A new spy series has a clear link to the classic James Bond movies, but not in the way many fans might expect. The Copenhagen Test, starring Simu Liu, is not a spin-off or set in the same world as James Bond. The connection comes from the actors and creators who were directly inspired by the legendary spy franchise.
In interviews, star Kathleen Chalfant confirmed her character is a direct nod to one of Bond’s most famous allies. This creative choice has sparked conversations as the show climbs streaming charts. The series became the number one title on Peacock just two days after its release on December 27, 2025.
The M Inspiration Behind St. George
The character link centers on authority figures in the spy world. In The Copenhagen Test, Kathleen Chalfant plays St. George, a senior leader who oversees a secretive intelligence agency called The Orphanage. For her performance, Chalfant looked to one of cinema’s most famous spymasters.
She stated her character was shaped with a very specific point of reference: the role of M from the James Bond films, particularly as played by Judi Dench.
โWell, I think the obvious paragon of this genre is Judy Dench as M, so that’s, it’s only something to aspire to,โ Chalfant said.
Chalfant expressed admiration for being part of this tradition. โIt was very, very exciting to be asked to join this really interesting pantheon, but especially at the top of it is Judy Dench,โ she added. When asked to name a favorite Dench performance, her simple reply was: โAll of themโ.
This places St. George in a line of commanding, intelligent leaders who guide agents from behind a desk. Like M, who is the head of MI6, St. George operates from a position of high authority, using restraint and quiet power.
A New Kind of Spy Story
While it draws inspiration from classic spies, The Copenhagen Test tells an original story with modern themes. The series stars Simu Liu as Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst. The plot takes a science-fiction twist when Hale discovers his own brain and senses have been hacked. He is forced to act normal while secretly trying to uncover who is manipulating him and why.
The show was created by Thomas Brandon, who also serves as co-showrunner with Jennifer Yale. The cast includes Melissa Barrera, Mark O’Brien, Sinclair Daniel, and Brian d’Arcy James.
In discussing the series, co-showrunner Jennifer Yale pointed to another influence beyond Bond: the FX series Legion. She explained that both shows explore psychological uncertainty and the question of what is real, using those elements to heighten their core stories.
Simu Liu on His “Version” of a Classic Spy
Lead actor Simu Liu has openly discussed how his role fits into the wider spy genre. He acknowledged drawing from the grittiness of the Bourne films and the style of the Bond franchise.
โI love Bond. I am such a sucker for the genre in general. And itโs not lost on me that itโs rare to see someone like me getting to play that role. Itโs been very meaningful for me to get to do my version of that,โ Liu said.
This highlights another way the series connects to legacy franchisesโby offering a fresh perspective on a familiar type of hero through a new actor’s interpretation.
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Streaming Success and Critical Response
Since its release, The Copenhagen Test has found a strong audience. The show hit the number one spot on Peacock in the United States by its second day. It has also performed well internationally. In some Asian markets, where it streams on HBO Max, it reached the number one position in Indonesia and Malaysia, and placed in the top five in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Critics have responded positively. On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a solid score from critics. One review from Collider gave the show a rating and called it โa thrilling series that seeds just enough of a sci-fi element throughout for something truly fresh in the spy genreโ.
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