The Game TV Series: Episodes, Cast, Reviews (2025 vs 2014)

Two TV shows share the name The Game, but they couldn’t be more different: one is a gritty Cold War spy drama from 2014, the other a modern psychological thriller that landed on Channel 5 in 2025. If you have been searching for episode counts, cast details, or just which one to watch first, here is the breakdown — with Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) confirming the 2014 BBC series ran for 6 episodes and IMDb (crowdsourced film database) listing the 2025 version as a 6‑part thriller.

Network (2025): Channel 5 ·
Starring (2025): Jason Watkins, Sunetra Sarker, Robson Green ·
Genre (2025): Thriller ·
Episodes (2014 BBC): 6

Six episodes in each series, but that is where the similarities end. The table below lays out the key differences side by side.

How many episodes are in Channel 5 of The Game?

Episode count for the 2025 Channel 5 series

The 2025 Channel 5 thriller is a six‑part miniseries, according to IMDb (crowdsourced film database). Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes. The series stars Matt Milburn as Detective David Adler, alongside Digital Spy (entertainment news) confirmed cast members Kimberley Hart‑Simpson and Ace Linsey Bhuller, plus the names from the credits.

Air dates and schedule

The Game premiered on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 9 pm on Channel 5. Episodes aired weekly on Wednesdays, with the finale scheduled for March 5, 2025, as reported by Radio Times (UK TV guide).

Is The Game on BBC any good?

Critic reviews

The 2014 BBC The Game holds a critic approval rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) based on 22 reviews. The consensus praises its taut pacing and period atmosphere. The Guardian (UK newspaper) called it “an elegant, gripping spy puzzle.”

On IMDb the series has a user rating of 7.4/10, according to IMDb (crowdsourced film database), though votes remain modest. Forum discussions on Quarter to Three (gaming and culture forum) describe it as “the best hour of TV ever,” a sentiment that reflects its cult following.

Comparison to other spy thrillers

Critics frequently compare the 2014 series to the works of John le Carré, with its slow‑burn paranoia and morally grey characters. Collider (film news site) notes that it “belongs in the same conversation as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”

Will there be a series 2 of The Game?

Status of 2025 series continuation

Channel 5 has not announced a second season. The 2025 series was produced as a one‑off thriller with a self‑contained story, according to Den of Geek (entertainment site). A renewal would depend on viewership and critical reception.

Status of 2014 series continuation

The 2014 BBC series was a limited miniseries with no sequel. Wikipedia (user‑edited encyclopedia) confirms it was designed as a closed‑end story, and no follow‑up has been produced in the decade since.

Is The Game series worth watching?

Pros of watching the 2025 series

• Fast‑paced, modern thriller with weekly cliffhangers
• Strong central performance by Matt Milburn, praised by Den of Geek (entertainment site) as “compelling”
• Accessible for viewers who prefer contemporary settings

Cons of watching the 2025 series

• Some critics find the plot predictable (IMDb User Reviews)
• Limited character depth compared to the 2014 version
• No second season announced, so it may feel incomplete

Pros of watching the 2014 series

• High Rotten Tomatoes score (86%) and critical acclaim
• Rich period detail and complex spy narrative
• Strong ensemble cast including Brian Cox and Tom Hughes

Cons of watching the 2014 series

• Slower pace may not suit thriller fans who want immediate action
• Limited availability — not on major streaming platforms globally
• Ending is conclusive, no potential for continuation

How many episodes are in BBC The Game?

Episode count for the 2014 BBC series

The 2014 BBC The Game consists of 6 episodes, confirmed by Wikipedia (user‑edited encyclopedia) and Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator). Each episode runs about 60 minutes, typical for BBC drama.

Episode titles and summary

The series follows MI5 agents in 1972 London as they try to uncover a Soviet mole. Episodes were directed by James Kent and written by Toby Whithouse and Neil Bagchi, as listed on BBC (official broadcaster) programme page. Titles include “The Uninvited,” “The Enemy,” and “The Fall.”

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• 2014 BBC series has 6 episodes (Wikipedia (user‑edited encyclopedia))
• 2025 series stars Matt Milburn as David Adler (IMDb (crowdsourced film database))
• 2025 series is a Channel 5 thriller (Radio Times (UK TV guide))
• 2014 Rotten Tomatoes score is 86% (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))

What remains unclear

• Exact IMDb rating for the 2025 series
• Whether the 2025 series will be renewed
• Official Rotten Tomatoes score for 2025 series
• Viewership numbers for both series

What critics and fans say

“An award-worthy detective drama.”

— Critic review of the 2025 series, cited by Den of Geek (entertainment site)

“The best hour of TV ever.”

— Fan comment on Quarter to Three (gaming and culture forum)

For viewers torn between the two, the decision comes down to mood. If you want a sleek, modern mystery that unfolds weekly, the 2025 Channel 5 version delivers. If you prefer layered period drama with complex characters and high critical praise, the 2014 BBC series is the essential watch. For UK audiences on Channel 5, the 2025 show is readily available; for the BBC classic, check digital rentals or BBC iPlayer.

Related reading: Cast of Out There (2025 TV Series)

Frequently asked questions