A New Shadow Rises in the Splinter Cell Universe
After years of silence, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell is back — but not the way you expect. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch transforms the legendary stealth-action franchise into a gripping animated series, packed with tension, emotional depth, and cinematic flair.
Premiering globally on October 14, 2025, the eight-episode Netflix Original marks Ubisoft’s boldest storytelling move yet — trading night vision goggles for a character-driven espionage thriller that explores what happens when loyalty, morality, and technology collide.
What Is Splinter Cell: Deathwatch About?
The series follows Sam Fisher (voiced by Liev Schreiber), a retired black ops operative who’s reluctantly pulled back into the shadows after a covert mission goes catastrophically wrong. The fallout uncovers a web of global corruption and a conspiracy that reaches far beyond any government’s control.
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Fisher is paired with Zinnia McKenna (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), a sharp but impulsive young agent whose moral compass constantly clashes with Fisher’s hardened pragmatism. Together, they must expose a powerful underground network that manipulates global conflicts for profit — even as old ghosts from Fisher’s past resurface.
What sets Deathwatch apart is its tone: it’s not just another high-stakes action series. It’s a psychological study of espionage and the cost of secrecy. Each episode blends stealth, tactical combat, and emotional storytelling in a way that feels both cinematic and intimate.
When and Where Can You Watch Splinter Cell: Deathwatch?
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch premiered worldwide on October 14, 2025, streaming exclusively on Netflix. All eight episodes of Season 1 are available for instant viewing, offering 4K Ultra HD resolution with Dolby Vision and immersive sound on supported devices.
Here’s how you can watch it based on your region:
🇺🇸 United States
All episodes are available exclusively on Netflix with any subscription plan — no extra cost, no regional restrictions.
🇨🇦 Canada
Available day-one on Netflix, supporting HD and 4K streaming across all devices through the app or official site.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Streaming via Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, and Sky’s Netflix bundle, ensuring flexible viewing options.
🇦🇺 Australia
Netflix holds exclusive rights, with streaming available in HD and 4K Ultra HD — ideal for fans craving cinematic visuals.
The Cast: A Perfect Blend of Veteran Voices and Rising Talent
Netflix has assembled an impressive ensemble to bring Splinter Cell: Deathwatch to life:
- Liev Schreiber as Sam Fisher
- Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Zinnia McKenna
- Janet Varney as Anna “Grim” Grímsdóttir
- Joel Oulette as Thunder
- Helen Hong, Kari Wahlgren, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Aleks Le, Bella Dayne, and Navid Negahban round out the supporting cast.
Schreiber’s grounded, world-weary performance adds emotional weight to Fisher’s internal conflict — a deliberate shift from Michael Ironside’s iconic portrayal in the games.
Episode Guide: Every Mission in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Season 1
Episode 1 — Up from the Grave
After a rescue op collapses, a reclusive Fisher is pulled back into the field.
Episode 2 — Dinner First, Talk Later
A corporate heir inherits her father’s dark empire while McKenna gets in over her head.
Episode 3 — Welcome to the 4th Echelon
Fisher reconnects with Grim and new allies as hidden threats surface.
Episode 4 — Scars of Bagram
A mission from Fisher’s past returns to haunt him, linking old enemies to new dangers.
Episode 5 — Simple As That
Disguised at a lavish gala, the duo must infiltrate a network and uncover a secret worth killing for.
Episode 6 — The Man Is the Mission
When McKenna is captured, Fisher defies orders and risks everything to save her.
Episode 7 — Chaos Theory: Part 1
Betrayal hits the team hard as a catastrophic event looms on the horizon.
Episode 8 — Chaos Theory: Part 2
In a pulse-pounding finale, Fisher faces the mastermind behind the conspiracy — and his own code of honor.
Can You Watch Splinter Cell: Deathwatch for Free?
Unfortunately, no. As a Netflix Original, Deathwatch isn’t available on any free or ad-supported platforms outside Netflix’s ecosystem. To watch, you’ll need an active subscription.
However, Netflix allows offline downloads through its mobile app, so subscribers can enjoy the entire season on the go, even without internet access.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Running the Show?
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is helmed by Derek Kolstad, best known as the creator of John Wick. Ubisoft reportedly gave him two guiding principles:
- Honor the legacy of Tom Clancy’s world.
- Push the story forward with fresh creative freedom.
The result is a series that feels reverent yet daring — equal parts action thriller and moral fable.
Will There Be a Season 2?
While Netflix hasn’t confirmed future installments, early industry chatter suggests Deathwatch is designed as the first chapter of a long-running saga. The show’s structure, open-ended finale, and character arcs strongly hint that a second season — or even spin-offs — could already be in development.
Given Netflix’s investment in animated originals and Ubisoft’s commitment to expanding its cinematic universe, the odds of Splinter Cell continuing beyond Season 1 look promising.
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch isn’t just a return — it’s a reinvention. By blending the tactical precision of Tom Clancy’s universe with the storytelling power of modern animation, Netflix delivers a stylish, emotionally charged spy thriller that feels both nostalgic and new.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Sam Fisher or diving into the franchise for the first time, Deathwatch is shaping up to be one of the most compelling animated debuts of 2025 — and possibly the spark that reignites Ubisoft’s cinematic ambitions.
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