'Splinter Cell: Deathwatch' Review, Netflix Reignites Intrigue As Sam Fisher Returns In Action Saga

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is the first animated series based on the long-running video game franchise, Splinter Cell. The series was released on Netflix on October 14, 2025 (ET), and was one of the most anticipated adult animations of 2025. However, has the series been able to do justice to the legendary video game? Let's find out.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch marks its return as an animated series

Splinter Cell was once one of the most loved video games of the early 2000s. The series is being brought to life by Derek Kolstad, writer of John Wick and Nobody. This eight-episode series stays true to the canon while introducing an older, retired 'Sam Fisher' (voiced by Liev Schreiber). However, it remains rooted in Tom Clancy's universe and brings fresh action and character depth, making it accessible to both newcomers and fans of the franchise.

Plot of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch 

Instead of turning back time, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch has accepted how old the video game has been and focused on an older version of 'Sam Fisher'. The series opens with a high-stakes mission in Lithuania where an Echelon agent is compromised, leading to a series of dangerous events. The operations chief of Fourth Echelon, Grim (Janet Varney), is desperately trying to manage the fallout. However, while Echelon agent 'Zinnia McKenna' (Kirby) is tasked with retrieving valuable data, she finds herself cut off when things go awry.

'Zinnia's' action ends up putting the mission and Echelon's security at great risk. Meanwhile, 'Sam Fisher', now living a quiet life in Poland, is trying to leave the black ops world behind. However, things quickly change as he's soon pulled back into action as he discovers that his past, and some dangerous figures from it, are coming for him.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is filled with action, intrigue and personal stakes

As the plot unfolds, the series introduces a mix of themes, from high-tech operations to a web of international conspiracies. However, it is worth noting that 'Sam's' daughter, 'Sarah', from the Splinter Cell games, has not yet been introduced, although there have been hints about her presence. The CEO of a private military contractor, 'Diana Shetland', is further introduced as the evil in the series, becoming an antagonist strongly linked to an emerging global threat. The narrative weaves together 'Sam's' personal journey with the global stakes, making the series both action-packed and emotionally resonant.

Final verdict on Splinter Cell: Deathwatch

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is definitely nostalgic for the fans of the video games. However, despite its strong roots in the Splinter Cell lore, the makers have ensured that Deathwatch doesn't feel inaccessible to newcomers. They have made the story extremely engaging with its storyline and well-developed characters. The animation and voice acting are top-notch, especially Liev Schreiber's portrayal of a more introspective 'Sam Fisher'.

The show's comparatively dark atmosphere, tense action sequences, and character-driven drama make it a standout in Netflix's slate of video game adaptations. So, whether you are a fan of the original games or just looking for an intense, action-packed animated series, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is surely one to consider, as it delivers a thrilling experience.

What are your thoughts on Splinter Cell: Deathwatch? Let us know.

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