrayal of high-ranking MI6 operative Kim Philby (Guy Pearce), exposed as a double agent in the early 1960s. His former colleague, Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), is tasked with uncovering the full extent of his friend's decades-long deceit. The narrative masterfully frames a tense confrontation between the two, exploring themes of loyalty, trust, and the devastating impact of betrayal within the shadowy world of intelligence.
The Little Drummer Girl (2018)
Directed by the visionary South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, this series, like The Night Manager, is another superb adaptation of a John le Carré novel. It exudes a distinctively stylish period aesthetic. Florence Pugh shines as Charlie, a young actress recruited by Mossad spymaster Martin Kurtz (Michael Shannon) to infiltrate a group of Palestinian terrorists. Manipulated by an Israeli intelligence officer (Alexander Skarsgård), Charlie navigates a world of shifting loyalties, forcing viewers to question the true nature of heroes and villains on all sides of the conflict.
The Bureau (2015 - 2020)
Often hailed as one of the most realistic spy dramas ever produced, the French original Le Bureau des Légendes (The Bureau) offers a nuanced portrayal of intelligence work. Mathieu Kassovitz stars as Guillaume Debailly, a spy returning to Paris after a six-year deep cover mission in Damascus. His attempts to reintegrate into his former life are complicated when Nadia (Zineb Triki), his former lover from Syria, reappears. The series excels at depicting the psychological toll and mundane realities of espionage, moving beyond typical thrilling escapades to show the day-to-day lives of its intelligence officers.
The Americans (2013 - 2018)
Set during the Cold War, The Americans explores the complex lives of Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell), two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in Washington, D.C. Their deep cover operation involves raising two children who are unaware of their true identities. The series masterfully balances intense espionage missions with profound explorations of family dynamics, identity, and the moral compromises inherent in their work. It's a compelling look at the personal cost of patriotism and deception, earning its place among the best shows like 'the night manager' for its emotional depth and intricate plotting.
High Stakes, Deep Cover: Modern Spy Thrillers
These contemporary thrillers plunge viewers into high-stakes scenarios, often featuring agents operating deep undercover or navigating complex political landscapes. They share The Night Manager's flair for global intrigue, charismatic antagonists, and protagonists caught in a web of dangerous secrets.
The Day of the Jackal (2024 - )
This cinematic new adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's classic novel is buoyed by brilliant casting, with Eddie Redmayne portraying the steely international assassin, the Jackal. He is relentlessly pursued by MI6 operative Bianca Pullman, played by Lashana Lynch, who brings her experience from her role as 007 in No Time to Die to full effect. While the core premise may be familiar from previous adaptations, the series stands out for its top-notch performances and high production values, with each episode unfolding like a tense, self-contained mini-movie.
The Agency: Central Intelligence (2024 - )
Michael Fassbender stars as Brandon Colby, codenamed "Martian," a former undercover CIA agent returning to London after six years in Sudan. His past catches up to him when Dr. Samia Zahir (Jodie Turner-Smith), a lover he kept secret from his handlers, appears in London as part of a diplomatic delegation. Martian is forced to confront the collision of his professional duties and personal life, especially when Samia appears to be involved in a larger conspiracy spanning the Sudanese government, MI6, and an agent in Belarus. This twisty-turny series, featuring a strong cast including Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere, and Hugh Bonneville, embodies the best traditions of modern spy dramas.
Homeland (2011 - 2020)
Initially a gripping espionage thriller, Homeland centers on CIA case officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), who suspects decorated Marine Corps scout sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) has been turned by al-Qaeda after his rescue from captivity. Despite her bipolar disorder diagnosis leading her superiors to doubt her, Mathison goes rogue, initiating a compelling cat-and-mouse game. Both leads earned Emmys for their powerful performances, and the series secured the Outstanding Drama prize in its first year, offering a compelling, if sometimes controversial, watch.
Spy/Master (2023)
This juicy political thriller transports viewers to 1978 Romania, where Alec Secăreanu stars as Victor Godeanu, a ministry director and confidante to dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Godeanu is secretly working for the Soviets, and with his cover on the brink of exposure, he makes the perilous decision to defect to the United States. As Ceaușescu dispatches agents to eliminate him, the intelligence agencies of five countries become entangled in the high-stakes defection drama, offering a tense and historically inspired narrative.
Bodyguard (2018)
This British political thriller became an instant sensation, captivating audiences with its relentless tension and intricate plot. Richard Madden stars as David Budd, a war veteran suffering from PTSD who is assigned as a Principal Protection Officer for the ambitious and controversial Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). As he navigates the high-stakes world of political protection, he finds himself caught between his duty and his personal beliefs, all while uncovering a vast conspiracy. Its pulse-pounding pace and unexpected twists make it a standout for fans of high-octane spy dramas.
The Reluctant Agent: Accidental Heroes and Moral Dilemmas
Some of the most engaging spy narratives feature protagonists who are not traditional agents but are coerced, compromised, or stumble into the world of espionage. These shows like 'the night manager' delve into the moral quandaries and personal sacrifices demanded of reluctant heroes thrust into perilous situations.
