Netflix’s 2023 TV schedule is getting a real jolt in the form of the brand-new series The Night Agent. Based on Matthew Quirk’s book of the same name, the streamable political thriller features plenty of drama, action, suspense and political intrigue. Prospective viewers will surely also be excited to know that the series was developed by Shawn Ryan, who famously created critically acclaimed crime drama The Shield. A number of people would agree that Ryan has plenty of storytelling experience under his belt. And it's because of the wisdom he’s acquired that he knew the major “trap” he needed to avoid while crafting this latest production.
In addition to The Shield, Shawn Ryan has helped bring the likes of Lie to Me, The Unit and S.W.A.T. to the small screen. With so many credits, it’s easy to assume that he’s learned a considerable amount throughout his years crafting procedurals and dramas. I recently had the opportunity to discuss The Night Agent with Ryan, who serves as showrunner, writer and EP. During the chat, I asked about the most important lesson he’s learned when it comes to working on TV shows, and his answer was incredibly clear:
