Due to the success of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, director John Irvin had begun making movies and was unavailable.

In contrast to the public television broadcast of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Smiley's People was telecast in the U.S. in November 1982 as an Operation Prime Time presentation on some 100 independent commercial stations across the country.

[3] A contemporary review in The New York Times described the production as a "marvelously riveting television film" and referred to Guinness's performance as stunning and the supporting company as outstanding.

"[5] In a retrospective review, Neal Justin of the Star Tribune called Guinness's portrayal of Smiley as "a master class in subtle acting.

"[7] In 1983 Smiley's People won four BAFTA awards, including Best Actor (for Alec Guinness) and Best Actress (for Beryl Reid), and was nominated for six others.