Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer star in Killing Eve, a BBC spy thriller based on the Villanelle novel series by Luke Jennings. The show, which has received critical acclaim, is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.
Season structure and creators
Each season of Killing Eve is led by a different female head writer. The first series was headed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, followed by Emerald Fennell for the second, Suzanne Heathcote for the third, and Laura Neal for the fourth.
The series follows Eve, a bored MI5 security officer, and Villanelle, a talented killer. The synopsis describes: "Eve's life as a spy is not adding up to what she had hoped it would be when she started. She is a bored, very smart MI5 security officer who is very desk-bound. Villanelle is a very talented killer, mercurial in mood, who clings to the luxuries of her job. Eve and Villanelle go head to head in a fierce game of cat and mouse, each woman equally obsessed with the other as Eve is tasked with hunting down the psychopathic assassin."
Critical reception and praise
Sarah Barnett, BBCA president, said: "Killing Eve stands out in a sea of scripted stories as refreshingly entertaining and great fun." The first series holds an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus stating: "Seductive and surprising, Killing Eve's twist on the spy vs. spy conceit rewards viewers with an audaciously entertaining show that finally makes good use of Sandra Oh's talents."
Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes have praised the series highly. One called it the "best series I have ever seen", while another labelled it a "masterpiece". A third reviewer said: "Fresh, weird, strange and absolutely incredible. Not one wasted moment. Incredibly good acting with outstanding storylines. Fantastic series." Another added: "This is probably the best TV show I have ever seen. Oh, and Comer are absolutely fabulous together, and the story is fascinating and unpredictable." One final reviewer remarked: "Now this is exactly my cup of tea. And needless to say, Jodie Comer's performance as Villanelle is one of the best I've ever seen. WOW."
Killing Eve is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
