‘Must-have genre’ for uncertain times: why spy thrillers have taken over TV

Experts say success of shows such as The Night Agent and Prime Target reflects growing public distrust of the state

If television dramas are a reflection of society, then it is safe to say we are feeling extremely suspicious right now. It does not take an intelligence operative to spot the number of spy thrillers that have infiltrated TV streaming services, in what's been hailed as a golden age for the genre.

This week, season two of The Night Agent climbed to the top of Netflix's chart, while Prime Target, an espionage thriller starring Leo Woodall, became Apple TV's most watched show. Other series such as Black Doves, The Diplomat (both Netflix), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), The Day of the Jackal (Sky Atlantic) and The Agency (Paramount Plus) have also been huge hits.