The Agency (2001): cast, story & where to watch
2001 · Series · ★ 6.9
Released in 2001, The Agency is a drama series.
What it’s about. The Agency is a CBS television drama that followed the inner-workings of the CIA. The series was created by Michael Frost Beckner and was executive produced by Michael Frost Beckner, Shaun Cassidy Productions and Radiant Productions in association with Universal Network Television and CBS Productions. It aired from September 27, 2001 until May 17, 2003, lasting two seasons. It featured unprecedented filming from the actual CIA headquarters. The show was controversial regarding its exploration of current international affairs and its treatment of the ethical conflicts inherent in intelligence work. Beckner's pilot script, written in March 2001, posited a re-invented CIA tasked with a "War on Terror" after Osama Bin Laden's Al Qaeda terrorist organization plots a lethal attack on the west. The pilot was to premiere at CIA Headquarters on September 18, 2001 and set to air on CBS September 21, 2001, however, the actual 9/11 attacks convinced the network to hold the pilot and instead air a later episode. That first episode was aired later as the third episode of the first season. The September 11, 2001 terrorist events changed the way Americans viewed topical entertainment and "The Agency", at the time, was one of the most topical offering on network television. The producers of the series quickly responded to this new American perspective on world affairs, but CBS chose to cancel the show shortly after the second season's final episode.
Who’s in it. The Agency stars Gil Bellows as Matt Callan, Jason O'Mara as A.B. Stiles, David Clennon as Joshua Nankin and Gloria Reuben as Lisa Fabrizzi, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, The Agency has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Agency page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Agency tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Agency (2001)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Agency change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Agency worth watching?
- The Agency holds an audience score of 6.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Agency?
- The Agency stars Gil Bellows, Jason O'Mara, David Clennon, Gloria Reuben and Will Patton.
- When was The Agency released?
- The Agency was released in 2001.