The list of shows Netflix will take off the air in 2023 is much, much longer than we would like at this point. However, there is good news in one of Netflix's recent releases. Instead of being canceled after one season like many other shows, "The Recruit" is coming back for another adventure, according to Deadline (opens in new tab).

"Recruit" follows rookie CIA lawyer Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo) during his first week on the job. His life is turned upside down when he comes across a letter from former CIA agent Max Meraze (Laura Haddock) threatening to expose CIA secrets if he is not released from prison. It sets off a number of obviously dangerous situations, culminating in a cliffhanger ending with the duo being captured by the bad guys.

A second season order means we will see the conclusion of this unresolved plot. At the very least, it will be alive.

According to Deadline, "The Recruit" spent five weeks in the Netflix Global Top 10 (English) (opens in new tab), and was in the top 10 in 88 countries. It also watched 52.3 million hours in its first three days on Netflix and approximately 228.26 million hours in its first month. While these are not Wednesday-level numbers, they are still quite impressive.

This shows that Netflix doesn't have to be a global blockbuster like "Wednesday" or "Squid Game" to renew a show when all the numbers are there. Unfortunately, many of your favorite Netflix shows probably don't meet the measure of success imposed by streamers at all, even if, like "GLOW" and "Inside Job," they were originally slated for season extensions.

Netflix claims that it has never canceled a successful show, but many cancellations have occurred because expensive shows attracted only a small audience. In addition, the streaming company has never stated the number of viewers required for a show to be considered "successful," and at one point emphasized that a top 10 ranking is not enough to dispel fears of cancellation.

It is currently unknown how long "The Recruit" will continue beyond Season 2, but show creator Alexei Hawley has said that "we will turn everything to 11 in Season 2. Hopefully, that will bring back the original audience, and some new viewers, and keep the show going a little longer.

Then again, this is Netflix, and the rule of thumb is that original shows often don't last very long, regardless of their initial success. I hope I am being unnecessarily pessimistic, but it will take a couple of years to see how justified my attitude is.