The Night Agent is a high-stakes political thriller television series that debuted on Netflix in 2023. Based on the novel by Matthew Quirk, the series explores themes of espionage, corruption, and personal sacrifice. It weaves a gripping story of a low-level FBI agent who stumbles into a vast conspiracy that could threaten national security.
With a mix of action, mystery, and emotional depth, the show was created by Shawn Ryan, renowned for his work on other hit series like The Shield and S.W.A.T.. Combining fast-paced action with character-driven storytelling, The Night Agent captivated audiences and became one of Netflix’s standout shows of the year.
The story revolves around Peter Sutherland (played by Gabriel Basso), a young, idealistic FBI agent stationed in the White House’s basement. His job is to man an emergency hotline for undercover agentsโa position viewed as insignificant and unimportant. However, everything changes when the phone unexpectedly rings one night.
On the other end of the line is Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), a tech entrepreneur on the run after assassins brutally murder her aunt and uncle, who were government operatives. With nowhere else to turn, Rose seeks Peter’s help, launching him into a web of conspiracies far above his pay grade.
As Peter and Rose delve deeper, they uncover a vast political conspiracy involving a traitor within the government, a sinister assassination plot, and shocking connections to the highest levels of power. With enemies closing in on all sides, Peter and Rose must rely on each other to unravel the mystery and stay alive. Their journey is one of trust, survival, and uncovering the truth behind the corruption that threatens to tear their world apart.
Critics and audiences alike praised The Night Agent for its gripping narrative and intense pacing. Gabriel Basso’s portrayal of Peter Sutherland received particular acclaim for balancing vulnerability and strength. The chemistry between Basso and Buchanan (Rose) was another highlight, bringing an emotional core to the show amid its high-stakes action.
While some critics noted that certain plot points leaned into familiar genre tropes, the execution kept the story engaging and unpredictable. The series also drew comparisons to other hit political thrillers such as 24, The Bodyguard, and Homeland.