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The upcoming Citadel: Diana has generated a buzz among fans of espionage shows. Scheduled to be released on October 10, 2024, this Italian spy action drama stars Matilda De Angelis and Lorenzo Cervasio in the lead. As expected from the name, Citadel: Diana focuses on Diana Cavalieri (Matilda), an undercover agent who gets stuck behind enemy lines after Manticore destroys Citadel.
As Diana has no one else to turn to, she has to put her faith in Edo Zani (Lorenzo) who happens to be the heir of Manticore Italy. The cinematic trailer promises a thrilling narrative filled with lies, deception, action-packed combat scenes and unpredictable revelations.
However, since there is a substantial wait ahead for viewers planning to binge on Citadel: Diana, they can indulge in the well-made espionage shows on this list in the meantime.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Condor, Tehran and five other shows like Citadel: Diana that bring forth exhilarating tales of espionage
1) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
This early adaptation of John le Carré's novel is the oldest show on this list. Like Diana in Citadel: Diana who is a mole in Manticore, there is a mole in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as well. The lead protagonist, George Smiley, portrayed by Alec Guinness, is assigned to sniff out the Russian double agent in the British secret service.
The seven-episode spy drama received positive feedback from bookworms as it doesn't stray too far from John le Carré's vision, which is common for a lot of adaptations.
The impactful dialogue and inspired performances by the talented cast help viewers stay invested in the suspenseful narrative. Guinness, in particular, steals the show with his precise delivery and nuanced body language.
Where to watch: This classic spy drama is available for streaming on Prime Video.
2) Condor (2018)
In Citadel: Diana, Diana finds herself all on her own against an enemy that could easily overpower her. Even in Condor, the lead protagonist, Joe Turner, portrayed by Max Irons, is caught in a similar complicated situation.
A young CIA analyst, Joe uncovers a dangerous plan that could cost millions of lives. When his colleagues are murdered by professional killers, he has no choice but to take the perpetrators on his own.
Based on James Grady's Six Days of the Condor, Condor is a treat to watch because the unpredictable narrative will keep the audience on their toes. It will especially appeal to fans of the genre who enjoy narratives with intimidating villains cunning enough to give the authorities a run for their money.
Where to watch: Condor, containing two seasons and 20 episodes, is available on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
3) Alex Rider (2020)
Spy shows, including Citadel: Diana, tend to capture viewer's attention because secret agents usually display impressive combat skills which transpire into captivating action scenes. And Alex Rider has plenty of high-octane scenes to keep viewers glued to their screens.
In this show, containing three seasons and 24 episodes, Otto Farrant stars as Alex Rider, an intelligent teenager who becomes suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his uncle's death. It is then revealed that his uncle was a spy. Alex eventually starts training under the secret organization his uncle worked for in order to find out who murdered him.
Like Diana in Citadel: Diana, Alex has to use his wits to keep himself alive in life-threatening situations. Based on Anthony Horowitz's famous novels, this family-friendly show is interesting enough to keep teens and adults equally entertained.
Where to watch: Episodes of Alex Rider can be viewed on Prime Video.
4) Tehran (2020)
Similar to Citadel: Diana, Tehran features a female lead who ventures inside enemy territory to disrupt their plans. Tamar Rabinyan, portrayed by Niv Sultan, is a Mossad agent. She infiltrates Tehran to destroy Iran's nuclear reactor. However, complications arise when the mission is compromised.
Going by the recently released trailer, it looks like Diana will be under immense pressure in Citadel: Diana because each small mistake on her part can have grave consequences. Tamar also faces a similar conundrum in Tehran, wherein she has to devise a plan that may endanger her loved ones.
One of the best things about Tehran is the way the character arcs develop in tandem with the narrative progression. The show, spanning two seasons and 16 episodes, also has a way of keeping the viewers hooked with a series of unpredictable plot twists that they won't see coming.
Where to watch: Tehran can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Plex.
5) Undercover (2021)
South Korea has released its fair share of intriguing spy dramas and this is one of them. In Citadel: Diana, Diana has to lead a double life in order to protect her mission. Likewise, in Undercover, Ji Jin-hee plays Han Jeong-hyeon, an agent of the National Intelligence Service who keeps his identity hidden. His loved ones know him as the owner of a bicycle repair shop.
But life throws a wrench in his path when he is enlisted to take down his own wife, Choi Yeon-soo, portrayed by Kim Hyun-joo, the Director of the Corruption Investigation Office.
Just like Citadel: Diana, the narrative delves into the psyche of the central characters, who are stuck in tricky situations and have no one that they can trust completely. This Kdrama plays with the concepts of ethics, power, corruption, and justice. It is an emotionally charged story that is brought to life by the talented cast.
Where to watch: All 16 episodes of Undercover are available on Prime Video.
6) A Spy Among Friends (2022)
Like some of the other titles on this list, A Spy Among Friends is also an adaptation. Based on Ben Macintyre's book, it explores the deception that is commonplace in the world of espionage, just like Citadel: Diana. In the lead is Damian Lewis, who plays Nicholas Elliott, an intelligence officer in Britain's Secret Intelligence Service.
Nicholas is good friends with colleague, Kim Philby, portrayed by Guy Pearce. When Philby is revealed to be a double agent, Nicholas has a hard time adjusting to the news.
Unlike Citadel: Diana, A Spy Among Friends isn't about slick action scenes and stylishly choreographed fights, but it is still interesting to watch because it cleverly portrays the mind games that are a big part of being involved in the secretive world of espionage.
Where to watch: The six-episode spy thriller is available for streaming on Max, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
7) Citadel (2023)
As expected from the name, Citadel: Diana is based on this 2023 spy action drama starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra in the lead. In this six-episode show, they play Mason and Nadia, highly skilled Citadel agents who have their memories wiped. But they have to jump back into action when a colleague from their past needs help to stop a menacing old foe.
Before binge-watching the upcoming Citadel: Diana, viewers should watch Citadel, as it explains a lot about the evil syndicate, Manticore, which will also be relevant in Diana's narrative. One of the highlights of the show is the complex relationship dynamics between Mason and Nadia, played out perfectly by both actors.
It is also commendable that Citadel's narrative is able to infuse enough surprising moments to keep viewers pondering about where the story will lead.
Where to watch: Citadel can be viewed on Prime Video.
Fans who enjoy spy dramas should check out these captivating shows while they wait for the release of the upcoming Italian thriller Citadel: Diana on October 10, 2024.
