Double agents—they’re the spies who keep us glued to our screens, constantly questioning their every move.
Nothing gets the drama flowing quite like a character playing both sides of the game, leaving us guessing who they’re really loyal to.
Whether they’re fighting for the greater good or just looking out for themselves, these characters know how to keep their secrets (and keep us hooked every step of the way).
So, let’s dive into the ultimate list of TV’s most iconic double agents!
Kim Philby (A Spy Among Friends)
If there’s a king of double agents, it’s Kim Philby, the notorious British intelligence officer who spied for the Soviets.
A Spy Among Friends explores his duplicitous life, focusing on his betrayal of longtime friend and colleague Nicholas Elliott.
Philby’s charm, intellect, and ability to manipulate those closest to him made him a master spy and a devastating traitor.
The show dives deep into his friendships and treachery, peeling back the layers of a man who lived a double life for decades.
Ari Haswari (NCIS)
Ari Haswari was the epitome of a love-to-hate character on NCIS.
Initially introduced as a Mossad agent working undercover to infiltrate a terrorist cell, Ari’s true allegiances were murky at best.
Over time, it was revealed that he had ties to Hamas, using his position to manipulate both sides.
Ari’s charm and calculated nature made him a formidable foe, but his most shocking moment came when he killed beloved NCIS agent Kate Todd.
His web of lies and betrayals made for some of the show’s most gripping episodes, cementing Ari as one of NCIS’s most memorable double agents.
Connie James (Spooks)
In Spooks, Connie James seemed like a loyal veteran of MI5, but her friendly demeanor masked a chilling truth.
After years of working within the agency, it was revealed that Connie had been leaking intel to the Russians.
Her betrayal stunned both her colleagues and viewers, as her motivations blurred the line between survival and treason.
Connie’s double-crossing ways eventually caught up with her, but not before she left a trail of devastation in her wake.
Her complex character made her betrayal all the more impactful, and her story remains one of Spooks’ most unforgettable twists.
Jane Doe (Blindspot)
Jane Doe, the enigmatic lead of Blindspot, is the ultimate wild card.
Found in Times Square with no memory and a body covered in cryptic tattoos, Jane’s past is a puzzle that unfolds in layers.
Over the series, her loyalties are constantly questioned as she shifts between working with the FBI and being connected to a shadowy terrorist group.
Her journey as a double agent is a rollercoaster of twists, betrayals, and revelations, keeping both the characters and viewers on their toes.
Jane’s complex relationships and ever-shifting motives make her one of TV’s most intriguing double agents.
Malotru (The Bureau)
In this French series, Guillaume Debailly, code name “Malotru”, isn’t your typical spy.
After six years undercover in Damascus, he returns to Paris and struggles to reconnect with his old life.
But his greatest complication comes in the form of Nadia, the love he left behind in Syria, who unexpectedly resurfaces in Paris.
While navigating his role within France’s DGSE, Malotru’s desperation to protect Nadia and their secret relationship leads him to an unthinkable decision: becoming a double agent for the CIA.
Torn between loyalty to his country and his personal feelings, Malotru’s story is a tense, emotional, and morally complex exploration of espionage.
Alex Udinov (Nikita)
Alex Udinov’s story in Nikita is one of resilience, redemption, and revenge.
Initially a pawn in Division’s dangerous game, Alex infiltrates the organization as Nikita’s undercover ally.
Her double-agent role puts her in constant danger as she balances earning Division’s trust and taking it down from the inside.
Alex’s journey is packed with emotional depth, fierce combat, and plenty of “did that just happen?!” moments.
Her bond with Nikita is the heart of the show, making Alex’s double-agent status not just thrilling but deeply personal.
She’s proof that even in the murky world of espionage, loyalty and friendship can shine through.
Dana Walsh (24)
Dana Walsh had 24 fans yelling at their screens in frustration and disbelief.
Introduced as a seemingly innocent CTU analyst, Dana’s secret life as a mole for a terrorist group turned season 8 of the show on its head.
Her betrayal was shocking, as she skillfully manipulated her colleagues while working against them.
Dana’s actions made her one of the most hated—and talked about—characters in the show’s history.
Love her or loathe her, Dana’s double-agent twist added a heavy dose of drama to 24’s signature high-stakes chaos during one of the show’s best seasons.
