The Best Spy Shows Streaming Instantly

It's no secret we absolutely loved Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. It's a great spy thriller built on fun characters, slick gadgets and very cool action set pieces, many of which were done with very little visual effects. It's not only one of the very best spy thrillers of its type, it's also one of the best films of 2011, and it managed to reignite the M:I franchise in ways many thought were not possible.

And, as stated in our Blu-ray review of Ghost Protocol, the Mission: Impossible franchise has helped shape the entire spy genre, and remains one of the single best, most recognizable franchises in film and TV history. From Lalo Schifrin's classic theme, to the nifty gadgets, clever twists, tense action and great characters – there's rarely a moment in this franchise that fails to impress on some level.

With Ghost Protocol hitting Blu-ray, DVD and digital download this week, we thought we'd take a look at a few other spy-themed TV shows currently streaming on Netflix Instant. There are quite a few modern shows, as well as classics, to be found on the instant streaming site, so if you're still hungry for more spy-themed action, this list should provide you with hundreds of hours of content to fill you up. As always, if you have any other Netflix Instant suggestions of your own, feel free to sound off in the forums below.


This one's a bit of no-brainer. All seven seasons from the show's original run can be found here, presented in pristine HD, no less. That's about 160 hours of thrills, just from one show! While certainly not as action-packed, or focused on spectacle as the series' big-budget film bother, Mission: Impossible focuses on being slick, cool, remarkably entertaining television.


Sure, the formula is basically the same week after week, but the series rarely fails to deliver a clever twist or turn, and many of the guest appearances (like Leonard Nimoy) are downright awesome. If you've yet to experience the classic Mission: Impossible TV series, now is most definitely the time.


The spy genre is seasoned with spoofs, from vintage comedies like Casino Royale and In Like Flint (available on Netflix Instant) to modern spoofs like Austin Powers, OSS 117 (also on Netflix Instant) and, of course, Archer. The hit animated FX series endlessly pokes fun at the genre with hilarious results.


The series mocks the over-sexed mentality of the James Bond series, as well as the numerous, sometimes ridiculous spy gadgets that pop up in Bond films, as well as Mission: Impossible. If you're in the mood to laugh at some of the sillier conventions of the genre, Archer will likely be one of your favorite spoofs.


Who doesn't love some MacGyver? After all, the man, played by Richard Dean Anderson, is named after a type of beef (Angus) and constantly manages to find his way out of sticky situations using some of the most hilarious off-the-wall self-made gadgets. He's America's do-it-yourself super spy, a loving product of the Reagan era.


But silly gadgets and quick-fixes weren't the only thing MacGyver was known for. The action-heavy series also boasted a pretty decent collection of action sequences, from hand-to-hand combat to motorcycle chases – MacGyver had it all. He even had a spoof all his own in MacGruber, with Will Forte. Alas, that film isn't available on Netflix Instant right now.


This hit USA Network series follows a former spy (Jeffrey Donovan) as he attempts to uncover the secret behind his burn notice – a term used when a spy has become discredited or unreliable. The basic premise isn't too dissimilar from many of the Mission: Impossible films, and the execution is both light and rather fun.


Not only does the series offer plenty of spy intrigue, but it's also layered with great characters, including Bruce Campbell's Sam Axe. Fans of Campbell's character should also check out The Fall of Sam Axe (available on Netflix Instant as part of Season Four). The made-for-TV movie details Axe's sordid backstory.


Leave it to Avengers director Joss Whedon to spin the spy genre on its heels with Dollhouse. While not completely seated in the spy genre, the series does offer up its own twist on impersonations, gadgets and ass-kicking babes, and will likely leave you wanting, especially after you complete each season and are treated to a surprisingly moody season epitaph, which takes place in a dystopian future.


The series follows a rather mysterious underground organization that controls several seemingly blank individuals, called dolls or actives, who can be implanted with memories and skills, to best act out a particular mission. With dozens of overarching twists and turns, Whedon's token wit, and near-big-budget action, Dollhouse delivers more than just spy thrills and sci-fi intrigue.

You mission, should you choose to accept it, is to follow R.L. Shaffer on Twitter and Facebook. As always, should you or any of your team be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

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