Top 10 Spy Series from the 1960s

This ranking includes a contest—details can be found at the end of the list. Ian Fleming’s legendary spy, James Bond, is a household name. The debonair and dashing agent with a license to kill redefined the image of spies in cinema after the 1962 release of Dr. No, the inaugural Bond film. Prior to Bond, spies were often depicted as overweight, unappealing, timid, or even elderly—traits that might have been more realistic. However, the 1960s, steeped in Cold War tensions, favored escapism and fantasy over realism. Thus, spies transformed from the grim, obscure figures like those in Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent” into charismatic, rugged heroes adored by audiences.

Ian Fleming likely had no idea of the cultural phenomenon he was unleashing with James Bond. Almost instantly after Bond’s cinematic debut, a wave of imitators flooded both television and film. Spies were suddenly everywhere—ranging from absurd and kitschy to refined and clever, and even blending with genres like westerns. By 1970, the rise of counterculture and anti-establishment ideals overshadowed the spy genre, leaving only Bond to endure as the last remnant of the craze he started.

IMPORTANT: This list does not include Bond—it focuses on the OTHER spy series of the era. Bond, undoubtedly, remains the most iconic and celebrated. The aim here is to highlight that he wasn’t the only player in the game.

10. Mission: Impossible

A hallmark of 1960s spy tropes was the weekly, unforgettable monologue from the mysterious, unseen voice on the tape recorder: 'Good morning, Mr. Phelps. Your mission, should you choose to accept it…'—as if Phelps ever had the option to decline. The grim reality of espionage is that refusal isn’t an option. As John Drake (from 'Danger Man') could attest, refusal leads to death—or worse, exile to some dreadful location. These 'somewheres' are universally grim, whether it’s a Village or a gulag, and it doesn’t matter which side you’re on—they all end up feeling the same.

To drive this point home, each Mission: Impossible tape concluded with a chilling warning: if you or any member of your IMF team are captured or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. In simpler terms, you’re on your own, and good luck surviving. To underscore the idea of complete deniability, the tape would famously self-destruct in five seconds. One can only imagine Phelps meeting a similarly swift fate if he ever dared to say, 'No, I’m not taking this one.'

Of course, Peter Graves’ portrayal of Phelps was far too dependable—and, admittedly, wooden—for such rebellious behavior. Week after week, he and his ever-rotating team of IMF operatives tackled corrupt dictators or rescued defectors from communist clutches.

Cast changes were a defining feature of Mission: Impossible, with new faces appearing more frequently than the show’s often predictable plots. The original team leader, Dan Briggs (played by Steven Hill), was replaced by Peter Graves after the first season. Later, Rollin Hand and Cinnamon Carter (portrayed by Martin Landau and Barbara Bain) departed, making way for Leonard Nimoy as 'The Great Paris' and Linda Day George, among others. Peter Lupus and Greg Morris remained constants throughout the series. However, none of these characters or actors appeared in the successful film adaptations (starring Tom Cruise), though the show saw a brief revival in the 1980s.

Fun fact: Mission: Impossible was the 'sister show' to the original Star Trek. Both series were filmed simultaneously at Desilu Studios by the same production team, though their creative teams were entirely separate. Star Trek, operating on a shoestring budget, often repurposed Mission: Impossible props, painting them in bizarre colors to serve as alien artifacts and set decorations.

9. Matt Helm

Originally depicted in Donald Hamilton’s novels, Matt Helm was a rugged, aging spy, far from the sleek, glamorous archetype. However, when adapted for the big screen, Helm transformed into a satirical take on James Bond—a suave, womanizing charmer surrounded by glamorous companions, embodying the persona of Dean Martin, who portrayed him in four films.

Dean Martin’s portrayal of Matt Helm heavily influenced Mike Myers’ Austin Powers. Notably, both characters shared the same secret identity: fashion photographer.

