– Enthralling Period Thriller –
by Lucas Hill-Paul | Wales Online | November 4, 2025
The intelligent period thriller A Spy Among Friends is based on true Cold War story and is streaming for free. This gripping six-part thriller has been described as an ‘extremely good espionage thriller’ and is still available on ITVX.
This superb period thriller, set during the 1960s and featuring some legendary British and international actors, is essential viewing for drama enthusiasts.
Adapted from a #1 Sunday Times bestseller, this six-episode Cold War drama is brimming with compelling espionage and political intrigue – though viewers will need to stay focused on its intricately crafted storyline.
In A Spy Among Friends, Damian Lewis of Wolf Hall portrays the real-life British intelligence officer Nicholas Elliott, who uncovers that his trusted colleague Kim Philby (portrayed by Guy Pearce) has been secretly operating for the KGB since the 1930s.
Following Philby’s defection to the Soviet Union, Elliott pursues him to extract a confession during a tense confrontation.
The series, which also features Line of Duty‘s Anna Maxwell Martin and The Young Ones’ Adrian Edmondson, has captivated audiences since its ITV debut in 2022.
As autumn evenings grow darker and colder in the approach to Christmas, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in this enthralling period thriller.
The Guardian praised it as an “extremely good espionage thriller”, with Lewis and Pearce “[acting] their socks off”.
The Daily Mail concurred, noting: “Anyone who relishes the extended interrogations in Line Of Duty will be mesmerised by this six-part series, which amounts to one long cross-examination.”
“All are on fine form especially Damian Lewis who is superb. If you like intelligent well crafted TV dramas that offer a twisty tale for grown up this might just be for you.”
Read the rest of the original article at Wales Online.