The Night Agent season 1 was a hit with critics and audiences alike, but season 2 is a very different story. The Netflix series wowed with its fast-paced action and meticulously built-up suspense, which meant high anticipation for the second season. This second batch of episodes is often when the pressure is really on for a TV show, especially on streaming. Series like The Night Agent must prove their previous success was more than a fluke. In the case of Peter Sutherland’s story, the jury is still out on whether the second chapter was an improvement or a letdown.

Season 2 of The Night Agent saw Peter finally in the titular role, working in the field for Night Action rather than answering phones. Of course, things quickly fall apart in Netflix’s new batch of episodes. Peter is once again working off the book, only able to trust Rose in the effort to stop another devastating act of terror. The Night Agent season 2 delivered on much of what made season 1 great—or at least, this is the general consensus of the critics. The professionals gave this installment a “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, but everyday audiences don’t seem to agree.

Why The RT Audience Score For The Night Agent Season 2 Is A Lot Lower Than Season 1

It Looks Like General Audiences Were Let Down By Season 2

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Critics and audiences were on the same page with The Night Agent season 1. The Netflix series’ first installment managed an impressive 74% on the Tomatometer (critic score) and a 78% Popcornmeter (audiences) on Rotten Tomatoes. However, season 2 failed to impress general audiences. The Popcornmeter score dropped all the way down to 40% for season 2. The consensus seems to be that the quality of writing fell, with many calling the dialogue clumsy and laughable. What’s more, there were various complaints about the relationship dynamics this time around.

Many audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes criticized the diminished relationship between Peter and Rose in season 2. While this duo developed intriguing chemistry in season 1, it fell apart by the second installment. This was attributed to a significant change in Rose’s character, which left several reviewers questioning why the character was brought back. Another common complaint revolved around the fact that Night Action no longer felt like a well-kept secret, and the inner workings of this government agency no longer felt believable.

The Night Agent’s Critics Score Is Very Different From Audience Scores

Critics & Audiences Swapped Placed For Season 2

It’s interesting that the audience reviews for The Night Agent season 2 would drop from season 1. However, even more puzzling is that the exact opposite is true for the critic scores. While the Rotten Tomatoes critic score for season 1 barely reached 70%, season 2 managed to go above and beyond. General audiences might have found the writing and character development to be poor, but enough critics were pleased with what they saw for The Night Agent season 2 to achieve an 83% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Night Agent Rotten Tomatoes Scores By Season

Season
Tomatometer (Critic Score)
Popcornmeter (Audience Score)

1
74%
78%

2
83%
40%

Top critic Kelly Lawler from USA Today mentioned that season 2 was “a little messier” but stated that the episodes still delivered. Jack Seale from Guardian acknowledged the changes in the dynamics from season 1 but praised The Night Agent for remaining “endearingly unpretentious.” While there were some top critics with less favorable reviews, they easily lost out to those who approved of The Night Agent‘s sophomore season. It’s clear that critics and audiences are looking for different things. Regardless, none of this is likely to stand in the Netflix series’ way.

What The Night Agent Season 2’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For Season 3

Does The Night Agent Have A Future?

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Second seasons are often when a series falls apart. Netflix has seen this happen time and time again when its second batch of episodes doesn’t hold up to their predecessors. However, The Night Agent season 1’s success was enough to ensure several more installments were produced. It was the top series at the beginning of 2023, so season 3 went into production before season 2 was even released on Netflix.

Perhaps the next episodes of The Night Agent will turn things around for audiences, winning them back over for a higher Popcornmeter score in season 3.

The Night Agent season 3 is happening one way or another. Moreover, between the high critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and the fact that The Night Agent season 2 is still Netflix’s top TV show for the US going into February 2025, season 4 looks pretty likely. Perhaps the next episodes of The Night Agent will turn things around for audiences, winning them back over for a higher Popcornmeter score in season 3. Or, perhaps Netflix will continue to cater more toward the critics. Only time will tell, but there will be more to Peter Sutherland’s story regardless.