8. Get Smart

Maxwell Smart, the bumbling spy portrayed by Don Adams, was the brainchild of Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, known for their sharp, deadpan humor. Brooks and Henry, alumni of 'That Was the Week That Was' and frequent contributors to 'Saturday Night Live,' crafted Smart as a foil to the chaos of KAOS, often pitted against Bernie Kopel’s comically accented villains. Equipped with absurd gadgets like a shoe-phone, cones of silence, and the robotic Hymie, Smart navigated perilous missions alongside the brilliant and stunning Agent 99, played by Barbara Feldon, who remains an enduring icon of 1960s spy television.

Spies could indeed be humorous, and Maxwell Smart proved it. The absurdity of 1960s spy culture, both in fiction and reality, lent itself perfectly to comedy. Whether it was Smart’s catchphrases like 'Sorry about that, Chief' or 'Missed it by that much,' or real-life espionage blunders like the CIA’s failed attempts to assassinate Castro with poisoned mustache wax, the line between spy fiction and reality was often hilariously thin.

7. Wild Wild West

Unless you’ve lived under a rock or never tuned into TV Land, you’re aware that westerns dominated television in the 1950s and 1960s, rivaled only by police dramas. While cop shows remain popular, the western genre has largely vanished from both TV and film. Occasional attempts to revive it have yielded a few standout movies, but the western’s heyday is long gone, perhaps because modern audiences prefer gritty urban tales over tales of cowboys and frontier life.

In its prime, the western was a cultural juggernaut, with classics like 'Bonanza,' 'Gunsmoke,' and 'The Rifleman' defining the era. The 1960s, however, also embraced pure escapism, giving rise to shows like 'Star Trek,' 'Batman,' and 'Lost in Space.' It was the decade of spies, and blending the western with espionage was a natural evolution. Enter 'Wild Wild West,' where Secret Service agents battled eccentric villains like the diabolical Miguelito Loveless on the 19th-century frontier.

The show often ventured into surreal territory with its eccentric villains and their outlandish plots, but its true charm lay in the dynamic partnership between Robert Conrad’s rugged Jim West and Ross Martin’s sophisticated Artemus Gordon, a master of disguise. Despite a forgettable 1990s film adaptation starring Will Smith and Kevin Kline, the original series remains a cult classic.

6. Derek Flint - Our Man Flint, In Like Flint

Derek Flint, portrayed by James Coburn, was cinema’s first parody of the suave super-spy. Unlike the campy Matt Helm or the clumsy Maxwell Smart, Flint was played with a straight face, yet his character was wildly exaggerated. A polymath skilled in martial arts, science, languages, and even gourmet cuisine, Flint was also a ladies’ man surrounded by a group of international women who attended to his every whim. While undeniably sexist and absurd, the character was undeniably entertaining, with feats like identifying a specific bouillabaisse by taste, performing flawless ballet, and entering deep yoga trances at will.

5. Man / Girl From UNCLE

Ian Fleming contributed to the creation of this groundbreaking spy series, naming its protagonist after a character from his novel 'Goldfinger': Napoleon Solo. Initially titled 'Solo,' the show expanded to include a Russian counterpart, Illya Kuryakin, played by David McCallum, who became a teen idol. Robert Vaughn’s portrayal of Solo, while less physically imposing than other spies, added a unique charm to the series, making it one of the earliest and most influential spy shows on American television.

UNCLE, which stood for United Network Command for Law Enforcement, embraced the 1960s obsession with acronyms, a trend inspired by Hitchcock’s 'North by Northwest' and its reference to 'alphabet soup' agencies like the FBI and CIA. While Bond faced SPECTRE, UNCLE battled THRUSH—Technological Hierarchy for the Removal of Undesirables and the Subjugation of Humanity. This playful naming convention spiraled into absurdity with Derek Flint’s ZOWIE, Get Smart’s CONTROL, and KAOS, leaving one to wonder why real-world terrorist groups like Al Qaeda didn’t adopt similarly creative monikers.

The show’s popularity led to a spin-off, 'The Girl From UNCLE,' starring Stefanie Powers as April Dancer, another character inspired by Ian Fleming. Partnered with Mark Slate and overseen by Mr. Waverly (played by Leo G. Carroll), the series, though less successful than its predecessor, showcased Powers’ charm and style, embodying the spirit of the swinging sixties.

