Some of the best television shows of all time revolve around spies and their complex relationships with those around them while balancing the emotional toll and excitement of covert operations. While shows like The Americans and Slow Horses are based on fictional characters, the gripping MGM+ miniseries A Spy Among Friends feels just as thrilling as any scripted show but is based on an incredible true story that’s practically made for TV. Based on British author Ben Macintyre‘s non-fiction book of the same name, A Spy Among Friends centers on Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in British history.

What Is ‘A Spy Among Friends’ About?

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends explores the close friendship between MI6 agents Kim Philby (Guy Pearce) and Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), who worked together for years. However, after 30 years of friendship, Elliot is devastated to learn that Philby is a secret Soviet double agent. The story picks up after Philby’s betrayal is revealed, with Elliott being sent to Beirut to get a confession from his friend. After 34 hours of taped conversations in 4 days, Philby defects to the USSR, and Elliott is later interrogated by MI5 agent Lily Thomas (Anna Maxwell Martin), a rare fictional character in the show who plays a crucial role.

Interwoven with the present-day fallout from Philby’s deception are flashbacks that give deeper context to their long friendship. Lewis and Pearce bring depth and intensity to their roles, perfectly capturing the subtle dynamics of their characters’ relationship as it shifts from camaraderie to suspicion, and ultimately to heartbreaking disappointment. The scene in Beirut, where the men spent hours together, is also interwoven throughout the series, with recordings of their conversations replayed for Elliott during his conversations with Lily.

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There are many great moments in the scene, but when Elliot says, “The irony is, even though you’ve managed to hide your real self for all these years, I know you all the better for it now” and describes Philby as a “man on the brink,” it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the show.

‘A Spy Among Friends’ Is a Compelling and Gripping Spy Drama

What sets A Spy Among Friends apart from other espionage thrillers is that it focuses much more on the emotional and psychological aspects of espionage rather than the more action-packed covert operations. The true story is so wild and gripping that it pulls viewers in, not needing to rely on the more exciting covert scenes that would be typical in other spy shows. Instead, the focus is on the internal emotional battles and how these two wonderful actors bring that story to life. The show hinges on their relationship, with Elliott and Philby’s evolving bond at the heart of the story, and Pearce and Lewis play off each other masterfully.

Their scenes together are completely captivating, whether it’s their moments of camaraderie, like laughing over dirty limericks, or their intense scenes of interrogation and betrayal. The various timelines provide much more context for why Philby’s betrayal had such a profound impact on Elliott, and are laid out to really show the audience the depth of their friendship. One powerful moment comes during a conversation between Elliott and MI5 agent Lily, where she bluntly asks him when he’s going to accept that his best friend had used him for years. That raw realization really lands a punch and, as an audience member, it’s hard not to sympathize with Elliott in that moment.

A Spy Among Friends is the perfect combination of a slow-burning spy thriller and a period drama with a cinematic depiction of gloomy 1960s London that really sets the tone. The deep character study is what truly makes the series so compelling, using real characters and historical events to bring nuance to such a well-known and infamous figure as Kim Philby. While history buffs will appreciate this show, you don’t need to know the real story to feel the emotional weight, thanks to great performances, smart writing, and stunning set pieces, making A Spy Among Friends a must-watch.

All episodes of A Spy Among Friends are available to stream on MGM+.

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Release Date

2022 – 2022-00-00

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  Anna Maxwell Martin

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  Lily Thomas

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  Stephen Kunken

  James Jesus Angelton

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Kendra Wilkinson is continuing to open up about her weight loss journey.

“Starting my GLP-1 journey and being really intentional about how I do it 🤍 for me, it wasn’t just about weight… it was about feeling better, having more energy, and actually trusting the process instead of rushing it,” the realtor, 40, wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Wednesday, April 1, adding that she is “so excited” for her transformation in the coming weeks. “Unlike most people I’m being honest.”

The former Playboy model captioned the post, “I wanted something that felt transparent, supportive, and realistic for my lifestyle.”

