5 shows you shouldn't miss if you liked The Recruit on Netflix

Disclaimer: This article about The Recruit and other shows represents the author's opinion.

One of the trending action-packed spy-adventure series The Recruit has won many hearts on Netflix. Not only because it has fan-favorite Noah Centineo, but also for its high-stakes espionage narrative with a mix of thriller and dark humor.

At the heart of the series is a young and inexperienced CIA lawyer named Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) who unexpectedly falls into the complex web of international conflicts. Adam Ciralsky, a real-life former CIA lawyer has inspired several terms in the show, making it look like an actual story.

While talking about the spy thriller in an interview with People Magazine, Centineo said:

"There's a lot in our show that is actually based in stories that Adam Ciralsky – who the show was loosely based off of — has told us."

The actor also praised the show's creator Alexi Hawley for balancing serious drama and humor. As Centineo explained, Hawley ensured viewers could enjoy lighthearted moments when the story gets highly emotional or intense.

At first, it looked like Owen Hendricks had a simple desk job, but little did he know that it would eventually lead him into real-life espionage, something he never expected. In The Recruit Season 1, Owen dealt with Max Meladze, a former CIA asset from Eastern Europe who blackmailed to expose the secrets of the organization.

Now, in Season 2, Max is confirmed to have died at the end of Season 1 when her long-lost daughter shot her. However, the thrill and action have returned in the new season.

Continue reading to explore more such shows that you shouldn't miss out on watching.

Five shows to watch if you loved Noah Centineo's The Recruit

After facing numerous dangers in Season 1, CIA officer Owen Hendricks is back in The Recruit Season 2. However, he's more like a field agent instead of just a CIA lawyer and saves two lives while knowing that his life is also at stake.

So, if you liked the Netflix series and wish to watch similar shows with themes of espionage and thrill, then here are five shows that we recommend:

1) Black Doves

Helen with her friend (Image Source: Netflix)

Featuring Keira Knightley in the leading role of Black Dove Helen Webb, this thrilling espionage drama on Netflix is set in London, during Christmas. For the world, Helen is the wife of a wealthy politician Wallace Webb, but in reality, she's a spy who's thrust into finding the truth behind her lover's murder.

While Helen's quest for justice is the main plot of the series, it also introduces viewers to a world where spies are hired to gather intelligence for the highest bidder. Similar to The Recruit, Black Doves also highlights friendships and human connections.

Also Read: What happens to Helen's parents on Black Doves? Her mom and stepdad's fate, explored

2) The Day of the Jackal

Eddie Redmayne is in the lead role (Image Source: Peacock)

Another must-watch TV series on our list is Sky Atlantic and Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal, a TV series based on Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel. The show revolves around a ruthless British assassin aka The Jackal ( played by Eddie Redmayne) and MI6 agent Bianca (Lashana Lynch) who's determined to track him down.

One of the major targets of the assassin is a tech billionaire UDC (Ulle Dag Charles) for a million-dollar contract. However, Jackal fails at his first attempt and comes dangerously close to being exposed.

The show also explores his backstory and Jackal's relationship with his wife Nuria who's unaware of her husband's true work. The story is filled with action and thrilling moments like Centineo's The Recruit on Netflix.

3) The Night Agent

Peter is accompanied by his friend (Image Source: Netflix)

The Night Agent is also available to stream on Netflix, which centers around a low-level FBI agent Peter Sutherland. He's stationed in the White House basement to answer an emergency hotline that rarely rings. But when it rings, it means someone's life is at stake or there's a major problem.

As the story begins, Peter answers a call from Rose during his night shift and learns that her action agents uncle and aunt have been assassinated. The FBI agents take on the mission to protect Rose, kicking off a dangerous investigation.

Also Read: Is The Recruit on Netflix based on a true story? Details explored

4) Reacher

Alan Ritchson is returning in Season 3 (Image Source: Netflix)

Fans of The Recruit should also dive into the world of Prime Video's Reacher TV series. Inspired by Lee Child's popular book series, it features Alan Ritchson in the titular role of Jack Reacher. He's a former U.S. Army military who doesn't have a permanent home and often faces dangerous situations.

Using his exceptional combat skills and intelligence, Reacher never misses taking down criminals and corrupt forces. The first two seasons have been quite successful and Prime Video is gearing up for the third chapter this month.

The upcoming Season 3 is going to be even more darker and intense, as an enemy from the past is coming. Not only this, but it will also feature famous bodybuilder Olivier Richters alongside Ritchson.

5) The Night Manager

Marvel star Tom Hiddleston plays a manager (Image Source: Prime Video)

The Night Manager is about Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), a former British soldier who's now working as a night manager at a hotel. While his job might look simple and easy, Pine is recruited by intelligence officer Angela Burr to catch a dangerous arms dealer, Richard Roper.

To accomplish his mission, Pine joins forces with Roper, acting as one of his alliances. As the story begins, Pine tracks down important information and even sabotages a big arms deal, all while knowing the risk to his life.

While he manages to get Roper arrested, other dealers plan to take revenge. Just as Owen had to put himself in constant danger in The Recruit, Jonathan Pine also faces notable dangers.