archytele The Vault

Secret Army 1977

★ 7.7/10 · 14 votes DramaWar & Politics 3 seasons · 43 eps Ended
Where to watch: Amazon Video
Quick answer

What is Secret Army?

Secret Army is a television drama series set during the period of the Second World War. The narrative follows the operations of a covert organization known as Lifeline.

Type
TV series
Year
1977
Status
Ended
Episodes
43
Runtime
50 minutes
First aired
Sep 7, 1977
Last aired
Dec 22, 1979
Original language
EN
Origin
GB
Networks
BBC One
Genres
Drama, War & Politics
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 43 episodes and an average 50-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

Secret Army is a television drama series set during the period of the Second World War. The narrative follows the operations of a covert organization known as Lifeline. The central mission of this group is to assist Allied airmen who have been shot down in occupied Europe. To facilitate the escape of these airmen, the members of Lifeline collaborate closely with the local Resistance. The series depicts the ongoing tension and danger faced by the organization as they attempt to evade detection by the Gestapo. By focusing on the clandestine activities required to smuggle personnel out of occupied territory, the program explores the risks taken by those involved in underground resistance efforts. The show documents the strategic challenges of maintaining such a network while under constant threat from enemy forces. Through its portrayal of these characters, Secret Army highlights the collaborative efforts between covert operatives and resistance fighters working to undermine the occupation. The series emphasizes the high stakes involved in these rescue missions throughout the conflict.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A covert WWII resistance group helps Allied airmen escape Nazi-occupied Europe.”

Reasons to watch
  • Realistic portrayal of wartime resistance operations
  • Strong ensemble cast and authentic settings
  • Gripping blend of espionage and human drama
Keep in mind
  • Pacing may feel slow to modern viewers
  • Limited action compared to contemporary war dramas

You enjoy historically grounded resistance stories with moral complexity.

Suitable for mature teens and adults interested in WWII history and espionage.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Secret Army — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Secret Army worth watching?

Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 16 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 13 episodes
Season 3 · 14 episodes

Frequently asked questions

Is Secret Army based on a true story?

It depicts fictional events but is grounded in real WWII historical context.

Where was the show filmed?

The series was filmed in Belgium and the UK.

How many seasons are there?

The show ran for multiple seasons during its original broadcast.

Who created the series?

It was created by Gerard Glaister.

What network aired it?

It was a BBC production, co-made with Belgian broadcaster BRT.