Peacock's 'The Copenhagen Test' Promises Mind-Bending Espionage with Simu Liu

Get ready for a thrilling ride! Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera are diving into the murky waters of brain-hacking espionage in Peacock's upcoming series, The Copenhagen Test. Mark your calendars for December 27, 2025, because this show is about to challenge everything you think you know about trust and surveillance.

TL;DR: What You Need to Know About 'The Copenhagen Test'

• Simu Liu stars as Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst whose brain has been completely hacked, making him an unwitting spy for unknown perpetrators.
• Melissa Barrera joins as Michelle, a mysterious and potentially deceptive character, adding another layer of intrigue to Hale's already dangerous situation.
• From creator Thomas Brandon and executive produced by horror master James Wan's Atomic Monster, this sci-fi espionage thriller premieres on Peacock on December 27, 2025.

Imagine Your Brain Hacked: The Chilling Premise of 'The Copenhagen Test'

In a world where technology advances faster than we can keep up, it's not surprising that TV is responding with some truly wild "what if" scenarios. Enter The Copenhagen Test, a new thriller hitting Peacock that’s set "five minutes in the future." The series explores a chilling concept: what if your very thoughts and senses could be accessed by someone else? We’re talking about brain spies, folks, and it sounds absolutely terrifying.

At the heart of this high-stakes drama is Alexander Hale, played by the incredibly versatile Simu Liu (you know him from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, among others). Alexander isn't just any intelligence analyst; he’s a first-generation Chinese-American working for a shadowy agency, which one source even calls "The Orphanage." His life takes a drastic, terrifying turn when he realizes his brain has been infiltrated, giving unknown hackers full access to everything he sees and hears. Talk about a privacy nightmare!

This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it puts Alexander in an impossible bind. He's caught between proving his loyalty to his agency and uncovering who’s behind the hack. He has to maintain a constant "performance" 24/7, pretending everything is normal while secretly trying to flush out the culprits. The stakes couldn't be higher: "If it’s suspected that you’re compromised, you’re dead," he’s warned. This setup promises a relentless, nail-biting experience as Alexander navigates a world where literally no one, and nothing, is truly safe from prying eyes.

Meet the Talented Cast Bringing This Brain-Bending Story to Life

A thriller this intense needs a strong ensemble, and The Copenhagen Test has definitely lined up some fantastic talent beyond just Simu Liu. Here's a quick rundown of the key players you'll be watching:

• Simu Liu as Alexander Hale: Our lead protagonist, an intelligence analyst whose entire perception is hijacked. Liu also serves as an executive producer, so you know he's deeply invested in this story.
• Melissa Barrera as Michelle: Known for her roles in the Scream franchise, Barrera plays Alexander's love interest. However, don't get too comfortable; she's described as a "deceptive character who will keep everyone guessing," and Alexander himself questions if she's truly on his side. Expect steamy kisses mixed with dangerous punches!
• Sinclair Daniel as Parker: An intelligence officer who unexpectedly gets thrown into this new, dangerous world. She'll have to learn quickly to survive.
• Brian D'Arcy James as John Moira: A boss and mentor to Alexander, John Moira isn't afraid to make tough decisions. With a brain-hacked mole on the loose, those decisions will likely be brutal.
• Mark O'Brien as Cobb: An ambitious intelligence agent. Ambition in a spy thriller usually means trouble, so keep an eye on Cobb.
• Kathleen Chalfant as St. George: Described as a "quiet leader focused on the long game," St. George sounds like a formidable presence from the shadows.

With a cast this strong and characters this intriguing, expect a web of alliances and betrayals that will keep you guessing until the very end. The teaser trailer itself hints at the immense pressure on Alexander, with Liu stating, "I don't know who I can trust anymore," perfectly encapsulating the show's central theme.

"I would never knowingly betray my own country."

— Simu Liu as Alexander Hale in The Copenhagen Test teaser

The Masterminds Behind the Intrigue: Production Details You Should Know

Creating a complex espionage thriller takes a skilled team, and The Copenhagen Test has some serious heavy hitters behind the scenes. The concept itself comes from Thomas Brandon, who previously worked on Legacies. Brandon is not only the creator but also serves as a co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer, guiding the vision for this near-future world.

Joining Brandon as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer is Jennifer Yale, whose impressive resume includes writing for shows like See, Outlander, Underground, and even Dexter. This combination of creative minds suggests a series with both compelling world-building and sharp, character-driven narratives.

And if you're a fan of suspense and horror, you'll be excited to hear that none other than James Wan is an executive producer. Along with Michael Clear and Rob Hackett, Wan is producing through his banner, Atomic Monster. These are the folks behind blockbusters like The Conjuring universe, M3GAN, Archive 81, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Their involvement almost guarantees that Alexander's journey won't be a walk in the park; characters in Atomic Monster projects rarely get to enjoy peaceful days! Expect high tension, unexpected twists, and probably very little downtime for our brain-hacked hero.

Adding to the executive producer team are Simu Liu himself (talk about being invested!), Mark Winemaker, and Jet Wilkinson. Wilkinson also took on directorial duties for the first two episodes, setting the tone for the entire series. The show is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, ensuring a strong studio backing for this ambitious project.

Why 'The Copenhagen Test' is Your Next Must-Watch Thriller on Peacock

So, why should The Copenhagen Test be on your radar this holiday season? Beyond the obvious appeal of a charismatic cast and a proven creative team, the series taps into deeply relevant fears about technology and privacy. With real-world advancements like Neuralink making headlines, the idea of brain-hacking isn't just sci-fi anymore; it feels alarmingly close to reality. This show promises to explore those "heinous consequences" in a gripping, entertaining way.

The blend of espionage and sci-fi offers a fresh take on the spy genre. It's not just about secret documents and car chases (though the teaser promises plenty of action, including a fiery explosion!); it's about the ultimate invasion of privacy and the psychological toll of not being able to trust your own mind. Alexander's constant "performance" and struggle to discern friend from foe will provide a rich, psychological layer to the thriller elements.

The fact that the show was filmed in Toronto from October 2024 to March 2025 also gives it a grounded, contemporary feel, even with its near-future setting. This attention to detail and a robust production schedule suggest a high-quality series. Plus, with Simu Liu's undeniable charm and Melissa Barrera's intriguing role, there's a strong duo to anchor the complex plot.

If you're looking for a show that combines intense action, psychological suspense, and a thought-provoking premise that feels ripped from tomorrow's headlines, The Copenhagen Test is poised to deliver. Get ready to question everything and join Alexander Hale on his desperate mission to uncover the truth when it premieres exclusively on Peacock.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Copenhagen Test'

When does The Copenhagen Test officially premiere? The series is set to premiere on December 27, 2025. Where can I watch The Copenhagen Test? You can stream The Copenhagen Test exclusively on Peacock. Who are the main stars in The Copenhagen Test? The series stars Simu Liu as Alexander Hale and Melissa Barrera as Michelle. Other key cast members include Sinclair Daniel, Brian D'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant. What is the central plot of The Copenhagen Test? The show follows Alexander Hale, an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked, giving unknown perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. He must navigate his shadowy agency and the hackers to uncover the truth and prove his loyalty, all while maintaining a constant façade.

Sources

Information for this article was synthesized from recent reports by A.V. Club, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Flickering Myth, BroadwayWorld, and MovieWeb.