What you need to know about 'The Night Agent'-Netflix's most watched show

Netflix on Tuesday released a report on its most-watched show. Spy Thriller 'The Night Agent' topped the biannual "What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report," racking up over 812 million hours viewed/

This thrilling 10-part series, which seems to have emerged out of nowhere, has swiftly become one of Netflix's most-watched shows to date. Notably, the overwhelming success has led to the quick approval of a second season.

Here's everything you need to know the show:


1. What is 'The Night Agent' about?
"The Night Agent" offers an addictive blend of espionage procedural and political conspiracy, complete with twists and turns reminiscent of the style seen in "24." The storyline revolves around Peter Sutherland, a low-level FBI agent stationed in the White House basement, managing an emergency "Night Action" phone line that rarely rings—until one fateful evening when it does. Answering the call thrusts Agent Sutherland into a perilous conspiracy that unravels all the way to the highest echelons of power, as conspiracies often do.

2. Why is became so popular?
The show is fast-moving, high-stakes, and incredibly binge-worthy.

In his quest for answers and to safeguard the nation, Sutherland confronts government moles, evades rogue hitmen, and shields a murder witness. The narrative is fraught with assassination attempts, intense car chases, and bomb plots. However, this isn't one of those predictable dramas where the good guys invariably triumph and the villains face defeat. Without giving away any spoilers, it's worth noting that not all beloved characters make it to the story's conclusion, adding an element of unpredictability and suspense.

3. Why isn't it so talked about show?
No one's actually talking about the show. While it may not find its place on critics' "best of the year" lists, "The Night Agent" has achieved popularity through word-of-mouth, social media recommendations, and attention-grabbing trailers featured on the streaming service. Its success is a testament to its ability to capture audiences through unconventional channels and resonate with viewers beyond traditional critical acclaim.

4. Who's the cast?
The cast of "The Night Agent" includes Luciane Buchanan, a New Zealand actress portraying the former Silicon Valley cybersecurity CEO and tech expert Rose Larkin. Oscar-nominated Hong Chau, known for her role in "The Whale," takes on the character of the President's chief of staff, Diane Farr. Fola Evans-Akingbola, a British actress and former South London model, plays the role of the ambitious secret service agent Chelsea Arrington.

The ensemble is led by Gabriel Basso, portraying FBI agent Peter Sutherland. Basso, a square-jawed actor born in St. Louis, gained recognition for his roles in the sci-fi film "Super 8" and the Showtime drama "The Big C." His performance in "The Night Agent" has been praised as a star-making turn. Interestingly, Basso is recognized as a real-life action hero who came close to becoming a Navy SEAL until an injury to his shoulder. He remains dedicated to Muay Thai and kickboxing, performing most of his own stunts. Showrunner Shawn Ryan humorously notes, “Peter’s not as badass as Gabriel is in real life.”

5. Who’s the cinematographer?
"The Night Agent" is based on the bestselling novel by Matthew Quirk and was brought to life by the experienced screenwriter and producer Shawn Ryan. Ryan, best-known for his work on the police corruption classic "The Shield" and the action series "S.W.A.T.," took charge by personally writing the first three episodes. Serving as co-producer is Seth Gordon, known for his work on "The Good Doctor" and "For All Mankind," and he also directed the opening two episodes of the series. The collaboration between these seasoned creators brings Quirk's bestselling novel to the screen with their expertise in storytelling and production.

6. Is it based on true events?
Matthew Quirk, the author of the bestselling novel that inspired "The Night Agent," mentioned that his book was "inspired by a friend in DC who worked an overnight shift at the FBI." Additionally, a noteworthy production detail is mentioned – if viewers notice the American flag on the White House chief of staff's office appearing strangely oriented, it's due to a production error, leading to some good-natured teasing directed at the show for this oversight.

7. How good is the show?
"The Night Agent" is receiving acclaim for being finely crafted, cleverly written, character-led, and irresistibly exciting. It has garnered praise as the latest successful example of the growing "Dad TV" phenomenon, indicating its appeal to audiences who appreciate well-crafted narratives and compelling characters in their television viewing.