The best spy series to watch in 2026

Spy stories are one of 2026's hottest genres: Black Doves returns November 5 on Netflix, The Diplomat launched season 4 in October, and Slow Horses ranks among the most anticipated shows in reader polls. Here's our pick, from slick agents to failed spies.

The essentials

1. The Bureau (Le Bureau des légendes): the French benchmark. DGSE agents living under cover identities, with rare precision. 5 seasons, finished.
2. Slow Horses (Apple TV): agents shunted aside for messing up, and a gloriously scruffy Gary Oldman. Dark humour and real tension.
3. The Americans: two KGB spies play the perfect American family during the Cold War. 6 seasons, a perfect ending.

New and current shows

1. Black Doves (Netflix): Keira Knightley as a minister's wife selling his secrets. Season 2 on November 5, 2026. Everything to know.
2. The Day of the Jackal: Eddie Redmayne as an elusive assassin, Lashana Lynch on his trail.
3. The Diplomat (Netflix): less action, more manoeuvring. Season 4 released October 15, 2026.
4. The Night Agent (Netflix): an FBI agent caught in a conspiracy. Season 3 came out in February 2026.

Hidden gems

1. Tehran (Apple TV): a Mossad hacker undercover in Iran. Tense from start to finish.
2. The Little Drummer Girl (6 episodes): John le Carré adapted by Park Chan-wook, elegant.
3. Homeland: the show that relaunched the genre, 8 seasons.

Which one to choose?

Where to find them

These shows are spread across Netflix, Apple TV, Canal+ and others depending on your country. Before subscribing for a single show, check the platform on Ta Dose: every title in the picks shows where to watch it.

Keep going with our psychological thrillers and our Lupin Part 4 guide for fans of a good con.

FAQ

What's the best spy series? For many, The Bureau or The Americans.

A short spy series? Black Doves (6 episodes a season) or The Little Drummer Girl.

Is Slow Horses on Netflix? No, it's an Apple TV series.