If you’re a fan of the thrilling espionage drama The Americans, you’re in for a treat! This genre of TV shows, filled with suspense, intrigue, and complex characters, has many other gems to offer. Here are 16 TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like The Americans.
1. Homeland
Homeland follows the story of CIA officer Carrie Mathison, played by Claire Danes, who believes that an American prisoner of war has been turned by al-Qaeda and poses a significant threat. Damian Lewis co-stars as Nicholas Brody, the returning POW. The series is a gripping blend of political drama and psychological thriller.
2. The Night Manager
The Night Manager stars Tom Hiddleston as a former British soldier recruited to infiltrate the inner circle of an international arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie. This miniseries is based on John le Carré’s novel and offers a perfect mix of espionage and high-stakes drama.
3. Berlin Station
Berlin Station centers on CIA officer Daniel Miller, portrayed by Richard Armitage, who is sent to Berlin to uncover the source of a leak. The show delves into the intricacies of spycraft and features a strong supporting cast, including Rhys Ifans and Michelle Forbes.
4. The Spy
Sacha Baron Cohen stars in The Spy, a series based on the true story of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who infiltrated the highest echelons of the Syrian government in the 1960s. The show is a fascinating look at the sacrifices made in the name of national security.
5. Fauda
Fauda offers a raw and intense portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of an elite Israeli unit. Lior Raz stars as Doron, a commander who comes out of retirement to hunt down a notorious terrorist. The series is lauded for its authentic depiction of the complexities of the region.
6. The Bureau
The Bureau, also known as Le Bureau des Légendes, follows the lives of French intelligence officers working undercover in hostile territories. Mathieu Kassovitz leads the cast as Guillaume Debailly, whose double life becomes increasingly perilous. The show is praised for its realism and character depth.
7. Alias
Jennifer Garner stars as Sydney Bristow in Alias, a series about a double agent working for the CIA while pretending to work for a criminal organization. The show combines action, drama, and a touch of sci-fi, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.
8. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Based on John le Carré’s novel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a miniseries starring Alec Guinness as George Smiley, a retired intelligence officer tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the British Secret Service. The series is a masterclass in slow-burn espionage storytelling.
9. The Assets
The Assets is based on real-life events and follows CIA officer Sandy Grimes, played by Jodie Whittaker, as she hunts down a mole within the agency. The show offers a gripping look at one of the most significant intelligence breaches in U.S. history.
10. Rubicon
Rubicon stars James Badge Dale as an intelligence analyst who uncovers a conspiracy that stretches far beyond what he initially imagined. The series is a cerebral and atmospheric thriller that delves into the complexities of intelligence work.
11. 24
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Jack Bauer in 24, a series that unfolds in real-time, with each season covering 24 hours in Bauer’s life as he thwarts terrorist threats. The show is known for its intense pacing and high-stakes action.
12. Spooks
Spooks, also known as MI-5, follows the lives of officers in the British Security Service. The show features a rotating cast, including Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes, and is praised for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by intelligence officers.
13. Covert Affairs
Covert Affairs stars Piper Perabo as Annie Walker, a young CIA trainee thrust into the field. The show balances action and character development, with Christopher Gorham co-starring as her visually impaired handler, Auggie Anderson.
14. Strike Back
Strike Back follows the missions of Section 20, a covert British military intelligence unit. Sullivan Stapleton and Philip Winchester star as the lead operatives, delivering high-octane action and international intrigue.
15. The Blacklist
James Spader stars as Raymond “Red” Reddington in The Blacklist, a former criminal mastermind who surrenders to the FBI with an offer to help catch high-profile criminals. The show blends procedural elements with ongoing story arcs and character development.
16. Person of Interest
Person of Interest stars Jim Caviezel as John Reese, a former CIA operative recruited by a reclusive billionaire, played by Michael Emerson, to prevent violent crimes using a predictive AI system. The show explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and morality.
Dive into these captivating series and experience the same level of excitement and suspense that The Americans delivered.