Channel 4 has picked up ‘The Copenhagen Test‘, the new espionage thriller led by Simu Liu (Barbie, Marvel’s Shang-Chi), and dropped the first trailer ahead of its UK launch this April.
The eight-part series follows Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst who discovers his brain has been hacked, giving unknown perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. With both his own agency and the hackers closing in, he is forced to perform every second of every day while trying to uncover who is behind it all and prove where his loyalties really lie.
It is a smart hook for a spy thriller, taking the usual paranoia of the genre and giving it a distinctly modern twist. Rather than just worrying about being watched, Alexander is dealing with the far more terrifying idea that his enemies are effectively inside his head, turning every moment into a test of survival, deception and control.
Alongside Simu Liu (Barbie, Marvel’s Shang-Chi), the cast includes Melissa Barrera (In the Heights, Scream V and Scream VI), Sinclair Daniel (The Other Black Girl, Insidious: The Red Door), Brian d’Arcy James (Spotlight, 13 Reasons Why), Mark O’Brien (City on a Hill, Ready or Not), and Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, The Affair).
The series comes from UCP, part of Universal Studio Group, with Thomas Brandon serving as creator, writer, executive producer and co-showrunner. Jennifer Yale also co-showruns, writes and executive produces. Executive producers include James Wan, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett for Atomic Monster, alongside Simu Liu, Mark Winemaker and Jet Wilkinson, who also directs the opening two episodes.
Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions at Channel 4, says: “We are excited to bring this high-stakes espionage thriller to our viewers and to continue bringing great international drama to Channel 4. The Copenhagen Test combines a stellar cast with a sharp, twisty premise that will grip audiences from the start.”
Given Channel 4’s eye for picking up distinctive international drama, ‘The Copenhagen Test’ feels like a strong fit, especially with a concept that mixes classic espionage tension with a more tech-driven psychological edge. If it delivers on that premise, this could be one of the more intriguing thriller arrivals of the spring.
‘The Copenhagen Test‘ premieres Wednesday, 8th April 2026 at 9pm on Channel 4.
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