Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Recruit, which transforms the typical spy thriller by placing a rookie lawyer at the center of dangerous CIA operations, creating a perfect blend of legal drama and high-stakes espionage.
Premiering on December 16, 2022, The Recruit currently has two seasons with a total of 14 episodes, each running approximately 45-50 minutes. The series follows a young attorney who gets recruited straight out of law school by the CIA, only to find himself thrust into the dangerous world of international espionage far beyond what any legal textbook could prepare him for. Created by Alexi Hawley for Netflix, the show offers a fresh perspective on the spy genre by focusing on the bureaucratic and legal complexities behind CIA operations.
This gripping series stands out by showing how intelligence work isn’t just about action sequences and gadgets, but also about navigating complex legal frameworks and ethical dilemmas. The Recruit brilliantly balances intense thriller elements with the relatable struggles of a young professional trying to prove himself in an unforgiving workplace where mistakes can be deadly.
Owen Hendricks: The Lawyer Who Became a Spy
Noah Centineo delivers a compelling performance as Owen Hendricks, a newly hired CIA lawyer who quickly discovers that his job description barely scratches the surface of what’s actually required. Owen’s character development throughout The Recruit showcases the transformation from an eager law school graduate into someone who must make life-or-death decisions while maintaining his moral compass. His journey explores the tension between following protocol and doing what’s right when the two don’t align.
Centineo brings both vulnerability and determination to the role, making Owen’s mistakes feel genuine while his victories feel earned. The character’s rapid learning curve creates natural tension as viewers watch him navigate situations that would challenge even seasoned agents. Owen’s legal background becomes both his greatest asset and his biggest liability as he applies courtroom logic to fieldwork scenarios.
Max Meladze: The Asset Who Changes Everything
Laura Haddock portrays Max Meladze, a former CIA asset whose blackmail attempt sets the entire first season in motion. Max represents the dangerous complexity of intelligence work, where former allies can become threats and personal relationships blur professional boundaries. Her character serves as both antagonist and unlikely mentor to Owen, showing him the real consequences of the spy game.
Haddock’s performance brings layers of sophistication and desperation to Max, making her both sympathetic and threatening. Her relationship with Owen drives much of the series’ tension, as their cat-and-mouse dynamic evolves into something more complex. Max’s storyline explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the price people pay for serving their country in the shadows.
Seoul Adventures: When East Meets West
Season 2 elevates The Recruit by taking Owen to Seoul, South Korea, where he must navigate not only international espionage but also cultural differences and personal history. The Korean setting adds new layers of complexity to the series, introducing characters like Jang Kyun who challenge Owen’s understanding of global intelligence work. This international expansion shows how intelligence operations require understanding local customs and politics.
The Seoul storyline brings fresh energy to The Recruit while exploring Owen’s personal connections to Korea from his childhood. The season demonstrates how global intelligence work requires agents to adapt quickly to different environments while maintaining their mission objectives. The cultural elements add authenticity and depth that elevates the series beyond typical American-centric spy shows.
Supporting Characters: The CIA Ecosystem
The supporting cast, including Aarti Mann as Violet and Colton Dunn as Lester, creates a believable workplace environment within the CIA’s legal department. These characters ground The Recruit in office politics and bureaucratic reality, showing that even in the world of international espionage, people still deal with supervisors, deadlines, and workplace drama. Fivel Stewart as Hannah adds personal stakes to Owen’s professional life, representing the civilian world he’s increasingly leaving behind.
Each supporting character serves a specific purpose in Owen’s development, whether as mentor, colleague, or reminder of what normal life looks like. The series excels at showing how intelligence work affects not just the agents but everyone in their orbit, from family members to coworkers who must cover for their increasingly erratic behavior.
Success on Netflix
The Recruit has found significant success on Netflix, with the platform renewing it for a second season that premiered in January 2025. The series appeals to audiences who enjoy both legal dramas and spy thrillers, offering the intellectual satisfaction of seeing someone solve problems through research and negotiation rather than just action sequences. The show’s unique approach to the spy genre, combined with Noah Centineo’s charismatic performance, has attracted viewers across different demographics. Season 2’s expansion to international settings demonstrates Netflix’s confidence in the series’ global appeal.
Intelligence Meets Inexperience in Perfect Balance
If you love stories about workplace challenges, international intrigue, and young professionals learning to navigate impossible situations, The Recruit is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This isn’t just another spy show; it’s a thoughtful exploration of how intelligence work actually functions, wrapped in the compelling story of someone who’s clearly in over his head but refuses to give up.
Why This Fresh Take on Espionage Works
The Recruit succeeds because it grounds fantastical spy scenarios in relatable workplace dynamics, showing that even in the world of international intelligence, success often comes down to hard work, quick thinking, and the ability to learn from mistakes while the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 14 (2 seasons, ongoing)
Platform: Netflix
Release/End Year: 2022-2025
Current IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller
Status: Currently airing (Season 2 released January 2025)
Protagonists: Noah Centineo (Owen Hendricks), Laura Haddock (Max Meladze – Season 1)
Antagonist: Various (including hostile foreign agents, corrupt officials, and complex international conspiracies)