At the New York Comic Con press roundtables, Peacock’s highly anticipated thriller The Copenhagen Test offered a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and creative decisions that shaped the series.
Showrunners and executive producers Thomas Brandon and Jennifer Yale discussed the early hurdles of production, the unique technological landscape of the show, and the innovative music that helps define its tone.
One of the first topics of conversation was the series approach to technology. Brandon explained that one of the hardest challenges was finding a visual language that felt authentic without leaning into clichés. “One of the things we knew we didn’t want to do was make it feel like every tech-heavy scene had to be neon-lit, overly futuristic, or drenched in blue light,” he said. “That’s such a common trope, but it didn’t feel right for the world we were trying to build. Instead, we wanted it to feel a little classic. It had to have timelessness while still feeling slightly ahead of our current reality.”
This careful balance between familiar and futuristic extended to set design, props, and overall visual storytelling. Brandon emphasized that every scene needed to include something bold and memorable. “If we were including advanced technology, we’d balance it with something from the old world, like a landline phone or an object that rooted the scene in a more tangible reality,” he explained. “It was always about creating that mix, which became a guiding principle for the production.”
Music also played a good role in shaping the series’ identity. Composer Nathan McKay, known for his work on Industry and now gaining international recognition, brought a unique energy to the show. Originally a DJ from Berlin, McKay combines electronic sensibilities with cinematic scoring techniques. “What Nathan brought to each scene was incredible,” Yale said. “He could create a propulsive energy that drove the action forward, or craft subtle musical elements for a character that would influence how a scene felt. Sometimes the music would almost lead the scene rather than just accompany it, and that became an essential part of the storytelling.”
Beyond the technical and creative discussions, fans at Comic Con got a glimpse of the series’ star-studded cast. The show features Imu Liu (Barbie, Marvel’s Shang-Chi, The Legend of the Ten Rings) as Alexander Hale, Melissa Barrera (In the Heights, Scream V and VI) as Michelle, Sinclair Daniel (The Other Black Girl, Insidious: The Red Door) as Parker, Brian D’Arcy James (Spotlight, 13 Reasons Why) as Peter Moira, Mark O’Brien (City on a Hill, Ready or Not) as Cobb, and Cathleen Chalfant (Wit, The Affair) as St. George.
The Copenhagen Test is set to debut on Peacock in early 2026, giving audiences a chance to immerse themselves in its thrilling world. With its careful blending of classic and futuristic elements, a dynamic cast, and a score that pushes narrative boundaries, the show positions itself as one of the streaming platform’s most exciting upcoming releases.
