Hunted is a British television drama series that first aired in 2012 and quickly established itself as a tense and intelligent addition to the spy thriller genre. The series was created by Frank Spotnitz, best known for his work as a writer and producer on The X Files, and it reflects his interest in conspiracy, hidden power structures and moral ambiguity.
The drama centres on Samantha Sam Hunter, played by Australian actress Melissa George. Sam is a highly skilled operative working for a private intelligence agency called Byzantium, which operates in the shadows of the global security landscape. From the opening episode, the series makes clear that Sam is a resourceful and dangerous figure, capable of surviving extreme situations and outthinking her enemies.
The story begins with Sam narrowly surviving an assassination attempt while on a mission. Left for dead, she goes into hiding and slowly begins to piece together evidence suggesting that the attempt on her life did not come from an external enemy, but from within her own organisation. This revelation sets the central narrative in motion and drives the series’ focus on internal threats rather than traditional foreign adversaries.
After recovering from her injuries, Sam returns to Byzantium undercover, determined to uncover who ordered the hit and why. Her decision to reinsert herself into the agency places her in constant danger, as she is forced to work alongside colleagues she no longer trusts. The series uses this premise to explore the psychological toll of espionage, particularly the strain of operating in an environment where loyalty is uncertain and betrayal may come from any direction.
Trust and deception are recurring themes throughout Hunted. The show examines how intelligence operatives are trained to manipulate others while guarding their own secrets, and how those habits can corrode personal relationships. Sam’s isolation is a key element of her character, as she is unable to confide fully in anyone, both professionally and personally.
Melissa George’s performance was widely praised and is often cited as one of the show’s strongest elements. She brings a physical intensity and emotional depth to the role, portraying Sam as both formidable and vulnerable. Her ability to convey suspicion, determination and inner conflict helped anchor the series and gave credibility to its high stakes scenarios.
The supporting cast also contributed to the show’s positive reception, with characters whose motivations were deliberately opaque. This uncertainty added to the suspense and encouraged viewers to question each interaction and plot development. Rather than offering clear heroes and villains, Hunted presented a morally complex world in which decisions were shaped by survival and self interest.
Critics responded positively to the series, highlighting its intricate plotting and measured pacing. Unlike some spy dramas that rely heavily on spectacle, Hunted focused on character development and long form storytelling. This approach allowed the narrative to unfold gradually, rewarding attentive viewers and reinforcing the sense of paranoia that defined the show.
Hunted was also praised for offering a fresh take on the spy genre. By centring the story on a private intelligence firm rather than a government agency, the series explored a less familiar corner of the espionage world. This perspective raised questions about accountability, power and the blurred lines between public service and profit driven intelligence work.
Although the series ran for a single season, it left a lasting impression on fans of espionage drama. Its combination of strong performances, thematic depth and tightly constructed narrative distinguished it from more conventional thrillers and contributed to its enduring appeal.
For viewers interested in revisiting or discovering the series, Hunted is available to stream on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video. The availability of the show on demand has introduced it to new audiences, offering another opportunity to experience Frank Spotnitz’s tense and thoughtful vision of modern espionage.