The most successfulNetflixaction show is returning on the streaming platform in January 2025, closely followed by another action TV series by the streamer, with only one week separating the two releases. Netflix originals span genres, countries and languages, but some of the best and most-watched often found themselves in the action category, makingNetflix a receptacle of the best action seriesof both TV shows exclusive to the streaming platform and licensed TV shows from broadcast networks and studios.
With the streaming giant expanding its action catalog in recent years, plenty of new action shows, likeBlack Doves, or new installments of already established shows, likeOuter Banks, proliferated.2025 will see key Netflix original TV shows returning, including two crucial action TV series kicking off the season in the first month of the year. With one of the two action TV shows released one week apart consistently more successful than the other, it can bring viewers to the second one, especially given their similar setup.
The Night Agent Season 2 & The Recruit Season 2 Are Both Releasing In January 2025
The Night Agent & The Recruit Share Themes & An Unlikely Hero Journey
Watched over 812 million hours in the first six months of 2023 (viaNetflix’s engagement report, What We Watched),The Night Agentseason 1 deservedly inhabits the top 10 of the most popular Netflix TV shows globally.The Night Agentseason 2 releases on Netflix on Thursday, July 16, 2025. It will follow Peter and Rose in their new roles after the action-packed, life-changing events of season 1’s finale officially made Peter a night agent. However, another action TV show will return exactly seven days later, withThe Recruitseason 2 finally releasing on Netflix on Thursday, July 21, 2025.
You Still Have Time To Catch Up On One Of The Best Action Shows Right Now Before Season 2 Comes Out On Netflix
One of the best action show’s season 2 is about to come out on Netflix, which makes it the perfect time to check out its first season on the streamer.
Although belonging to different agencies, with Peter being part of the FBI and Owen the CIA,The Night Agentseason 1 andThe Recruitseason 1 are remarkably similar in the themes, the pairings and the journey Peter and Owen go through. Both novices in their respective roles, Peter and Owen find themselves thrown into the midst of the action, with few resources and multiple groups pursuing them. Moreover, both have a partner in crime throughout the season, makingThe Night AgentorThe Recruitthe perfect action TV shows to watch one after the other.
The Recruit Season 2’s Release Date Is Great For The Show After The Night Agent’s Success
Reception For The Recruit Season 1 Was Subdued Compared To The Night Agent
The Night Agentseason 1’s bigger success compared toThe Recruitseason 1 is undeniable. Indeed, while the hours spent by Netflix users watchingThe Night Agentseason 1 in the second half of 2023 and the first of 2024 were roughly five times smaller than during the first half of 2023,it still massively outperformedThe Recruitseason 1, which was already only watched for 146.9 million hours in the first half of 2023, only to see the hours decrease to 41.7 million in the second half of 2023 and 26.8 million in the first half of 2024.
WhileThe Night Agentcan be easily classified as an action-thriller drama,The Recruithas a lighter tone, making it potentially stand out as an action dramedy.
WithThe Recruitseason 2 releasing exactly one week afterThe Night Agentseason 2, it has the chance to attract its viewers, who are already interested in the genre and potentially craving a similar TV show, asThe Night Agentseason 3 won’t be ready for some time.The Recruitnot having the same reach asThe Night Agentmakes it more likely forThe Night Agentaudiences to latch onto itand catch up with bothThe Recruitseasons 1 and 2, making it all the more fruitful forNetflixas well as audiences.
The Night Agentseason 2 returns on Netflix on July 22, 2025, whileThe Recruitreleases on Netflix on May 31, 2025.
Sources: Netflix
The Night Agent
The Night Agent is a suspenseful thriller in which a dedicated FBI agent becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after answering an emergency line call. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, the agent uncovers a mole within the White House, posing significant risks to national security.
The Recruit
The Recruit follows a young attorney recruited by the CIA, navigating the perilous realm of international espionage.
