This is a slight departure from our usual, but definitely a show we wanted to share. Last week Netflix released a five episode reality series that immersed 14 “contestants” into the same World War II era selection process and training as Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.) spy recruits. The purpose was to find out if the training was still relevant and if we, as modern people, could still rise to and overcome the challenges that were presented to our parents’ and grandparents’ generations.
Steeped in the actual history of the S.O.E. and its agents, this series is really compelling to watch – Did I stay up until 2AM binge watching it this weekend? Yes, yes, I did.
And don’t be thrown off by the “reality series” part, this isn’t an American-style reality show where contestants have inane non-occupations such as “Professional Ceiling Fan Watcher,” and try to sabotage one another at every turn. It really is about connecting to history and everyday people rising to the occasion.
You can find the trailer and episodes here: Churchill’s’ Secret Agents: The New Recruits
Further Reading:
The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington by Jennet Conant
Further Listening:
Stuff You Missed In History Class Podcast: Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – Part 1
Stuff You Missed In History Class Podcast: Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – Part 2
*Note: The links under “further reading” are affiliate links to Amazon.com.
I have always been intrigued by history – particularly WWII era, since I was a kid. It just fascinates me. So when I saw this on Netflix I had to see what this was about. I pretty much devoured every episode over the weekend. I truly enjoyed this and hope they do another season. I mean, this show just scratched the surface of what being an SOE entailed. And learning more about the people & technique used during that time…again, it is all so fascinating.
I completely agree. I started it on a Saturday night and finished it at around 2 on Sunday morning because I was so captivated by it all. I would love to see another season or even more of a history-based series featuring the SOE agents and their missions.
A truly “must watch” for any history buff. Watched the entire series and each one held my attention to the fullest. Not your typical “reality tv series”. A great show. I hope they do a season two.