After the underwhelming television take of Risky Lies, it was easy not to expect much from Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This wasn’t the first time a big-screen blockbuster found a home on a small screen. Some adaptations faded into the background, while others rose above their source material, becoming a different kind of standout. The show arrives with confidence, a rare virtue in TV remakes, and it sits alongside other recent surprises that defy the odds by delivering more than expected.
The 2005 film made cinema history for reasons that went beyond its plot. It marked the high-profile union of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, creating a pop-cultural moment known for years as Brangelina. It’s also worth noting that Pitt’s personal life briefly overshadowed the film in the press, while Jennifer Aniston—then the darling of a smash hit TV era—was cast in the shadow of that headlinemaking romance. The series, however, steps away from that real-world narrative, choosing to carve its own identity rather than feed off tabloid lore. It does not chase the backstory that fans expect; instead, it builds a fresh emotional core and a new rhythm that stands apart from the film while nodding to it without being beholden to it.
The surprising element of the project lies in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s early involvement, a fact that fans discovered only after the credits rolled. Her association is not stated in the official listings, yet the influence is unmistakable. The eight episodes carry a vibe reminiscent of Killing Eve, blending espionage with a sly, dark humor that feels uniquely Waller-Bridge’s. She is widely recognized as a guiding force behind standout TV moments, including Fleabag and her broader work on popular sagas that intersect with iconic franchises. When creative differences pulled her from the project, the production pivoted, keeping a strong pulse while redefining its compass. Donald Glover stepped in to anchor the series, following the success of Atlanta, and his involvement gave the show a fresh energy. His ideas pushed the project forward, even as the team balanced the shifting dynamics behind the scenes.
Rumors about the casting of a solo film added another layer of intrigue. Glover and Waller-Bridge had already discussed future potential for their respective corners of the universe, from Star Wars to other beloved worlds. Glover’s varied contributions to the franchise—actor, producer, writer, and director—underscore his breadth in the industry. Waller-Bridge would have offered a complementary counterpoint, poised to lead new chapters should the partnership have endured. In the end, the production carried on with different leadership, and the resulting series still aimed to honor the original premise while extending its own universe forward.
The premise centers on two strangers recruited by a mysterious organization. They pose as a married couple, taking on missions that demand skill, wit, and a willingness to improvise under pressure. The couple, known only by the aliases John and Jane, embodies a modern, multiracial pairing created by Glover and Maya Erskine. This reimagining diverges from the canonical setup of the film, presenting a deliberately contemporary dynamic that reflects evolving views on partnership and identity. The premise remains grounded in secrecy and performance, with the duo navigating roles that blend romance and deception against a backdrop of shadowy agencies.
Each episode unfolds like a new assignment, with the evolving relationship becoming as central as the next mission. The format allows a rotating cast of guest stars, infusing the series with a sense of novelty while keeping the core premise intact. Notable guest appearances include John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Ursula Corberó, Sarah Paulson, and Wagner Moura, whose presence adds texture to the world without shifting the focus away from the couple’s evolving bond. These guests contribute to the feel of a self-contained story within a larger arc, where each delivery reveals new layers of tension and chemistry.
As the plot advances, the couple’s affection deepens, their tensions flare, and reconciliations occur as they move through danger and the occasional blood-free aftermath. A prologue hints that those in charge will not tolerate failures, setting a tone of high stakes from the start. The duo resembles the Jennings pair from The Americans in how they blend into ordinary life while juggling extraordinary loyalties. The truth behind the organization and the reasons for each mission remain purposefully opaque, pushing the pair to obey orders even as the doubts accumulate. Viewers familiar with the film will recognize the familiar tension: the moment of reckoning when loyalties clash and the real question surfaces—why are they following these orders at all?
In its approach to action, the series achieves a nimble balance that other television attempts to imitate but rarely match. It surpasses a prior era of TV adaptations by delivering a sharper take on the spy premise, letting the relationship drive the action rather than letting it merely serve as window dressing. The show adapts the blockbuster energy into a serialized format that respects the original while standing on its own—an ambitious pivot that works thanks to strong performances and a clear sense of tone. While some nostalgic hope lingers for a version that would recapture every element of the film, the series succeeds on its own terms, offering a fresh lens on danger, partnership, and the blurred lines between professional and personal loyalties.
Whether there will be a second season remains uncertain. The ending leaves room for continuation, inviting speculation about what comes next. What is clear is that the creative gamble paid off in spades, with a bold new voice in charge and a cast adept at navigating the balance between romance and danger. In the end, Glover’s willingness to take a risk and the ensemble’s commitment to the material have created a standout entry in the ongoing conversation about how film properties translate to television—and how a story about two imperfect people trying to do the right thing can still feel thrilling and alive.