The Assassin

The Assassin, starring Freddie Highmore and released in 2025, is a gripping thriller series that delves into the shadowy world of professional hitmen. Highmore portrays a complex protagonist who navigates a labyrinth of moral ambiguity, espionage, and personal vendettas. Set against a backdrop of high-stakes political intrigue and dangerous underworld dealings, the show combines intense action sequences with rich character development. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, viewers are taken on a relentless journey exploring the cost of survival and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. The Assassin is acclaimed for its tight narrative, sharp writing, and Highmore's compelling performance, establishing it as a standout in the modern thriller genre.

Critics have generally responded positively to The Assassin, praising Freddie Highmore's nuanced portrayal of the lead character and the show's tight, suspenseful storytelling. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an impressive 87% approval rating, with critics highlighting the show's ability to maintain tension across episodes and its thoughtful exploration of moral complexity. A review from The Guardian noted, "Highmore delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability and menace, while the show's sharp writing keeps viewers hooked." Meanwhile, IGN gave the series an 8 out of 10, commending its sleek production values and well-choreographed action scenes but mentioned that some plotlines felt slightly predictable. Conversely, Metacritic's score stands at 73 out of 100, signaling generally favorable reviews but pointing out pacing issues in the mid-season episodes. Some reviewers from Variety expressed that while the character development is strong, the narrative at times relies heavily on familiar tropes of the genre. Overall, The Assassin has been celebrated for its engaging plot and character work, with minor criticisms centered around certain predictable elements and pacing hiccups.