The Copenhagen Test: Simu Liu Captivates in New Sci-Fi Spy Thriller

Actor Simu Liu stars in the new sci-fi spy thriller series, The Copenhagen Test, which is now streaming on Peacock. Here's what you need to know and a review.

by Gilang Rahmatullah AkbarPublish Date 28 December 2025, 12:20 PM
Actor Simu Liu stars in the new sci-fi spy thriller series, The Copenhagen Test, which is now streaming on Peacock. Here's what you need to know and a review.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The American science fiction spy thriller television series "The Copenhagen Test" officially premiered on December 27, 2025, on Peacock.

The series stars renowned actor Simu Liu as the lead actor, Alexander Hale, alongside Melissa Barrera as Michelle.

All eight episodes of the series were released simultaneously, allowing viewers to enjoy the entire story without delay.

"The Copenhagen Test," created by Thomas Brandon and executive produced by James Wan, promises a viewing experience filled with suspense and intrigue.

The series is set in the near future, where advanced technology poses new threats to the world of espionage.

Simu Liu's character, Alexander Hale, is a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst who faces a major dilemma.

His brain has been hacked, turning him into a live intelligence transmitter for an unknown party.

This situation forces Alexander to prove his loyalty to his agency, “The Orphanage”, while racing against time to uncover the mastermind behind the hack.


The Tension-Filled Story of The Copenhagen Test

This series places viewers in the midst of the conflict of Alexander Hale, whose brain is hacked, giving the hacker access to everything he sees and hears.

Alexander, a former special forces sniper and low-level analyst, finds his life turned upside down as he must determine who to trust.

Alexander Hale must fight to prove his loyalty to “The Orphanage,” a secretive department that oversees other intelligence agencies, similar to internal affairs.

He must maintain a 24/7 appearance to uncover who is in charge and prove where his loyalties lie.

Amidst this chaos, Melissa Barrera plays Michelle, an agent assigned by The Orphanage to pose as Alexander’s girlfriend.

Michelle’s role is to monitor Alexander and maintain the illusion that the hacking has not been detected by outsiders, creating layers of emotional intrigue in the story.


Star Lineup and Behind-the-Scenes Creative Team

In addition to Simu Liu as Alexander Hale and Melissa Barrera as Michelle, the series also features a talented cast of other actors.

The main cast includes Sinclair Daniel as Parker, Brian d'Arcy James as John Moira, Mark O'Brien as Cobb, and Kathleen Chalfant as St. George, the head of The Orphanage.

Several important recurring roles are also played by Sara Amini as Ellie and Saul Rubinek as Victor Simonek, an old friend of Hale's and a former intelligence agent.

The production team behind "The Copenhagen Test" is led by Thomas Brandon as creator, writer, and executive producer.

Jennifer Yale also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer.

James Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Hackett are executive producers of Atomic Monster, with Simu Liu also serving as executive producer.


Positive Reviews for Simu Liu's Performance and Storyline

"The Copenhagen Test" has received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera.

Simu Liu was praised for his portrayal of Alexander Hale, which has been called one of his best roles in recent years.

The role allowed Liu to showcase his intelligence, emotional range, and charisma as a leading man.

The series was considered a smart, twisty, and engaging spy thriller with sci-fi twists that added a fresh touch to the genre.

Alexander's brain-hacking premise creates a constant sense of paranoia and intrigue, with some reviews comparing it to the works of John le Carré and cyberpunk elements.

"The Copenhagen Test" also explores themes of identity and loyalty, particularly through the character of Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant.

Hale's immigrant background adds to the pressure, as he feels under intense scrutiny, and questions about his loyalty become questions about whether he has betrayed his parents' values.

However, some reviews noted that some plot elements could have been better utilized or developed further.

Additionally, the romantic relationship between Alexander and Michelle sometimes felt contrived, and the end of the first season was considered too hasty in wrapping up the main plot, focusing more on setting up for the next season.