7 Shows to Watch After The Recruit Season 2

With Noah Centineo’s CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks returning to screens in The Recruit‘s second season, fans of international espionage, complex political intrigue, and high-stakes action might be looking for a similar series to fill the void once they’ve finished binging. The show’s unique blend of rookie perspective, dangerous missions, and complex character relationships has set a high bar for spy dramas, combining elements of traditional espionage thrillers with fresh contemporary twists.

From seasoned spies to rookie agents thrust into dangerous situations, television offers a wealth of options for viewers craving more covert operations and government conspiracies. Whether you’re drawn to period pieces set during the Cold War or modern tales of technological warfare, these seven shows capture the same blend of suspense, action, and character development that makes The Recruit so compelling.

The Night Agent

FBI Agent Peter Sutherland’s journey from answering mysterious basement phone calls to uncovering deadly conspiracies mirrors Owen’s own baptism by fire. The series follows Peter as he becomes entangled in a web of government corruption while protecting tech genius Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan). With its mix of politically charged plotlines and high-stakes action, this Netflix thriller offers a similar perspective on what happens when newcomers to intelligence work find themselves in over their heads, leading to unpredictable alliances and dangerous missions. The show’s second season promises to delve even deeper into the clandestine world of Night Action operations.

[RELATED – 7 Shows to Watch After The Night Agent Season 2]

Black Doves

This six-episode thriller follows professional spy Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) as she juggles collecting intelligence from her politician husband while investigating her lover’s murder. When Helen turns to former assassin Sam Young (Ben Whishaw) for help, the series delves into a complex world of divided loyalties and hidden agendas. Set in London during Christmas, it delivers the same kind of intricate character dynamics and layered conspiracies found in The Recruit, with the added bonus of a festive backdrop to its espionage. The limited series format allows for a tightly plotted narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the final revelation.

Treason

Charlie Cox stars as MI6 agent Adam Lawrence, who faces impossible choices after being thrust into leadership following his boss’s poisoning. Created by Bridge of Spies co-screenwriter Matt Charman, this five-episode series explores not only the professional challenges of intelligence work but also its impact on family life, as Lawrence navigates both international conflicts and personal relationships. The show features outstanding performances from Oona Chaplin and Olga Kurylenko, adding depth to its exploration of loyalty and betrayal. Each episode ratchets up the tension as Lawrence discovers that even his closest allies might be working against him.

The Americans

Set during the Cold War, this acclaimed series follows two Soviet spies (Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys) posing as an American couple while carrying out missions for the KGB. While more seasoned than Owen, these agents similarly navigate the complicated balance between duty and personal relationships in the world of espionage. The show’s exploration of identity, loyalty, and the human cost of intelligence work has earned it widespread critical acclaim. Over its six seasons, the series masterfully builds tension while examining the psychological toll of living a double life.

Homeland

Claire Danes‘ portrayal of CIA officer Carrie Mathison offers another perspective on the mental cost of intelligence work. The series combines intense action sequences with complex character studies, following Mathison as she investigates threats to national security while managing her own personal challenges. Like The Recruit, the show excels at depicting the moral ambiguities of intelligence work and the difficult choices agents must make in the field. The series’ eight seasons provide a comprehensive look at the evolving nature of international security threats and intelligence operations.

The Night Manager

This miniseries follows former soldier Jonathan Pine’s infiltration of an arms dealer’s inner circle. Based on John le Carré’s novel, the show features Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie in a cat-and-mouse game of international intrigue. Like Owen, Pine must learn to navigate dangerous waters while maintaining his cover and moral compass, with the stakes rising higher with each episode. The series’ production values and globe-trotting locations add to its sophisticated portrayal of modern espionage.

Jack Ryan

John Krasinski’s portrayal of a CIA analyst thrust into field operations provides another look at how intelligence work can suddenly transform desk-bound professionals into operational assets. Based on Tom Clancy’s popular character, the series combines detailed political drama with explosive action sequences, offering a similar blend of cerebral and physical challenges that fans of The Recruit will appreciate. The show’s attention to geopolitical detail and commitment to authenticity in its portrayal of intelligence operations makes it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

These series offer compelling variations on The Recruit’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the high stakes of modern espionage, each bringing its own unique perspective to the genre while maintaining the core elements that make spy dramas so engaging. Whether you’re drawn to complex character studies, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, or intricate political plots, these shows provide plenty of material to satisfy your spy cravings.