4. I Spy

'I Spy,' another iconic 1960s series later adapted into a lackluster film, stood out for its unique edge. While still rooted in the escapism of the era, the show broke ground with Bill Cosby’s portrayal of Alexander Scott, a black spy-in-training—a rarity in American television at the time. His chemistry with Robert Culp’s Kelly Robinson, a tennis pro turned secret agent, captivated audiences with their witty banter and suave personas. The series also pioneered location filming, shooting episodes in Europe and Asia, and maintained a serious tone, avoiding campiness while highlighting the gritty realities of espionage.

1. Harry Palmer - The Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin, Billion Dollar Brain

Len Deighton’s Harry Palmer, brought to life by Michael Caine in his debut leading role, was designed as a stark contrast to the polished, aristocratic James Bond. Palmer was working-class, wore glasses, and resided in modest, unglamorous settings. His only refined traits were his passion for gourmet cooking and a preference for classical music.

Palmer’s rebellious, borderline criminal nature was a key aspect of the series. The backstory revealed he was an army sergeant arrested for unspecified illegal activities during his service in Germany. Given the choice between prison and working for British Intelligence, Palmer opted for the latter, though he never felt at ease. Constantly clashing with bureaucracy and fearing his stern boss, Colonel Ross, Palmer navigated each mission with a perpetual sense of paranoia.

'The Ipcress File' stands as one of the finest spy films ever made, despite a single awkward line: 'That was the most delicious meal.' The movie is celebrated for Sydney Furie’s unconventional camera work, John Barry’s iconic soundtrack (which influenced genres like trip-hop), and its gritty portrayal of a spy’s unglamorous reality. Palmer’s character is deeply human, worrying about mundane concerns like buying a new infrared grill and facing threats from an American agent determined to expose him. His superiors’ cold indifference adds to the tension, as they casually suggest letting the Americans deal with him if suspicions arise.

Far from the glamorous world of Bond—filled with women, fast cars, gadgets, and martinis—Palmer’s life is one of constant unease and stark realism.

3. The Avengers

Saving the best for last, 'The Avengers' stands as the longest-running spy series of the 1960s (1961–1969, with a revival in the mid-1970s). At its peak from 1965 to 1969, it became a cultural phenomenon in both British and American television, introducing iconic imagery: umbrellas with hidden tape recorders, steel-lined bowler hats, and sleek fashions straight out of Swinging London. The show featured leather bodysuits, vintage cars, and a mix of surreal, sci-fi elements like cybernauts and invisible men, all wrapped in witty dialogue and clever innuendos.

The series revolved around John Steed (played by the ever-charming Patrick Macnee), who began as a mysterious figure assisting Dr. David Keel, a surgeon seeking justice for his wife’s murder. Steed’s affiliation with an unnamed agency was ambiguous at first, but his mission was clear: to bring down criminals who evaded punishment, embodying the role of 'the avengers.'

After Keel, Steed partnered with Cathy Gale, a judo expert and one of the many 'talented amateurs' he collaborated with. Played by the captivating Honor Blackman, Gale was a groundbreaking character—tough, intelligent, and independent, a precursor to strong female leads like Sarah Connor. Her chemistry with Steed, marked by sharp banter and unresolved tension, drove the show’s success. Gale’s departure coincided with the series’ introduction to American audiences, leaving Steed to carry on alone.

And then came… Mrs. Peel.

Nick and Nora (The Thin Man), Mulder and Scully, David and Maddie (Moonlighting)—all iconic duos, but for many, none surpass Steed and Mrs. Peel. While Cathy Gale had a rugged allure, Emma Peel, played by Diana Rigg, brought a refined, intellectual sensuality. Named for her 'M. Appeal' (man appeal), Peel was a brilliant polymath, skilled in martial arts and marksmanship. She outshone Steed in lethality, with Russian agents labeling her 'Most Dangerous of All – AVOID,' while Steed was merely 'Very Dangerous.'

