The mind-bending spy series, starring Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera, is now available on a free streaming service.
The mind-bending spy series, starring Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera, is now available on a free streaming service.
Meghna Amin Screen Time Reporter
22:23, 14 Apr 2026
A “mind-bending” spy thriller has just landed on a free streaming service.
Having originally aired in America back in December last year, The Copenhagen Test is now available to watch on this side of the pond on Channel 4.
The eight-part thriller stars Simu Liu as Alexander Hale, a Chinese-American military veteran and intelligence agent, and Melissa Barrera as Michelle Cyr, a field agent at the Orphanage, a top-secret, elite US intelligence oversight agency.
Set in the near future, The Copenhagen Test follows Alexander’s brain being hacked, meaning hackers can see and hear everything he does. He’s forced to live a 24/7 fake life to prove his allegiance to the Orphanage, while trying to bring the hackers down.
The cast also features Sinclair Daniel, Brian d’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien and Kathleen Chalfant, reports the Mirror.
Promoting the series upon its arrival on the free streaming platform, Channel 4 described The Copenhagen Test as “a mind-bending spy thriller”, with the synopsis stating: “Intelligence analyst Alexander Hale is used to dealing with secrets. But when his brain is hacked, someone else gains access to everything he sees and hears.
“With his allegiance under scrutiny and every move now a risk, can he uncover the culprits and clear his name?”
Viewers hurried to acclaim the series when it initially broadcast, with one posting: “My wife and I binged-watched the show in a single day. It’s an exceptional show with a captivating storyline and an outstanding cast. It’s one of the best shows of 2025. Simu Liu’s performance was remarkable, breaking away from the typical Hollywood tough guy stereotype. Cannot wait for the second season!”
Another concurred, posting: “We watched the whole season in one day because every episode pulled us deeper into the mystery. Great atmosphere, strong characters, and a story with plenty of room to grow. There is more story to tell, and I truly hope Peacock gives this series the chance to continue. There’s so much potential for a Season 2.”
Another fan wrote they were “hooked”, while someone else branded it “phenomenal”. They added: After binge watching the whole series last night , I was left in awe. I can’t fathom this enough , the Copenhagen test might go down as one of the best spy thrillers of all time.”
Yet another wrote: “The series captivated me with its storytelling, leaving a lasting impression,” while someone else called it “an absolute mind game,” adding: “It’s a masterpiece in which the actor (spy) begins to question his existence after discovering that his brain has been hacked by an unknown organisation. Every episode tells a story of secrecy within the spy agency.”
Following the praise from fans, star Simu responded to requests for a second season, teasing “there’s a lot of story left to tell”.
Creator Thomas Brandon also told Us Weekly: “Wherever the show winds up going. It is designed to be ongoing.
“We’re going to follow two things. Where is the technology going? How does it grow? How does it adapt? How does it evolve? How does that continue to teach us something about this moment?”
He continued: “We also know we’re telling the story of a child of immigrants. We’re telling a story about a first-generation American who has a complicated relationship to loyalty and allegiance and how far is he willing to go to do the right thing. Those are the two tracks we know we’re going on.”
The Copenhagen Test is available to watch on Channel 4.
