Peacock has quietly built a reputation for delivering standout thrillers, from the Emmy-nominated Poker Face to the pulse-pounding Day of the Jackal. But tucked away in its library is a spy series that, despite its brilliance, never got the mainstream love it deserved: The Copenhagen Test. This eight-episode gem, starring Simu Liu, is a mind-bending ride that hooks you from the first scene and never lets go.
Released on December 27, 2025, The Copenhagen Test follows Alexander Hale (Liu), a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst working for a covert agency known as the Orphanage. His world is turned upside down when he discovers that someone has injected him with cutting-edge nanotechnology, allowing them to see and hear everything he does. Suddenly, he's a walking, talking surveillance device for an unknown enemy. To clear his name and find out who hacked his body, Alexander is thrust into fieldwork, blurring the lines between analyst and operative.
The series kicks off with a harrowing moral dilemma: Alexander must choose between evacuating an American woman (Melissa Barrera) or a non-American child from a dangerous zone. This choice, dubbed "The Copenhagen Test," sets off a chain of events that forces him to question everyone around him. Barrera's character, Michelle, is later assigned as his handler and love interest, adding layers of tension and mistrust to an already volatile situation.
What sets The Copenhagen Test apart from other action-packed shows like Reacher or The Night Agent is its focus on the terrifying implications of technology. It's not just about explosions and fight scenes; it's about the power of a corporation to manipulate a person's body and mind, making them doubt their own reality. The series weaves high-octane moments with thought-provoking themes, creating a thriller that feels both timely and timeless.
Critics and audiences alike took notice. According to Luminate data cited by Variety, the show racked up an estimated 1.1 billion minutes watched during its debut week. On Rotten Tomatoes, it earned a solid 72% from critics and an even higher 79% audience score. Viewers praised its unpredictable twists and the chemistry between Liu and Barrera. One review called it "excellent character work and a tight story," adding that "Simu Liu and Barrera lead an excellent cast."
Despite these numbers, Peacock made the baffling decision to cancel The Copenhagen Test after just one season. The news was a gut punch for fans who saw the potential for a multi-season arc. But even as a standalone miniseries, it delivers a complete, satisfying story that leaves you wanting more—a rare feat in the streaming era.
If you're looking for a spy thriller that respects your intelligence and keeps you guessing, The Copenhagen Test is a perfect pick. With a runtime of under seven hours, it's an easy weekend binge. And for those who appreciate the genre, it pairs well with other underrated gems like Kevin Costner's 3 Days to Kill or the relentless thrillers that never let up. For a deeper dive into the psychological side, check out the best psychological thrillers in literature.
In a landscape where shows are often canceled before they find their audience, The Copenhagen Test stands as a testament to what Peacock can do when it takes risks. It's a shame we won't see more of Alexander Hale's story, but the eight episodes we got are a masterclass in suspense. So, if you haven't already, give it a shot—you might just find your next favorite spy thriller.
