Netflix faces backlash as ‘The Recruit’ axed, angry fans blame ‘The Night Agent’ for its demise

Netflix subscribers were left disappointed after the unexpected cancellation of the spy drama The Recruit. The show, which followed the life of a young CIA lawyer entangled in international conflicts, had gained a dedicated fan base since its premiere in December 2022. However, its fate was sealed after its second season aired in January 2025. The news came as a shock to many, especially considering the positive reception of the latest season. Fans have taken to social media to express frustration, blaming the decision on poor scheduling and comparisons with another Netflix spy thriller, The Night Agent. Amid growing outcry, creator Alexi Hawley has expressed hope for a potential film to conclude the series properly.

On March 5, 2025, actor Colton Dunn, who played Lester Kitchens in The Recruit, took to Instagram to break the news of the show's cancellation. Calling it “such a bummer,” Dunn thanked fans for their support and shared fond memories from the set. His announcement sparked an immediate backlash from viewers, who questioned Netflix’s decision.
Many fans pointed out that The Recruit had been released too closely to The Night Agent, another espionage drama that had already gained significant popularity. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, with users accusing Netflix of sabotaging The Recruit by scheduling it within weeks of The Night Agent's second season premiere.
One frustrated viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “They released this and The Night Agent within the same month. What did they expect?” Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I kept confusing this show for The Night Agent anytime I saw news about it, so maybe it was destined to be axed.”

While both The Recruit and The Night Agent belong to the same genre, The Night Agent had already established itself as a fan favorite with strong viewership numbers. Netflix renewed The Night Agent for a second season following its success, but The Recruit struggled to achieve the same traction.
Industry analysts speculate that Netflix’s decision to release both spy thrillers within a short timeframe may have led to audience confusion. With The Night Agent already commanding attention, The Recruit struggled to carve out its own identity.
Unlike The Night Agent, which continued to perform well, The Recruit reportedly underperformed in terms of viewership, making it a likely target for cancellation. However, fans argue that given more time, the show could have developed a stronger following.

Following the backlash, The Recruit creator Alexi Hawley addressed fans in what he called a “love letter” to the series. He acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the cancellation but hinted at the possibility of a film to properly conclude the story.
"We'd all be there in a heartbeat,” Hawley 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, humor, and hardcore action which will keep you leaning forward.”
Despite the cancellation, Hawley’s comments have given fans a glimmer of hope for a potential follow-up, though no official plans have been announced.

As of now, Netflix has not provided an official statement regarding the cancellation of The Recruit. However, the streaming giant’s content strategy has come under scrutiny, with users frequently complaining about the abrupt termination of shows without a proper conclusion.
The debate over Netflix’s handling of its original series continues to grow, as fans argue that promising shows are often cut short due to business decisions rather than creative merit. Meanwhile, The Night Agent remains a dominant force in the spy-thriller genre, further fueling frustrations over the fate of The Recruit.