Idris Elba faces his deadliest challenge in Hijack’s return
Idris Elba is back in action, and this time the stakes are underground. The Emmy-nominated actor returns to Apple TV+ with the highly anticipated second season of the pulse-pounding thriller “Hijack,” premiering January 14, 2026.
From sky to subway: A dangerous new setting
The SAG Award winner reprises his role as Sam Nelson, the skilled business negotiator who finds himself at the center of yet another life-or-death crisis. While the first season kept viewers on edge aboard a hijacked commercial flight, season 2 takes the action below ground to a Berlin underground train system where hundreds of commuters become unwilling hostages.
The eight-episode second season promises to deliver the same heart-pounding tension that made the original series a standout hit. Nelson must navigate this new terrifying scenario where a single wrong decision could result in catastrophic consequences for everyone trapped in the underground nightmare.
Familiar faces and fresh talent join the cast
Creator duo George Kay and Jim Field Smith return to helm the series, bringing back their masterful storytelling that captivated audiences worldwide. The production reunites several key cast members from the first season, including Christine Adams, Max Beesley and Archie Panjabi, who will continue their compelling character arcs.
The second season also welcomes an impressive roster of new talent to the underground chaos. Christian Näthe, known for his work in “Ballon” and “Soloalbum,” joins the ensemble alongside Clare-Hope Ashitey from “Seven Seconds” and “Top Boy.” Lisa Vicari, who gained recognition in “Dark” and “Django,” brings her dramatic prowess to the confined setting.
Veteran actor Toby Jones, celebrated for his performances in “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” and “Detectorists,” adds gravitas to the cast. Karima McAdams from “Dune: Prophecy” and Christiane Paul, known for “Counterpart,” round out the stellar new additions who will face the underground terror alongside Elba’s determined negotiator.
Building on phenomenal success
The original “Hijack” series became one of Apple TV+‘s most successful drama offerings, earning widespread critical acclaim and audience praise. The show quickly achieved a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and secured a coveted spot on Nielsen’s Streaming Originals Top 10 list, proving its broad appeal across diverse viewing audiences.
Critics consistently praised the series for its crisp writing and relentless tension, while viewers found themselves literally on the edge of their seats throughout each episode. Elba’s commanding performance as the lead character earned him an Emmy Award nomination, cementing his status as a powerhouse dramatic actor capable of carrying high-stakes television.
Production powerhouse behind the scenes
The series continues its collaboration with 60Forty Films and Idiotlamp Productions, the production companies that crafted the original season’s success. Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash serve as executive producers for 60Forty Films, while Kay and Field Smith maintain their executive producer roles for Idiotlamp Productions.
Field Smith also takes on directing duties for the season, ensuring consistency in the show’s distinctive visual style and pacing that made the first season such a compelling viewing experience.
Where and when to watch
Apple TV+ will release the first two episodes of “Hijack” season 2 on January 14, 2026, followed by weekly episode releases through February 25, 2026. The streaming service offers the complete first season for viewers who want to catch up before the underground adventure begins.
The series joins Apple TV+’s impressive catalog of original programming, which has garnered over 630 wins and nearly 3,000 award nominations since the platform’s 2019 launch. This remarkable achievement includes Emmy Award-winning series like “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
Apple TV+ remains available for $12.99 monthly with a seven-day free trial, accessible across multiple devices and platforms worldwide.
Source: Apple TV+ Press Release
