Gabriel Basso is back for another round of intrigue in the third season of The Night Agent, Netflix’s hit conspiracy thriller series. The new season, which premiered this week, marks a significant milestone for the show, which surprised many with its immediate popularity following its debut in 2023. Basso, who portrays the character Peter Sutherland, reflected on the unexpected success in a recent phone interview.
“When you’re making something, you never can anticipate how it’s going to do,” the 31-year-old actor shared. “It’s always very subjective in terms of what catches on. So yes, it’s nice so many appreciate it.” Basso’s character, introduced as an underdog, has evolved throughout the series. Initially, he was the least experienced FBI agent stationed in a basement closet at the White House, monitoring a phone that rarely rang. However, Sutherland’s world takes a dramatic turn as he uncovers a major conspiracy within the highest levels of the government.
Basso described Sutherland’s journey as one fraught with challenges. “What propels Peter is just the level of stress around him. He’s constantly being tested to make the correct decision under duress,” he explained. This season, Peter’s professional growth is evident; he has moved beyond his basement duties to become a field agent. Yet, the consequences of decisions made in the previous season continue to haunt him.
Surviving in a world filled with constant peril has left Sutherland—and perhaps Basso himself—grappling with paranoia. “Sounds like Hollywood,” Basso joked when asked about the stress of his role. “I have a very healthy baseline level of paranoia. So I feel good. I feel right at home where Peter is.”
While Basso continues to build on his acting career with upcoming film projects, he has also ventured into a new realm as an author. He recently wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled The Growth of Lost Things, set to be released in spring 2024. The book reflects his interests in history and the lessons that can be learned from understanding loss and death.
“There are a lot of lessons to learn from the ability in the past to accept and function with loss and death,” he stated. “In the West, there’s just a lot of fear and denial. A refusal to accept the natural order of life.” Basso aims to help parents engage their children in conversations about these important themes. He believes that acknowledging death can give life a sense of urgency rather than fear.
As audiences tune in to the latest season of The Night Agent, they can expect a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns. The series continues to resonate with viewers, thanks in part to Basso’s compelling performance and the thought-provoking themes that unfold throughout the storyline. The show is now available for streaming on Netflix.
