Netflix’s new psychological spy thriller “London Spy,” starring Harriet Walter, has premiered to critical acclaim, with multiple outlets declaring it “even better than Killing Eve.” The series debuted on the streaming platform in early 2026.
The show follows a retired MI6 operative turned vigilante. Walter delivers a layered performance as a cold, calculating spy with hidden vulnerability. Critics from Collider and Cosmopolitan UK highlight the cat-and-mouse tension surpassing the original.
“London Spy” opens with a perfect first season. The tight 8-episode arc, praised by Yahoo Entertainment, maintains relentless pacing and emotional payoff. Zero filler episodes exist. Each episode builds on the last, creating an addictive binge-watch experience.
Unlike “Killing Eve,” which suffered from uneven later seasons, “London Spy” maintains quality from premiere to finale. The psychological depth of the assassin and spy dynamic keeps viewers guessing until the very end. This Netflix assassin psychological thriller series starts with a perfect first season, blending high-stakes espionage with deep character drama.
Walter’s performance anchors the entire series. Her portrayal draws comparisons to Sandra Oh’s Eve Polastri but with a darker edge. Interviews from the set reveal Walter’s dedication to authenticity, including real MI6 consultant input. The show’s success proves a female-led spy thriller can thrive without relying on romance subplots.
Early viewer ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb are soaring. Many call it “the best spy thriller of the decade.” For fans of “Killing Eve,” “The Diplomat,” and “Slow Horses,” this series fills the void with fresh storytelling.
Netflix just added one of TV’s best spy thrillers to its 2026 roster. A second season is already greenlit.
| Metric | “Killing Eve” (Seasons 1-4) | “London Spy” (Season 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 96% (S1), declining to 52% (S4) | 98% (S1) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1 (overall, declining trend) | 9.2 (S1) |
| Episode Count (S1) | 8 | 8 |
| Lead Performance | Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer | Harriet Walter |
| Core Tension | Cat-and-mouse, romantic subplot | Cat-and-mouse, psychological depth |
Walter’s “London Spy” is not just “even better than Killing Eve.” It’s a new gold standard for the spy thriller genre on Netflix. Start streaming the perfect first season today. In a crowded field of assassin thrillers, this one aims, fires, and hits its mark with deadly precision.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is ‘London Spy’ really better than ‘Killing Eve’?
- A: Multiple critics from Collider and Cosmopolitan UK declare ‘London Spy’ surpasses ‘Killing Eve’ with tighter pacing, consistent quality, and deeper psychological depth in the assassin-spy dynamic.
- Q: How many episodes are in ‘London Spy’ season 1?
- A: The first season consists of 8 tightly crafted episodes, praised for zero filler and a perfect arc from premiere to finale.
- Q: Who stars in ‘London Spy’ and what is the role?
- A: Harriet Walter stars as a retired MI6 operative turned vigilante, delivering a cold yet vulnerable performance compared to Sandra Oh’s Eve Polastri but with a darker edge.
Extended Reading
Source material from Yahoo Entertainment, Collider, and Cosmopolitan UK confirms the series’ critical consensus. HA Viewpoint notes the show’s strategic positioning in Netflix’s 2026 content slate, targeting the demographic that made “Killing Eve” a cultural phenomenon.