Stephen King approves Hijack series starring Idris Elba, a show that has seen its popularity soar on Apple TV+ just ahead of its much-anticipated season 2 premiere. The global buzz around Hijack comes as viewers prepare for Elba’s return as Sam Nelson, following a cliffhanger end to the first season and the promise of fresh high-stakes drama.
Returning Characters and a New Hostage Crisis
After his intense negotiations with airplane hijackers in season 1, Elba’s character Sam Nelson finds himself once again thrust into danger. In the upcoming season, Sam boards a Berlin underground train where hostages are taken, mirroring the tense situation of the original series but shifting to a new setting. This time, Sam is tasked with brokering peace between outside forces and dangerous captors, as a new plot unfolds that could have devastating consequences.
The show, created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith—also behind the series Criminal—features Idris Elba as the lead, supported by Julia Deakin as Claire Paxton. The evolving storyline involves Sam striving to protect innocent lives while confronting the lingering fallout from the initial hijacking, which season 1 revealed was connected to a broader, more ominous plan orchestrated by the perpetrators.
Surging Global Interest Before Season 2 Launch
As anticipation builds for the season 2 premiere, Hijack has surged to become a standout title on Apple TV+, ranked Number 3 globally as of January 13, 2025, according to FlixPatrol. The series clinched the Number 1 position in regions such as Grenada and Belize and stands at Number 4 in the United States. This wave of renewed popularity highlights both the international appeal of the series and heightened curiosity ahead of its return.
The long wait—over two years since season 1 aired in the summer of 2023—has only intensified enthusiasm among viewers. With the January 14, 2026 premiere approaching, many are eager to see how the familiar lead character adapts to the new, perilous context on the Berlin train while the original hijacking thread remains unresolved.
Expanding Storylines and New Challenges
Elba’s Sam Nelson will again face life-threatening danger, with the narrative expanding to include not only new hostages but also the impact on Sam’s family and the investigators who played key roles previously. The second season will run for eight episodes—one more than the original—ensuring an extended, suspenseful journey for fans. The continuation promises to maintain the show’s gripping atmosphere as Sam attempts to mediate another tense hostage situation and potentially save more lives, although the outcome remains uncertain.
Critical Reception and Future Prospects
Hijack debuted as both a critical and viewership success, capturing attention with its intense plot and strong performances, especially from Idris Elba. The first season left off with Sam Nelson almost losing his life while facing Atterton, one of the main hijackers, and underscored the existence of a larger conspiracy. The transition to the ground-level crisis in season 2 is set to further develop the show’s themes of negotiation, human resilience, and the complexities of criminal plots.
With the Stephen King stamp of approval and record-breaking interest, Hijack’s second season is positioned not only to satisfy returning fans but to attract new viewers globally. Its continued success may lead Apple TV and the creators, George Kay and Jim Field Smith, to explore further stories in future seasons, continuing Sam Nelson’s complex journey through dangerous emergencies and intricate schemes.
Cast and Key Figures
The main cast features Idris Elba in the leading role of Sam Nelson and Julia Deakin as Claire Paxton, with both set to play pivotal roles as the series unfolds. Supporting characters, including investigators and new hostages, are expected to enrich the drama, bringing depth and urgency to the evolving narrative across multiple locations such as Berlin, London, and beyond.
As Hijack season 2 premieres on January 14, 2026, with episodes releasing every Wednesday, the show’s blend of suspense, high-stakes negotiation, and character-driven storytelling is poised to keep audiences engaged throughout its run, continuing to build on the critical foundations of its debut season and the endorsement from Stephen King.
