Season 2 of Apple TV’s “Intense” Action Thriller Defies Critics To Become a Streaming Hit

Idris Elba returns as Sam Nelson in Apple TV+’s thrilling series, Hijack, after a three-year break. The show has quickly become a hit with viewers. Hijack premiered on June 28, 2023, and features Elba as a negotiator who has to use his expertise to resolve a plane hijacking peacefully.

The second season of Hijack premiered on January 14, 2026, and has quickly become a popular show on Apple TV+. Within days of its release, it became the most-watched series worldwide, including in the United States, where it surpassed the previously popular show Pluribus. While the first season focused on a plane hijacking, Season 2 places Idris Elba’s character in a dangerous hostage situation on the Berlin subway.

Season 2 of Hijack, featuring performances by Albrecht Schuch, Christian Näthe, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, Dejan Bućin, and Jasmine Bayes, takes Idris Elba’s character in a surprising new direction. Without giving away any spoilers, the first episode leaves you questioning who to root for this season. This twist keeps the thrilling series feeling innovative, even though the overall story is similar to Season 1. Here’s what the season is about, according to the official description:

Hijack Season 2 brings back Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, the skilled negotiator, facing a new, intense challenge in the tunnels under Berlin. Following the airplane hijacking he resolved in Season 1, Nelson now finds himself on a commuter train that’s been diverted from its route and is now dealing with a hostage situation. With authorities scrambling to help from above, Sam must rely on his intelligence and negotiation tactics to uncover a complex and dangerous plot.

‘Hijack’ Season 2 Is Dividing Critics on Rotten Tomatoes


Apple TV

As a big fan of thrillers, I was really excited for the second season of Hijack after loving the first one, which Rotten Tomatoes gave a fantastic 90% ‘Fresh’ rating. But honestly, Season 2 has been a bit of a letdown. It’s currently at 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s clear people are really split on it. Some critics, like Tim Glanfield from The Times UK, actually think the new season is better – he says it’s more intricate and full of twists, making for a really well-made conspiracy story. But others, like Jean Henegan from Pop Culture Maniacs, haven’t been so impressed, and her review was pretty critical.

We’re now at the start of season two of a show that always felt like it should have been just one season. After watching all of it, I can confidently say there’s no compelling reason to bother with Hijack’s second season.

Look, everyone’s tastes are different, but I think you should definitely check out Season 2 of Hijack and decide for yourself if it’s worth the watch. The first episode is available on Apple TV+ right now, and new episodes will drop every Wednesday until the season wraps up on March 4, 2026.




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2026-01-21 17:08