BBC spy thriller The Game has been hailed by fans as a 'masterpiece' and even better than the acclaimed The Night Manager. The six-part Cold War series, which first aired in 2014, boasts a near-perfect 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Created by Toby Whithouse, the show stars Tom Hughes as enigmatic agent Joe Lambe, alongside Brian Cox, Paul Ritter, Shaun Dooley, Chloe Pirrie, Victoria Hamilton, and Jonathan Aris. The plot is set in 1972 London, where MI5 assembles a secret team to investigate a Soviet plot called Operation Glass aimed at bringing down Britain.
Critics have praised the series for its atmosphere, tension, and stylish storytelling. One reviewer called it 'wonderfully atmospheric, stylish, and sexy,' while another said it 'excels in the realms of atmosphere, tension and mood.' Viewers have also been captivated, with one describing it as 'the best cold war thriller I have seen in ages.'
Despite critical acclaim, the BBC did not renew The Game for a second series in 2015, much to the disappointment of fans. One viewer lamented the decision, calling it 'utterly devastating' and a 'missed opportunity.' The show is currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer and UKTV.
