24 was known for its high-stakes action and thrilling drama, and even though the TV show has been off the air for 10 years, Netflix debuted 24‘s perfect replacement in 2023 (and its second season is just around the corner). The Fox series, created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, premiered in November 2001 and ran for nine seasons before officially ending in July 2014. 24 follows Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, and Jack is an agent working for the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) who tries to prevent terrorist threats like assassinations, bombings, biological warfare, and more.

During its run on Fox, 24 was highly praised by critics and audiences alike and even won multiple prestigious awards. Sutherland is undoubtedly best known for his performance as Jack Bauer, a role that earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2006, along with several other nominations. So, it’s understandable why 24 lasted as long as it did, but all series have an expiration date (except for Grey’s Anatomy, which will seemingly run forever). However, the good news is that TV shows like 24 exist, including one of Netflix’s most-viewed and successful series.

The Night Agent Is The Perfect Show If You Liked 24

Netflix’s The Night Agent Is A High-Stakes Political Thriller

The Night Agent season 1, which consists of 10 episodes, was released in March 2023, and by the end of the year, it was one of Netflix’s most-watched original TV shows, resulting in its quick renewal. Created by Shawn Ryan, the Netflix action thriller series revolves around Gabriel Basso’s character Peter (who funnily shares a last name with 24‘s Kiefer Sutherland), an FBI agent working for the secretive Night Agent program in the White House’s basement. Given its similar political themes, exciting plot twists, and intense action sequences, The Night Agent is the perfect replacement for 24.

If one enjoyed watching 24, it’s more than likely that they will also love The Night Agent on Netflix. The two TV shows are thrillers with high-stakes action and revolve around the United States government. Both 24 and The Night Agent also contain casts of complex and intriguing characters who are well-written and easy to root for (or against). Of course, the newer series only has 10 episodes while the older one produced over 200, but The Night Agent is certainly off to a great start in replicating 24‘s success.

How The Night Agent Is Different From 24

The Netflix Series Follows An FBI Agent Assigned To A Secretive Program In The White House

Although 24 and The Night Agent are similar in many ways, they also contain unique qualities that distinguish them from one another, which is a good thing. Each season of 24 takes place within the span of one day and depicts Jack Bauer’s attempts to prevent a terrorist attack. As a result, every episode of 24 chronicles one hour in real-time. Meanwhile, The Night Agent doesn’t follow this timeline structure. The Night Agent‘s story also separates itself from 24 by focusing on secret government programs, conspiracy theories, and hunting down a mole rather than a terrorist.

The Night Agent Season 2 Is Taking A Page From 24’s Book

The Night Agent Is Taking A Serialized Approach To Its Story

Netflix hasn’t announced a release date for The Night Agent season 2 yet, but producers have made it clear that the action thriller will serve as an anthology series, similar to 24‘s format. The second season of The Night Agent will follow a new story and mission for Gabriel Basso’s FBI Agent Peter Sutherland that is separate from the events of season 1. Consequently, season 2 is set to feature several new characters, with Basso and Luciane Buchanan (who plays cybersecurity expert Rose Larkin) as the only confirmed returning cast members from season 1.

So, The Night Agent follows in 24‘s footsteps by taking a serialized approach regarding its mysteries. If Netflix continues renewing the show, it’s safe to assume that every season will feature a new case for Peter to solve, similar to how 24 had Jack Bauer trying to stop a new terrorist attack (and other threats to the government) each season. Whatever the case, those who are missing 24 should check out The Night Agent on Netflix, and since filming on season 2 wrapped in June 2024, the new episodes will likely be released in late 2024 or early 2025.