Noah Centineo’s The Recruit is back for a thrilling second season, and while the show’s high-stakes espionage might seem over-the-top, it’s actually rooted in real-life experiences. The Netflix series follows CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks as he gets entangled in global intelligence operations—many of which are inspired by former CIA attorney Adam Ciralsky’s own experiences.
Centineo, 28, acknowledged how the show walks a fine line between drama and absurdity, but the fact that much of it is based on truth makes it even more compelling. “If it wasn’t so true, it would be absurdist. But truth is stranger than fiction,” he told People.
The series, created by Alexi Hawley, balances intense action with humor, a combination that Centineo praises. “Right when it gets kind of dark and deep, he’s able to subvert that and make it funny again.”
Adding to its authenticity, The Recruit became one of the rare productions granted permission to film at the CIA’s headquarters in McLean, Virginia. “They gave us clearance, which is insane,” Centineo revealed.
Season 2 of The Recruit is now available on Netflix, bringing more intrigue, danger, and—of course—Owen Hendricks’ signature wit.