MGM+ has picked up the scripted crime drama A Spy Among Friends, based on The New York Times best-selling novel written by Ben Macintyre. The six-episode limited series dramatizes the true story of two British spies and lifelong friends, Nicholas Elliott and Kim Philby. The latter became the most notorious British defector and Soviet double agent in history. Philby’s deeply personal betrayal, uncovered at the height of the Cold War, resulted in the gutting of British and American intelligence. The series will premiere domestically on MGM+ in 2023. Internationally, A Spy Among Friends was commissioned by ITV for new streaming service ITVX, which will be premiering the series in the U.K. in December. 

Produced by ITV Studios in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, A Spy Among Friends stars Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning actor Damian Lewis (Homeland, Billions) and Emmy winner Guy Pearce (Jack Irish, Mare of Easttown). Additional cast members include Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, Line of Duty), Stephen Kunken (Billions, The Handmaid’s Tale), and Adrian Edmondson (Back to Life, The Pact). 

Lewis will also serve as executive producer through his production company, Ginger Biscuit Entertainment. Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning British writer Alexander Cary (Homeland, Taken) serves as creator and executive producer, alongside BAFTA Award winners Patrick Spence (Adult Material, Litvinenko) and Nick Murphy (Save Me, A Christmas Carol), and BAFTA Award nominee Chrissy Skinns (Elizabeth Is Missing, The Last Kingdom). Bob Bookman (The Mosquito Coast), Alan Gasmer (Vikings, Dublin Murders), and Peter Jaysen (The Mosquito Coast, Dublin Murders) serve as executive producers for Veritas Entertainment Group. The series is directed by Murphy.

“I’m very happy to be bringing our Cold War tale of friendship and betrayal to MGM+. They’re the perfect partners for us and I can’t wait for people to see it,” said Lewis.

“Alex Cary has brilliantly adapted Ben Macintyre’s historical novel about friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. He, along with Nick Murphy, Damian Lewis, and the remarkable cast led by Lewis and Guy Pearce, have brought to life this riveting tale of two British spies whose deep personal bond and long friendship is challenged by duplicity and deception,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “This series is emblematic of our new MGM+ brand and the rich, cinematic, and character-driven stories we aim to tell.”

“Ben Macintyre is an unbelievably talented writer. Alex Cary has taken this fascinating story and created a suspenseful—and at times heartbreaking—drama about duty, honor, and friendship,” added Lauren Stein, EVP, drama development, Sony Pictures Television. “Watching Damian, Guy, and Anna bring it to life is like watching a master class and I am so excited for people to get to experience the show.”

MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices.