The Agency: Central Intelligence

Martian is a long undercover CIA operative who is ordered to leave his assumed life and report back to London Station. When a past romance resurfaces, the renewed relationship forces him to juggle loyalty to the agency, the secrecy of his true identity, and the demands of an active mission. As their feelings flare again, personal and professional lines blur, and they get pulled into a network of international espionage where trust is scarce and every choice has dangerous consequences. The show balances tense spycraft with intimate moments, keeping the stakes high without revealing key twists or the outcome.

Created by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and Éric Rochant, the series premiered in 2024 and assembles a high-profile cast led by Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith, Richard Gere and Katherine Waterston. The production leans on sleek, atmospheric filmmaking and a London-centric setting to frame its spy story.

As of its initial run the series had not secured major industry awards. Critics repeatedly praised several lead performances, and those actors appeared on some outlets' year-end lists, but there were no widely reported Emmy or BAFTA wins linked to the show at launch.

The series prompted conversation about modern espionage on television, especially its focus on the personal costs of undercover work and how romantic entanglements complicate intelligence operations. Viewers noted the show's stylish visual language and its willingness to linger on small, character-driven beats amid larger plot moves, which helped it stand out among recent spy dramas.

Critical reaction has been generally favorable, reflected in a 7.21/10 average from 186 votes. Reviewers highlighted the moral ambiguity at the heart of the story, the chemistry between leads, and the way identity and loyalty are treated as ongoing ethical dilemmas. While some critics wanted tighter plotting, many praised the series for its strong performances and for treating espionage as a profession with human consequences rather than just spectacle.