Netflix has quietly become the home of some of the most gripping political thrillers on television. From Hostage to The Diplomat, the streaming service has carved out a niche for fast-paced, intelligent dramas that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The Diplomat, in particular, has been a massive hit, earning critical acclaim, a devoted fanbase, and a fifth-season renewal. But while that show continues to dominate, there's another gem from 2018 that deserves your attention: Bodyguard.
Starring Richard Madden in what many consider his finest role, Bodyguard is a six-episode rollercoaster that blends political intrigue with personal demons. It's a show that grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let go until the final credits roll. If you're a fan of The Diplomat and haven't yet seen this, you're missing out on one of the best thrillers Netflix has to offer.
What Is 'Bodyguard' About?
Created by Jed Mercurio, Bodyguard introduces us to David Budd (Madden), a war veteran and Metropolitan Police officer who, after thwarting a terrorist attack in the opening minutes, is assigned to the Protection Command. His new task: guard Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), the UK's ambitious and polarizing Home Secretary. The catch? David despises everything she stands for.
David, who suffers from PTSD and is separated from his wife (Sophie Rundle), is vehemently opposed to Julia's policies, including sending troops back to Afghanistan. Their first meeting is electric with tension—she's dismissive of his concerns, and he's barely hiding his contempt. Yet, as her protector, he must put his personal feelings aside to keep her safe.
But this isn't just a simple bodyguard drama. The plot quickly spirals into a complex web of conspiracies. There are attempts on Julia's life, and David finds himself connected to each one in unsettling ways. Her push for sweeping surveillance legislation makes her enemies in high places, and there are those within her own circle who want her humiliated—or worse. As David digs deeper, he uncovers a labyrinth of lies and deceit that puts both his career and his life on the line.
A Riveting Political Thriller
What makes Bodyguard so compelling is its refusal to take the easy way out. The show is a masterclass in tension, with each episode raising the stakes higher than the last. It's no surprise that it earned a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with one review calling it "one of those rare shows that will have you hooked from the very first scene to the last."
Madden, who first gained fame on Game of Thrones and in Cinderella, delivers a career-best performance here. He makes David's internal struggle—his guilt over his failed marriage, his PTSD, his duty to a woman he despises—feel raw and real. As Collider's Allison Keene noted in her 2018 review, "There are innumerable twists and turns to what becomes a kind of Whodunnit, but through it all, Madden makes us feel every single moment of what David is experiencing."
If you're looking for a show that combines political intrigue with personal drama, Bodyguard is a perfect pick. It's a tight, well-crafted thriller that proves Netflix knows how to deliver top-tier entertainment. And if you've already binged The Diplomat, this is the natural next step. For more recommendations, check out our list of flawless thriller miniseries or our Netflix binge guide for more ideas.
So, eight years later, Bodyguard still stands as one of the best political thrillers ever made. It's a show that doesn't just entertain—it makes you think. And in a world full of predictable TV, that's something truly special.
