The Spy

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 6, 2019
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16

Critic Reviews

  1. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Stuart Jeffries
    Dec 5, 2019
    60
    There isn’t anything wrong with Emmerich’s performance, but his presence highlights The Spy’s deficiencies by reminding us of a much better drama, The Americans, in which he played CIA Agent Stan Beeman. The Spy, by contrast, looks conventional, old fashioned, plodding.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Liam Mathews
    Sep 5, 2019
    60
    The Spy is entertaining, if unmemorable.
  3. Slate
    Reviewed by: Willa Paskin
    Sep 6, 2019
    50
    For a show that is both thoughtful and appropriately cynical about Israeli intelligence services—the Mossad’s concern for the nation turns even its most effective and devoted citizens into expendable cogs—it is surprisingly gentle to Cohen, a gentleness that becomes indistinguishable from shallowness, a spoiled sort of kindness.
  5. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Kathryn VanArendonk
    Sep 5, 2019
    50
    I did not know about the story of Eli Cohen before watching The Spy, and so for that, I’m glad I did see it. I know more about history than I did before. I only wish The Spy had done a little more to shade in some subtle colors within its stark, blunt outline.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Daniel D'Addario
    Sep 6, 2019
    40
    Any spy worth their salt has to be able to present different sides to different people, of course. The role gives [Baron Cohen] too little of those scenes, favoring a domestic drama that grounds the show and robs the star of a weapon he has a unique ability to deploy. As a spy drama, the series is as plodding as its title, reminding the audience of more soaring efforts and lending incident but not enough interest.

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Best TV Season of 2019
93
#93 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 6 out of 29
  1. jeremyp
    Sep 8, 2019
    7
    A great and true spy story deserves a deeper look than this rather shallow rendition. It's by the book. Our hero is heroic displayed, but hisA great and true spy story deserves a deeper look than this rather shallow rendition. It's by the book. Our hero is heroic displayed, but his humanity is largely in the shadow. The dialog is dumbed down for the audience-the characters seem to be talking more to the audience than each other-and the plot is Ian Fleming when we need Le Carre. It's really a propaganda piece for Israel rather than an exploration of the psychological tension of living a double life in the devil's lair.… Full Review »
  2. OlivierPiel
    Sep 11, 2019
    0
    The acting is atrocious (Cohen is overacting all the scenes but other actors are also weak). It is a show that appears artificial, trying tooThe acting is atrocious (Cohen is overacting all the scenes but other actors are also weak). It is a show that appears artificial, trying too hard. One example is the use of a colour lens that make appear all the scenes in Israel set in the past as faded photographs. It's a gimmick that adds to the bland, boring atmosphere of the series.… Full Review »
  3. psylife
    Sep 10, 2019
    3
    An ultimately mediocre piece of zionist / israeli propaganda. Hollywood propaganda pieces are usually more entertaining and just better atAn ultimately mediocre piece of zionist / israeli propaganda. Hollywood propaganda pieces are usually more entertaining and just better at rendering synthetic lies and stories. Watch it and see for yourself.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »