The Sympathizer

"The Sympathizer" is a historical black comedy-drama television miniseries based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The series follows the Captain, a North Vietnamese spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army, who is forced to flee to the United States at the end of the Vietnam War. Living among South Vietnamese refugees in Southern California, he continues his espionage activities while grappling with his dual loyalties and the complexities of his new life. The show features Hoa Xuande in the lead role, with Robert Downey Jr. portraying multiple antagonistic characters. Premiering on HBO on April 14, 2024, "The Sympathizer" received acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and its nuanced exploration of identity and betrayal.