Netflix’s new 10-part drama The Night Agent has been getting positive reviews from critics and viewers alike, as well as shooting up to the number one spot on the streamer's most-watched TV list. The new series created by Shawn Ryan is based on the novel of the same name by Matthew Quirk.
It follows FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) who gets looped into a vast conspiracy involving the US government, a Russian mole, and a terrorized CEO called Rose (Luciane Buchanan). The thriller also stars Fola Evans-Akingbola, Sarah Desjardins, Eve Harlow, D. B. Woodside, and recent Oscar nominee Hong Chau.
Early reviews for the show have been good, with the series averaging a score of 67% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and 83% from viewers. "It’s a pleasure to see a show better than it might have been when so often the opposite is true," writes Variety’s Daniel D'Addario. "The Night Agent sparks with curiosity and intrigue, a richly detailed show that propels viewers forward with a relentless pace."
"Great acting, kills galore, and a pacy plot about an FBI agent who spends his days waiting for a hotline to ring," adds The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan. "You couldn’t ask for more from a spy show."
There have also been plenty of comparisons to other spy thrillers and TV shows. Critic Mike Scott tweeted: "The @Netflix political thriller series The Night Agent, starring #NOLA’s own Hong Chau, isn’t as good as Jack Ryan but better than Jack Reacher, although its closest analog is probably Jack Bauer of 24." Even Netflix was at the comparison game too, tweeting: "If you liked The Gray Man and Bodyguard then you’ll like The Night Agent."
Early viewer reviews have been positive too. "The night agent is such a good watch," wrote one fan on Twitter, as another added: "Binge watched the whole season of The Night Agent and loved it." A third wrote: "The Night Agent is a good political conspiracy series that leave you glued to your screen with every passing episode with burning questions, who should they trust?"
"Whoever on Netflix made The Night Agent should be in charge of content," added another. "It’s their best in a long time."
