We discuss 5 shows like Once Upon a Time in Londongrad you must watch. Check out these brilliant recommendations.
The shocking docu-series Once Upon a Time in Londongrad explored the deaths of 14 people, all with connections to Russia, and examined the evidence surrounding the cases. It fell into a rabbit hole of conspiracy, cover-ups, and suspicion as a team of investigative reporters tried to join the dots and get to the bottom of the mysterious deaths. As the stories unfolded, we entered a world of exiled Russian Oligarchs and MI6 agents, and financial discrepancies that could topple a government. Despite the outlandish events, the series once again proved that truth is often stranger, and more dangerous than fiction, so if you were engaged by this series, here are another 5 you might want to check out.
5 shows like Once Upon a Time in Londongrad you must watch
Secrets of the Spies (2022)
This is a well-researched and extensively produced look at the world of spies. Covering everything from Ian Fleming to Kim Philby, this show has managed to get some incredible footage and interviews with former agents, historians, police officers, family members of spies, and authors, all offering insights into the inner workings of covert operatives. There is plenty of insight here, and this Brit Box series is slickly produced and presented, making it a must-see for fans of the subject matter.
Spycraft (2021)
This is a real gem and comes at the subject matter from a different point of view. Fans of the James Bond franchise will be familiar with the character of Q that would provide Bond with tech and gadgets that he would use while out in the field. Spycraft takes this one step further by showing the way that real-life hardware was prepared and developed by spies in the real world. The emphasis on the kit used by agents in this show proves just how important the behind-the-scenes team is to the agents on the frontline, and the work that goes on behind closed doors, gathering information and developing new tech. This fascinating show is available to watch on Netflix.
Spooks (2002-2011)
Spooks is a colloquial term for spies and this BBC series followed the ups and downs of MI5 agents based at the headquarters in Thames House. The incredibly popular show ran for 10 seasons and broke new ground when it appeared in the early 2000s. Gritty, violent, and peppered with an ensemble cast, the show often focused on the characters as much as the drama, and as a result, the audience became emotionally attached. However, the series soon became known for killing off even the best-loved characters, making the show a roller coaster whenever the stakes started to rise. An episode where an agent is murdered after being tortured by a deep fat fryer resulted in the BBC being flooded with complaints, even though it was shown after the 9 pm watershed. Spooks, known in the US as MI5, would eventually run out of steam, and cast members, but a film would have a theatrical release: Spooks: The Greater Good in 2015.
Putin: A Russian Spy Story (2020)
This is another incredibly well-researched look at the power of Vladimir Putin, and his influence on modern Russia. Tracing the early life of Putin, this series gives viewers a fascinating look at how Putin’s knowledge of spycraft led to his rise in power. Using in-depth interviews with people that have been impacted by his presence, and exploring Putin’s own past, this series, available on Amazon Prime, is an eye-opening insight.
Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies (2016-2019)
This series examines actual cases and missions, often told by the real agents who were involved in those operations. The producers worked closely with the agencies involved, including the CIA and the FBI to present balanced and objective takes on often very delicate situations. Episodes gave overviews of events such as 9/11, Russian espionage, The Taliban, and drug smuggling. This evocative series often focussed on the incredible work that the individuals would have to do, and their perseverance and pain-staking doggedness to work through a case.
Do you have any other recommendations for shows like Once Upon a Time in Londongrad? Let us know!
