Most streaming services often rely on iconic franchises or breakout hits to maintain their success. In the case of Paramount+, it’s mostly been supported by two constants: Taylor Sheridan and Star Trek. Sheridan created a wealth of shows for Paramount+ following Yellowstone’s breakout success. At the same time, Alex Kurtzman and other creators delivered a variety of Trek shows that spanned nearly every era of the final frontier. Paramount+ is now facing a massive shift as Sheridan is set to depart for a lucrative deal at Universal, and the only remaining Star Trek series will be ending next year. A new spy thriller has proven itself to be the next big hit for Paramount+, thanks to a major shift of its own.
The series in question is The Agency, created by veteran screenwriters Jez & John-Henry Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari, Edge of Tomorrow). It stars Michael Fassbender as a CIA agent who’s pulled out of an undercover assignment, only for his life to be upended when his lover (Jodie Turner-Smith) follows him to London. Season 1 of The Agency was a moderate hit, sitting at 66% on Rotten Tomatoes; however, Season 2 shot up to a whopping 90%. What exactly is the reason for this major uptick in critical reception? The answer lies in The Agency shaking up its story and its schedule.
Season 2 of ‘The Agency’ Made a Massive Shift to Its Story
Throughout Season 1 of The Agency, most of the story was dedicated to Fassbender’s Martian struggling to acclimate to life in London, all the while dealing with the cost of a double life. It also featured a different release schedule, with the premiere consisting of two episodes, followed by one episode each at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. Season 2 has radically shaken things up by dropping all 10 of its episodes on a single day. It also marks a significant shift in the story, as Martian ends up leaking information within the CIA while battling the mercenary code-named ‘Viking’ (Chayne Crawford). The bingeworthy storyline, packed with plenty of twists and turns, blends the paranoia of the Jason Bourne franchise with the high-octane action of the James Bond movies. It also secured The Agency a place on Paramount+’s Top 10 TV shows.
While The Agency Season 2 does end on a major cliffhanger, there’s one piece of evidence that it could be renewed for more seasons. The series is an adaptation of the French-language spy thriller The Bureau, which ran for five seasons. The Agency is even closely adapting some of The Bureau‘s plotlines, including the fact that the latter’s protagonist would end up playing the role of double agent in one season. It wouldn’t be the first time an American adaptation of an international series was successful, and with Paramount+ needing more hit series outside Taylor Sheridan and the Star Trek universe, it wouldn’t be surprising if The Agency is renewed for a third season.
One of ‘The Agency’s Creators Is Working on Another Hit Series for Paramount+
The success of The Agency might make Jez & John-Henry Butterworth the next big creative minds for Paramount+, especially since one of them has contributed to another of the streamer’s hit series. Jez Butterworth is also serving as the showrunner for MobLand, the Guy Ritchie-produced crime drama starring Tom Hardy as a fixer for a prominent crime family. While MobLand was hit with rumors that Hardy might depart the series after its upcoming second season, those rumors were quickly put to rest as Paramount representatives said that his return was being “creatively worked through.” Should MobLand return to the same level of critical acclaim as its debut season, it could secure a future renewal for The Agency.
In a time when spy thrillers are starting to become more common on TV, The Agency stands out thanks to its ability to adapt between seasons. A potential third season could keep up the momentum and cement the series as must-watch TV in the vein of Yellowstone.
- Release Date
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December 1, 2024
- Network
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Paramount+ with Showtime
- Showrunner
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Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth
- Directors
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Joe Wright, Zetna Fuentes, Neil Burger
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