BBC America isn’t lying. Today, the network announced they’ll be airing a new mystery drama London Spy beginning January 21st.
The five-part series stars Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent, and Charlotte Rampling.
Created by author Tom Rob Smith, London Spy stars Whishaw as Danny, a young partier who falls in love with Alex (Edward Holcroft), a quiet math genius who is secretly a spy for MI6. After a mysterious tragedy occurs, Danny is sent down a rabbit hole of espionage, lies, murder, and international conspiracy.
The series just finished its initial run on the BBC earlier this week. It will premiere in the U.S. on BBC America on January 21st, at 10 p.m.
Watch the trailer and read the official announcement below:
New York – December 9, 2015 – BBC AMERICA‘s new original co-production, London Spy, begins with a chance romance between two people from two very different walks of life – one from the high-powered ranks of investment banking and the other from a world of clubbing and youthful excess. But their love story quickly unravels when the reclusive banker disappears under suspicious circumstances, exposing his real identity as a spy and forcing his lover down a dark path to reveal the truth. The stirring five-part mystery, from acclaimed best-selling author Tom Rob Smith (Child 44), stars BAFTA-winner Ben Whishaw (Spectre) in a career-defining performance as Danny, an innocent, young romantic drawn into a dangerous world of espionage. He is joined by Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent (Iris), Emmy nominee Charlotte Rampling (Broadchurch) and newcomer Edward Holcroft (Wolf Hall). London Spy premieres Thursday, January 21, 10:00pm ET.
London Spy opens with Danny (Whishaw) after a heavy night on the party scene. It’s dawn and he’s feeling lonely – standing on Lambeth Bridge, asking the London skyline if life gets any easier. London answers him with a chance encounter, an early morning runner who stops to ask if he’s OK, introducing himself as Alex. An unusual connection forms between these men who are polar opposites in many ways. Danny – extroverted, self-indulgent and adrift, falls for the anti-social, enigmatic and brilliant Alex (Edward Holcroft). But just as they realize they’re perfect for each other, Alex is found dead under circumstances that Danny is sure have been staged. And so begins Danny’s descent into the dangerous world of global espionage – a world for which he’s hopelessly ill equipped. Out of his depth, Danny seeks help from his friend and wise mentor, Scottie (Jim Broadbent). They embark on a journey where no one is who they seem, including the formidable Frances (Charlotte Rampling), a mysterious yet omnipresent figure from Alex’s life.
If Danny can prove that the Alex he knew was the real Alex, then he can prove to himself that intimacy does not necessarily end in despair. But ultimately, Danny must decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth, knowing he’ll be risking his life in the process.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of spy mysteries? Would you watch London Spy?
Three of my favorite actors! I’ve been a big fan of Ben Wishaw since The Hour and he is so much fun in Spectre. Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling-what more could we hope for.