Critically acclaimed thriller series Hijack returns to Apple TV for a second season on January 14, 2026, Apple said Tuesday as it released a moody teaser trailer for the show.
The second edge-of-your-seat hijacking once again puts Emmy-nominated actor Idris Elba at the center of the action. He sure gets into some trouble, doesn’t he?
Hijack season 2 finds Idris Elba on the Berlin underground
The eight-episode second season of Hijack will kick off with a two-episode premiere on January 14, followed by weekly episode releases through February 25, 2026, Apple TV said. The release strategy for the popular show mirrors the streamer’s approach with other hit series, allowing viewers to engage in weekly discussions while maintaining the storyline’s momentum.
A new threat underground
Photo: Apple TV
Season two shifts the action from the skies to the streets — or, more precisely, beneath them. The new season centers on a Berlin underground train taken hostage along with its passengers, creating a tense scenario where hundreds of lives hang in the balance. Elba returns as Sam Nelson, the skilled negotiator who finds himself at the center of the crisis. According to Apple, every decision Nelson makes could mean the difference between salvation and catastrophe for those trapped on the train.
George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the talented duo behind other successful thrillers like Lupin and Criminal, created the series. Field Smith also serves as lead director for the season, ensuring visual and narrative consistency throughout.
Watch the teaser trailer for Hijack season 2
Cast and production
The second season brings back the core ensemble cast that helped make season one a success, including Christine Adams, Max Beesley, and Archie Panjabi. The production has also added several notable actors to the mix, including Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Seven Seconds), and Lisa Vicari (Dark), among others.
Photo: Apple TV
60Forty Films and Idiotlamp Productions produce Hijack, with executive producers Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta and Tom Nash working alongside creators Kay and Field Smith. Elba also serves as an executive producer on the series.
Season 1 success
Photo: Apple TV
The first season of Hijack proved to be one of Apple TV+’s standout dramas, earning a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and landing on Nielsen’s Streaming Originals Top 10 list. Critics praised the series as “a shot of pure adrenaline” and “crisp and tense,” with particular acclaim for Elba’s commanding performance, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
— David Snow
Hijack season 2 is on, baby!
Photo: Apple TV+
January 31, 2024: Apple TV+ revealed that the thriller Hijack starring Idris Elba is getting a season two. The first was hugely popular but the premise of the show — a guy stumbles into a hijacking — made coming up with a non-stupid followup a struggle. It seems they found a way.
“It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!” Elba promised Wednesday.
Hijack season one had Sam Nelson (Elba) as a skilled business negotiator trapped on a hijacked plane. Although not in law enforcement, he stepped up and saved the lives of the passengers.
The series immediately became a huge hit — it shot to near the top of the ratings charts and stayed there its entire run. Then there was demand for more.
When asked about the possibility of Hijack season two, Elba said:
“We’ve thought about it, obviously. And that is really challenging. It is something that you’re like, ‘Wow, how would you do that and it not be completely ridiculous?’”
The writers had to come up with a semi-realistic way for Nelson, who’s not a cop, to once again find himself in a hostage situation. No one wants a repeat of Speed 2, which followed a tense bus hijacking with a ludicrous boat hijacking.
Obviously, Elba and his team found a plot they’re happy with, because Apple has now committed itself to Hijack season two.
You thought he was finished?
Idris Elba is returning for Hijack season two. pic.twitter.com/J0C2DvgqhC
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) January 31, 2024
No details were given so we have no idea when new episodes of the series will return to Apple TV+. The show apparently isn’t even back in production yet.
But Idris Elba is definitely returning. That’s important — his talent and star power played a critical part in making season one such a success. He’s also an executive producer on the show, which was originally created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith.
Watch season 1 now
The entire first season of Hijack is available now on Apple’s streaming service. Access comes with a $9.99-per-month subscription. As it takes place in real time — an hour of the show covers an hour of events in the series — it’s ripe for bingewatching.
Watch on: Apple TV+
Stay tuned for more on Hijack season two as information becomes available.
— Ed Hardy
This post first published on January 31, 2024, and republished with updates on October 22, 2025.
