Spy Shows: Where to Watch Slow Horses, Killing Eve, The Americans on Max, Hulu
Slow Horses is available for streaming on Apple TV+. Killing Eve can be streamed on Hulu and AMC+. The Americans is available on Max. The Little Drummer Girl can be watched on AMC+ and Max. Counterpart is streaming on Starz.
| Show | Streaming Service | Subscription Type |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Horses | Apple TV+ | Paid |
| Killing Eve | Hulu, AMC+ | Paid |
| The Americans | Max | Paid |
| The Little Drummer Girl | AMC+, Max | Paid |
| Counterpart | Starz | Paid |
Slow Horses
Slow Horses, described as Apple TV+’s crown jewel, delivers six episodes per season without any wasted moments.
Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant yet flatulent leader at Slough House, where MI5 exiles are assigned to tedious administrative tasks. Each year, one of their seemingly insignificant assignments escalates into an event that profoundly impacts Regent’s Park.
Around Lamb, a compelling ensemble cast of characters emerges, including Jack Lowden as the cocky River Cartwright, Saskia Reeves as the steady Catherine Standish, and Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy.
Creator Will Smith has maintained a high standard of writing across six seasons. The show closely follows Mick Herron’s novels, providing a strong narrative structure often missing in streaming series.
Killing Eve
Across its four seasons, Killing Eve, while more divisive in its latter half than its initial run, never offered a dull moment.
Sandra Oh plays Eve Polastri, an MI5 desk jockey whose obsession with a stylish Russian assassin named Villanelle, portrayed by Jodie Comer, drives the narrative. Comer’s performance in this role significantly boosted her international recognition.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s first season established a distinct tone characterized by camp, cruelty, and high fashion. Even in the less consistent later seasons, Comer’s presence ensures each episode remains watchable. The series follows Eve and Villanelle’s intense cat-and-mouse game across Europe, filled with flirtation and violence.
The Americans
With six seasons and a total of 75 episodes, The Americans is a deeply affecting series from creator Joe Weisberg, a former CIA officer.
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys portray Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, KGB spies posing as a suburban couple in Washington D.C. during the 1980s. Their two American-born children are unaware of their parents’ lethal activities for the Soviet Union.
The series consistently improved throughout its run, culminating in a finale considered one of television’s finest endings.
The journey to this conclusion features episodes blending tense escapes, car chases, murder, marital issues, and the challenges of parenting, all while evading a persistent FBI counterintelligence agent living next door, played by Noah Emmerich. Its enduring quality makes it a compelling watch even today.
The Little Drummer Girl
Director Park Chan-wook adapted John le Carré’s 1983 novel into a visually stunning six-part miniseries for the BBC and AMC in 2018.
The Little Drummer Girl is widely regarded as one of the most visually arresting spy shows produced. Florence Pugh stars as Charlie, a British actress recruited by Israeli intelligence to infiltrate a Palestinian terror cell.
Alexander SkarsgÃ¥rd plays the Israeli agent tasked with seducing her, acting as a honeypot. Park’s direction imbues the series with a distinct aesthetic, featuring vibrant, candy-colored scenes reminiscent of 1970s design, complete with period-appropriate rotary phones and geometric wallpaper, enhancing the show’s immersive atmosphere.
Counterpart
Starz canceled Counterpart too soon in 2019, despite its status as one of the most well-realized science-fiction spy series. J.K. Simmons stars as Howard Silk, a low-level employee at a clandestine Berlin agency. He discovers the organization serves as a gateway to a parallel Earth.
Howard also encounters his counterpart from the other dimension, a hardened operative who has seemingly achieved everything Howard has only dreamed of. The series is praised for its intricate plot and character development, exploring themes of identity and parallel lives through a spy thriller lens. It ran for 20 episodes across its two seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best spy show?
The spy shows discussed here, including Slow Horses, Killing Eve, The Americans, The Little Drummer Girl, and Counterpart, are all acclaimed for their quality. The Americans is particularly noted for its emotionally punishing narrative and exceptional finale.
Which spy show has the most episodes?
Among the shows highlighted, The Americans has the most episodes with 75, spread across its six seasons. Killing Eve has four seasons, while Slow Horses and The Little Drummer Girl have six episodes each. Counterpart had two seasons.
Where can I watch spy shows from the 70s and 80s?
While the primary focus is on modern spy series, the espionage genre has roots in earlier decades. Many shows from the 70s and 80s are available on various streaming platforms or for digital purchase, though specific availability can change.
Are there any new spy shows coming out?
The landscape of streaming services is constantly evolving with new series being announced and released. It is advisable to check current listings for platforms like Apple TV+, Hulu, AMC+, Max, and Starz for the latest spy thrillers.
Streaming availability for these titles can change, so it is recommended to verify current listings before subscribing to any service.
