A new report explains why The Recruit was cancelled so quickly, detailing whether the spy dramedy could be picked up by another streaming platform. The Netflix Original, led and produced by Noah Centineo, was cancelled in early March. Although the second installment received much stronger reviews and seemed to perform well enough on the streaming charts, the show was axed mere weeks after its premiere. There has been some speculation that The Recruit season 3 could be picked up by another network or streaming platform, but the latest reporting pours cold water on the possibility.

Deadline released a report about why The Recruit was cancelled, citing that season 2’s viewership numbers represent a decline from the already modest audience for season 1. It’s also theorized that the two-year gap between seasons, impacted by the Hollywood strikes, and being released so close to another spy saga, The Night Agent, might have also negatively impacted its chances.

As for whether the dramedy could be saved by another platform, that looks to be unlikely. The Recruit is produced by an outside studio, Lionsgate Television, rather than in-house at Netflix. This means that, theoretically, Lionsgate could shop The Recruit to another network or streamer. But, as mentioned in the report, Netflix has a ban for up to three years on producers taking a cancelled series elsewhere. Netflix also owns the global rights for up to ten years, which would also complicate the chances of the spy saga getting rescued.

Why The Recruit Was Cancelled

The Warning Signs Were Already There

Noah Centineo wearing a suit in The Recruit Noah Centineo looking intrigued at a bar in The Recruit season 2 Noah Centineo as Owen in The Recruit talking to his girlfriend in a serious tone Noah Centineo as Owen in The Recruit season 2, talking to his boss Noah Centineo as Owen in The Recruit season 2, episode 2, talking to someone on the phone

There were reasons to be concerned about the show’s fortunes before season 2 even premiered. The first is that, according to data unveiled by Netflix itself, The Recruit was one of the lesser-watched originals to score a renewal for season 2. It also had its season 2 episode count reduced, going from eight to six, and forcing series creator Alexi Hawley and the creative team to do rewrites and change the way the story unfolded.

Considering that season 1 was a soft hit, The Recruit season 2 had less room to fail. The report mentions that the completion rate for the second installment was strong, marking an improvement over season 1, but the viewership itself was the issue. The audience did not improve over season 1, which reportedly sealed the dramedy’s fate. The Recruit season 2 garnered 15.3 million views in its first three weeks, compared to the 26.4 million for the first three weeks of season 1.

Our Take On The Recruit’s Cancellation

Season 2 Was An Improvement

Noah Centineo as Owen Hendricks in a Denim Jacket in The Recruit Season 1

The dramedy was originally intended for the USA Network before ending up on Netflix. Considering how USA is looking to get back into scripted originals, it’d be great if they could revive the show. The Recruit season 2’s ending ties up all major loose ends, although there is just enough to keep the story going.

It’s likely that if the Netflix Original were cancelled after season 1, there would be less dismay. But the second outing is a major upgrade, adding Past Lives star Teo Yoo to The Recruit cast and keeping a narrow focus on South Korea. It’s sad to see the series get struck down after a significant improvement.