Netflix New Spy Series Unfamiliar debuted on the platform last week and has rapidly climbed the UK Top 10 list, jumping from number nine to number four in just days. With its tense atmosphere, emotional undercurrents, and layered storytelling, the German thriller is quickly becoming a must-watch for fans of intelligent, character-driven espionage dramas.
What Is Netflix New Spy Series Unfamiliar About ?
At the heart of the story are former spies Meret (Susanne Wolff) and Simon Schäfer (Felix Kramer), a married couple trying to live quietly while running a Berlin safe house known as The Nest.
But their carefully built life begins to unravel when their cover is exposed. Old enemies resurface, including assassins, Russian operatives, and ghosts from their past. As danger closes in, the couple must go on the run — all while protecting their teenage daughter Nina (Maja Bons).
What sets the show apart is that it doesn’t rely solely on action. Alongside the espionage tension, the story dives deep into marriage, trust, betrayal, and emotional strain. It’s as much about relationships as it is about spycraft.
Why Viewers Are Comparing It to The Night Manager
Despite having only a handful of early critic reviews, the buzz around Unfamiliar is growing fast.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Decider described it as a “rare” spy series that skillfully balances suspense and mystery without over-explaining its plot. The review praised the show for revealing just enough to keep viewers hooked while avoiding cheap manipulation.
Audience reactions on IMDb have been even more enthusiastic. One viewer claimed it’s “better than The Night Manager by a street,” while another admitted to binge-watching the entire season in one sitting until 2:30am.
Several fans have highlighted the show’s restrained tone, praising its subtle dramatic moments and more grounded European style — a contrast to what some describe as “overcooked” Hollywood spy dramas.
Not Everyone Is Convinced
While many viewers are impressed, not all feedback has been glowing.
Some critics argue that certain spy tropes feel familiar and that the series leans more heavily into relationship drama than high-intensity espionage. One comment noted that while the backstory keeps things engaging, it lacks the depth and literary intensity of classic John le Carré adaptations.
Still, even those with reservations admit the show is gripping enough to keep watching.
A Global Streaming Hit
The success of Unfamiliar isn’t limited to the UK. The series has also entered the Top 10 in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, and its home country, Germany.
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Netflix has not yet confirmed whether a second season is in development. However, given the strong international response and its growing popularity, a renewal wouldn’t be surprising.
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For now, viewers can stream the full first season of Unfamiliar on Netflix — and decide for themselves whether it truly lives up to the comparisons.