Colby Granger (Numb3rs)
Colby Granger’s betrayal in Numb3rs was a shocking gut punch for fans.
Initially, a loyal FBI agent partnered with David Sinclair, Colby was revealed to be a double agent working for a Chinese intelligence group at the end of season 3.
But just when viewers were ready to condemn him, a twist revealed he was actually a triple agent working deep undercover for the U.S. government.
Colby’s double-agent arc kept fans guessing and added layers to his character, making him one of Numb3rs’ most memorable players.
Alex Krycek (The X-Files)
Few TV characters are as infuriatingly slippery as Alex Krycek from The X-Files.
Initially introduced as Fox Mulder’s new FBI partner, Krycek quickly reveals his true colors as a double agent working for the Cigarette Smoking Man and the Syndicate.
But wait—it doesn’t stop there!
Krycek constantly shifts alliances, betraying both Mulder and his shadowy employers whenever it suits him. Whether he’s sabotaging investigations or attempting to kill Mulder, Krycek is a master of self-preservation.
Love to hate him or hate to love him, Krycek’s double-crossing antics made him one of The X-Files’ most unpredictable and iconic characters.
Meera Malik (The Blacklist)
The Blacklist kept viewers guessing about everyone’s loyalties, but Meera Malik’s betrayal took fans by surprise.
A CIA agent embedded within the task force, Meera was revealed to be leaking intel to the enemy.
Her cool professionalism made her betrayal even more shocking.
Despite her double-agent status, Meera’s story came to a tragic end when she was killed in action, leaving fans wondering whether she could’ve been redeemed.
Her arc added another layer of intrigue to The Blacklist’s web of lies and deception.
Bill Haydon (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)
Bill Haydon in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is the epitome of charm and betrayal.
A senior figure in British intelligence, Haydon is eventually unmasked as the mole passing secrets to the Soviets.
His betrayal hits hard, especially as he’s revealed to have deceived his closest colleagues, including George Smiley.
Haydon’s suave demeanor and cunning intellect made him an excellent spy—and a devastating traitor.
His story is a masterclass in tension and deception, cementing him as one of TV’s most memorable double agents.
Nicholas Brody (Homeland)
Nicholas Brody’s arc in Homeland is a rollercoaster of suspicion, redemption, and heartbreak.
Rescued after years as a POW, Brody returns home a war hero—only for viewers to discover he’s been turned by a terrorist group.
His loyalties are constantly in question as he navigates his role as both a U.S. Marine and a potential terrorist.
Brody’s complex relationship with CIA agent Carrie Mathison adds emotional weight to his double-agent status, making his eventual fate all the more devastating.
Brody’s layered character kept fans on edge, wondering whose side he was really on.
The Jennings (The Americans)
Few TV spies are as compelling as Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings in The Americans.
Living as an ordinary suburban couple in 1980s America, they’re actually Soviet spies carrying out dangerous missions under deep cover.
Their double lives create constant tension as they juggle espionage, their marriage, and raising two unsuspecting kids.
With each mission, the stakes get higher, and their personal and professional worlds collide in increasingly devastating ways.
The Jennings are the ultimate double agents, proving that loyalty and betrayal aren’t always black and white.
Grant Ward (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
Grant Ward’s betrayal in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was one of the show’s most jaw-dropping moments.
Initially introduced as a loyal member of the team, Ward’s true allegiance to Hydra was revealed in a shocking twist.
His charm and apparent heroism made his betrayal sting even more.
As a villain, Ward became a ruthless and complex antagonist, adding layers to the show’s exploration of trust and loyalty.
Whether you loved to hate him or hated to love him, Ward’s double-agent arc was unforgettable.
Sydney Bristow (Alias)
Sydney Bristow is the ultimate double agent in Alias.
Recruited by SD-6, she initially believes she’s working for the CIA, only to discover she’s been working for a criminal organization the entire time.
Sydney’s journey to take down SD-6 from the inside while working as an actual CIA agent is full of high-stakes missions, intense emotional drama, and jaw-dropping twists.
Her strength, intelligence, and relentless determination make her a fan-favorite spy.
Sydney’s double life is the backbone of Alias, blending action, intrigue, and heart in every episode.