Secret Service has recently launched on ITV, bringing back the type of compelling spy drama that viewers have always adored. Gemma Arterton stars as MI6 operative and Russia Desk chief Kate Henderson, who finds herself caught up in a perilous conspiracy within the corridors of power. After her covert work uncovers disturbing proof that a senior politician could be working for Russia, Kate finds herself in a frantic battle against the clock to identify them and protect her agent. For those who've already watched all five episodes, here are seven additional series certain to feed your craving for tension, subterfuge and dramatic stakes.
1. Betrayal
Another compelling addition to the spy genre is Betrayal, which focuses on British MI5 operative John Hughes (Shaun Evans). After his encounter with a British-Iranian individual connected to Stockport's criminal underworld takes an unforeseen direction, John identifies a danger to national security. While under scrutiny, John discovers an unexpected partner in Mehreen Askari-Evans (Zahra Ahmadi), an intelligence officer assigned to assume John's responsibilities. The pair become embroiled in a nail-biting and progressively intricate investigation where confidence is delicate and allegiances are put to the test.
2. A Spy Among Friends
Adapted from the bestselling novel, A Spy Among Friends follows the true story of British intelligence officer Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis) who uncovers that his trusted colleague Kim Philby (Pearce) has been covertly operating as a double agent for the Soviet Union since the 1930s. Packed with compelling espionage and political drama, the series explores the aftermath of Philby's defection to the Soviet Union, which compels Elliott to hunt him down for a confrontation and extract a confession. The critically praised 2022 drama also features Anna Maxwell Martin and Adrian Edmondson.
3. Berlin Station
Another essential watch for spy thriller enthusiasts is Berlin Station, featuring Richard Armitage as CIA analyst Daniel Miller, who goes undercover at the agency's Berlin office on a critical intelligence mission. The ensemble cast also includes Richard Jenkins, Ashley Judd, Rhys Ifans, Keke Palmer, Leland Orser and Michelle Forbes. While the series wasn't initially made by ITV, all three seasons are presently available to stream on ITVX.
4. The Ipcress File
Based on Len Deighton's celebrated 1962 novel, The Ipcress File is an international spy thriller brimming with plot twists, duplicity and political scheming. The series charts the journey of British agent Harry Palmer (Joe Cole), who becomes embroiled in a perilous assignment during the Cold War's peak, following the vanishing of a prominent British nuclear scientist that risks inflaming East-West relations. Assigned to operate covertly on a treacherous operation, Harry enters a frantic battle against the clock to prevent an international emergency from escalating into nuclear conflict.
5. Trigger Point
Created by Line of Duty mastermind Jed Mercurio, Trigger Point is a compelling thriller that deserves pride of place on any high-octane drama fan's viewing list. Vicky McClure takes the lead as explosives expert Lana Washington, who must tackle both lethal dangers and her own inner demons while probing wide-ranging conspiracies spreading throughout London. Crammed with edge-of-your-seat suspense, jaw-dropping cliff-hangers and adrenaline-fuelled action scenes, the programme has proved enormously successful with audiences. After the third series dropped last year, enthusiasts can anticipate more as another run is currently being developed.
6. Red Eye
Another gripping thriller, Red Eye swiftly became one of ITV's most talked-about dramas of 2024. Richard Armitage leads the cast as Dr Matthew Nolan, a British doctor facing murder charges over the death of a woman in Beijing. During his enforced extradition back to China, he's accompanied on the journey by DC Hana Li, portrayed by Jing Lusi. What starts as a straightforward escort mission rapidly spirals into something considerably more sinister, as Hana finds herself entangled in an expanding web of conspiracy involving a crucial nuclear agreement and international espionage.
7. Litvinenko
If it's the government cover-up element that attracted you to Secret Service, then Litvinenko should be your next viewing choice. Drawing from the genuine 2006 London incident, it chronicles former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, who alleges he has been intentionally poisoned under orders from Vladimir Putin. Central to the drama is the decade-long battle waged by Marina Litvinenko alongside the London police to expose the facts and construct a compelling enough case to bring the perpetrators to justice.
