TURN: Washington’s Spies — Inside the True Spy War | Cast & Creator Interview
Step inside the real spy network that helped win the American Revolution in this in-depth interview with the cast and creators of TURN: Washington’s Spies.
In this exclusive conversation, we sit down with:
Jamie Bell (Abraham Woodhull)
Samuel Roukin (Captain John Graves Simcoe)
Alexander Rose, author of the book that inspired the series
Barry Josephson, Executive Producer
Together, they reveal how America’s first intelligence ring — the Culper Spy Ring — operated in secret, how much of the show is rooted in real history, and why these Revolutionary War espionage techniques were shockingly advanced for the 18th century.
🎬 What You’ll Learn in This Interview:
The true history behind TURN: Washington’s Spies
How George Washington relied on civilian spies to survive the war
The real techniques used by the Culper Ring (codes, invisible ink, dead drops)
How much of the show is historically accurate vs dramatized
Why Abraham Woodhull was the perfect spy — because he was ordinary
The psychology of war, loyalty, betrayal, and moral compromise
Why this story still resonates in modern political and cultural conflicts
Behind-the-scenes insight into filming large-scale historical dramas
This discussion explores power, secrecy, surveillance, loyalty, and resistance — themes that feel more relevant today than ever. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, Revolutionary War history, espionage stories, or prestige television, this interview offers rare insight into one of AMC’s most ambitious series.
🧠 Why This Story Matters
Spying didn’t begin in the Cold War. Long before modern intelligence agencies existed, ordinary people risked everything to pass information, deceive occupying forces, and shape the future of a nation. TURN brings this forgotten chapter of history to life — and this interview explains how and why it worked.