Prime Target, Apple TV+’s latest offering, ignites 2025’s TV landscape with a bang. From the moment the first episode kicks off, this edge-of-your-seat series had me hooked, brilliantly intertwining mathematical genius with high-stakes espionage.
Leo Woodall stars as Edward Brooks, a Cambridge maths whizz on the brink of cracking a puzzle that could remake civilisation as we know it. Woodall, fresh from his heart-melting performance in Netflix’s ‘One Day’, trades in romantic charm for socially awkward brilliance.
The show’s premise is, admittedly, ridiculous. Prime numbers, internet encryption, and buried ruins in Iraq somehow form a conspiracy that has shadowy forces gunning for our protagonist. It’s as if ‘A Beautiful Mind’ decided to have a wild night out with ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’. And you know what? I’m here for it.
The chemistry between Leo Woodall and Quintessa Swindell is electrifying. Swindell plays Taylah, a brilliant young NSA surveillancer who starts to notice something hinky about her job. Their performances crackle with intensity, making even the most far-fetched plot points feel grounded in a strange sort of reality.
What I particularly love is the queer representation in the series, especially Edward’s relationship with Adam (played by Fra Fee). It’s refreshingly understated, presented as a natural part of Edward’s life rather than a plot point to be discussed ad nauseam. In our recent interview with Woodall and Swindell (which you can watch here), Swindell praised this aspect of the show, noting how it broadens people’s understanding of queer identities without resorting to stereotypes.
The supporting cast is a who’s who of talent that adds gravitas to the proceedings. David Morrissey brings a protective warmth to his role as Edward’s mentor, while Stephen Rea chews the scenery delightfully as a senior academic with questionable motives. Sidse Babett Knudsen of ‘Borgen’ fame lends her considerable talents to the role of an archaeologist who might hold the key to unravelling the central mystery.
While the mathematical elements might seem daunting, ‘Prime Target’ never gets bogged down in the details. Instead, it uses the world of numbers as a springboard for thrilling set pieces and nail-biting tension. The show’s pacing is relentless, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that had me reaching for the “Next Episode” button.
Is ‘Prime Target’ silly? Absolutely. Is it tremendously entertaining? You bet your last prime number it is. The show has the courage to take itself seriously, never winking at the camera or undercutting its own premise. This commitment to its bonkers concept is what elevates it from mere popcorn entertainment to must-watch TV.
In a landscape crowded with prestige dramas and gritty reboots, ‘Prime Target’ stands out as a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most enjoyable television is the kind that sweeps you up in its narrative, regardless of how implausible it might be. Prime Target is streaming now exclusively on Apple TV+.
The Rating: ★★★★★
Want more insights into ‘Prime Target’? Check out our exclusive interview with stars Leo Woodall and Quintessa Swindell here, where they discuss their roles, the show’s representation, and the challenges of playing genius mathematicians and spies.