Long Before Adolescence, Stephen Graham Delivered A Performance That Deserved Far More Attention — In A Victorian Spy Thriller Where One Shopkeeper’s Secret Life Could Destroy An Entire Family. 😱 A Bomb Plot Is Unfolding. Foreign Spies Are Operating In The Shadows. And Somewhere In Victorian London, An Apparently Ordinary Shopkeeper Is Hiding A Dangerous Double Life. Stephen Graham Stars Alongside Toby Jones And Vicky Mcclure In This Dark, Three-part Period Thriller, Playing Chief Inspector Heat, A Scotland Yard Detective Determined To Expose A Conspiracy Involving Political Extremists, Divided Loyalties And A Secret Mission With Devastating Consequences. But The Deeper Heat Investigates, The More Disturbing The Truth Becomes. What Begins As A Dangerous Political Plot Takes A Deeply Personal Turn When An Unsuspecting Family Finds Itself Caught In The Middle. Based On Joseph Conrad’s Classic Novel, The Drama Combines Tense Detective Work With Psychological Suspense And Betrayal, Showcasing A Gripping Performance From Graham Long Before Adolescence Brought Him Renewed Acclaim. One Detective. One Hidden Double Life. And A Conspiracy That Could Destroy Everything.

Stephen Graham has delivered plenty of memorable performances over the years, but one gripping period drama from his earlier career deserves another look. Originally broadcast on the BBC in 2016, The Secret Agent is a tense, three-part spy thriller featuring Graham alongside Toby Jones and Vicky McClure. Despite its impressive cast and unsettling storyline, the series has slipped under the radar for some viewers. Now available to stream in full, it could be the perfect choice for anyone looking for a compelling drama to binge.

Set in Victorian London, the series combines espionage, political intrigue and a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to destroy an unsuspecting family. With Graham playing a determined Scotland Yard detective, the drama offers a chance to see the actor in a role that showcases his ability to bring intensity and depth to the screen.

What Is The Secret Agent About?

Adapted from Joseph Conrad’s classic novel, first published in 1907, The Secret Agent transports viewers to London in 1886.

At the centre of the story is Verloc, played by Toby Jones, who runs a seedy shop in Soho. To those around him, he appears to lead an ordinary life. However, Verloc has a dangerous secret: he is working as an agent for the Russian Embassy, secretly monitoring a group of London anarchists.

The Russian authorities are increasingly frustrated by Britain’s tolerance of violent political extremists. They decide to force the British government to take action by ordering Verloc to arrange a bombing that can be blamed on the anarchists. Their aim is to provoke a political crackdown and change the way Britain deals with the group.

Caught between his Russian employers and the British authorities, Verloc finds himself involved in a conspiracy with potentially devastating consequences for his family.

His wife, Winnie, played by Vicky McClure, has no idea about his secret activities. Nor does she realise just how far her husband is prepared to go to fulfil his assignment.

Verloc must obtain a bomb from The Professor, portrayed by Ian Hart, while concealing his plans from both Winnie and Chief Inspector Heat, a Scotland Yard detective played by Stephen Graham.

As the plot develops, Verloc also draws Stevie, Winnie’s younger brother, played by Charlie Hamblett, into his scheme as an accomplice. What begins as a secret mission gradually becomes a dangerous situation in which the lives of those closest to Verloc are placed at risk.

Who Stars In The Secret Agent?

One of the series’ biggest strengths is its cast, bringing together several acclaimed British actors in a dark, character-driven drama.

The main cast includes:

Toby Jones as Verloc: The secret agent whose seemingly ordinary life conceals a dangerous double existence.
Vicky McClure as Winnie: Verloc’s unsuspecting wife, who becomes caught up in the consequences of his secret work.
Stephen Graham as Chief Inspector Heat: A Scotland Yard detective investigating the events surrounding the conspiracy.
Ian Hart as The Professor: The man Verloc approaches to obtain a bomb.
Charlie Hamblett as Stevie: Winnie’s younger brother, whom Verloc attempts to involve in his plans.
Tom Goodman-Hill as Assistant Commissioner Stone: A senior police figure within the story.
David Dawson as Vladimir: Another key character in the espionage drama.

The combination of Jones, McClure and Graham gives the series a particularly strong central cast, with each actor bringing a different dimension to the story’s web of secrets and conflicting loyalties.

Is There A Trailer For The Secret Agent?

Yes. Viewers can watch the trailer to get a preview of the series’ Victorian setting, shadowy espionage plot and tense atmosphere.

Is The Secret Agent Worth Watching?

For viewers who enjoy dark, suspenseful dramas, The Secret Agent is well worth considering.

The series has been praised by viewers and critics with descriptions including “enthralling”, “disturbing” and “satisfying”. Its story explores political extremism, covert operations and the personal consequences of decisions made behind closed doors, creating an atmosphere that remains unsettling throughout.

The performances are another major attraction. Toby Jones brings complexity to Verloc, while Vicky McClure portrays Winnie as a character whose life is threatened by secrets she does not understand. Stephen Graham, meanwhile, adds considerable intensity as Chief Inspector Heat, making his role a compelling reason to revisit the series.

The three-part format also makes it an appealing option for a short weekend binge. Rather than requiring a commitment to multiple seasons, the drama delivers its story across just three episodes.

For anyone who missed it when it first aired in 2016, The Secret Agent offers an opportunity to discover a gripping piece of British television that deserves a place on the watchlist.

Where Can You Watch The Secret Agent?

The complete three-part series is available to stream on both ITVX and Netflix UK.

Availability may vary depending on your location.

What Other Stephen Graham Dramas Should You Watch?

If The Secret Agent leaves you wanting more of Stephen Graham on screen, there are several other productions worth adding to your list.

Adolescence (Netflix)

Graham stars in this unflinching drama about a 13-year-old boy arrested for the murder of a teenage girl. The story examines the circumstances surrounding the case and its devastating consequences, offering another intense performance from the actor.

A Thousand Blows (Disney+)

Graham takes on the role of Sugar Goodson, a formidable boxer, in this period drama. The series is set to return for a second season in 2026, giving viewers more of the actor in a physically demanding and intimidating role.

Good Boy

Graham is also set to appear in Good Boy, a film featuring a deeply unsettling premise. He plays an altruistic man who captures and chains up a teenager in an attempt to rehabilitate him, setting the stage for a disturbing story about the limits of good intentions.

From period espionage to contemporary crime and unsettling character studies, Graham has built a varied screen career. For viewers who have not yet explored his earlier work, The Secret Agent is a strong place to start.