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The Asset is Netflix's latest Danish crime thriller, promising character-driven storytelling centered around an undercover mission. Containing six episodes, the show stars Clara Dessau in the lead. She plays Tea, a polic cadet, who has to infiltrate a criminal network by befriending the wife of the mastermind. As the mission progresses, she is torn between doing her duty and doing what's right.
It is often the case that crime-heavy narratives tend to focus on the chase and not on the people who do the chasing. This is where The Asset diverts from the conventional path. The narrative not only captures the challenges Tea faces during her mission, but also explores how the pressure of the job influences her resolve to adhere to her ethics and morals.
Viewers who enjoyed watching The Asset should check out the well-made titles mentioned on this list that are equally compelling.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Informer, The Americans and five other shows like The Asset that maintain the tension till the very end
1) Graceland (2013)
In The Asset, Tea dives headlong into her undercover mission, very much like Graceland's protagonist. Spanning three seasons and 38 episodes, the series focuses on Graceland, a beach house occupied by undercover agents from the DEA, FBI, and ICE. The newest addition to the team is Mike Warren, Aaron Tveit's rookie, who gets involved in tricky missions under the mentorship of his seniors.
In addition to Tveit, the cast also includes Daniel Sunjata, Vanessa Ferlito, Manny Montana, and many others. Similar to The Asset, the narrative of Graceland develops with just the right pace. The writers also ensure that enough time is allotted to the introduction of the characters and defining their distinctive traits, so that viewers feel invested in their ups and downs as the plot progresses.
Where to watch: Graceland is available for streaming on Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
2) The Americans (2013)
The Asset focuses on the challenges of adopting a whole new identity, and the same theme is also present in The Americans. Spanning six seasons and 75 episodes, this show is set during the Cold War.
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play two KGB officers, Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, who pose as an American couple. Their children are unaware of their real identity. As expected, their high-stakes mission takes a toll on their marriage and family life over time.
In addition to the performances, the show tends to make a lasting impression because it gives an unbiased look at the geopolitics and mindsets of the time. It allows viewers to make their own judgment without glorifying either side.
Where to watch: The Americans can be streamed on Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video.
3) Man to Man (2017)
Tea has a hard time distancing herself from the people she connects with while undercover in The Asset. The lead in Man to Man also faces the same problem. Containing 16 episodes, this show stars Park Hae-jin, Park Sung-woong, and Kim Min-jung.
Hae-jin's Kim Seol-woo is a NIS black ops agent who signs up to become the bodyguard of a veteran celebrity, Yeo Woon-gwang (Sung-woong). This is mainly because he has a secret agenda to fulfill, but the more time he spends with the star and his manager, the bond begins to deepen.
Unlike The Asset, Man to Man also has a humorous side. However, the same doesn't overshadow the action and crime elements of the story. The chemistry between Hae-jin and Sung-woong is a significant factor contributing to the enjoyment of the show.
Where to watch: Man to Man is available on Netflix, Viki, and Prime Video.
4) The Little Drummer Girl (2018)
Like The Asset's Tea, the female lead in The Little Drummer Girl also embarks on a dangerous undercover mission that puts her at risk. Based on John le Carré's book, the show stars Florence Pugh as Charmian Ross, aka Charlie, a young English actress. She is recruited by Mossad to infiltrate a group of terrorists.
In addition to Pugh, the six-episode series also features other familiar faces, including Michael Shannon, Charles Dance, and Alexander Skarsgård. Le Carré has an uncanny ability to capture the psychological pressures and trepidation associated with espionage, which adds depth to The Little Drummer Girl's narrative.
The Little Drummer Girl is not the kind of show that relies on high-octane stunts to develop the story. Instead, the focus is on character growth, perplexing problems and tricky escapes.
Where to watch: The Little Drummer Girl can be viewed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
5) Informer (2018)
Viewers watching The Asset are aware that it is a work of fiction, but at the same time, it does provide some valuable insight into undercover work carried out by officers. Another show that throws light on modern-day police procedures and protocols is Informer, containing a total of six episodes.
Nabhaan Rizwan plays Raza, a second-generation British Pakistani man who reluctantly becomes an informant for Paddy Considine's Gabe Waters, a counterterrorism officer. While Raza tries to keep his personal and professional life separate, the dangers of his job tend to catch up with him.
Like The Asset, this show features a complex narrative with many unpredictable twists that prompt viewers to ponder deeply about right and wrong, as well as the grey area in between.
Where to watch: Informer is available for streaming on Prime Video.
6) The Ipcress File (2022)
The Asset's main highlight is Tea, who has her own strengths and flaws. The lead character of The Ipcress File is also equally distinctive. Containing six episodes, the show is based on a novel by Len Deighton. Set in the 60s, it follows Joe Cole's Harry Palmer, who takes a job as an intelligence officer for an influential security unit, WOOC(P), to escape his fate of being locked up in a Military Prison.
While viewers may compare the show to the 1965 adaptation, which came first, it must be remembered that, due to the difference in format, each one presents the story in a slightly different way. Given the premise, The Ipcress File needed to stay true to the period, and fortunately, it was able to recreate the vintage aesthetics with detailed production design and striking costumes.
Where to watch: The Ipcress File can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
7) Splinter Cell: Deathwatch (2025)
Even though Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is animated, it still boasts a layered storyline, just like The Asset. Based on the Splinter Cell video game franchise, the show focuses on Sam Fisher, voiced by Liev Schreiber. A formerly retired agent, Sam is pulled back into the field when he is tasked with helping a new recruit uncover a global conspiracy.
Fans of the franchise will agree that the show tries to stay faithful to the source material, for the most part. One aspect that will stand out is the focus on the personal drama. While the game did infuse some emotional subplots, the show takes it up a notch, which may alienate some viewers. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch was renewed for a second season a day after its premiere on October 14, 2025.
Where to watch: Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is available on Netflix.
Like The Asset, these engaging shows will keep viewers hooked with their characters and plotlines.
