Gabriel Basso, the star of Netflix's "The Night Agent," has explained why he deleted his Instagram account permanently.
The actor made the revelation during a recent appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." He said the decision happened in a split second while he was doomscrolling and came across a photo taken from the summit of Mount Everest.
Basso described his reaction: “I was doom-scrolling and I saw a picture from the top of Mount Everest. And I was like, ‘Wow, this is beautiful.' And then I stopped and I was like, ‘Wait, what?’ Why do I now know what that looks like?"
What Happened Basso deleted his Instagram account after viewing the Everest image. He stated that the photo, taken by a climber who had overcome extreme risks including stepping over bodies in the "death zone," made him uncomfortable with experiencing such a view without personal effort. He called it "non-consensual images on the Discover page" and decided to exit the platform entirely to "mind my own business."
When and Where The explanation was given on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," with the interview occurring recently (around February 3-4, 2026, based on trending reports). The deletion itself happened earlier, but fans noticed the absence prior to the interview.
Who Is Involved Gabriel Basso, best known for playing Peter Sutherland in "The Night Agent," is the central figure. The series is a Netflix action-thriller created by Shawn Ryan. Basso has appeared in other projects, including the film "Super 8."
Why It Matters The revelation addresses why Basso left social media amid ongoing discussions about its effects on users, particularly the passive consumption of extreme or hard-earned experiences. Fans and media outlets noted his account's removal, sparking curiosity that the interview addressed directly.
The Mount Everest Photo Trigger
Basso elaborated on the image's impact during the Fallon interview. He questioned the accessibility: “I shouldn’t know what that looks like. Is that not insane to anyone else?”
He added context about Mount Everest's dangers, noting that climbers face high mortality risks and that the summit view should remain earned by those who reach it. The sight from his couch without any personal investment led him to reject the platform immediately.
This aligns with broader critiques of social media algorithms pushing unearned or graphic content via features like the Discover page.
Other Details from the Interview
Beyond the social media discussion, Basso spoke about personal and professional topics. He confirmed he only cries on his birthday. He also discussed writing and illustrating his children's book, "The Grove of Lost Things," and referenced filming Season 2 of "The Night Agent" in New York City.
The Night Agent Season 3 Premiere
Basso's comments come as "The Night Agent" prepares for a major return. Netflix has confirmed Season 3 will premiere on February 19, 2026, with all episodes available at launch.
Basso reprises his lead role as Peter Sutherland. Returning cast includes Louis Herthum as Jacob Monroe and Amanda Warren as Catherine Weaver, with new regulars Fola Evans-Akingbola, Ward Horton, and Albert Jones. David Lyons and Jennifer Morrison are also part of the Season 3 cast.
Notably, Luciane Buchanan, who played Rose in previous seasons, will not return. The showrunner has indicated the decision was made to avoid forcing the character, though the door remains open for potential future appearances.
The series follows Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent drawn into a conspiracy after a late-night call exposes a larger threat. Season 1 launched in 2023 and became one of Netflix's top-viewed shows. Season 2 streamed starting January 23, 2025. Season 3 is described by creators as an "adrenaline-fueled thrill ride" pitting Peter against new antagonists, including elements involving a reporter and a terrorist plot tied to the Broker.
Basso's Career Context
Gabriel Basso began acting as a child and gained early notice in J.J. Abrams' "Super 8" (2011). His breakout role as Peter Sutherland elevated his profile, leading to the rapid renewal of "The Night Agent" for multiple seasons. Outside acting, his work on the children's book "The Grove of Lost Things" marks a creative expansion into writing and illustration.
The social media exit reflects a deliberate step back from public platforms, which Basso has now publicly attributed to a desire for direct, earned experiences over vicarious consumption.
What Happens Next
"The Night Agent" Season 3 arrives on Netflix in mid-February 2026, positioning Basso for increased visibility. No immediate plans for his return to Instagram or other social media have been announced. Fans can expect promotional activity tied to the premiere, though Basso's personal social media presence remains absent following the deletion.
The interview has generated widespread coverage across outlets like Collider, Screen Rant, and social media aggregators, highlighting ongoing interest in both the actor's choices and the show's future.
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