From 'The Americans' to 'Killing Eve': 5 shows similar to HBO's 'The Sympathizer'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The ongoing black comedy series 'The Sympathizer' on HBO immerses viewers in the enthralling world of espionage with the perfect blend of historical fiction and personal struggle.
The series, based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's book of the same name, tells the story of the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a communist spy operating covertly within the South Vietnamese army.
As the story progresses, Captain flees Saigon with the South Vietnamese elite, who are fleeing the communist coup.
Settled in Los Angeles, Captain faces the challenges of being a refugee and adapting to life in America.
So, if you're enjoying this perfect blend of humor and drama, here are five similar films you should add to your watchlist.
The Americans (2013–2018)
Starting the list, FX's 'The Americans' offers a thrilling espionage drama set during the Cold War.
The series follows Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), a seemingly ordinary American couple who are KGB spies working undercover to steal classified information from the American government.
Similar to 'The Sympathizer,' the show explores the challenges and moral quandaries faced by characters living double lives, intertwined with espionage and political intrigue.
Deutschland 83 (2015)
The German spy thriller series transports you to the Cold War, where Martin Rauch (Jonas Nay) is drawn into the world of espionage as he infiltrates the West German army.
However, his actions land him in hot water and jeopardize his cover. As the story unfolds, Martin is compelled to confront his loyalties and grapple with the complexities of a divided Germany.
Similar to 'The Sympathizer,' 'Deutschland 83' features protagonists thrust into undercover roles.
The series deftly portrays the hardships of living undercover, the weight of loyalty, and the personal struggles of people caught up in historical conflicts.
Killing Eve (2018–2022)
A darkly humorous perspective on espionage is portrayed in the British spy thriller series 'Killing Eve.' The plot revolves around Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), an MI5 analyst who unexpectedly joins MI6's undercover division.
Her mission is to track down and locate the vicious assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer), which sets off a bizarre game of cat and mouse.
In terms of similarities, both 'Killing Eve' and 'The Sympathizer' explore the brutal realities of violence through complex characters and morally grey areas, making them worth watching.
Turn: Washington's Spies (2014–2017)
The suspense-thriller television series 'Turn: Washington's Spies' shares similarities with 'The Sympathizer.' Both narratives revolve around protagonists operating covertly within institutions that they may not fully endorse.
The show's plot revolves around Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a seemingly ordinary Long Island farmer who is enlisted into George Washington's first spy ring, known as 'The Culper Ring,' by his childhood friend Benjamin Tallmadge (Seth Numrich).
As the show progresses, Abraham must deal with the perils of gathering intelligence for the American cause.
Homeland (2011–2020)
The espionage thriller television series, 'Homeland,' made its debut on October 2, 2011, focusing on CIA officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), who must balance her mental health struggles alongside the complexities of national security.
The series, spanning eight successful seasons, shows Carrie's struggles to strike a balance between her responsibilities and her bipolar disorder, frequently delving into themes of loyalty and terrorism.
Both 'Homeland' and 'The Sympathizer' explore the complex world of espionage, examining the blurred lines between an ally and an enemy, as well as the personal toll incurred by individuals engaged in intelligence operations.
'The Sympathizer' trailer