Debuted in 2023 on Apple TV, Hijack is a British series in the thriller genre, created by Jim Field Smith and George Kay. Headlined by Idris Elba, who also serves as an executive producer, the series has stood out for its real-time storytelling and intense, confined setting. Following the success of its first season, Apple TV has announced that season 2 will premiere on January 14, 2026, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Rated -12, the series shifts from its usual aviation setting to explore a different confined environment, while still maintaining the core elements that define its identity: relentless urgency, impossible choices, and constant psychological pressure.
Season 2 Synopsis — In Berlin, a subway train is hijacked, sending passengers into panic. As authorities scramble to prevent a disaster affecting hundreds of civilians, Sam Nelson finds himself once again at the heart of the crisis. With every second crucial, his strategic decisions could mean the difference between saving lives or causing catastrophe.
This new season continues to explore the themes introduced in the first, focusing on negotiation, psychological manipulation, and the moral boundaries faced during high-stakes decision-making. Idris Elba's character remains a masterful negotiator, navigating a volatile environment where there’s no room for mistakes.
In Season 1, Hijack chronicled the hijacking of a flight heading to London, with each episode covering one hour of the flight. This real-time format created a constant sense of suspense, earning praise from critics and viewers alike. Idris Elba's compelling performance even led to a nomination for the 2024 Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
The series also features a recurring cast including Christine Adams and Max Beesley, with production by 60Forty Films, alongside executive producers George Kay, Jim Field Smith, and Jamie Laurenson. Apple TV continues to invest in thrillers with compelling concepts, following in the footsteps of shows like 24 or The Night Agent, while maintaining a tighter, more grounded and realistic approach.
Hijack
Series | 2023
Season 2 arrives on Apple TV on January 14, 2026
Thriller | Approximately 60 minutes per episode
Created by Jim Field Smith and George Kay | Starring Idris Elba, Christine Adams, Max Beesley
Country: United Kingdom
With this shift in setting and an increasingly urgent threat, Hijack aims to breathe new life into its concept without losing the tension created by its real-time pacing. Season 2 promises to offer a fresh take on crisis management, where dialogue and strategy continue to be the only tools against the violence.
To explore further, check out our selection of the Apple TV highlights for January, our guide to new releases across all streaming platforms, and today's top picks in what to watch today on streaming.
