Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
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Splinter Cell: Deathwatch

6.7
Yr 2025
Status Returning Series
Animation Action & Adventure
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

In the shadowy world of espionage, Sam Fisher is a rumor and a legend. Pulled back into action, he must help a new recruit unravel a global conspiracy.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 80 /100

Critics generally welcomed Splinter Cell: Deathwatch as a brutal, dark, and engaging animated adaptation of Ubisoft's stealth-action franchise. Guided by showrunner Derek Kolstad, the series received praise for its gritty mature tone, visceral close-combat set pieces, and dark narrative that honors the spirit of the source material.

Performances were widely cited as a highlight, particularly Liev Schreiber taking over the role of Sam Fisher alongside Kirby Howell-Baptiste. Reviewers appreciated that the show keeps Fisher central to the narrative rather than sidelining him, offering a satisfying legacy sequel that expands on the setting in ways the video games previously could not.

On the downside, some reviewers noted that the heavy emphasis on action over pure stealth and the recast of iconic voice actor Michael Ironside might divide franchise purists. Nevertheless, the overarching consensus considers Deathwatch an exciting and worthwhile addition to Netflix's adult animation slate.

“an exciting adaptation of the classic stealth-action franchise, with brutal, violent action, an intriguing plot, and solid acting”

“With as much action as stealth, it doesn't really feel like Splinter Cell, but Deathwatch is still worth watching.”

“Great stealth action and brutal close combat”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix
US • CA • UK
Netflix Standard with Ads
US • CA • UK
Why fans love it

The 2025 animated action series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch leans heavily into a mean-spirited tone that separates it from standard genre fare. By framing the near future through a lens of shifting geopolitics and sinister, ambiguous motives, the show captures the grit of international espionage. Liev Schreiber leads the voice cast, grounding the lethal, high-stakes environments in a sense of weary experience.

Set across Europe, the animation style mirrors the cold, clinical nature of its plot. While the series is based on a video game, it avoids the typical heroism associated with that lineage. Instead, it offers a comfortingly dark atmosphere for those who prefer their thrillers to prioritize tension and moral complexity over explosive set pieces. Every mission feels like a fragile piece of a much larger, darker puzzle.

Signal Match

Similarity

Where Splinter Cell: Deathwatch overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

europe espionage based on video game geopolitics near future thriller sinister ambiguous comforting mean spirited
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
October 14, 2025
Status
Returning Series
Origin
FR, US
TMDB Votes
84