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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

Netflix users blame The Night Agent for ‘unfair’ cancellation of favourite series

Furious Netflix users have pointed out a glaring issue with the streaming service after their favourite show was cancelled.

On Wednesday (5 March), actor Colton Dunn informed his followers that spy drama The Recruit was no more – news that has been met with outcry from fans who believe the show was released too closey to similar seriesThe Night Agent.

The Recruit has been cancelled y’all,” he wrote on Instagram, calling the news “such a bummer”.

He added: “I’ll share some pics and fun memories on IG but just wanted you to hear it from me. Thanks if you watched. I’m AVAILABLE NOW!”

The Recruit followed a CIA lawyer (Noah Centineo) as he grappled with international tensions in Russia and, in the show’s second season, South Korea. Dunn appeared in the series as Lester Kitchens.

It started life in December 2022, with the follow up arriving more than two years later in January 2025.

Responses to the show’s return were generally positive, but many drew comparisons to The Night Agent, a more successful spy thriller that returned for a second season just before The Recruit.

Unlike The Night Agent’s second season, The Recruit has underperformed – and fans of the cancelled show are now complaining that The Night Agent stole The Recruit’s limelight.

They’re blaming the streamers’ scheduling decision for “unfairly” putting the writing on the wall for the show.

“They released this and the night agent within the same month. What did they expect,” one viewer wrote, with another adding: “Kept on confusing this show for The Night Agent anytime I saw news about it so maybe it was destined to be axed.”

An additional fan chimed in on X/Twitter: “That happens when you premiere two espionage series in the same month!”

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment.

Creator Alexi Hawley has shared a “love letter” about the show’s cancellation, revealing he wants to make a film to wrap up the show.

"We'd all be there in a heartbeat,” he wrote. “If not, man, we left it all on the field. For those who haven't yet watched, dive in. I swear to God you'll enjoy the ride. In an age of shows that feel like homework, The Recruit is a blast that has stakes and humour and hardcore action which will keep you learning forward.”

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