Prime Video has become a hub for spy thrillers, with Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan emerging as one of the platform’s most successful series. Starring John Krasinski, the show blends intense action sequences with espionage storytelling. However, it seems that a new competitor has entered the field and captured the attention of both critics and audiences alike: The Family Man. Created by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. (better known as Raj & DK), The Family Man has become a standout, surpassing even Jack Ryan in terms of critical acclaim.
With a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Family Man not only provides viewers with thrilling action but also incorporates humour, real-world stakes, and deeply human struggles. Centred around a mild-mannered family man who secretly works as a spy for India’s Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), The Family Man offers a refreshing take on the spy genre. Here’s why The Family Man is Prime Video’s most unique and critically praised spy thriller, outshining even Jack Ryan.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Character | Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) |
| Setting | India, with a focus on domestic and international espionage |
| Genre | Spy Thriller, Action, Comedy |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 100% |
| Creator | Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. |
| Key Themes | Balancing family life with a high-stakes career, espionage, humor |
| Season 3 Premiere | November 2025 |
| Key Villain | Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat) |
The Family Man Manages to Be Action-Packed & Funny at the Same Time
What sets The Family Man apart from other spy thrillers, including Jack Ryan, is its unique tone. While Jack Ryan focuses on global conflicts and high-stakes missions, The Family Man remains grounded in the personal life of its protagonist, Srikant Tiwari. Played by Manoj Bajpayee, Srikant is a seemingly average man; he has a wife, two children, and a suburban home. However, his work at TASC, where he tracks terrorists, often puts him in life-threatening situations. The series explores the juxtaposition of his dangerous professional life with his relatively mundane family life.
The tension between these two worlds creates not only action-packed sequences but also emotional depth. Srikant must constantly hide his spy activities from his wife Suchitra (Priyamani), leading to moments of humor, frustration, and emotional conflict. The series is rife with dark humor, with Srikant using sarcasm and wit to navigate his chaotic life. From the very first scene, where Srikant argues with his wife about picking up the kids before lying to his boss about a food vendor’s death, the show establishes a tone that is both thrilling and amusing.
“The Family Man’s ability to blend high-stakes action with comedy is what truly makes it stand out. It’s grounded and relatable while still providing the thrills we love from spy thrillers.” – James Gordon, TV Critic
Grounded Storytelling with Real-World Stakes
Unlike many spy thrillers that focus on world domination, The Family Man thrives on its grounded, real-world approach. The series eschews high-tech gadgets and elaborate schemes in favour of portraying espionage in a more relatable light. The show focuses on the internal struggles of Srikant as he tries to balance his work as a spy with his responsibilities as a father and husband.
This relatability resonates with viewers, as Srikant’s dilemmas aren’t just about saving the world; they are about saving his family, keeping his secrets, and finding a way to live with the choices he makes. This human aspect of the show makes it far more accessible and emotionally engaging than many of its peers in the spy genre, including Jack Ryan.
In Season 3, which premiered in November 2025, Srikant faces an even more complex situation when he must confront Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat), a dangerous arms dealer who has recently adopted a child, thus becoming a “family man” in his own right. This thematic evolution continues to explore the complexities of being a spy and a father, adding depth to the already compelling narrative.
The Creators of The Family Man Take on Another Spy Franchise
Raj & DK, the creators of The Family Man, have built on their success in the spy thriller genre. After the show’s popularity skyrocketed, they were tapped by Prime Video to create Citadel: Honey Bunny, a spinoff from Prime Video’s flagship spy series Citadel. Citadel: Honey Bunny explores the origins of Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra), a key agent in the Citadel franchise, and follows her parents, Raahi “Bunny” Gambhir (Varun Dhawan) and Hanimandakini “Honey” Raj (Samantha), as they join the titular spy organisation.
While Citadel: Honey Bunny garnered solid reviews and had its share of action-packed moments, the show only lasted for one season. The franchise’s overall issues caused Prime Video to rethink its strategy and ultimately scale back the expansion of the Citadel brand. Meanwhile, The Family Man remains a fan favourite, still going strong with renewed interest as Season 4 is already in the works. The success of The Family Man proves that the Raj & DK formula of mixing action with humour resonates with viewers, setting the series apart from other spy dramas.
“Raj & DK have mastered the art of mixing suspense with humor, which is why The Family Man works so well. Their approach to spy thrillers is refreshing and unlike anything we’ve seen before.” – Rachel Moore, TV Analyst
The Family Man vs. Jack Ryan: A Comparison
While both Jack Ryan and The Family Man fall under the spy thriller genre, they are fundamentally different in tone, storytelling, and character development. Jack Ryan focuses on high-octane action and global conspiracies, often drawing comparisons to blockbuster action movies. John Krasinski’s portrayal of the titular CIA analyst gives the show a charismatic lead, and while it’s thrilling and engaging, it can sometimes feel like a more traditional spy drama.
On the other hand, The Family Man balances the fast-paced action of espionage with a more intimate and character-driven story. The series revolves around Srikant Tiwari’s struggle to juggle his secret life and family life, making the action feel more grounded and relatable. Unlike Jack Ryan, which often explores large geopolitical conflicts, The Family Man focuses on domestic terrorism, personal betrayal, and the challenges of living a double life. These differences are part of what makes The Family Man stand out in a crowded genre.
Key Comparison Table: The Family Man vs. Jack Ryan
| Feature | The Family Man | Jack Ryan |
|---|---|---|
| Main Character | Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) | Jack Ryan (John Krasinski) |
| Tone | Grounded, humorous, personal | Intense, action-heavy, geopolitical |
| Action Sequences | Realistic, focused on domestic terrorism and espionage | High-octane, global conspiracies |
| Spy Organization | India’s Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC) | CIA |
| Core Themes | Balancing family life with espionage | Geopolitical struggles, covert missions |
| Villains | Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat), domestic terrorists | International terrorists, rogue state actors |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 100% | 80% |
| Humor | Strong, integrated into the spy genre | Minimal humor, focused on serious missions |
Why The Family Man Is Prime Video’s Most Unique Spy Show?
The Family Man isn’t just another spy thriller; it’s a show that blends action, humour, and emotional depth. Srikant Tiwari’s complex character, the unique premise of balancing espionage with family life, and the grounded storytelling approach set the series apart from others in the genre, including Jack Ryan. The show’s ability to tackle serious themes with wit and charm has earned it a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and a dedicated fanbase worldwide. With Season 4 already in the works, The Family Man is poised to continue dominating Prime Video’s spy genre offerings for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
The Family Man blends action and humour while focusing on the personal struggles of its protagonist, Srikant Tiwari, as he balances being a spy and a family man. Jack Ryan focuses more on global conspiracies and high-stakes action.
The main character is Srikant Tiwari, played by Manoj Bajpayee, a mild-mannered family man who secretly works for India’s Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC).
Yes, the series features plenty of action, but it also focuses on character development and the emotional side of espionage, making it appealing to a broader audience.
Yes, Season 3 of The Family Man premiered in November 2025, continuing Srikant Tiwari’s journey as a spy and family man.
While the series received positive reviews, Citadel: Honey Bunny faced issues within the Citadel franchise, leading Prime Video to reconsider its direction for the franchise.
