Hijack Turned Idris Elba Into Streaming’s Best One-Man Action Star

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Apple’s streaming service has recently updated its branding, now known as Apple TV. Despite the name change, its core mission remains the same: to create excellent TV shows for a wide range of viewers. Apple TV has always focused on high-quality productions, and shows like the comedy Ted Lasso and the action series Hijack demonstrate its commitment to competing with other top streaming platforms and delivering standout content.

As a streaming platform, Apple TV has really established itself, and that definitely helps a show like Hijack. Honestly, we’re starting to see a pattern – Hijack is just the latest example of Apple TV delivering quality content that reinforces its brand. And it’s a compelling show! Led by the fantastic Idris Elba, it’s a smart take on the classic action thriller. It knows the tropes of the genre, but adds a fresh, exciting spin. I get the feeling Hijack isn’t a one-off – this could easily become a full-blown franchise.

Apple’s Action-Based Limited Series Hijack Drew Initial Interest

The 2023 thriller series, stylized as H/JACK in some advertising, came from the creative minds of George Kay and Jim Field Smith – both experienced and successful TV writers. Kay is known for creating shows like Lupin and Criminal, and he also contributed to popular series such as Killing Eve and My Mad Fat Diary. Smith has worked on Truth Seekers and The Wrong Mans, and is a prominent figure in British television. Together, they were a strong team capable of blending a dark and realistic story with broad audience appeal.

I just finished watching Hijack, and it’s a genuinely gripping show rooted in a frighteningly plausible scenario. It centers around Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator who suddenly finds himself in the middle of a plane hijacking on a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. What really impressed me was seeing a seasoned actor like Idris Elba lean into a different kind of performance – relying on quick wit and precise communication to navigate this incredibly tense situation. The seven-episode series is perfectly paced, building suspense effectively, and thankfully, it delivers a satisfying conclusion – sticking the landing when it absolutely needed to.

The show relies on a few familiar story elements, like a rapidly developed history for the character Sam, which adds a little more tension. But it’s the action and drama that really grab you – the show creates a strong sense of immediacy, making it feel like you’re experiencing everything as it happens. It effectively puts the audience in the scene, encouraging us to consider how we would respond in similar circumstances.

What I really loved about this series is its unpredictability. One minute you’re completely engrossed in a quiet, character-driven scene, and the next you’re genuinely shocked by a sudden turn of events. It’s brilliantly paced; the tension isn’t just built through big action sequences, though those are there too. It simmers in the dialogue, the subtle exchanges, and the intriguing secrets hidden within the story. You’re constantly on edge, wondering what’s going to explode – and it’s rarely what you expect.

I’m completely hooked on Hijack! It’s got this really clever way of slowly revealing secrets – you quickly realize not everyone on that plane is who they seem. What’s even more exciting is seeing Jim Field Smith direct, and he’s teamed up with Mo Ali – they’ve both done amazing work before, like Shank, Somaliland: The Documentary, and COBRA, but this series really showcases everything they’re capable of, and on a much bigger scale. With so many talented people – Idris Elba, George Kay, Kris Thykier, Hakan Kousetta, and Jamie Laurenson – all executive producing, you just know it’s going to be good. It’s no wonder Apple TV+ has another hit series on their hands!

Hijack Is Becoming Popular Again Thanks to Idris Elba’s Performance

When Hijack initially launched, it quickly gained a loyal audience. By the time the final episode aired, it had become the most popular series on the streaming platform, demonstrating its immediate success. In today’s streaming landscape, a show’s lasting appeal is what truly matters. Hijack has proven to be incredibly popular over time, with viewers continuing to watch and keeping it high on Apple’s internal viewership charts. In 2023 alone, it racked up 357 million minutes of watch time, and that number has almost certainly grown significantly since then.

As a film and TV enthusiast, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Hijack, and it’s easy to see why. Critics really seem to like it – it’s sitting at a solid 90% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a great sign these days. While some have pointed out that it can feel a bit superficial at times, and doesn’t always delve deeply into its characters – likely because of the fast-paced, immediate nature of the plot – overall, it’s getting a big recommendation. What really stands out is how the story unfolds – it’s a really unique structure – and how effectively it pulls you in with surprisingly simple filmmaking. It’s a really immersive experience.

The series Hijack is incredibly gripping, and many viewers find themselves rewatching it for that same thrilling experience. Recently, new audiences have been discovering the show, largely thanks to its lead actor. He’s known for his work in acclaimed series like Luther and a diverse film career including the Thor movies, Heads of State, and The Harder They Fall. Elba’s star power is undeniable, and Hijack gives him the opportunity to display a broader acting range than he’s shown in his more recent, comedic action roles. A crucial part of his character, and a key element of the story, is his skill at negotiation while facing this terrifying situation.

The show features a fantastic cast, including Ben Miles (from Andor) as the pilot, Hattie Morahan (Outnumbered) as the British Foreign Secretary, Christine Adams (Black Lightning) as the pilot’s estranged wife, Eve Myles (Torchwood) as an air traffic controller, and Archie Panjabi (Bend It Like Beckham) as a lead detective. This diverse group of actors brings a wealth of experience to Hijack, and for British viewers, it’s fun trying to place where they’ve seen everyone before.

Hijack Has Been Renewed for Season 2

Thanks to a talented cast, a compelling storyline, and strong initial reviews, Apple TV is keen to continue the story of Hijack. While the show’s premise – a hijacking – is difficult to repeat convincingly without feeling repetitive or insulting viewers, plans are underway for a second season. Idris Elba will reprise his leading role, and he’ll be joined by a new group of British actors, one of whom is a well-known star.

Beloved British actor Toby Jones, known for his roles in films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, will join Idris Elba in the second season of the show. This season will feature a disaster in Berlin, expanding the series’ scope internationally. The new season premieres January 14th, 2026, with episodes releasing every Wednesday for a total of eight. The final episode is scheduled for February 25th, so fans should save the date!

The team is taking Season 2 in a new direction, moving away from the ideas of the first season. This time, the story will unfold on a train where terrorists have seized control of a subway line. As authorities try to stop them, passengers face a terrifying threat: a bomb hidden somewhere on the train.

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2025-11-07 04:07