One of the quintessential spy series of the 1960s, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. features the dynamic duo of American agent Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Russian agent Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum), working together for the United Network Command for Law Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) to fight the villainous Technological Hierarchy for the Elimination of Evil (T.H.R.U.S.H.). Set during the Cold War, the show was notable for its internationalist theme of cooperation. It's a stylish, adventurous series that captured the global fascination with espionage in the mid-20th century, influencing many spy stories that followed.

Step back in time for a dose of spy satire with Get Smart. Co-created by Mel Brooks, this classic sitcom hilariously parodies the spy genre of the 1960s. Don Adams stars as Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, a clumsy but somehow effective secret agent working for CONTROL, battling the evil organization KAOS. The show is famous for its silly gadgets (the shoe phone, the cone of silence) and catchphrases like "Would you believe...?" and "Missed it by that much!" It's a lighthearted, gag-filled take on espionage that pokes fun at the tropes of serious spy dramas.

While primarily a crime procedural, White Collar often dips its toes into the world of espionage and infiltration. The series centers on a charming con artist, Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), who is caught by FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) and agrees to work with him to catch other white-collar criminals. Neal's skills in forgery, disguise, and manipulation make him an unconventional asset, frequently requiring him to go undercover or pull off elaborate cons that feel straight out of a spy thriller. The show is loved for the witty banter and chemistry between the two leads, the intriguing cases, and Neal's stylish approach to crime-fighting.

The Spy is a limited series offering a dramatic portrayal of the true story of Eli Cohen, one of Israel's most famous spies. Sacha Baron Cohen takes on a serious dramatic role as Cohen, who goes undercover in Syria in the 1960s, gradually embedding himself in the country's political and military elite. The series is a tense, character-driven exploration of the immense pressure and personal cost of living under a false identity for years. It highlights the sheer audacity and bravery of Cohen's mission and the crucial intelligence he gathered, providing a fascinating look at a real-life spy legend.

A modern take on the classic story, Nikita stars Maggie Q as a trained assassin who goes rogue to dismantle Division, the secret government organization that trained her and then betrayed her. Hiding underground, Nikita recruits a team of fellow outcasts to help her expose and take down the corrupt system from the inside. This series is known for its stylish action sequences, dark tone, and focus on the fight for redemption against a powerful, shadowy enemy. It's a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with a protagonist determined to right the wrongs done to her and others.

Step into the shoes of a new CIA operative with Covert Affairs. Piper Perabo plays Annie Walker, a young linguistic prodigy who is suddenly promoted to field agent status. Thrown into complex international missions, Annie must quickly learn the ropes of espionage, often relying on her instincts and linguistic skills. The series explores her journey from a green trainee to a seasoned spy, navigating dangerous assignments, office politics within the CIA, and complicated personal relationships. It offers a blend of procedural spy missions and serialized drama, taking viewers to various global locations as Annie tackles different threats.

Get a crash course in spycraft with Burn Notice. This action-packed series follows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a spy who is suddenly disavowed and dumped in Miami without access to his usual resources. Using improvised gadgets and his unique skill set, Michael works as an unlicensed private investigator, helping ordinary people while trying to figure out who burned him and why. The show is famous for Michael's cool, explanatory voice-over narration, offering practical tips on spy techniques and survival. With a fantastic supporting cast including Gabrielle Anwar and Bruce Campbell, Burn Notice offers a fun, sun-drenched blend of episodic missions and an overarching conspiracy plot.

What happens when a regular computer nerd accidentally downloads a supercomputer full of government secrets into his brain? You get Chuck! This series brilliantly blends spy action, comedy, and heartfelt drama. Zachary Levi stars as Chuck Bartowski, who becomes the reluctant asset of the CIA and NSA, forcing him to navigate dangerous missions while still working his day job at Buy More. Supported by handlers Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and John Casey (Adam Baldwin), Chuck's life becomes a chaotic mix of espionage and everyday problems. It's a show full of pop culture references, quirky characters, and genuine emotional depth, making it a unique and highly entertaining entry in the spy genre.

From across the pond comes Spooks (known as MI-5 in some regions), a long-running British drama that offers a gritty and often brutal look at the UK's Security Service. The series follows a team of MI5 officers working to protect national security from terrorist threats, espionage, and other dangers. Spooks is known for its fast pace, complex plots, and its unflinching portrayal of the dangers faced by agents, often featuring shocking twists and character deaths that remind you no one is truly safe. It provides a compelling, serialized look at the relentless work of intelligence professionals in a post-9/11 world.

Homeland redefined the modern spy thriller with its intense focus on counter-terrorism and the psychological toll of espionage. Claire Danes delivers an Emmy-winning performance as Carrie Mathison, a brilliant but unstable CIA officer who suspects a recently rescued Marine POW (Damian Lewis) has been turned by Al-Qaeda. The series is lauded for its complex characters, tight plotting, and willingness to tackle timely and controversial themes. It masterfully builds tension through political intrigue, surveillance operations, and deeply personal stakes. Prepare for a show that's not afraid to go to dark places and challenge your perceptions of heroes and villains in the war on terror.

Created by J.J. Abrams, Alias is a high-octane spy thriller that took the early 2000s by storm. Jennifer Garner stars as Sydney Bristow, a graduate student who discovers the secret organization she works for isn't the CIA, but a criminal group called SD-6. This revelation forces her to become a double agent for the real CIA, leading to a whirlwind of globetrotting missions, intricate disguises, and intense martial arts sequences. The show is famous for its complex mythology surrounding ancient prophecies and advanced technology, its thrilling cliffhangers, and Garner's charismatic and athletic performance. It's a stylish, action-packed ride with a fantastic ensemble cast and a story that constantly evolves in exciting ways.

Dive deep into the clandestine world of the Cold War with The Americans. This critically acclaimed series offers a gripping, realistic portrayal of two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in suburban Washington, D.C. in the 1980s. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys deliver absolutely stunning performances, navigating complex missions, moral dilemmas, and the constant threat of exposure. The show is renowned for its meticulous historical detail, incredible use of period music, and the sheer tension built into every episode. It's less about gadgets and more about the psychological toll and intense human drama inherent in living a double life. Prepare for masterful storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat.