Netflix’s Underrated CIA Thriller Is Perfect for Lioness Viewers Who Want More Espionage, Dangerous Missions and Unexpected Twists — But It Was Canceled After Just 14 Episodes

Viewers who enjoy Taylor Sheridan’s hit spy drama Lioness may want to revisit another Netflix thriller that delivers dangerous intelligence missions, international conspiracies and plenty of unexpected twists.

The Recruit, starring Noah Centineo, arrived on Netflix in December 2022 and quickly established itself as a more humorous alternative to traditional espionage dramas.

Created by Alexi Hawley, the mind behind ABC’s The Rookie, the series follows a young CIA lawyer whose first assignment pulls him into a dangerous world of international intelligence operations.

Despite earning positive reviews and attracting millions of viewers, the show was canceled after just two seasons.

With only 14 episodes, however, it remains an accessible binge-watch for anyone looking for a fast-paced spy thriller.

Netflix’s The Recruit Offers a Different Kind of CIA Drama

Unlike the darker, more intense storytelling of Lioness, The Recruit approaches the world of espionage with humor and a deliberately inexperienced protagonist.

Centineo plays Owen Hendricks, a newly hired CIA lawyer who quickly discovers that his job involves far more than paperwork and legal advice.

Almost immediately, Owen becomes entangled in dangerous situations that take him far beyond the agency’s offices.

The first season, consisting of eight episodes, follows his increasingly chaotic introduction to intelligence work, with assignments taking him to locations including Yemen and Phoenix.

Owen’s lack of experience provides much of the comedy.

He struggles with CIA terminology, makes basic procedural mistakes and frequently finds himself navigating situations for which he is completely unprepared.

His mistakes are entertaining, but they also create genuine danger as he becomes involved in increasingly serious operations.

Why Lioness Viewers Might Enjoy This Netflix Thriller

Although both series explore the secretive world of intelligence agencies, their approaches are noticeably different.

Lioness, starring Zoe Saldaña as Joe McNamara, focuses on high-risk covert operations and the emotional consequences of working in national security.

The Recruit combines similar dangers with workplace comedy, youthful uncertainty and unpredictable relationships.

The Netflix drama also benefits from a supporting cast that adds personality to Owen’s complicated professional life.

Aarti Mann plays Violet Ebner, while Colton Dunn portrays Lester Kitchens, two colleagues whose interactions with Owen provide some of the show’s funniest moments.

Outside work, Owen’s relationships with his roommates, including his former girlfriend, reveal the personal difficulties of maintaining a normal life while working for the CIA.

His inability to discuss sensitive assignments creates distance between him and the people closest to him.

The series currently holds a 78% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, narrowly ahead of the 77% figure cited for Lioness.

Season 2 Takes the Action to South Korea

Following its eight-episode debut season, The Recruit returned with six additional episodes.

The second season expands Owen’s international adventures, taking him to Seoul, South Korea.

The change of setting introduces new complications while continuing to explore his struggle to balance professional responsibilities with personal survival.

Although Owen becomes more experienced, he remains vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of intelligence work.

That combination of dangerous missions, sharp humor and personal uncertainty gives the series much of its appeal.

Why Netflix Canceled The Recruit After Two Seasons

Despite its promising beginning, Netflix decided not to renew The Recruit for a third season.

The cancellation was announced approximately five weeks after Season 2 premiered.

According to Deadline, declining viewership was a major factor behind the decision.

The first season spent five weeks in Netflix’s Top 10 and recorded 26.4 million views during its first three weeks.

Season 2 attracted 15.3 million views over the equivalent period, representing approximately 58% of the first season’s audience.

The drop proved significant enough that Netflix ended the series after 14 episodes.

The decision left Owen’s story without the longer character development that another season might have provided.

Nevertheless, the existing episodes offer a distinctive blend of espionage, comedy and international action.

For viewers who appreciate the dangerous missions of Lioness but prefer a lighter tone, The Recruit remains an entertaining Netflix alternative, even if its two-season run ended earlier than many had hoped.

Both seasons of The Recruit are available to stream on Netflix.