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Entertainment • Television

Killing Eve

Killing Eve is a British spy thriller and dark comedy television series that follows intelligence investigator Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle as they become mutually obsessed with each other.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Killing Eve is a British spy thriller and dark comedy television series that follows intelligence investigator Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle as they become mutually obsessed with each other. The series premiered in 2018 on BBC America and ended in 2022 after four seasons.

Premise

Killing Eve follows the cat-and-mouse relationship between Eve Polastri and Villanelle, whose professional pursuit turns into mutual obsession. The series centers on Eve Polastri, an intelligence investigator, and Villanelle, a psychopathic assassin.

Development and source material

The series is based on Luke Jennings's Villanelle novellas, later gathered into Codename Villanelle, and was adapted for television by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The television adaptation was developed by Waller-Bridge.

Cast and characters

Sandra Oh stars as Eve Polastri, Jodie Comer as Villanelle, and Fiona Shaw as Caroline Martens, among other recurring roles. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer play the two lead characters.

Broadcast history

The series premiered on BBC America in 2018, aired over four seasons, and ended in 2022. It was produced in the United Kingdom by Sid Gentle Films for BBC America and BBC Three.

Key facts

  • The series centers on Eve Polastri, an intelligence investigator, and Villanelle, a psychopathic assassin.
  • It is adapted from Luke Jennings's Villanelle novella series, later collected as Codename Villanelle.
  • Phoebe Waller-Bridge developed the television adaptation.
  • Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer play the two lead characters.
  • The show ran for four seasons and concluded in 2022.
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Canadian context

Killing Eve is relevant to Canadian viewers through its international popularity and through Sandra Oh, a Canadian actor who plays Eve Polastri.[2][3]

Frequently asked questions

What is Killing Eve about?
It is about Eve Polastri, an intelligence investigator, and Villanelle, an assassin, who become obsessively drawn to each other while hunting one another.
Who created Killing Eve?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge developed the television adaptation.
What is Killing Eve based on?
It is based on Luke Jennings's Villanelle novella series, collected as Codename Villanelle.
When did Killing Eve first air?
It premiered on 8 April 2018 on BBC America.
How many seasons does Killing Eve have?
It has four seasons.

References

  1. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/556632/facts-about-killing-eve-sandra-oh
    Supports: Source material origin and adaptation details
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Eve
    Supports: Series premise, production company, and general overview
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7016936/
    Supports: Creator, main cast, and series description
  4. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Eve
    Supports: Original air date, run, seasons, and adaptation basis
  5. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Killing-Eve
    Supports: Basic identification of the series as a British dark comedy television series
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/killing_eve
    Supports: Network, genre, release date, and creator/producer credits