New ITV Spy Drama "Secret Service" Gets Bad Reviews

Early reviews for ITV's "Secret Service" are negative, with critics calling it "not fun" and lacking substance. This is a bad start for the new spy drama.
By Newsroom | Television, Drama |

ITV’s new spy drama, "Secret Service," starring Gemma Arterton, has drawn a largely negative response from early reviews, with critics deeming the series "not fun" and lacking substance. The show, which premiered on Monday, April 27th, is being described as a plodding political thriller that, despite a promising premise and strong lead performance, ultimately "lacks ammunition."

Secret Service review – Gemma Arterton’s spy drama is not, in any conceivable way, fun - 1

The series centers on Kate Henderson, an MI6 officer juggling her demanding professional life with her family, who is tasked with investigating potential Kremlin ties to a British politician. This high-stakes plot, involving a looming murder and election, has been criticized for a "messy conclusion" and "clunky" execution.

Secret Service review – Gemma Arterton’s spy drama is not, in any conceivable way, fun - 2

Political Maneuvering and Familiar Tropes

Early reports indicate a focus on political figures within the drama, with the Home Secretary, Imogen Conrad (Amaka Okafor), and the Foreign Secretary, Ryan Walker (Mark Stanley), appearing as central figures of suspicion. Walker, in particular, is characterized as an "oleaginous sod" whose off-piste activities, including a relationship with the Russian foreign minister and flirtations with nationalism, create "consternation among top brass."

Read More: White Lotus Season 4: Helena Bonham Carter Leaves, Role Rewritten

Secret Service review – Gemma Arterton’s spy drama is not, in any conceivable way, fun - 3

The narrative also appears to lean on familiar dramatic tropes. Kate is introduced in an "obligatory kitchen scene," portraying a busy mother balancing domestic life with the complexities of her espionage work, which includes handling an undercover agent posing as a nanny.

Secret Service review – Gemma Arterton’s spy drama is not, in any conceivable way, fun - 4

Cast and Debut

Gemma Arterton is widely acknowledged as a "bright light" in the series, with her portrayal of Kate Henderson being a sympathetic, albeit familiar, character. The show aims to immerse viewers in the "murky world of espionage," a goal many critics feel it fails to achieve effectively.

"Secret Service" is scheduled to continue on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. The series began on April 27th and will also air on subsequent nights. The ambition to create a successor to shows like "Slow Horses" seems, based on initial reactions, to have fallen short.

Read More: Euphoria Season 3: Cassie and Nate's Wedding Scenes Cause Online Worry

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do critics think of the new ITV spy drama "Secret Service"?
Critics have given the new ITV spy drama "Secret Service" a largely negative response. They say the show is "not fun" and lacks substance, calling it a plodding political thriller.
Q: When did "Secret Service" premiere on ITV?
The new spy drama "Secret Service" premiered on Monday, April 27th. It is airing on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Q: Who stars in the ITV spy drama "Secret Service"?
The drama stars Gemma Arterton as Kate Henderson, an MI6 officer. Other actors include Amaka Okafor and Mark Stanley.
Q: What is the plot of the ITV spy drama "Secret Service"?
The series follows Kate Henderson as she investigates potential Kremlin ties to a British politician. The plot involves a looming murder and an election, but critics found the conclusion messy and the execution clunky.