Wilkinson was all smiles while rocking a brown maxi dress paired with a black blazer as she announced her collaboration with Effecty, a platform that connects individuals with licensed medical providers who can determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Related: Kendra Wilkinson Through the Years: From Playboy Playmate to Full-Time Mom

Former Playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson is no stranger to the public eye. The 39-year-old first turned heads in 2004, when she attended late Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner’s 78th birthday party. Shortly after the event, she was asked to move into the iconic Playboy mansion and started dating Hefner. “Hef asked me to […]

Last month, Wilkinson exclusively told Us Weekly that she was starting GLP-1 shots with a goal in mind. “There’s nothing worse than being in a gym every single day, working out and not seeing any progress,” she told Us on March 21. “I hit 40. I’m happy. I’m at peace, but I noticed that my jeans are a little tighter lately, so I don’t want to go out and shop anymore. Mama is on a budget, so I have to fit back in my jeans.”

The former reality star, who rose to fame as one of the late Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on Girls Next Door, spoke about her health journey weeks after firing back at age-shamers criticizing her appearance.

“I used to use a light filter on myself but now I’m just embracing myself as it is,” she captioned an Instagram selfie on March 8. “I’ve seen many people comment saying I’ve aged ‘poorly’ and that is OK. I’m OK with aging ‘poorly.’”

She continued, “For some reason I’m happier than I’ve ever been lately even with a little weight gain and wrinkles and I’m not going to tie my happiness again into the negative energy. I am a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life and I hope that I can manage this feeling forever now after working hard to get here to this place.”

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Wilkinson is a proud mom of two kids Hank Jr., 16, and Alijah, 11, shared with ex-husband Hank Baskett. (The exes were married from June 2009 to October 2018.) “Watching them grow has been my [ultimate] happiness over everything else,” she said of her children in the post.

Prior to shutting down nay-sayers, the Kendra on Top star admitted last spring that she thinks twice before sharing photos on social media because she is subject to “hate” online.

“Playboy days are long gone and it feels more and more liberating for some reason,” she wrote in March 2025, revealing there’s been another silver lining in how she approaches life. “Fear can kiss my ass now!! It feels good to finally LIVE with less depression. If people don’t like me or this or think I’m bigger or i can’t turn men on anymore GOOD then there’s the door.”

Cracks in Prince Harry‘s defense have surfaced amid his ongoing legal battle.

The Duke of Sussex had been embroiled in a months-long battle against the Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Mail titles, over unlawful invasion of privacy claims.

Prince Harry argued that the media outlets obtained information about his life through illegal means like phone hacking. However, a major flaw in that argument recently surfaced in court.

Prince Harry’s Past Ties To A Journalist Revealed In Privacy Case

According to new reports, Harry’s connection to the former Mail on Sunday deputy diary editor, Charlotte Griffiths, emerged in the evidence provided at the High Court case in London. The duo’s recovered Facebook messages supported the Associated Newspapers’ argument.

The media outlet argued that the information published about Harry came from sources within his friend group, such as Griffiths. In her witness statement, Griffiths recalled meeting Harry through mutual friends, claiming they all knew she was a journalist working for Katie Nicholl at the Mail on Sunday.

Griffiths told the court Harry contacted her first through Facebook in 2011, where he provided his phone number. He reached out to her after a night out in London, with their messages shared by Newsweek, detailing a flirty exchange between the pair.

The Pair’s Exchanges Radiated Chemistry

Griffiths dubbed Harry “Mr. Mischief” and “H Bomb” in her messages, with the Duke responding with similar affection. In a January 2012 exchange, Griffiths noted their friend group missed Harry at a party, to which he partly replied, “I WISH I was there, sugar.”

Harry explained that he couldn’t meet Griffiths anytime soon because he was stuck at the army. He lamented missing the opportunity to spend time with Griffiths, writing, “Hope you’re really well Griff…Miss our movie snuggles!!”

Additionally, the former working royal did not want Griffiths to have any misunderstandings, explaining that he would be unreachable due to his Army engagements. Although these messages showed a strong connection between the pair, Harry argued that it only happened because he didn’t know about Griffiths’ job.

Prince Harry Allegedly Ended Things Once The Cat Was Out Of The Bag

The “Spare” author tried to downplay the significance of the Facebook messages, stressing that he broke off contact with Griffiths once he realized she was a journalist. He alleged that none of his friends knew, a claim she refuted in her statement.

