Prime Video's #1 Dad Show Faces Surging Netflix Thriller

The Night Agent gives Reacher some tough competition as a must-watch action series.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass and tattered fabric, capturing the gritty, high-stakes aesthetic of the action thriller genre in an abstract, textural composition.The gritty, high-stakes textures of the action thriller genre come to life in this abstract close-up, hinting at the intense drama unfolding on screens big and small.Sheridan Today

While the Prime Video series Reacher has become the platform's most successful show, the Netflix thriller The Night Agent is giving it some tough competition. Both shows are action-packed, character-driven thrillers based on books, but they differ in their approaches to the protagonist's journey.

Why it matters

The success of both Reacher and The Night Agent highlights the continued demand for high-quality, character-driven action shows in the streaming landscape. As the two series compete for viewers, it showcases the different ways these types of stories can be told, with Reacher focusing on an unstoppable protagonist and The Night Agent allowing for more character growth and development.

The details

Reacher, based on the Jack Reacher book series, follows the titular former military police officer (played by Alan Ritchson) as he gets caught up in deadly conspiracies. The Night Agent, based on a novel by Matthew Quirk, centers on FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) as he uncovers a web of lies and high-stakes international intrigue. While both shows have a similar premise of skilled protagonists facing off against powerful adversaries, The Night Agent allows for more character evolution, with Peter growing and sharpening his skills over the course of its three seasons, unlike the more static Reacher.

  • Reacher first premiered in 2022 on Prime Video.
  • The Night Agent debuted in 2023 on Netflix and is currently in its third season.

The players

Jack Reacher

The protagonist of the Reacher series, a former military police officer known for his strength, intelligence, and ability to take down any opponent.

Peter Sutherland

The lead character of The Night Agent, an FBI agent who uncovers a high-stakes conspiracy and grows into a more skilled and confident agent over the course of the show.

Rose

Peter's partner in crime in the first two seasons of The Night Agent, who was written off in the third season.

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What they’re saying

“While choosing a favorite between these two shows is simply a matter of taste, there's one major difference between them that stands out.”

— Adam Blevins, Author

“In Reacher, the protagonist is purposefully built to be the strongest opponent anyone could ever encounter.”

— Adam Blevins, Author

“In The Night Agent, however, Peter had room to grow. While strong in his own right, he starts off Season 1 as an inexperienced officer, one who's skilled but unsure, often looking to Rose for direction, courage and clarity.”

— Adam Blevins, Author

What’s next

Both Reacher and The Night Agent have been renewed for additional seasons, so fans of the shows can look forward to more thrilling adventures from their respective protagonists in the future.

The takeaway

The success of Reacher and The Night Agent demonstrates the continued appeal of character-driven action shows in the streaming era. While the two series have some similarities, their differing approaches to the protagonist's journey highlight the range of ways these types of stories can be told and resonate with audiences.