From Netflix's hit series "The Night Agent" to Apple TV+'s beloved "Slow Horses," narratives featuring secret agents and intricate plots are resurging in popularity. This trend is fueled by their relevance to contemporary times.
Recent TV series often center on murders, complex schemes, cover-ups, espionage, and the relentless efforts of secret agents to uncover the truth.
Spy thrillers have been a longstanding favorite in television and streaming platforms, largely inspired by a rich history of espionage literature that dates back to the early 19th century. The genre's current appeal remains evident in the UK, where sales of espionage novels surged by 45% to £9.7 million ($12 million) in 2024.
The increasing fascination with spy thrillers can also be attributed to the success of adaptations like Mick Herron's "Slough House series," which served as the basis for Apple TV+'s "Slow Horses."
These shows have garnered significant viewership, such as "The Night Agent," which became Netflix's seventh most-watched show ever with 98.2 million views. The resurgence in spy dramas is not limited to readers but extends to viewers drawn to narratives of betrayal, espionage, and counter-surveillance.
Psychologically, spy stories offer escapism, an adrenaline rush, and the satisfaction of resolving ambiguity and uncertainty. Dr. Justin Spray explains how these narratives enable viewers to navigate complex global issues while fulfilling their desire for clarity amidst a tumultuous world.
The appeal of spy dramas also lies in their moral ambiguity, with characters like Villanelle from "Killing Eve," The Jackal from "The Day of The Jackal," and Sam Young from "Black Doves" blurring the lines between heroism and villainy.
Modern spy stories reflect contemporary concerns, shifting from fears of superpowers to issues like the climate crisis and human trafficking. Additionally, the portrayal of spies working for private intelligence services in shows like "Black Doves" reflects a broader trend of privatization in society.
Despite offering fantastical solutions to real-world problems, modern espionage narratives provide comfort by reinstating a sense of agency in an increasingly complex world. In the words of cultural historian Michael Denning, "the secret agent returns agency to a world that seems less and less the product of human action."