The two broadcasters are hoping the series will emulate the success of their acclaimed The Night Manager adaptation which won plaudits on both sides of the Atlantic.
Set in 1962, the series tells the story of British MI6 agent Alex Leamas’s dangerous mission into the heart of the Soviet empire.
With his East Berlin network of agents either on the run or dead, Leamas is recalled to London where, to his surprise, he’s offered a chance at revenge against East German counter-intelligence officer Hans-Dieter Mundt. But to get it, he may have to stay out in the cold a little longer…
le Carre’s third novel became an international best-seller and was turned into a 1965 film starring Richard Burton.
Academy Award winner Simon Beaufoy is writing the TV adaption while le Carré will serve as executive producer.
“John le Carré is one of the master story-tellers of our time, and to have the opportunity once again to put his page to our screen is an absolute privilege,” said Joel Stillerman, President of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV.
“Spy is a deep tale of intrigue in one of the most uncertain times in history. We’re very much looking forward to continuing our great partnership with Ink Factory and BBC as well as Paramount Television.”
Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added “Adapted by Simon Beaufoy, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold’ is utterly timely in its evocation of the Cold War period and we are thrilled to be working with The Ink Factory and AMC again to bring this seminal novel to the screen for another unmissable drama series on BBC One.”