Idris Elba’s Apple TV Thriller Hijack Soars in Streaming Popularity

by

Idris Elba is widely considered one of today’s most talented and popular actors. He first gained recognition for his work on the hit HBO series The Wire, and later became known for starring in the psychological thriller Luther. His newest television thriller further solidifies his reputation as a leading actor of his generation.

Idris Elba led the Apple TV+ thriller series Hijack, which premiered in 2023 and returned for a second season in January 2026. Even after the recent season finale, the show remains popular with viewers. According to FlixPatrol, Hijack is currently the fourth most-watched program on Apple TV+ globally.

The series Hijack has been popular on Apple TV in the United States for nearly 200 days, reaching the No. 6 position. It’s also proven to be a hit internationally, with strong viewership in countries like Belize, Cambodia, and Indonesia. In fact, it’s currently ranked either first or second in countries including Egypt, Japan, and Jordan.

Hijack Is a Nail-Biting Thriller

The series Hijack centers around Sam Nelson, a lawyer and skilled negotiator portrayed by Idris Elba. Season 1 begins with Sam aboard a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London when the plane is hijacked. The show then follows Sam, the other passengers, and the authorities on the ground as the situation unfolds.

The new season shares a similar plot, but this time, Sam is the one taking control of a train. Both seasons of Hijack highlight Sam’s skills in negotiation and also delve into his personal life, including his complicated relationship with his ex-wife and his professional background. The show features Idris Elba alongside Neil Maskell, Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Archie Panjabi, and Ian Burfield.

Hijack Received Polarizing Reviews

Although the show is popular on streaming platforms, it’s received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. Currently, Hijack has an 81% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but only a 46% audience score. This significant difference highlights a clear disagreement between what critics and viewers thought of the first season.

Season 1 of Hijack has been critically acclaimed, earning a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Richard Ferguson of The Australian highlighted Idris Elba’s performance, describing him as “effortlessly cool, mysterious, and suave.” Randy Myers from the San Jose Mercury News called the series “a shot of pure adrenaline.”

Despite getting good reviews from critics, the first season of Hijack only has a 52% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. One Rotten Tomatoes user, Daniel W, said it wasn’t particularly original, comparing it to many action movies from the last four decades, but still found it entertaining enough to finish the series. However, the show is more popular on IMDb, where it has a rating of 7.3.

Viewers consistently praise the lead actor, often overlooking any issues with the plot because of his strong performance. The series is exciting and captivating, and it’s particularly enjoyable to watch all at once. This is likely why Hijack remains a popular choice on Apple TV around the globe.

Read More

2026-03-22 21:39