Hijack, the thriller series starring Idris Elba that was a critical success in 2023, returns with a second season that, according to expert analysis, does not maintain the same level. Scheduled to premiere on January 14, 2026, on Apple TV+, the new season transports negotiator Sam Nelson to a hijacked train in Germany. However, despite the similar premise, the production seems to stumble in repeating formulas and script problems, resulting in an experience considered below expectations by reviewers. The series, which achieved a rare 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes in its first batch of episodes, now faces the challenge of justifying its continuation for the increasingly demanding Brazilian streaming audience.
The how this drop in quality manifests is a central point of the criticism. The narrative follows an extremely similar path to the first season, merely swapping the plane for a train, which creates a sense of déjà vu. Furthermore, a traumatic event crucial to the protagonist occurs between seasons and is only mentioned, never shown, creating an emotional and logical void. Thus, what was once an electrifying thriller beloved by critics transforms, in the analysis’s view, into an awkward repetition that does not explore its potential.
Where the second season loses its way
The analysis published by CBR points out that while the first season balanced tension inside and outside the plane with a high-stakes geopolitical conflict, the sequel fails to create antagonists and dilemmas of the same caliber. On the train, the motivation behind the hijacking becomes confusing and relies on unmemorable characters. On the other hand, Idris Elba remains charismatic in the role of Sam Nelson, and his interaction with the train driver Otto, played by Christian Näthe, is one of the few positive highlights. Still, this strength of the protagonist is not enough to carry alone a screen that, according to the critique, suffers from tiresome dialogue and a plot that circles without significant progress, much like the train it tries to control.
The supporting cast, which includes names like Lisa Vicari (from Dark) and the return of Christine Adams as Sam’s ex-wife, receives mixed reviews. Some characters are well-developed, but others are reduced to clichés or have arcs disconnected from the main plot. Therefore, the conclusion is that Hijack is another case of a limited series that should have remained with a single season. For Brazilian Apple TV+ subscribers, the expectation is for a competent thriller, but without the soul and originality that made the production famous. The big question that remains is whether Elba’s charisma will be enough to hold the audience’s attention in yet another practically identical mission.
