Are you looking for a gripping period espionage thriller to watch this week? The BBC is airing Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, a star-studded drama that is the perfect weeknight watch.

Based on John le Carré’s Cold War novel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is set in early 1970s London and follows a retired MI6 agent, played by Slow Horses star Gary Oldman, who is drawn back into the world of espionage to track down a Soviet double agent.

First released in 2011, the film features a brilliant ensemble of British acting talent, led by Gary and including Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Graham, Toby Jones and Mark Strong.

Given its starry cast, it’s no surprise the film topped the British box office for three consecutive weeks. It also won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film and earned three Oscar nominations. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the espionage thriller airing on BBC One on Monday evening.

What happens in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?

The film centres on George Smiley, a recently retired MI6 agent adjusting to life outside the secret service.

The synopsis reads: “However, when a disgraced agent reappears with information concerning a mole at the heart of the Circus, Smiley is drawn back into the murky field of espionage.

Tom hardy in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
© Alamy Stock Photo
Tom hardy plays Ricki Tarr

“Tasked with investigating which of his trusted former colleagues has chosen to betray him and their country, Smiley narrows his search to four suspects – all experienced, urbane, successful agents – but past histories, rivalries and friendships make it far from easy to pinpoint the man who is eating away at the heart of the British establishment…”

Who stars in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?

The impressive cast is led by Gary, who plays George Smiley, while Colin Firth plays Bill Haydon and Tom Hardy is Ricki Tarr.

Colin Firth in TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, 2011
© Alamy Stock Photo
Colin Firth as Bill Haydon

They’re joined by Mark Strong as Jim Prideaux, Ciarán Hinds as Roy Bland, Benedict Cumberbatch as Peter Guillam, Stephen Graham as Jerry Westerby and Toby Jones as Sir Percy Alleline.

Rounding out the cast are David Dencik as Toby Esterhase, Simon McBurney as Oliver Lacon, John Hurt as Control and Kathy Burke as Connie Sachs.

What have viewers said about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?

The movie proved a hit with critics and has an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In its five-star review, in which it dubbed the movie “gripping and involving”, The Guardian penned: “This is a skin-crawlingly atmospheric, uncompromisingly cerebral and austere account of John le Carré’s cold war espionage novel.”

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© BBC
Toby Jones plays Sir Percy Alleline

Meanwhile, The Times wrote: “This superior piece of spycraft from John le Carré has become even more outstanding thanks to a 10th anniversary high-definition facelift (it’s being delivered in 4K resolution).”

The New York Times added: “The story, skillfully mined from Mr. le Carré’s labyrinthine book and set in 1973, is a pleasurably sly and involving puzzler – a mystery about mysteries within mysteries.”

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy airs on BBC One at 11.10pm on Monday and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer afterwards.