A popular Netflix series combines the action of films like the Jason Bourne movies with the suspense of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, which explains its widespread appeal. Spy thrillers have always been a hit with audiences, both on television and in cinemas. While James Bond is often the first spy that comes to mind, shows from the 1960s like Get Smart, Mission: Impossible, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. demonstrate that the decade was full of exciting spy adventures.
Spy shows are popular again, largely because streaming services are investing more money and taking bigger risks with their productions. There’s a lot to choose from now, including hits like Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness and the four seasons of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Prime Video. Prime Video also offers newer series such as the 2024 reboot of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and the ambitious – though somewhat controversial – Citadel franchise.
While Amazon Prime Video is known for Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, it’s not the only streaming service offering great spy shows. Currently, one of the most gripping series combines the relatable hero from Jack Ryan with the fast-paced action and intensity of the Jason Bourne films – making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The Night Agent, starring Gabriel Basso as FBI agent Peter Sutherland, is based on Matthew Quirk’s 2019 novel and follows this seemingly ordinary agent who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances.
The Night Agent Is An All-Time Great Spy Show From Netflix
Similar to season four of Reacher, The Night Agent immediately throws its main character into a complex government conspiracy. This is reminiscent of the Jason Bourne films, where Matt Damon plays an amnesiac assassin who can’t trust anyone and finds himself battling powerful enemies – including his former colleagues at the CIA and corrupt officials throughout the US and around the world.
Although Peter Sutherland uncovers a dangerous conspiracy far beyond his normal duties, The Night Agent‘s hero isn’t quite like Jason Bourne. Bourne’s appeal stems from his skills as a trained assassin and his shadowy history – viewers are constantly aware of his capacity for ruthless violence. Sutherland, however, is different.
Unlike the heroes in shows like the Bourne films or The Terminal List, Sutherland’s character feels more like an average person, making him someone viewers can easily connect with and support. While The Terminal List shares a similar plot with The Night Agent, its dark and serious tone—and that of its spin-off, Dark Wolf—means it doesn’t offer the same lighthearted entertainment as the Netflix hit.
The Night Agent Has The Best of Both Bourne and Jack Ryan
I’ve been watching Jack Ryan, and honestly, sometimes the show feels a little too positive about the CIA. It almost seems like it’s constantly trying to show them in the best possible light. They tease at problems within the agency, but it never really goes anywhere, and it lacks that real bite or anything truly shocking. It’s a stark contrast to the Jason Bourne films, which don’t shy away from showing just how corrupt things can be within the CIA. That series feels much more realistic, even if it’s a pretty grim picture they paint.
Unlike the straightforward entertainment of shows like Reacher, the Jason Bourne movies often bring up difficult political issues. The Night Agent strikes a nice balance – it’s not as optimistic as Jack Ryan, but also doesn’t feel as gritty and realistic as the Jason Bourne films. This makes it a great choice for anyone who enjoys spy thrillers on television.
2026-07-29 02:47