The highly anticipated second season of The Day of the Jackal is confirmed, following the success of its first run. The show, adapted from the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth, stars actors Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch. This announcement was made on November 21, just over one week after the series concluded its premiere. The renewal is part of the programming lineup for Peacock and Sky, showcasing the networks' commitment to delivering engaging and high-quality content to their audiences.
Since its debut, the series has gained considerable traction, making it the top-rated original series of all time for Sky, attracting 3 million views within its first week. Meanwhile, The Day of the Jackal emerged as one of the top five original streaming series on Peacock during its opening weekend, according to preliminary Nielsen data. The show’s blend of thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamics and high-stakes intrigue has certainly struck a chord with viewers, solidifying its position as must-watch television.
Ronan Bennett, known for his work on Top Boy, serves as the show's writer and executive producer, working alongside Redmayne, who also takes on the role of the titular Jackal. The cast includes notable actors such as Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, and Richard Dormer, all contributing to the rich texture of the story. The narrative follows the Jackal, portrayed as a chameleon-like assassin, who is pursued by British intelligence agent played by Lynch. This chase weaves through various European locales, creating both suspense and drama as the two characters engage in their lethal game.
Executive producers for the show include Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant from Carnival Films, the production company responsible for bringing this contemporary adaptation to life. They have emphasized their goal to present the story with modern sensibilities, downgrading the overt political aspects of Forsyth's original work to focus more on the thriller elements.
Critics are already singing praises; Variety highlighted the series' compelling storytelling and visual presentation, noting it as "a breathless adventure" through its fast-paced narrative structure. The first season consists of ten episodes, with the latest installment set to air on December 12. Fans of the series can look forward to how the new season might expand on the characters and plotlines established in the debut run.
The series's successful integration of genres has seen it marketed extensively around the globe, having sold to nearly 200 territories, including notable streaming platforms like SkyShowtime and Disney+ outside of the U.S. This wide distribution highlights the show's universal appeal and the effective collaboration between Peacock and Sky to capture audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
While the specific storyline for the second season remains under wraps, the engagement from both the cast and the producers hints at more thrilling content to come. With the groundwork laid out and the audience's anticipation building, The Day of the Jackal is poised to deliver another gripping season.
For now, audiences can catch up on the first season which has already proven successful not just critically but also commercially, setting high expectations for the upcoming narratives as well as character developments. With the renewal official, fans await more updates as filming is yet to commence, eagerly forecasting where the story will head next.
