The landscape of television is constantly shifting, but every few years, a show arrives that completely reimagines a genre. On December 27, 2025, Peacock released The Copenhagen Test, a series that promises to do exactly that for the spy thriller category. By blending the high-stakes action of Jason Bourne with the terrifying technological paranoia of Black Mirror, this show has instantly become a topic of global conversation. With Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera leading a stellar cast, the series asks a question that feels uncomfortably relevant in our modern world: What happens when privacy no longer exists, even inside your own mind?
For fans of espionage dramas, the copenhagen test offers something fresh. It moves away from the traditional tropes of gunfights and car chases—though it has plenty of those—to focus on a psychological nightmare. Imagine waking up to find that your eyes and ears have been hacked by an unknown enemy. Everything you see, they see. Everything you hear, they hear. This is the terrifying reality for Alexander Hale, the protagonist of this gripping eight-episode saga.
A Comprehensive Deep Dive into The Copenhagen Test
To truly understand why The Copenhagen Test is currently dominating streaming charts, we need to look beyond the surface. The show is not just an action vehicle for its stars; it is a meticulously crafted story about trust, trauma, and the surveillance state. Produced by horror maestro James Wan, the series carries a constant undercurrent of dread that elevates it above standard network fare.
The Plot: When the Mind Becomes a Battlefield
The story centers on Alexander Hale, played with remarkable depth by Simu Liu. Alexander is an intelligence analyst working for “The Orphanage,” a super-secret agency that monitors other intelligence organizations like the CIA and FBI. Bored with his desk job and desperate for field action, Alexander gets more than he bargained for when he discovers he has been infected with advanced nanotechnology.
This “hack” turns him into a living, breathing surveillance bug. The central conflict of The Copenhagen Test arises when his agency decides not to cure him immediately. Instead, they use him as bait. They force him to live his life normally, hoping the hackers will reveal themselves. This premise creates unbearable tension, as Alexander must navigate his daily life knowing that every private moment is being broadcast to a shadowy enemy.
The title itself, copenhagen test, refers to a traumatic event from Alexander’s past. During a field mission in Denmark, he was forced to make an impossible choice: save an American asset or a local child. This moral dilemma haunts him throughout the series and serves as the emotional anchor for the sci-fi madness that surrounds him.
Cast Performances: Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera Shine
While the concept is strong, it is the performances that sell the show. Simu Liu sheds his superhero image to play a character who is vulnerable and terrified. His portrayal of Alexander is grounded; he isn’t an unstoppable killing machine but a man trying to hold onto his sanity. Critics have praised Liu for bringing a “blue-collar” quality to the spy genre, making his character feel like a real person caught in an extraordinary situation.
Opposite him is the talented Melissa Barrera, who plays Michelle. On the surface, she is Alexander’s girlfriend, but in reality, she is a highly skilled field operative assigned to handle him. The chemistry between simu liu and melissa barrera is electric. Their relationship is built on lies—she is there to watch him, and he knows it—yet a genuine connection begins to form. This dynamic adds a layer of tragic romance to The Copenhagen Test that keeps viewers invested even when the plot gets complicated.
Special mention must go to Sinclair Daniel, who plays Parker. As the tech whiz of the team, she serves as the moral compass of the show, often questioning the ethics of using a human being as a piece of spy equipment. Her interactions with the cold, calculating agency director John Moira (Brian d’Arcy James) provide some of the series’ best dramatic moments.
Themes and Visual Style
Visually, The Copenhagen Test is stunning. Filmed in Toronto, the show uses cold, desaturated colors to reflect the bleak world of espionage. The direction emphasizes claustrophobia, often using tight close-ups to make the audience feel the invasion of privacy that Alexander is experiencing.
The series tackles heavy themes, primarily the loss of privacy in the digital age. In a world where our phones and laptops are always listening, the idea of our own biological senses being hacked feels like the next logical, terrifying step. The Copenhagen Test forces the audience to ask: How much freedom are we willing to trade for security? The show suggests that in the world of modern intelligence, human beings are nothing more than assets to be expended.
Critical Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Since its release, the copenhagen test has garnered a “Fresh” rating on review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have lauded the unique premise and the high production value. The pacing is frantic, with each of the eight episodes ending on a cliffhanger that demands you click “Next Episode.”
However, the show is not without its flaws. Some reviewers have noted that the plot can become overly complex in the middle episodes, with too many double-crosses and agency politics. Yet, the strong character work from simu liu and the supporting cast ensures that the show never loses its emotional core. If you enjoy shows like The Night Agent or Slow Horses, this series will be right up your alley.
Final Thoughts and Future Prospects on The Copenhagen Test
The Copenhagen Test is more than just a spy thriller; it is a warning about the future of technology and warfare. The ending of the first season leaves several threads hanging, suggesting that The Orphanage has many more secrets to reveal. With strong viewership numbers reported in its opening week, a second season seems highly likely.
