7.4/10
Hijack is the kind of thriller that wastes no time. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, the Apple TV+ series places Idris Elba in the middle of a real-time crisis where words are more powerful than weapons.
The premise is deceptively simple: a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London is hijacked. On board is Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator who suddenly becomes the only person capable of preventing catastrophe.
Season 1 premiered on June 28, 2023. Season 2 returned on January 14, 2026 — and this time, the danger expands beyond the sky.
Hijack – Official TV Series Trailer
What Is Hijack About?
Season 1 unfolds almost entirely aboard a commercial aircraft that has been taken over by armed hijackers. Sam Nelson, a business negotiator returning home, quickly realizes that survival will depend on calculated communication rather than physical confrontation. Over the course of seven episodes, each representing roughly an hour of real time, Sam carefully manipulates conversations, exposes cracks in the hijackers’ unity, and secretly coordinates with authorities on the ground.
The tension builds gradually. The confined setting intensifies every exchange, and the shifting power dynamics keep the narrative unpredictable. Instead of relying on explosive action, the show focuses on human psychology. Every passenger becomes a variable in a fragile equation.
Season 2 expands the narrative beyond the aircraft. The crisis moves to Berlin’s U-Bahn system, where Sam appears to be at the center of another dangerous situation. The stakes are larger and the political undertones more pronounced. Intelligence agencies, organized crime, and personal motivations intersect, creating a layered thriller that goes beyond a simple hostage scenario.
At its core, Hijack is about control. Who has it, who loses it, and how quickly everything can collapse when fear takes over.
Cast and Characters
The series is led by Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator whose calm exterior masks intense internal pressure. Elba’s performance anchors the show, portraying a man who must constantly balance fear and composure.
Christine Adams plays Marsha Smith-Nelson, Sam’s estranged wife, whose involvement from the ground adds emotional stakes to the unfolding crisis. Max Beesley appears as DI Daniel O’Farrel, a Metropolitan Police officer tied to the investigation, while Archie Panjabi portrays DCI Zahra Gahfoor, bringing authority and intelligence to the government response.
Season 2 introduces new characters connected to the Berlin storyline, expanding the ensemble and broadening the narrative’s geopolitical scope. Despite the growing cast, the series consistently centers on Sam’s decision-making and moral dilemmas.
Is Hijack Worth Watching?
Hijack distinguishes itself through its real-time storytelling format. Each episode unfolds with minimal time jumps, creating a sustained sense of urgency. The structure keeps viewers engaged because there is rarely a narrative pause. Every conversation feels consequential.
Season 1 received strong critical praise for its pacing and controlled suspense. Critics highlighted the effective use of confined space and Elba’s measured performance. Season 2, while slightly more divisive in reception, was still praised for maintaining tension while attempting to expand the premise beyond the airplane setting.
If you appreciate thrillers driven by dialogue and character strategy rather than constant action, Hijack offers a gripping experience. The show avoids over-the-top theatrics and instead leans into realism and psychological maneuvering.
How Many Seasons Does Hijack Have?
Hijack currently has two seasons. The first season consists of seven episodes and takes place aboard a hijacked flight. The second season, released in January 2026, continues Sam Nelson’s story in a new high-stakes scenario set in Berlin.
Each season follows a contained crisis format, maintaining the show’s signature ticking-clock structure.
Where Can You Watch Hijack?
Hijack is available exclusively on Apple TV+. Both seasons can be streamed on the platform.
FAQ
Is Hijack based on a true story?
No, Hijack is a fictional series. However, its realistic tone and procedural structure give it an authentic feel.
How many episodes are in Hijack Season 1?
Season 1 consists of seven episodes, each unfolding in near real time.
What is Hijack Season 2 about?
Season 2 shifts the action to Berlin, where Sam becomes involved in another high-risk situation connected to international intelligence and criminal networks.
Is Hijack a limited series?
Originally conceived as a contained thriller, the show was renewed for a second season due to its strong reception and viewership.
Conclusion
Hijack is a thriller built on pressure, timing, and persuasion. It proves that tension does not require spectacle when dialogue and performance carry the weight of the story.
Season 1 stands out as a tightly constructed real-time suspense drama, while Season 2 explores the consequences and expansion of that initial crisis. Anchored by Idris Elba’s restrained and compelling performance, the series remains one of Apple TV+’s most engaging thriller entries.
For viewers seeking a grounded, character-driven suspense experience, Hijack delivers a tense and immersive journey from takeoff to landing — and beyond.
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