Netflix snaps up thriller hailed as 'one of TV's all-time greats'

Netflix have added all eight seasons of a much-loved series branded as 'one of television's all-time greats'.

Acclaimed conspiracy thriller Homeland originally aired from 2011 until its end in 2020.

Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Claire Danes stars as CIA officer Carrie Mathison.

Initially, the storyline follows Carrie amid her suspicions of decorated Marine sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) - who she is convinced has been turned rogue by al-Qaeda.

While trying to successfully prove this, the character navigates her career and mental health, namely bipolar disorder.

Later seasons see Carrie in overseas locations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Germany. 

The first two outings gained particular praise, include the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Drama for two successive years. 

Furthermore, the show also stars Mandy Patinkin, David Harewood, Morena Baccarin and Rupert Friend, to name just a few.

Although Homeland originally left Netflix UK last year, all eight seasons are now included in the streamer's library.

Writing online, one fan said: 'All I can say is just thank you to the whole Cast for one of the best TV Shows I’ve ever watched. 

'I’m so sad it’s over now but it’s a good feeling sadness because the ending of that was just PERFECT!’

Another wrote that the show 'will take you on a ride through a whole range of emotions from elation to despair, sorrow and frustration.'

As Homeland was wrapping up in 2020, The Mail's TV critic Christopher Stephens wrote: 'For all its lurid overacting and preposterous plots, I’ll miss Homeland when it’s over.

'There’s never been a psychological spy drama like it: Carrie and her panic attacks are a world away from the icy calm of John le Carre’s female operatives.

'The fact she has only a tenuous grip on reality doesn’t stop Saul sending Carrie straight back into the field. Why should it?

'There’s always been a Freudian aspect to this story: he’s the sadistic father figure, she’s the rebellious child who rolls her eyes and spits defiance but, in the end, will always obey Daddy.'

Discussing her time playing Carrie Mathison, actress Claire, 46, told The Guardian : “I loved her.

'It was just so nice to play the smartest person in the room, somebody who was so daring and unapologetically ambitious and such a badass.

'She’s not really going away.'

The acquisition comes just as Danes fronts new thriller The Beast In Men.

The show's official synopsis reads: 'Grief-stricken and desperate for purpose, Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes) becomes entangled with Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) - a man once accused of murder. Obsession turns toxic. Danger creeps closer.

'The Beast in Me is a dark and twisting new series that asks: When you chase a monster, what do you become?'

Despite being out for less than a week, the show already has an impressive rating of 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb and an even better score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The American psychological thriller also features Brittany Snow as Nina Jarvis, Nile's second wife, and Natalie Morales as Shelley, Aggie's ex-wife.

Critics praised on Rotten Tomatoes: 'A good binge watch. Really good to see Claire Danes back on the screen. The whole cast is excellent and keeps you engaged and enthralled right to the end. Must watch of 2025 for me.';

'One of the best series I've watched on Netflix in a very long time. The acting was superb, the opulence of the setting and the storyline was never without a pulse. Claire dishes and Matthew Rhys had an incredible chemistry and the dynamic was incredible throughout. Supporting actors were superb and furnished the show with their performances.';

'The Beast in Me is a good mystery propelled by excellent actors and seductively dark implications.';

'WOW. THIS is a FANTASTIC limited series. Highly recommend. The acting was fantastic all around. The story is so compelling. Rarely do I feel on edge or nervous watching something, but this really had me on my toes. A very very smart thriller.';

'Even without two astonishing performances from the lead actors, the script, the sheer style and confidence of it all, would be things of beauty. But add what that pair are doing, and this... thriller moves seamlessly into top-tier television.'

Homeland and The Beast In Me are available to stream on Netflix now.