Spies on the Small Screen

Spy films have always been a popular genre. The fact we've had more than 20 James Bond films should be proof of that, then there's the Bourne series, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Salt," "The Good Shepherd," and a host of others to choose from over recent years.

But spies have also found a home on the small screen. Since the turn of the century, we've had "Alias" and "The Agency" come and go, but right now did you know there are five spy shows on the air right now?

The oldest of the current spy shows is "Burn Notice," which just finished its fourth summer season. The show, which airs on USA, features a burned spy and his friends who run secret missions in Miami and help those oppressed by villains.

Next comes "Chuck," a comedy action show featuring an ordinary man that gets drawn into the spy game, working with a CIA handler and an NSA agent.

Then this summer, USA added another spy drama — "Covert Affairs" — which is centered on agents working for the CIA in Langley.

This fall brought two new spy shows on networks — "Nikita" on the CW, based on the film "La Femme Nikita," and the new NBC dramedy "The Undercovers," about a pair of married spies who are drawn back into the life after five years of retirement.

I think spy shows are popular because they mix the elements of cop dramas with personal drama, and they can be played in a variety of ways. While many spy movies tend to be dramatic and serious, most of the shows have a lighter tone. That's particularly true of "Burn Notice," "Chuck," and "The Undercovers."

I guess the point is people enjoy the escapism that comes from a good spy show or movie. Whatever the reason, it seems clear spy shows have quietly become one of the most saturated genres on television.