14 Spy Series With Gadgets That Could Actually Work In Reality

As a big fan of spy movies and shows, I’ve always been fascinated by the gadgets they use. What really grabs me now are shows that try to keep things realistic. So many shows rely on unbelievable tech just to move the story along, but the best ones ground their spy tools in actual science or things that already exist. It’s cool to see how surveillance and communication have changed over the years, mirroring what’s actually possible in the real world. You can watch things like wiretaps and hidden cameras – stuff we know exists – right alongside more modern cyber warfare tools. I’ve put together a list of shows where the tech feels surprisingly believable, less ‘magic’ and more ‘this could actually happen’.

‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

This historical drama showcases the clever, low-tech spying methods used during the Cold War. Soviet agents went to great lengths to conceal cameras in common items like pens and buttons to photograph secret documents. They relied on shortwave radios and highly secure, one-time encryption codes to communicate with their superiors. The show even features a real, portable recording device used by intelligence agencies for eavesdropping. These older, analog tools prove that skill and ingenuity were often more important than modern technology in the world of historic espionage.

‘Mr. Robot’ (2015–2019)

Cybersecurity professionals highly commend the series for its realistic portrayal of hacking and digital spying. The main character cleverly hides a small Raspberry Pi computer inside a thermostat to get around physical security measures on networks. Characters often use special antennas to capture Bluetooth signals from devices nearby. The show also features a technique where a femtocell – essentially a fake cell tower – is used to intercept cell phone traffic. Importantly, all the code shown on screen is based on actual hacking tools and commands used by security experts.

‘Burn Notice’ (2007–2013)

Michael Westen is known for building clever gadgets from everyday items he finds at hardware stores. He can create tools like directional microphones – using antennas and umbrellas to eavesdrop – and devices that block or fake signals from phones and security cards. He once even built a working x-ray machine from parts salvaged from a microwave. These projects demonstrate how a basic understanding of physics and electronics can be incredibly useful in real-world situations.

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

The Machine is a surveillance system in the show that collects video and communications to foresee potential dangers. This idea is similar to how governments today analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns. Characters on the show can duplicate phone identities and read text messages as they’re sent. The facial recognition technology works much like the systems police forces around the world currently use. Ultimately, the series highlights the actual power of technologies that predict future events using widespread camera networks.

‘Homeland’ (2011–2020)

This suspenseful show focuses on how human minds and drone technology interact, particularly in the world of intelligence gathering. CIA agents use live video from drones to follow people across international borders. The series also features realistic threats like phones being secretly turned into listening devices and, in later episodes, a hacked pacemaker causing a life-threatening medical emergency. These storylines highlight real-world worries about the safety of connected medical equipment and the potential risks of increasingly automated military technology.

’24’ (2001–2010)

In the show, Jack Bauer and his team frequently used technology like satellite images and heat sensors to find people in cities. They carried handheld devices to view plans and access important information. The series also featured high-tech security, such as fingerprint and eye scanners, to protect sensitive areas. Tracking vehicles with transponders – something now common as GPS – was a key part of the show. Interestingly, the show’s focus on constant digital monitoring turned out to be a surprisingly accurate prediction of how intelligence gathering works today.

‘MacGyver’ (1985–1992)

As a huge fan of the show, what always amazed me about MacGyver was his knack for getting out of impossible situations without guns. He’d whip up smoke bombs or even blow doors open using just everyday stuff like cleaning supplies – seriously, it was wild! And it wasn’t just explosions; he was a master of building things on the fly. I remember episodes where he’d create listening devices from old phone parts and wires, or use mirrors and magnets to bypass security systems. What made it so cool was that his inventions weren’t just made up; they were actually based on real scientific principles, so theoretically, they could work if you had the right situation and know-how. It was a smart, exciting show!

‘Spooks’ (2002–2011)

As a total spy movie and TV geek, I’m really fascinated by this British series. It’s all about the everyday work at MI5, but what really grabbed me is how much they depend on listening in. They’re planting tiny microphones and cameras everywhere – offices, homes, you name it – to keep tabs on potential threats. And it’s not just audio; they’re also using tech to grab passwords and encryption keys straight off computers. What I found especially cool and realistic was their use of Faraday cages – those things that block electronic signals – during important meetings. They even use software to analyze voices during interrogations, trying to figure out if someone’s lying. It feels surprisingly accurate, which is a huge draw for me.

‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ (2018–2023)

Today’s CIA analysts rely heavily on software that tracks money to find how terrorist groups get funding. The show also features operatives using chat rooms within video games for secure communication. Drones are used extensively for spying and identifying targets. Analysts also use tools to gather information from social media, helping them create profiles and connect potential suspects. These tech-focused investigative techniques represent how intelligence is gathered today.

‘Tehran’ (2020–Present)

This Israeli thriller centers around cyberattacks that target a country’s air defenses. The main character breaks into the power grid using a stolen digital key. Spies in the show use everyday smartphone apps, but with altered code, to bypass security on important servers. The series demonstrates how easily crucial systems can be disrupted through digital means, rather than traditional attacks. It emphasizes that today’s spies rely more on computer coding than physical force when confronting opposing nations.

‘Slow Horses’ (2022–Present)

The spies at Slough House rely on surprisingly simple tools – things like USB drives with data-copying programs and GPS trackers stuck onto cars. They often get into secure buildings by copying keycards and going in when no one’s around. The show highlights that mistakes people make and breaking into places physically are often more successful than complex hacking. This realistic approach shows how intelligence work often happens – with limited budgets and older technology.

‘Get Smart’ (1965–1970)

What started as a joke – a shoe that was also a phone – actually foreshadowed the development of smaller and smaller mobile phones. Throughout the show, spies use hidden microphones disguised as art and furniture to eavesdrop on their enemies. The famous Cone of Silence playfully highlighted the practical need for soundproof rooms and secure communication spaces. The series also imagined hidden cameras in everyday items like ties and watches. These ideas, once just for fun, have now become real-world technology used by both everyday consumers and intelligence agencies.

‘The Bureau’ (2015–2020)

This French show is famous for how accurately it portrays the work of secret agents and their secure communication methods. The agents hide coded messages within ordinary-looking pictures using a technique called steganography. To stay hidden from those trying to track them, they use temporary phones and public internet access points. They also use high-tech tools like vibration sensors and laser microphones to eavesdrop on conversations, even through walls. Importantly, the show focuses on how these tools are used in realistic spycraft, rather than relying on them to magically solve problems.

‘Condor’ (2018–2020)

This thriller series reimagines the classic spy story for the digital age, using modern data analysis and algorithms to spot potential threats. The main character develops a program that tries to predict terrorist activity by tracking what people buy and where they travel. Surveillance teams monitor public Wi-Fi networks to collect data, and the show emphasizes that analyzing data – even seemingly harmless details – can reveal a surprising amount about a person. This approach reflects a growing trend: instead of traditional spying, intelligence agencies are increasingly relying on analyzing large amounts of digital information.

Tell us which gadget you think would be the most useful in your daily life in the comments.

2025-11-29 02:46