Netflix
Michael Stuhlbarg in "Traitors"
- Netflix's latest British series, "Traitors," started streaming on Friday.
- The series follows an English woman who helps an American agent "root out Russian infiltration in the British government" after World War II.
- Critics are mildly positive on the series so far, and it has a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Netflix dropped its latest British TV series on Friday, a spy thriller set at the end of World World II.
"Traitors" is streaming globally exclusively on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland, and airs on the UK's Channel 4 network. It stars "Call Me by Your Name" actor Michael Stuhlbarg, Emma Appleton, and Keeley Hawes.
Netflix describes the series like this: "As World War II ends, a young English woman agrees to help an enigmatic American agent root out Russian infiltration of the British government."
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Netflix has built a library of British shows in its effort to draw worldwide audiences, many of which are co-productions with UK networks. The strategy benefits both Netflix and British TV networks like the BBC, as the shows reach a wider audience and can reel in potential subscribers.
Other British shows Netflix has acquired include "The Last Kingdom," which wasn't a hit in the UK but found a worldwide audience; "The End of the F---ing World," which Netflix renewed for a second season; and "Bodyguard," which was nominated for the best drama series Golden Globe this year and won the Globe for best actor in a drama series for star Richard Madden.
Netflix has even produced its own original British series, "Sex Education," which is a hit for the streamer. Netflix said the show, which premiered in January, was viewed by 40 million households in its first month. "Bodyguard" was viewed by 23 million households in the first month.
Critics are mixed on "Traitors" but leaning positive. "Traitors" has a 71% Rotten Tomatoes critic score. Den of Geek called it a "satisfyingly grown-up spy thriller," but others criticized how it takes historical liberties.
"I don't usually mind this kind of revisionism; can appreciate, revel in its freshness, its new eyes, but this is in mild danger of being slathered on with a trowel," Observer's Euan Ferguson wrote. "It's always heartily good to keep an open mind. Maybe not so open that your brains fall out."