Viewers are rediscovering the BBC’s Cold War drama, The Game, which many now acclaim as superior to the acclaimed series The Night Manager.
Created by Toby Whithouse, who co-wrote the script with Sarah Dollard and Debbie O’Malley, The Game features an outstanding cast led by Tom Hughes, known for his role in Netflix’s Legends. The ensemble also includes Brian Cox, the late Paul Ritter, Shaun Dooley, Chloe Pirrie, Victoria Hamilton, and Jonathan Aris.
Originally broadcast in 2014, The Game received widespread critical acclaim but was discontinued after its initial season, much to the disappointment of dedicated fans. The series was filmed across Birmingham, showcasing iconic locations such as the now-demolished Birmingham Central Library, as well as scenes in London and Wales during the summer of 2013.
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Set in 1972 London during the height of Cold War tensions, The Game centers on “Operation Glass,” a Soviet plot to destabilize Britain. When a defecting KGB officer informs MI5 of the plan, the agency’s leader assembles a secret team, including the enigmatic agent Joe Lambe, to thwart the looming threat.
The series boasts a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been celebrated by enthusiasts and critics alike. Praise highlights the show’s atmospheric tension, stylish execution, and gripping narrative. One critic described it as “wonderfully atmospheric, stylish, and sexy,” while another emphasized its mastery of mood and suspense, elements essential to any successful spy drama.
Fans praise the intricate plotting and psychological depth of the MI5 characters, with one reviewer noting its “twisty plotting, grim atmosphere, and rich psychological detail, all packed into six gripping episodes.” Audience members echo these sentiments:
“Amazing! The best Cold War thriller I have seen in ages,” wrote one viewer.
“Another BBC masterpiece, with a thrilling plot and a solid ensemble cast,” commented another.
On IMDB, a user summed up the series as “an absolutely first-rate Cold War mini-series from the BBC set in the 1970s. Its complex and intelligent plot will appeal to fans of John le Carré. The acting is superb all around.”
Many expressed regret over the cancellation of a second season. One viewer lamented, “The Game was an awesome five-part series—dark, pacy, loaded with intrigue, and thoroughly engaging. It was a welcome return to this popular genre after years of absence. The BBC missed a golden opportunity by not commissioning another series.”
Despite its short run, The Game remains a standout piece of Cold War espionage drama—a hidden gem praised for its writing, performances, and atmospheric storytelling.