Joe Cole in a still image from The Ipcress File

One of ITV’s best hidden gems is its six-part spy thriller, The Ipcress File, a remake of the 1965 film of the same name that starred Sir Michael Caine – and there’s a new way to watch

TV delivered one of the best spy thrillers of recent years back in 2022, when the network aired a six-part adaptation of The Ipcress File, which was written in 1962 by the late Len Deighton.

The story had initially been adapted into a film back in 1965, with Sir Michael Caine taking on the role of Harry Palmer, with the legendary actor being joined by the likes of Guy Doleman, Nigel Green and Sue Lloyd.

The 2022 version was well-received by critics and fans alike, however, despite this the show was only a limited series and didn’t adapt some of Len’s other books, which the original film series did.

Although the show is still available to binge on ITVX, viewers have now been given another option to catch the iconic spy series, with Disney+ adding it. The two streamers have recently been adding each other’s biggest hits following a deal between the streamers.

Reaction

Fans were thrilled with the series, with one enthusing: “I have just seen episode two and this is getting better and better. Hard not to compare to the original, but the leads all do a good job. A slow burner, yes, and not for anyone who lives at a fast pace. But an evolving story, believable characters and on gripping plot. Sit down, bin your phone and watch this.“

A second added: “I liked it, excellent period detailing, a snappy soundtrack, a strong ensemble cast throughout, so stylish and a script as sharp as Harry Palmer’s suits. Production values were high and it was really well directed,” while a third said: “I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that ITV were going to make this into a six part series, my hopes weren’t high, hence why I’m so late to the party. I’m always happy to eat humble pie, I was very wrong not to watch this, it’s a cracking series.“

Lucy Boynton in a still from The Ipcress File© Alamy Stock Photo
Fans and critics loved the miniseries

However, one bemused viewer wrote: “I was impressed by how it was set in the 50s/60s and filmed in such a way as to reproduce the style of the times. However, the storyline became very vague in places and often had my wife and I wondering if we had missed parts.”

Critically, it was also a hit, and writing in Dead Good, Steve Charnock remarked: “Spy fiction may so often be cold in temperature, tone and topic, but we’ve warmed to this one already. File under ‘M’ for ‘Must See’.”

Who stars in The Ipcress File?

While it must be nerve-wracking to follow in the footsteps of Michael Caine, Harry Palmer was played by Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror star Joe Cole, with Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Tom Hollander (Pirates of the Caribbean) appearing as Jean Courtney and General Dalby respectively.

Tom Hollander sitting behind a desk in a still image from The Ipcress File© Alamy Stock Photo
Pirates of the Caribbean star Tom Hollander plays a major role in the show

Also featured in the cast are Joshua James (Andor), Anastasia Hille (The Missing), Ashley Thomas (Hostage), David Dencik (No Time to Die), Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Avengers: Endgame), Paul Higgins (Line of Duty) and Matthew Steer (Showtrial).

The cast is completed by Tamla Kari (The Inbetweeners Movie), Anna Geislerova (The Catcher Was a Spy), Corey Johnson (Grantchester), Mark Quartley (The Marlow Murder Club), Chris Lew Kum Hoi (War Machine) and Nora-Jane Noone (Hidden Assets).