After Rigg’s departure, the series declined with the introduction of Tara King, Steed’s younger partner. Replicating the chemistry of Steed and Peel proved impossible. The show thrived on inventive plots, sharp dialogue, eccentric villains, and a whimsical, perpetually sunny version of Swinging London. Yet, its heart lay in the dynamic between Steed and Peel, who faced everything from vengeful geniuses to killer robots with effortless charm and wit.

Mrs. Peel… we’re needed.

2. Danger Man/Secret Agent/The Prisoner

While 'The Prisoner' is widely recognized, fewer recall Patrick McGoohan’s earlier role in 'Danger Man,' known in the U.S. as 'Secret Agent.' The series, longer-running than 'The Prisoner,' featured Johnny Rivers’ hit theme song in America, while the UK version used an instrumental score reminiscent of 'The Prisoner.' McGoohan’s portrayal laid the groundwork for his later, more enigmatic character.

'Danger Man' enjoyed a lengthy, albeit uneven, run, premiering in the UK in 1960—two years before the first James Bond film, 'Dr. No.' It continued until 1968, featuring Patrick McGoohan as John Drake, a cool and detached agent who contrasted sharply with James Bond. Unlike Bond, Drake was increasingly disillusioned with his superiors’ morally questionable tactics, growing more defiant and discontented as each mission forced him into ethical compromises.

This dissatisfaction paved the way for McGoohan’s next project, the allegorical and Kafka-esque 'The Prisoner.' McGoohan played 'Number Six,' a secret agent who resigns over an unspecified disagreement with his superiors. The opening sequence shows him angrily resigning, driving away, and being gassed in his apartment, only to awaken in a surreal, spa-like Village. The iconic dialogue that follows has become legendary:

'Where am I?' 'In the Village.' 'What do you want?' 'Information.' 'Whose side are you on?' 'That would be telling… We want information. Information! INFORMATION!' 'You won’t get it.' 'By hook or by crook, we will.' 'Who are you?' 'I am Number Two.' 'Who is Number One?' 'You are Number Six.' 'I am not a number—I am a free man!'

Each episode features a new Number Two attempting to break Number Six’s will. While he occasionally escapes, he is always returned to the Village, culminating in a surreal finale where his true identity as Number One is revealed. The series serves as an allegory for the individual’s struggle against an increasingly totalitarian world, with Number Six embodying unwavering resistance.

Though legally distinct from John Drake due to rights issues, Number Six is undeniably McGoohan’s earlier character in spirit. Drake, too, was a defiant rebel, burdened by the moral compromises of his missions. By the end of 'Danger Man,' Drake’s bitterness mirrored the resignation of Number Six. The finale of 'The Prisoner' symbolizes Drake’s ultimate victory—driving away, alone and free.

+ The Saint

Simon Templar, the charismatic protagonist of Leslie Charteris’ novels, known as 'The Saint,' has been portrayed by notable actors like George Sanders, Ian Ogilvy, Vincent Price, and Val Kilmer. However, Roger Moore’s portrayal remains the most iconic, predating his role as James Bond. Moore’s performance as the Saint significantly contributed to his casting as Bond after Sean Connery’s departure.

The Saint wasn’t explicitly a spy or secret agent but rather a charming rogue, often operating as a Robin Hood-like figure or amateur detective. Frequently collaborating with police and government agencies, he fits the mold of the 1960s spy archetype. With his suave demeanor, sharp intellect, and knack for winning over women and outsmarting villains, the Saint embodied the rebellious, resourceful spirit of the era’s most memorable spies.

Bonus 2 - Competition

If this list garners 300 comments, one randomly selected commenter will win the ultra-cool Wild Planet Agent Action Briefcase (shown above), valued at $19.99, to kickstart their spy career! The winner must be a registered user. Comments must be relevant to the list and not solely aimed at boosting the count or winning odds. Each comment counts, so feel free to comment multiple times. Participation is key to winning! Amazon describes the prize as follows:

The detachable motion alarm deters thieves and intruders Case fires darts (4 included) to 'stun' enemy spies Detachable flashlight reveals hidden spies Special spy scope allows long-distance surveillance Case features a secret compartment and gear storage for additional spy equipment