In their messages, Harry asked Griffiths about work in general without ever mentioning journalism. The privacy trial has officially ended, but Judge Matthew Nicklin has reportedly deferred judgment until further notice.

The legal empire’s decision is expected to take months, not weeks. The trial has been an emotional experience for Harry, with The Blast reporting in January that he fought back tears while recounting the negative impacts of the Mail’s invasion of his privacy and that of his family.

Meghan Markle’s Life Was Miserable Due To Incessant Reports

According to Harry, his wife, Meghan, had to endure the pain of having the Mail report their every move. “They continue to come after me. They have made my wife’s life an absolute misery,” the Duke of Sussex recounted on the stand, noting that the incessant reports started early in their relationship.

Harry explained that he had initially considered filing a lawsuit against the media outlets when he and Meghan began dating in 2016. The desire to take action only grew with time as he could not stand the “vicious, persistent attacks, harassment of, and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan.”

Harry wasn’t the only public figure fighting against the intrusive media outlets, with the lawsuit including notable names such as Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and politician Sir Simon Hughes. They collectively argued that the information reported about them was obtained through unlawful means.

Prince Harry’s Pal Defends His Right To Taxpayer-Backed Security

Besides the privacy case, Harry has been trying to regain his rights to taxpayer-funded protection. The Blast reported in March that his friend, Alex Rayner, who served alongside him in Afghanistan, argued that he deserved the royal treatment.

Rayner noted that Harry’s achievements in the army should be considered as well as his ongoing Invictus Games efforts. He believed his pal shouldn’t be expected to cover his own security costs, while other royals continue to receive taxpayer-backed protection.

Harry and his family lost their rights to taxpayer-funded protection when he and Meghan stepped down from their position as senior royals. They also relocated to the United States, where they have lived to date in Montecito, California.

Will Prince Harry win his invasion of privacy lawsuit?

Sierra Gates is speaking out and keeping it 100 about how she feels amid her divorce from Xzavia Thomas. The ‘Love & Hip Hop’ star also gave fans an update on her food brand ‘Ghetto Girlz Eat.’

RELATED: ATL Love Story! Watch Sierra Gates Pop Out With Her Husband After Revealing Their Married Status (VIDEO)

Sierra Gates Gets Real About Her Divorce From Xzavia Thomas

In an Instagram video, Sierra Gates opened up about her divorce from Xzavia Thomas. She said she’s always kept it real, so she wanted to do the same with her divorce. She made it clear that she doesn’t think Xzavia is a “horrible” person, but added that she has a lot of “healing and growing to do.” But still, she’s sad to see her and Xzavia’s marriage come to an end. “I am sad, because this was my best friend, my lover, my husband, my number one fan, my biggest supporter.” 

Sierra Shares Update On ‘Ghetto Girlz Eat’

In addition to speaking about her divorce, Sierra also spilled on the status of her ‘Ghetto Girlz Eat’ food brand. She said Xzavia was a part of the business and until things settle with them, she’s temporarily closing it. Sierra stepped into The Shade Room to further address her decision and said it was tough but she’s looking forward to come back stronger. “This decision was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but this too shall pass. I know that God has greater for me and I will be back strong stronger than ever.” 

Xzavia Opens Up About Wanting A Divorce

Fans got a closer look at Sierra and Xzavia’s marriage on season 13 of ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.’ But the divorce bombshell hit on the March 25 episode when Xzavia told Sierra he wanted out because she never takes accountability and he was tired of supposedly being her “punching bag.” Sierra disagreed and admitted she’s been depressed throughout their marriage from constant miscarriages and felt they haven’t been on the same page in a while. She feels Xzavia isn’t strong enough for her and said she thinks they got to a point of hating each other. She also said she’s tired of him being out late and trying to act single. Sierra and Xzavia have reportedly been separated since July 2025 and she later filed for divorce in December.

More About Sierra & Xzavia’s Relationship

Sierra confirmed her engagement to Xzavia Thomas back in May 2024. She dropped video footage showing him putting a rock on her finger while they seemingly dined at a beautiful restaurant. In her caption she claimed they knew each other for 15 years and knew all along that Xzavia was the ONE. Then in September of that year she shared that they officially tired the knot in a sweet Instagram post calling their road to marriage a “Real Atlanta Love Story.” 

