The Copenhagen Test: A Critical Darling, But Short-Lived Espionage Thriller
Peacock has decided to cancel the espionage thriller series "The Copenhagen Test" after just one season. The show, starring Simu Liu, premiered all eight episodes of its first and only season on December 27, 2025. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, with a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series struggled to attract a large audience. Nielsen data revealed that the show garnered 373 million minutes viewed during the week of December 29 to January 4, landing it in the number 10 spot on the Nielsen top 10 streaming originals chart. However, it failed to maintain its position in the top 10 in the following weeks.
The premise of "The Copenhagen Test" revolved around first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale, played by Liu, who discovers that his brain has been hacked, granting unauthorized access to his senses. Caught between his secretive agency and the unknown hackers, he must constantly perform to uncover the culprits and demonstrate his loyalty.
In addition to Simu Liu, the series featured a talented cast including Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian D’Arcy James, Mark O’Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant. The show was created by Thomas Brandon, who also served as a writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Jennifer Yale. Liu was not only the lead actor but also an executive producer. The series was executive produced by James Wan, Michael Clear, Rob Hackett, Mark Winemaker, and Jet Wilkinson, with Wilkinson directing the first two episodes. UCP was the studio behind the production.
In conclusion, despite its critical acclaim, "The Copenhagen Test" did not resonate with a broad audience, leading to its cancellation after one season. The show's unique premise and talented cast were not enough to secure its longevity on the Peacock streaming platform.