Get ready for some serious brain-bending espionage! Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera are leading Peacock's new sci-fi thriller, "The Copenhagen Test," and we've got all the intel on its December 27 premiere, a juicy trailer, and first-look images.
TL;DR - What You Need to Know Fast- "The Copenhagen Test," starring Simu Liu and Melissa Barrera, hits Peacock on December 27, 2025.
- Liu plays Alexander Hale, an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked, making him an unwilling spy for unknown perpetrators.
- Expect high-stakes espionage, a mysterious love interest, and plenty of "who can you trust?" moments, with horror maestro James Wan as an executive producer.
Get Ready for Intense Mind Games and Espionage Thrills This Winter

If you've been craving a new series that combines futuristic tech with nail-biting spy drama, Peacock has just dropped something that's going to grab your attention. "The Copenhagen Test," a brand-new sci-fi espionage thriller, is officially set to premiere on December 27, 2025. And seriously, the first look is giving us all the chills and thrills we could ask for!
This isn't just any spy show; it dives deep into the terrifying possibility of having your own brain compromised. Imagine everything you see and hear being instantly accessible to someone else. That's the unsettling reality facing our main character, Alexander Hale, played by none other than the charismatic Simu Liu. It's a high-stakes game of deception, loyalty, and survival, and we're totally here for it.
Who is Behind the Brain Hacking? Decoding The Copenhagen Test's Plot

"The Copenhagen Test" introduces us to Alexander Hale, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst whose life takes a dark turn when he discovers his brain has been hacked. This isn't just a simple data breach; we're talking full, 24/7 access to his every perception. Suddenly, Alexander is caught in a nightmarish limbo: on one side, his shadowy intelligence agency, "The Orphanage," which suspects him of being a mole; on the other, the mysterious hackers who control his senses.
His mission? Maintain a flawless performance to figure out who's behind the hack and prove his allegiance. But with his brain essentially livestreaming to his enemies, every move is scrutinized, every thought potentially exposed. Adding to the complexity is Michelle, played by the talented Melissa Barrera, a character described as "deceptive" who will keep everyone guessing. Is she an ally, a love interest, or just another cog in the conspiracy?
"I would never knowingly betray my own country." - Simu Liu as Alexander Hale
"If it's suspected that you're compromised, you're dead." - A chilling warning from the trailer
"I don't know who I can trust anymore." - Alexander Hale
The teaser trailer, which debuted during a New York Comic Con panel with Simu Liu, is brief but impactful. It shows Alexander Hale navigating extreme danger at every turn, fighting alongside Michelle, and even sharing a steamy kiss. The atmosphere is tense, lonely, and packed with the kind of mind games that make for gripping television. Set "five minutes in the future," the show aims to explore a very current, albeit exaggerated, fear of technological overreach and privacy invasion.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of This High-Stakes Spy Series

Peacock has assembled a seriously impressive ensemble to bring "The Copenhagen Test" to life. You've got your leading duo, of course, but the supporting cast is equally compelling:
- Simu Liu as Alexander Hale: Our brain-hacked protagonist, a first-generation Chinese-American intelligence analyst caught in an impossible situation. You know him from Marvel's "Shang-Chi" and "Barbie."
- Melissa Barrera as Michelle: A mysterious and potentially deceptive character who will keep Alexander—and us—on our toes. She’s fresh off her roles in the "Scream" franchise and "In the Heights."
- Sinclair Daniel as Parker: An intelligence officer who unexpectedly gets thrown into a dangerous new world she needs to quickly understand.
- Brian D’Arcy James as John Moira: A boss and mentor who isn’t afraid to make tough decisions, which in a spy thriller usually means very bad news for someone.
- Mark O’Brien as Cobb: An ambitious intelligence agent whose motives might not always align with Alexander’s.
- Kathleen Chalfant as St. George: A quiet leader who seems to be playing the long game.
From Behind the Scenes: The Masterminds Bringing This Thriller to Life

Beyond the fantastic cast, "The Copenhagen Test" boasts some heavy-hitters behind the camera. The series was created by Thomas Brandon ("Legacies"), who also serves as a writer, co-showrunner, and executive producer. Joining him as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer is Jennifer Yale ("See," "Outlander").
For fans of suspense and horror, one name stands out: James Wan. The maestro behind "The Conjuring" Universe and "M3GAN" is an executive producer via his Atomic Monster banner, alongside Michael Clear and Rob Hackett. This pedigree hints at the show's potential for intense, possibly even psychologically terrifying, moments. Simu Liu also steps into an executive producer role, further investing in the project. Other executive producers include Mark Winemaker and Jet Wilkinson, with Wilkinson also directing the first two episodes. The series is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Fun fact for our Canadian friends: "The Copenhagen Test" was filmed in Toronto from October 22, 2024, to March 6, 2025! So, if you spot any familiar backdrops, you know why.
Peacock's Next Big Hit? Why The Copenhagen Test Matters

With its gripping premise, a cast of well-known and talented actors, and a creative team that knows how to build suspense (hello, James Wan!), "The Copenhagen Test" is shaping up to be a must-watch for sci-fi and thriller enthusiasts. It taps into contemporary anxieties about technology, surveillance, and trust, delivering a story that feels both timely and thrillingly speculative.
Simu Liu takes on a challenging role that allows him to stretch his dramatic muscles, moving from superheroics to the vulnerable, high-wire act of a compromised spy. Melissa Barrera's enigmatic Michelle promises a dynamic and unpredictable relationship that will fuel much of the series' intrigue. Given Peacock's recent success with other original dramas, "The Copenhagen Test" has all the ingredients to become their next big hit, drawing viewers into a world where your own mind can be your greatest enemy.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Copenhagen Test

- Deadline (October 12, 2025)
- The Hollywood Reporter (October 12, 2025)
- Looper (October 12, 2025)
- Peacock / NBC (October 13, 2025)
- BroadwayWorld (October 13, 2025)
- A.V. Club (Undated, referencing October 12 news)
- Screen Rant (Undated, referencing October 12 news)
- MovieWeb (Undated, referencing October 12 news)
- Hollywood North Buzz (October 12, 2025)
- The Wrap (October 12, 2025)