The 2016 spy thriller The Night Manager captivated global audiences with its tense plot and stunning international locations. But the show’s success truly rests on the shoulders of its incredible cast. Led by Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman, the actors brought John le Carré’s complex characters to life, earning the series multiple awards. With new seasons coming soon, here is a complete look at the talented actors who made the first season a must-watch.
The Core Trio: Pine, Roper, and Burr
The story of The Night Manager revolves around the dangerous dance between a undercover agent, a criminal mastermind, and the determined intelligence officer pulling the strings.
Tom Hiddleston plays Jonathan Pine, the show’s central character. He is a former British soldier working as the night manager of luxury hotels. After a personal tragedy involving an informant in Cairo, Pine is recruited for a dangerous mission. Hiddleston portrays Pine’s transformation from a reserved hotelier into a confident man living a double life inside a criminal organization. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
“Hiddleston shines as the complicated protagonist… a series well worth the time and effort to absorb and enjoy it fully.” – A fan review on IMDb.
Hugh Laurie takes on the role of the antagonist, Richard “Dickie” Roper. Laurie presents Roper as a charming, wealthy Englishman who is, in reality, a ruthless and psychopathic arms dealer. He lives a life of extreme luxury funded by war and conflict, viewing it as “war as a spectator sport”. Laurie’s charismatic yet chilling performance won him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Olivia Colman is Angela Burr, the head of a small Foreign Office task force. Operating from a makeshift office, Burr is the driving force trying to bring Roper to justice. She is fiercely intelligent, morally rigid, and recruits Pine for the mission. Colman’s portrayal of Burr’s determination and vulnerability also earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
Inside Roper’s Inner Circle
To infiltrate Roper’s world, Pine must win the trust—or avoid the suspicion—of the people closest to the arms dealer.
Elizabeth Debicki plays Jemima “Jed” Marshall, Roper’s much younger girlfriend. Initially appearing as a glamorous accessory, Jed is trapped in a gilded cage by her relationship with Roper. Her growing connection with Pine becomes a pivotal and dangerous part of the plot.
Tom Hollander is Major Lance “Corky” Corkoran, Roper’s chief of staff and enforcer. Corky is intensely loyal, suspicious, and handles the dirty work. Hollander’s performance makes Corky a uniquely threatening presence, always watching Pine for any sign of betrayal.
Other key members of Roper’s circle include:
- Alistair Petrie as Lord Sandy Langbourne, Roper’s financial director.
- Natasha Little as Lady Caroline Langbourne, Sandy’s wife and Jed’s friend.
- Antonio de la Torre as Juan Apostol, Roper’s lawyer.
The Supporting Network: Allies and Obstacles
Angela Burr’s mission is not conducted in a vacuum. She has a small team and faces significant opposition from within the British government itself.
David Harewood portrays Joel Steadman, an enthusiastic American agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) who is Burr’s key ally.
Adeel Akhtar plays Rob Singhal, Burr’s loyal and capable deputy who helps run the operation from their London office.
The main opposition comes from within MI6. Tobias Menzies plays Geoffrey Dromgoole, a senior MI6 officer who actively works to shut down Burr’s investigation for political reasons.
Douglas Hodge appears as Rex Mayhew, Burr’s sympathetic superior at the Foreign Office who tries to support her within the official system.
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Where to Watch The Night Manager Season 1
The first season of The Night Manager, which consists of six episodes, originally aired on BBC One in the UK starting February 21, 2016. It aired on AMC in the United States.
Today, the series is available to stream on various global platforms. You can find it on Apple TV+ in the US and other regions. It is also available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
What’s Next for The Night Manager?
Fans will be excited to know the story continues. The show has been renewed for a second and third season.
Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman will return as Jonathan Pine and Angela Burr. Hugh Laurie will not return as a cast member for the new season but will serve as an executive producer.
The new story will introduce fresh characters and settings. New cast members include Camila Morrone as a Colombian businesswoman and Diego Calva as a Colombian arms dealer, indicating a shift in the plot’s location.
Filming for the second season concluded in December 2024. Season 2 is set to premiere on BBC One in the UK on January 1, 2026, and on Amazon Prime Video internationally on January 11, 2026.
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