5 shows to watch if you liked The Recruit 

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Ever imagined beginning a dream job, only to discover it's more like a disaster? That's the thrilling journey The Recruit takes its viewers on. The Netflix thriller follows Owen Hendricks, a fresh-faced attorney just graduated from law school, who inadvertently enters the tumultuous, high-stakes realm of CIA espionage. For a brief instant, he’s sorting documents. Next, he finds himself entangled in global conspiracies while evading gunfire.

The story begins when Owen is assigned to oversee a risky asset, Max Meladze, a previous informant harboring a perilous history and numerous secrets. Noah Centineo perfectly embodies Owen, mixing charisma with a touch of anxiety to render his misadventures realistic. Laura Haddock is just as captivating in her role as Max.

Viewers have embraced The Recruit for its blend of sharp wit, thrilling action, and surprising turns. The series maintains a lighthearted tone, achieving an ideal mix of espionage thriller and out-of-place humor. It's highly bingeable and even more. Are you prepared for additional performances that satisfy the same craving? Stay tuned; there's an entire list ready to be revealed.


The Night Agent, Homeland, and 3 other shows to watch for fans who enjoyed The Recruit

1) The Night Agent

stull from Night Agent (image via Netflix)
stull from Night Agent (image via Netflix)

A phone call in the dead of night escalates into a deadly mission in The Night Agent, an intense Netflix thriller that explores government conspiracies. The narrative centers on Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent confined to desk work in the basement of the White House until a civilian's emergency call catapults him into a critical investigation.

What starts as an ordinary task escalates into a perilous game of deceit, corruption, and survival. Gabriel Basso captivates audiences as Peter, merging resolve and sensitivity, while Luciane Buchanan’s depiction of Rose, a resourceful accomplice harboring her own mysteries, brings depth and complexity to the narrative.

Viewers of The Recruit will discover much to enjoy in this show. Both series showcase novice agents maneuvering through dangerous circumstances, thrilling action scenes, and smart surprises that maintain viewers' suspense.

For fans searching for additional adrenaline-pumping tales similar to The Recruit? The Night Agent will be a fulfilling experience.


2) Homeland

still from Homeland (Image via Disney)
still from Homeland (Image via Disney)

A Marine comes back after spending eight years as a captive of the enemy, but not everyone sees him as the hero he appears to be. That's the foundation of Homeland, a gripping political thriller that explores espionage, betrayal, and loyalty in depth. The narrative centers around Carrie Mathison, an intelligent yet unstable CIA agent, portrayed with fierce intensity by Claire Danes.

She believes that Nicholas Brody, the returning POW played by Damian Lewis, could have been converted by terrorists. What happens is an intense, high-pressure game of cat and mouse, featuring surprises at every corner.

Homeland excels due to its intricate characters and ethically driven narratives. Fans of The Recruit will find it familiar with its blend of espionage mystery, unexpected storylines, and imperfect characters challenged to their breaking points. It’s essential viewing for anyone captivated by witty exchanges and high-octane tension.


3) Jack Ryan

CIA analyst Jack Ryan finds himself immersed in the dangerous realm of global espionage in Jack Ryan, an exhilarating thriller inspired by Tom Clancy’s cherished character.

Portrayed by John Krasinski, Ryan is an office worker at the CIA—until a perilous terrorist scheme catches his attention and thrusts him into action. Abruptly, he finds himself confronting worldwide dangers, maneuvering through dubious transactions, and outsmarting merciless foes, all in an effort to remain a step ahead.

What keeps Jack Ryan so captivating is the same element that draws fans to The Recruit: a new agent attempting to maneuver through the turmoil of spying, all while encountering increasing dangers. It’s rapid, exciting, and filled with surprises that maintain the excitement. The blend of keen intellect, unfiltered excitement, and a relatable protagonist makes it an ideal fit for enthusiasts of The Recruit.

Similar to The Recruit, Jack Ryan is an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride where every assignment seems riskier than the previous one. For those seeking additional spy thrillers that mix action with strategy, this series is an excellent choice.


4) Counterpart

In Counterpart, J.K. Simmons portrays Howard Silk, a typical individual who finds out that his office hides a gateway to a parallel universe—an astonishing revelation that plunges him into a realm of espionage, mystery, and changing loyalties.

Silk is suddenly drawn into a lethal conflict between two realms, where his alter ego in the alternate universe is a merciless agent. The program is a tutorial in tension, featuring layers of intrigue and treachery that captivate audiences from the beginning.

For admirers of The Recruit, Counterpart strikes comparable chords: an ordinary individual thrust into a realm of espionage, betrayal, and critical choices between life and death.

With its incisive dialogue, gripping atmosphere, and Simmons’ outstanding portrayal, Counterpart is essential viewing for those who adore an exhilarating, thought-provoking spy thriller similar to The Recruit.


5) Ozark

In Ozark, the Byrde family gets entangled in a sinister realm of money laundering and crime when financial planner Marty Byrde, portrayed by Jason Bateman, must move his family to the Ozarks to launder millions for a perilous cartel. What begins as a means of survival rapidly evolves into an intricate network of betrayal, peril, and changing loyalties.

As the stakes increase, Marty and his spouse Wendy, portrayed by Laura Linney, must maneuver through the criminal underworld and their personal demons while striving to safeguard their family.

For enthusiasts of The Recruit, Ozark offers a thrilling, high-pressure environment that keeps audiences engaged. Both series showcase main characters who find themselves in circumstances well beyond their influence, compelled to adjust or confront disaster.

Ozark provides a more profound exploration of crime and ethical uncertainty, featuring incisive writing and characters who are simultaneously brutal and sympathetic. The series is an intense thriller that merges familial drama with crime suspense, maintaining excitement throughout each episode.

If The Recruit captures your interest with the excitement of a new agent in a risky environment, Ozark will maintain the intensity.


If The Recruit kept the adrenaline high and the twists coming, these five shows should hit the same sweet spot.