Sam Fisher returns to the shadows in the animated series Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
In short: The legendary espionage operative Sam Fisher has transitioned from video games to adult animation. Created by Derek Kolstad, the series maintains the franchise's signature tension by balancing long, silent sequences with sudden, explosive action. Following a successful debut on Netflix, the show has already been renewed for a second season.
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch brings the Tom Clancy universe to television, featuring Liev Schreiber as the voice of Sam Fisher. The narrative positions Fisher as a retired field agent who previously served the NSA's Third Echelon before commanding the Fourth Echelon counter-terrorism unit. The series honors the established history of the video games, treating the franchise's lore as canon while focusing on an older, more experienced version of the iconic protagonist.
Development of the project began in July 2020, with Derek Kolstad serving as the lead writer. The production involved a collaborative effort between Ubisoft Film & Television and animation studios Sun Creature and Fost. Guillaume Dousse, a co-founder of Sun Creature, directed the first season, working alongside co-director Félicien Colmet-Daâge to manage the complex animation requirements. The casting of Liev Schreiber was officially confirmed in September 2024, following comments from original voice actor Michael Ironside regarding his own transition away from the role.
The series explores high-stakes international intrigue, centering on characters like Fourth Echelon operative Zinnia McKenna, voiced by Kirby, and the former technical operations officer Anna Grímsdóttir, played by Janet Varney. The plot also delves into the influence of Displace International, a private military firm led by Diana Shetland. The show has received a positive reception from critics, holding an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 70 on Metacritic. Its impact was further recognized with a nomination for Best Adaptation at The Game Awards 2025.
The production's commitment to the source material is evident in its pacing and character dynamics. By maintaining the clandestine atmosphere that defined the original games, the series aims to satisfy long-time fans while introducing the world of Fourth Echelon to a new audience. With a second season already confirmed just one day after its October 14, 2025, premiere, the show is positioned as a significant expansion of the Tom Clancy media landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
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