Part-spy thriller and part-black comedy, The Sympathizer follows The Captain (Hoa Xuande), a North Vietnam spy planted in the South Vietnam army. At the end of the war, he flees and finds refuge in America, where he begins a new life in a refugee community.
However, his spying days aren’t over as he continues to collect intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong. Bound to his original ties, the half-Vietnamese, half-French undercover communist agent struggles to live a dual life, but how far can he go before he is discovered?
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Where to watch The Sympathizer in Australia?
Development for the series began in April 2021 when A24 acquired the rights for Viet Thanh Nguyen’s The Sympathizer book to be adapted for television. Later that year, HBO commissioned the series.
With the release date now confirmed, it was also announced that Foxtel (via Showcase) will broadcast every episode in Australia, while Foxtel Now and BINGE streams the show on demand.
| Streaming Services | Available? |
|---|---|
| BINGE | Yes – with BINGE free trial |
| Foxtel Now | Yes – with Foxtel Now free trial |
| Foxtel | Yes – with Foxtel subscription |
The Sympathizer release date in Australia
The new 7-part series begins streaming on BINGE, Foxtel and Foxtel Now on Monday, 15 April, with a new episode rolling out weekly until its scheduled finale on 27 May.
On Foxtel and Foxtel Now, episodes air at 8.30pm on Showcase.
| Season 1 | Release Dates | Streaming Services |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Mon, 15 Apr 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 2 | Mon, 22 Apr 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 3 | Mon, 29 Apr 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 4 | Mon, 6 May 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 5 | Mon, 13 May 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 6 | Mon, 20 May 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
| Episode 7 | Mon, 27 May 2024 | BINGE / Foxtel Now |
Stream The Sympathizer on BINGE
This new series based on The Sympathizer book will be streaming on BINGE from 15 April 2024, which also offers an extensive catalogue of content from HBO alongside Foxtel. With a BINGE free trial, you can instantly watch new episodes as they air at the same time in the US or on demand.
You can then choose from three streaming tiers to watch the latest movies and BINGE shows on demand. A Basic subscription with Ads allows you to stream on one device.
A Standard Plan enables you to enjoy your favourite shows or movies on two devices. A Premium Plan lets you stream on four simultaneously. Both Standard and Premium also offer 4K streaming on selected content. All BINGE plans have no lock-in contract.
Watch The Sympathizer on Foxtel or Foxtel Now
Another option for watching the new spy thriller is the pay TV service Foxtel, broadcasting every episode via Showcase. More than top dramas, Foxtel also offers live TV with sports streaming and movie channels for watching blockbusters, such as the award-winning Oppenheimer and Gran Turismo.
Showcase, the channel that airs The Sympathizer, is part of Foxtel Plus, the cheapest entertainment package that already includes the previously separate Kids and Favourites packs, increasing the channels offered to over 70. What’s more all Foxtel bundles now include the Multiscreen feature.
If you’re only after a streaming app rather than a pay TV service, all episodes are also going to be on Foxtel Now, which you can try with a free 10-day trial if signing up for the first time.
The Foxtel Now base pack called Essentials pack is only $25 per month. Premium packs like Drama Extra, Sport, and Movies can be added to your base plan if you’re looking to access more content.
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What is the plot of The Sympathizer?
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, A24’s new black comedy espionage thriller for HBO follows The Captain, a communist agent in the South Vietnam army.
Near the end of the Vietnam war, he and the South Vietnamese General he serves flee to America. There, he becomes embedded in a community comprising South Vietnamese refugees.
Even with his new life as one of them, he continues gathering intel and delivering every vital information to his North Vietnamese handler. Behind his demure smile and collected stance, The Captain struggles between his loyalty and newfound community.
The Sympathizer is created by South Korean director Park Chan-wook, best known for his work in Oldboy, alongside Don McKellar. Both also serve as executive producers alongside Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles in the show.
The Sympathizer trailer
Check out the trailer for the new series streaming from April 15!
Cast of The Sympathizer
The cast of The Sympathizer is led by Australian actor Hoa Xuande. The show also features an ensemble supporting cast that includes Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) and Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer).
The complete cast of the new series is listed below.
Similar shows to The Sympathizer you might like
If you’re looking for more spy thrillers to watch, there’s plenty to try on streaming, including Killing Eve, A Spy Among Friends, The Americans, Citadel, Slow Horses, Treason, The Night Manager and many more.
You can check out what’s on BINGE to explore other shows available on the service, or use the streaming search bar to find more series to watch.
