The Spy (2019)

BingeNext's take

If you’re into tense, character-driven dramas with a historical twist, The Spy is a gripping pick. It follows Eli Cohen, an Israeli clerk who becomes a secret agent in the 1960s, going undercover in Syria for a risky, years-long mission. Sacha Baron Cohen delivers a surprisingly serious and compelling performance, showing a different side from his usual roles. The series has just six episodes, each about 54 minutes, making it a manageable binge that keeps you hooked without dragging. It’s perfect for anyone who likes spy stories that focus on the personal cost of espionage, rather than just action. Watching it feels like stepping into a quiet, intense world where every moment counts and the stakes are incredibly high. If you’ve enjoyed shows like Slow Horses or The Night Manager, this one will fit right into your watchlist.

Synopsis

In the 1960s, Israeli clerk-turned-secret agent Eli Cohen goes deep undercover inside Syria on a perilous, years-long mission to spy for Mossad.

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Stream (US)

• Watch on Netflix
• Find on Prime Video

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Sacha Baron Cohen as Eli Cohen / Kamel Amin Thabeth
• Noah Emmerich as Dan Peleg
• Hadar Ratzon Rotem as Nadia Cohen
• Alexander Siddig as Ahmed Suidani
• Waleed Zuaiter as Amin al-Hafez
• Nassim Lyes as Ma'azi Zaher Ad-Din
• Moni Moshonov as Jacob Shimoni
• Yael Eitan as Maya
• Alona Tal as Julia Schneider
• Hicham Goullal as Adam Morse Officer

If you liked The Spy, try

• Slow Horses
• MacGyver
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
• The Night Agent
• The Terminal List
• The Day of the Jackal
• The Night Manager
• Citadel