Secret City (2016)
An Australian political thriller following a journalist who pulls back the curtain on dangerous conspiracies hidden beneath Canberra's corridors of power.
Secret City - Series Information
- Original Title: Secret City
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 55 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 5, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), June 5, 2016 (Australia - M), June 5, 2016 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: showcase, FOX Showcase
- Production Companies: Matchbox Pictures
- Production Countries: Australia, United States of America
Secret City - Plot
Beneath the placid facade of Canberra, amidst rising tension between China and America, senior political journalist Harriet Dunkley uncovers a secret city of interlocked conspiracies, putting innocent lives in danger including her own.
Secret City - Trailer
See the intrigue unfold in the official trailer for Secret City:
Where to Watch Secret City
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Secret City - Cast & Crew
Writers
- Chris Uhlmann
- Steve Lewis
Main Cast
- Anna Torv
- Aleks Mikic
- Justin Smith
- Marcus Graham
- Sacha Horler
- Jacki Weaver
- Dan Wyllie
- Alan Dale
- Alex Dimitriades
- Damon Herriman
Executive Producers
- Penny Chapman
Secret City - FAQs
Is Secret City based on a book or true events?
Secret City is adapted from two political thriller novels by Australian journalists Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis — The Marmalade Files and The Mandarin Code. While fictional, the stories draw on the authors' deep insider knowledge of Canberra's political landscape, lending the series a striking sense of authenticity.
What makes Secret City worth watching?
Secret City is a tightly wound political thriller elevated by Anna Torv's compelling lead performance and a richly layered portrait of Australian power politics. Its Canberra setting feels refreshingly original, and the geopolitical tension between the US and China gives the conspiracies genuine weight and urgency throughout both seasons.
Where can you stream Secret City online?
Streaming availability for Secret City varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any subscription streaming services, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
Who plays Harriet Dunkley in Secret City?
Harriet Dunkley is played by Anna Torv, the Australian actress best known internationally for her role as FBI agent Olivia Dunham in Fringe. Torv brings quiet intensity and moral conviction to the investigative journalist at the heart of Secret City's web of political conspiracies.
How many seasons and episodes does Secret City have?
Secret City ran for two seasons and 12 episodes in total. Season 1 consists of 6 episodes, followed by Season 2, subtitled Under the Eagle, which also delivers 6 episodes. The series concluded in 2019, offering a compact but satisfying narrative across both instalments.
What is the geopolitical backdrop of Secret City?
The series unfolds against escalating tensions between the United States and China, with Australia caught uncomfortably in the middle. This geopolitical friction isn't merely backdrop — it drives the conspiracies journalist Harriet Dunkley unravels, making Secret City feel prescient given real-world Australia-China relations in recent years.
Did Secret City receive positive critical reception?
Secret City earned strong praise from critics, particularly for Anna Torv's performance and its sophisticated handling of political intrigue. Reviewers highlighted the show's confident sense of place in Canberra and its willingness to engage seriously with geopolitical themes, distinguishing it from more conventional spy thrillers.
What shows are similar to Secret City?
Fans of Secret City tend to enjoy State of Play, Homeland, Bodyguard, and The Night Agent — all series that blend political intrigue with personal jeopardy. House of Cards and Zero Day also share Secret City's taste for power-corridor conspiracies, while The State Within offers a similarly intelligent geopolitical thriller experience.
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