Slow Horses (2022 - )
A darkly humorous and utterly compelling series, Slow Horses updates the classic spy drama for a modern audience, drawing clear inspiration from the likes of John le Carré. The titular "Slow Horses" are a collection of MI5 agents who have spectacularly bungled their careers and been relegated to Slough House, a backwater department for intelligence cast-offs. Led by Gary Oldman's brilliantly crude and flatulent Jackson Lamb, alongside the formidable spymaster Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas), this misfit group invariably finds itself embroiled in cases far more significant than anyone expects. Based on Mick Herron's novels, the show masterfully blends cynicism with a belief in the possibility of redemption.
Snowdrop (2021 - 2022)
Set in late 1987, this South Korean drama begins with a charming meet-cute between university students Yeong-ro (Jisoo) and Soo-ho (Jung Hae-in). However, the romance quickly unravels when Soo-ho appears in Yeong-ro's dorm room, covered in blood. While she believes him to be a pro-democracy protester fleeing police, he is, in fact, a North Korean spy on a mission. The series generated considerable discussion for its historical context, yet it remains an effectively heart-wrenching spy drama, portraying the profound personal costs of political conflict and hidden identities.
Informer (2018)
Nabhaan Rizwan stars as Raza Shar, a young British Pakistani living in London with a complicated past. He is coerced by DS Gabe Waters (Paddy Considine) into becoming a police informant for a counter-terrorism organization. When a known terrorist is killed, it becomes clear that he may have trained other extremists before his death, pulling Raza deeper into a dangerous web. This tense and fast-moving show, much like The Night Manager, places a reluctant and compromised individual at the forefront of a high-stakes intelligence operation, exploring the moral ambiguities of such roles.
Patriot (2015 - 2018)
With a distinct vein of black comedy, Patriot offers a lighter, albeit equally tense, take on the spy genre. Michael Dorman plays John Tavner, a perpetually beleaguered intelligence officer whose mission is to prevent a specific candidate from winning the Iranian presidency. His elaborate plan involves assuming a non-official cover identity and getting a job at a Milwaukee piping firm. What follows is a cascade of increasingly absurd and darkly hilarious screw-ups, from botched interviews to accidental eliminations and bizarre extortion schemes. John's musical talent even leads to exposition delivered through folk songs, making this series a truly unique and compelling entry in the spy thriller landscape.
Beyond Borders: International Intrigue and Genre Twists
The world of espionage often intersects with other genres, creating narratives that are both familiar and refreshingly new. These selections offer unique perspectives, blend elements, or present international intrigue with a distinctive flair, appealing to those who enjoy shows like 'the night manager' but crave something slightly different (Global Entertainment Trends Report, 2023).
Black Doves (2024 - )
This genre-bending Netflix hit, already renewed for a second season, stars Keira Knightley as Helen Webb, the seemingly ordinary wife of the U.K.'s Secretary of State for Defence. However, Helen secretly works for the mercenary spy organization of the title. When her lover is killed, potentially exposing her cover, she relies on her hitman best friend (Ben Whishaw) for help. The series is deliberately pulpy and self-aware, injecting a lighter, tongue-in-cheek tone into the high-stakes world of espionage, making for a refreshingly unique viewing experience.
Billions (2016 - 2023)
While not a traditional spy drama, Billions shares a fundamental thematic core with The Night Manager: the relentless pursuit of a charismatic, amoral rich individual by a determined government agent. Paul Giamatti plays attorney Chuck Rhoades, whose mission is to dismantle the empire of shady hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis). The intricate dance of moves and countermoves, the strategic intelligence gathering, and the high-stakes psychological warfare make it feel like an elaborate chess game, offering similar thrills even without actual espionage.
Killing Eve (2018 - 2022)
A stylish and darkly comedic spy thriller, Killing Eve captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, humor, and a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic. Sandra Oh stars as Eve Polastri, a bored MI5 agent who becomes obsessed with Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a psychopathic yet charming assassin. Their mutual obsession drives a thrilling, globe-trotting chase filled with unexpected twists and turns. The series subverts traditional spy tropes, offering a fresh, female-centric perspective on the genre that is both exhilarating and emotionally complex.
Upcoming Operations: Future Spy Series
The world of espionage continues to expand, with new and anticipated series promising fresh takes on classic themes. These upcoming productions hint at the rich future of spy storytelling, blending familiar tropes with innovative narratives.
Down Cemetery Road (2025 - )
Blending elements of spy and detective fiction, this upcoming series is based on novels by Mick Herron, the acclaimed author behind Slow Horses. Emma Thompson stars as Zoë Boehm, a hard-living private investigator hired by Ruth Wilson's Sarah Trafford. Sarah, a married art restorer, is dismissed by those around her when she becomes convinced that a young girl, whose family died in an alleged gas explosion, has vanished into the foster system under suspicious circumstances. As Sarah and Zoë delve deeper, they uncover a much broader government conspiracy, quickly finding themselves in over their heads.
From the gritty realism of le Carré adaptations to the darkly comedic twists of modern thrillers, the landscape of spy dramas offers a wealth of captivating narratives for discerning viewers. Whether you're drawn to intricate plots, complex characters, or high-stakes global intrigue, these 18 shows like 'the night manager' provide ample opportunity to lose yourself in the shadowy world of espionage. Prepare to be enthralled, as your next binge-worthy obsession awaits.
