Hijack Season 2: Idris Elba’s Thriller Takes a Dive in Ratings

Hijack Season 2: Idris Elba’s Thriller Takes a Dive in Ratings

January 25, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

The second season of the Apple TV+ thriller Hijack is facing a significant critical downturn, falling far short of the acclaim enjoyed by its first installment. While the initial season garnered a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the newly released Season 2 currently holds a 58% score – a stark contrast that has brought the overall series rating down to 74%. The season premiered with a mere 20% rating, which has seen some improvement as more reviews are published.

A Familiar Crisis, A Potential Conspiracy

Hijack stars Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator thrust into a high-stakes crisis. Season 1 saw Nelson navigating a hijacked Kingdom Flight K29. Season 2 places Nelson in another perilous situation – a hostage situation unfolding on a Berlin underground train. However, the latest installment introduces a twist, suggesting Nelson’s predicament may not be accidental.

Did You Know? The series is created and executive produced by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, with Smith also serving as the lead director.

Idris Elba, also an executive producer on the series, previously hinted at a desire to explore fresh scenarios for his character. In an interview, he suggested placing Nelson in relatable, high-pressure situations, posing difficult choices – “two options, this food that’s gonna give you diarrhea, or this food that’s gonna put you to sleep. Choose.”

Behind the Scenes and Expanding Cast

Alongside Elba, Christine Adams, Max Beesley, and Archie Panjabi reprise their roles from Season 1. Joining the cast for Season 2 are Christian Näthe, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, Toby Jones, Karima McAdams, and Christiane Paul. The series is also executive produced by Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, and Tom Nash.

Expert Insight: The shift in critical reception suggests that maintaining audience engagement across multiple seasons of a thriller series is a significant challenge. Introducing a twist that questions the character’s agency is a bold move, potentially signaling a deeper, more complex narrative arc.

New episodes of the eight-episode season are released on Wednesdays via Apple TV. The audience score, which could further impact the series’ overall rating, has yet to be factored in, but Season 1 received a 51% audience score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hijack about?

Hijack centers on Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator who finds himself embroiled in high-stakes hostage situations. Season 1 involved a hijacked airplane, while Season 2 unfolds on a Berlin underground train.

Who stars in Hijack Season 2?

Idris Elba returns as Sam Nelson, alongside returning cast members Christine Adams, Max Beesley, and Archie Panjabi. New additions to the cast include Christian Näthe, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, Toby Jones, Karima McAdams, and Christiane Paul.

Where can I watch Hijack?

New episodes of Season 2 are released on Wednesdays on Apple TV.

Will the audience score significantly alter the overall perception of Hijack Season 2 remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly provide further insight into how viewers are responding to the show’s new direction.