Netflix’s Action-Packed Political Thriller: Bodyguard

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Netflix’s new six-episode series is an exciting action thriller. It feels similar to shows like Jack Ryan and The Night Agent, but offers its own unique enjoyment. Political thrillers are consistently popular, and for good reason – the genre naturally creates dramatic, high-stakes stories with characters we can relate to.

Spy thrillers come in different styles. Some, like the Jack Ryan series, focus on ordinary people unexpectedly thrown into high-stakes situations, relying on their intelligence and abilities to survive. Others, like The Night Agent, are packed with complex conspiracies that only deepen the more you investigate.

While there are many similar shows, Bodyguard is a great example of a compelling political thriller available on Netflix. Originally broadcast on BBC One in the UK and Ireland, it streamed everywhere else on Netflix.

The six-part series debuted in 2018 and features Richard Madden as David Budd, a Scottish war veteran and police sergeant. Budd served in Afghanistan and now works with Protection Command, a specialized unit responsible for the security of the royal family and government leaders. He struggles with PTSD.

David finds himself working for Julia Montague, a Member of Parliament (played by Keeley Hawes), despite strongly disagreeing with her political views and her support for the war. Similar to characters like Jack Ryan in a Tom Clancy novel, David is an ordinary soldier unexpectedly caught up in a massive, nationally significant situation. And like the series The Night Agent, the conspiracy he uncovers is far-reaching and complex.

At Only Six Episodes, Bodyguard Makes For A Great Weekend Binge

Bodyguard is a fast-paced show that’s perfect for a weekend binge – about the length of two long movies. It’s thrilling and action-packed, with surprisingly complex psychological elements. The series puts you right alongside David as he navigates a truly intense situation.

This series constantly reveals new information, and since the main character, David, is discovering this world alongside the audience, it’s easy to follow along. With one mystery building on another, Bodyguard is incredibly gripping and practically begs you to watch it all at once.

The series Bodyguard received critical acclaim, including two Golden Globe nominations and a win for Richard Madden as Best Actor, as well as two Emmy nominations. It’s one of the best limited series of the past decade, and well worth watching if you enjoy political thrillers.

Bodyguard Only Needed One Season

“Bodyguard” is perfect for a quick binge-watch since it only has one season, and the finale is incredibly satisfying for a political thriller. It neatly resolves the main plot points, gives David a complete story arc, and leaves you with just enough to ponder after the credits roll.

The themes explored in ‘Bodyguard’ – like surveillance, intervention, and the impact of PTSD – feel even more important today than when the show first came out. It’s a classic political thriller with enduring stories that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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2026-04-21 20:20