The best spy TV series of all time
The top 3 according to 102 votes from people: The Night Manager (2016–) · Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) · Burn Notice (2007–2013). (Updated Mar 25, 2025.)
From Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to The Americans: the espionage series critics and fans rank highest (Collider, 24/7 Wall St., FilmAffinity).
Top 12
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1
The Night Manager (2016–)
Tom Hiddleston infiltrates an arms dealer's circle.
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2
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
Alec Guinness as George Smiley hunting the mole.
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3
Burn Notice (2007–2013)
A blacklisted spy stuck in Miami.
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4
The Bureau (2015–2020)
France's DGSE and its undercover agents.
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5
Spooks (2002–2011)
MI5 and its willingness to kill main characters.
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6
24 (2001–2010)
Jack Bauer, in real time.
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7
Alias (2001–2006)
Jennifer Garner's double agent and her wigs.
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8
The Americans (2013–2018)
Soviet sleeper agents in Reagan-era suburbia; the greatest spy series.
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9
Slow Horses (2022–)
Gary Oldman's misfit spies at Slough House.
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10
Smiley's People (1982)
Guinness' Smiley returns for one last case.
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11
Homeland (2011–2020)
Claire Danes and a returned prisoner of war.
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12
Killing Eve (2018–2022)
An MI6 officer and an assassin obsessed with each other.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (1)
The Americans is the best drama nobody watched while it aired. That final season...