The Ipcress File poster

TV series

The Ipcress File

2022TV-141 season7.1 / 10

As the Cold War rages, ex-smuggler turned reluctant spy Harry Palmer finds himself at the centre of a dangerous undercover mission, on which he must use his links to find a missing British nuclear scientist.

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Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

The Ipcress File is available to stream on AMC+, Acorn TV, Acorn TV (Via Amazon Prime), DirecTV On Demand, Philo, Spectrum On Demand, and YouTube TV in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

As the Cold War rages, ex-smuggler turned reluctant spy Harry Palmer finds himself at the centre of a dangerous undercover mission, on which he must use his links to find a missing British nuclear scientist.

Cast, crew and production details

About The Ipcress File

Cast

Joe ColeHarry Palmer
Lucy BoyntonJean Courtney
Tom HollanderMajor William Dalby
Ashley ThomasPaul Maddox
Paul HigginsMinister
David DencikColonel Stok
Joshua JamesChico
Tom Vaughan-LawlorGeneral Cathcart

Credits

Created by
Len Deighton, John Hodge
Written by
John Hodge, Len Deighton

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Miniseries
Episodes
6
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • ITV1United Kingdom
  • ITV StudiosUnited Kingdom

Themes

cold warundercover agent

Season 1 episodes

Watch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.

Episode 1

Episode 1

47m5.8 / 10

Harry Palmer is serving as a working-class British sergeant in Berlin as the Cold War rages in the 1960s. Palmer is a sharp and savvy operator, with varied side-hustles that ultimately land him trouble with the law for crimes that could mean an eight-year stretch in a grim English military jail. But spotting Palmer’s potential, and his network in Berlin, an intelligence officer offers him a way to avoid prison by becoming a spy. His first case is The Ipcress File — a dangerous undercover mission on which Palmer must use his links to a man suspected of kidnapping a missing British nuclear scientist.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode 2

Episode 2

47m8.0 / 10

A bomb explodes under Jean's car and only Harry's quick-thinking saves their lives. Harry spots a suspicious stranger tailing them who is identified as Randall, a former agent.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode 3

Episode 3

47m7.5 / 10

Harry and Jean arrive in Beirut in hot pursuit of Randall, who is holding Professor Dawson. Meanwhile, Dalby holds a secret rendezvous with Stok, a Russian colonel.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode 4

Episode 4

47m7.5 / 10

Dalby challenges General Cathcart, suspecting American involvement in Dawson's abduction. Harry and Jean head to the Pacific atoll where the neutron bomb is to be tested.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode 5

Episode 5

47m7.5 / 10

Harry is handed over to the Chinese military where he is subjected to a bewildering regime of mental torture. Dalby's love for Dr Lavotchkin takes its toll on his judgement.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode 6

Episode 6

47m7.5 / 10Finale

Harry is tormented by what has been planted in his mind as his mission reaches its bloody climax and the stability of the free world is at stake.

Directed by James Watkins

Where to watch The Ipcress File

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026