If you enjoy shows about spies or espionage, then you’ll love this list. These are the top shows I’ve watched recently that had me hooked from the first episode to the last. I can guarantee that you’ll find something you’ll love in this list, so let’s get straight to it. Here are my top 5 espionage mystery shows:
1. Countdown
Jensen Ackles,from Supernatural, plays a character who is part of a covert task force investigating the murder of a Homeland Security Officer. It’s an action-fueled series with lots of mystery and secrets thrown in. There are false leads, hidden motives and lots of internal conflicts as this group of rejects, from different agencies, have to find ways to coexist and stop a major threat. It’s like a more realistic Thunderbolts or Suicide Squad – but in a spy format. It’s high-stakes missions with some humor thrown in as well. It’s a great watch. You won’t be disappointed with this one.
2. Orphan Black
This is spy show that starts with a small mystery and quickly spirals into a global conspiracy. Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones in this story, and she portrays each one to perfection. You’ll quickly forget that it’s the same actress with how unique each character is. As the clones work together to find out why they were created – they’ll find themselves in constant danger from intelligence agencies and have to find ways to avoid surveillance. It’s one of my favorite shows ever, and I’m certain you’ll enjoy it! It’s a complete show, so if you’re looking for something to binge from beginning to end, this would be my pick.
3. The Diplomat
This show focuses on a career diplomat and the secret deals and negotiations she has to make to help protect the country. Her political decisions connect directly with covert operations, and lines quickly blur between what’s right and what’s wrong. Her husband, who’s also a politician, seems to be both helping and hindering her throughout the show, and you can never quite tell where his allegiance lies. It’s a tense show that you’ll have to binge as every episode ends with a dramatic scene that needs to watched immediately. Keri Russell is incredible in this one, just as she was in The Americans. If you enjoyed that show, you’ll definitely love this one.
4. The Recruit
Imagine starting a new job, but not been given any idea of where to go or what to do in it? That’s what it feels like for this CIA lawyer as he tries to work on a case alone. Each of his colleagues wants to prove themselves, so they have no intention of helping him – unless he can do something of equal value for them. He’ll have to con, bribe and threaten colleagues every step of the way to try and do his job. He’ll also find himself in increasingly dangerous situations, both from the enemy and from the people in his own organisation. It’s an amazing show that shows just how unhelpful and dangerous people can really be. If you want a more realistic take on how spy life is, without the fancy cars and gadgets – this is the show for you. I can’t wait for more seasons.
5. Slow Horses
I wish I had started watching this show years ago. It’s about all the rejects of MI5 in the UK who get pushed into Slough House – where they will hopefully get bored enough to resign. However, these flawed individuals are quick to act when threats appear that threaten their country. It’s both action-packed and incredibly funny – mostly due to Gary Oldman’s character who has quips and insults for his team throughout every episode. He will absolutely demolish any morale and sense of self-worth – while still expecting them to perform at the top of their game. It’s been ages since I’ve laughed so much, especially when the actual stakes are so high and missions so important. I really can’t recommend this show enough. Give it 15 minutes, and you’re certain to love it.
Top 5 Spy Mystery Shows
And there you have it. Those are my top 5 spy shows with a mysterious story that are sure to get you hooked. Besides Orphan Black, all of the other shows are still ongoing, so you can expect new and exciting seasons to pop up soon. And if you enjoy our lists of mystery shows, you’ll likely enjoy our murder mystery case files where you have to be the detective. It’s the perfect game to play alone or for date night. And unlike most murder mystery case files, you’ll have to complete between 3 and 7 objectives to find the killer, so it’s hours of entertainment.
Sherwin has been designing and selling murder mystery cases from 2023. His murder mystery case files have received rave reviews and he has since expanded into murder mystery dinner party games as well. Prior to this, he spent 10 years creating high quality digital products for his customers.