RELATED: Issa Fiancée! Sierra Gates Reveals She’s Engaged To Longtime Love (WATCH) 

Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula weathered reality TV drama, cheating scandals and wedding delays before their split.

The Summer House stars’ romance has played out on the Bravo series in season 1, which premiered in January 2017, after meeting during the summer of 2015.

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The twosome had their fair share of ups and downs, including Cooke cheating on Batula in 2018 before getting engaged that September.

Batula and Cooke tied the knot two years later in September 2021 after postponing their wedding in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Following rumors of martial issues, the pair announced their split in January 2026. Two months later, the exes weathered another storm after Batula confirmed she was seeing Summer House costar West Wilson, who is close friends with Cooke.

Scroll down to relive Cooke and Batula’s relationship:

Amanda Batula’s newfound romance with Summer House costar West Wilson has thrown the entire cast for a loop.

“It’s just a lot to take in,” Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, said during a Wednesday, April 1, TikTok interview with Adam Glyn. “It’s not just me, Amanda, West, Ciara [Miller]. It’s, like, our whole friend group. I mean, Carl [Radke is] a mess. It really does put into jeopardy what the show’s about because you can’t shoot Summer House if the vibes are off. We’re not actors.”

After weeks of speculation, Amanda, 34, and West, 31, confirmed their romance in a joint Tuesday, March 31, statement. (Amanda recently separated from Kyle, 43, while West casually dated Amanda’s BFF Ciara, 30.)

“I think that show still has legs because there’s just an amazing group of friends, all super dynamic [and in] different stages in life,” Kyle said on Wednesday. “I think that, actually, the show will be a good show. There’s just still so much to unpack with my 10-year relationship, so it’s like we’re watching a whole different movie while this other thing plays out [on the show]. It’s a crazy feeling.”

Related: Summer House’s Kyle Was ‘Genuinely Blindsided’ by Amanda and West’s Romance

Insiders are revealing Summer House’s Kyle Cooke reaction when he learned about estranged wife Amanda Batula and fellow costar West Wilson’s romance. “Kyle always knew Amanda would eventually move on, but he never imagined it would be with a castmate or anyone within their own circle,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “The idea of […]

The Summer House cast is gearing up to film its season 10 reunion, while Kyle, Amanda and Lindsay Hubbard are preparing to lead an In the City spinoff about their lives in Manhattan between summers in the Hamptons.

“When we started casting In the City, I think the idea was like, ‘Maybe I’m part-time [on] Summer House, TBD,’” Kyle noted. “It was a way to continue on and kind of solidify our future on the network with a new show — if Amanda and I wanted to have kids, it’s not such [an issue]. It’s tough to go film Summer House with kids. Lindsay’s done well [with her daughter, Gemma], but it ain’t easy.”

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Part 2 of Kyle Cooke from @Bravo Summer House speaking on the relationship between West and Amanda. #bravo #summerhouse

♬ original sound – Adam Glyn

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As for Kyle, he hasn’t ruled out returning for more episodes of Summer House or In the City.

“There’s no reason not to do Summer House, obviously every single year we go through the casting process,” he told Glyn. “I think the real issue would be, ‘Can we actually, as a group, film?’ I’ve never had an issue with filming with anybody that I had beef with in 10 years. I would never do that to West, I would never do that to Hannah [Berner], but I have real issues with a dude that managed to use his charm to get whatever he wants, says the right thing at the right time.”

Related: Kyle Cooke Praised ‘Summer House’ Cast Friendships Before Love Triangle

Kyle Cooke weighed in on the mini-love triangle between Ciara Miller, Jesse Solomon and West Wilson ahead of Summer House season 10. “Would you expect nothing less from those guys?” Kyle quipped during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly earlier this year. Summer House season 10 showed Jesse discussing his crush on Ciara with West, […]

Kyle further stressed that he wasn’t insinuating that West “manipulated” Amanda while she was “in a vulnerable spot” and also didn’t have many details about the pair’s new romance.