8.4
Where can I stream Smiley's People legally?
GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for Smiley's People in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.
Smiley's People fingerprint
Masterful craft, immersive world, emotionally cool.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline3
- Violence2
Heart
Melancholic and nostalgic
- Melancholy8
- Nostalgia7
- Catharsis6
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit
- Wit & Wordplay8
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor1
World
Mystery, politics, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality10
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Dialogue Quality10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Smiley's People is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace0Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle0Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
NoneMelancholic and nostalgic
Emotionally, it's melancholic and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay8Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighMystery, politics, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, politics, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery10Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics10Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
Very highStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality10Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity10Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
Style
HighStandout editing
Look and sound: the editing stand out.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrolling
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 | |
| Episode 5 | |
| Episode 6 |
About
Called out of retirement to settle the affairs of a friend, Smiley finds his old organization, the Circus, so overwhelmed by political considerations that it doesn't want to know what happened. He begins to follow up the clues of his friends past days, discovering that the clues lead to a high person in the Russian Secret service, and a secret important enough to kill for.
Cold War EspionageIntellectual Spy ThrillerMeticulously Crafted MysteryCharacter-Driven DramaBureaucratic IntrigueSlow-Burn SuspenseMoral AmbiguityClassic BBC AdaptationExistential EspionageComplex Narrative
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Smiley's People
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Smiley's People worth watching?
85
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 8.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 90%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Smiley's People rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How many seasons does Smiley's People have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
Is Smiley's People based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Smiley's People?
Critics90
Audiences84
Yes. Critics average 90 and audiences 84 out of 100, so both groups see Smiley's People much the same way.
When did Smiley's People air?
S1
It ran from 1982 to 1982 and has ended.
What language is Smiley's People in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Smiley's People?
7
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Smiley's People in 7 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Smiley's People use?
Actually Pretty FunnyAdaptational AttractivenessAdaptational Location ChangeAnimated Credits OpeningArc WordsAs You KnowBatman GambitBattle ButlerThe CasanovaHeroic BSoDPragmatic VillainyString Theoryand 26 more
TV Tropes lists 38 storytelling tropes for Smiley's People, including Actually Pretty Funny, Adaptational Attractiveness, Adaptational Location Change.