The series follows a former assassin who is falsely imprisoned after carrying out a mission.

Dimitrij Schaad and Jella Haase in Kleo
The show has a near-perfect 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: Netflix)

A “forgotten” Cold War spy series is being hailed as one of the best shows to stream right now, with viewers calling it a “masterpiece” and urging people not to overlook it. The show has a near-perfect 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and many fans say it deserves far more recognition than it gets. Some viewers also say people are missing out because they avoid dubbed versions, even though it doesn’t take anything away from the experience.

The show has everything from revenge and espionage to dark humour and 1980s political tension. It has also been described as gripping, stylish and surprisingly funny given its subject matter. For anyone who enjoys Cold War thrillers, revenge stories or quirky action-comedies, this is a series that many viewers say should be next on their list.

Jella Haase in Kleo
The German series follows Kleo Straub, a former East German Stasi assassin (Image: Netflix)

The show in question is Kleo and once people discover it they can’t stop talking about it.

One person said: “Everyone seems to have forgotten about this series but it’s an incredibly good watch.

“It’s a really good and highly entertaining cold war spy series and do not shy away from English voice dubbing or you will miss out.”

Another added: “This is just amazing. Oh I adore it. It’s everything. Crazy, revengeful, funny and sad. Exact masterpiece I imagine a German version of Quentin Tarantino would’ve made.”

Jella Haase in Kleo

Jella Haase stars as Kleo (Image: Netflix)

A third wrote: “Just finished season 2 and I can’t wait for season 3! This is the most amazing show, all of the cast and storyline is superb!

“Some compare this to a Quentin Tarantino feature, but I think the creators, producers, and directors have brought something new and fresh to this genre.”

Someone else commented: “It is a 10 on 10. I can’t find anything wrong with the series. Jella Haase in the titular role steals the show. She is supported well by the entire cast.

“Period dramas require an eye for detail and the show has done a great job of portraying late 1980s Germany. I wish they would make more shows like this. For me, this show is the show of the year. Well done Netflix.”

The German series follows Kleo Straub, a former East German Stasi (the intelligence service and secret police of East Germany) assassin who is falsely imprisoned after carrying out a mission.

When the Berlin Wall falls and she is released in 1989, she begins hunting down those who framed her.

Along the way, she crosses paths with Sven Petzold, a West Berlin police officer who witnessed one of her earlier missions and becomes entangled in her quest for answers.

Kleo first premiered on Netflix in August 2022, with season two released in July 2024. Both seasons are now available to stream, and based on the reviews, many viewers believe it is one of the most exciting Cold War dramas currently on Netflix.