Hijack Season 2: Apple Orders More of Idris Elba's Thriller

You've finally landed after white-knuckling your armrest during Apple TV+'s thriller Hijack, and like a child after their first roller coaster ride, you want to know: Can we do it again? Hijack was a surprising hit for the streaming service, so even though by all accounts it appeared to be a limited series when Season 1 was announced, it's not too surprising that Apple decided to go ahead with a second season. 

British superstar Idris Elba starred in the first season, playing Sam Nelson, a corporate business negotiator who found himself on a plane from Dubai to London that was hijacked by a group with very specific motives. But it wouldn't be a TV show without a full flight cabin of twists, and just when you thought you knew what was happening, Hijack dove in a direction you didn't expect. 

Will there be a Hijack Season 2? What would it look like? We try to answer those questions and more below.

Hijack Season 2 latest news

It happened! Apple TV+ has ordered a second season of Hijack. The news was announced on Jan. 31, 2024, though no details about Season 2 were revealed, other than the confirmation that Elba will be back as the star and same producers will be behind it.

"I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after Season 1. It's top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!" Elba said in a statement.   

Hijack Season 2 renewal

Hijack was renewed for a second season in late January after several months of silence regarding its future. The renewal was both surprising and not surprising at all; it's unclear if Hijack was ever meant to be a long-running series, but its success for Apple likely made the streamer do everything in its power to get more.

Back in August 2023, co-creator Jim Field Smith spoke to TV Insider about a potential Season 2 and said, "Oh, never say never on anything." But he acknowledged that the creative team would need to find a good way to bring Elba's Sam Nelson back. 

"I think Sam as a character is really compelling, I think the way Idris portrays him is really compelling, and I think it would always be interesting to see how he would react in other situations, of course," Smith said. 

Elba had similar thoughts. Speaking to TV Insider in June, the actor said, "I'm going to be honest here. I'd like to see Sam come back, but I just don't want to see another Hijack. It's got to be clever, and we can see him make decisions that are impossible to make. And I think that's going to be fun for the audience, but it has to be the right setup. So who knows? If the audience really wants it, it's going to happen." 

Hijack cast

Without official word from Apple, it's impossible to say who will be involved in the second season, aside from Idris Elba returning as Sam Nelson. Sam is a rare type of thriller hero — one who survives with his mind instead of his fists — and he will definitely be the focus of the series. Just don't expect Sam to definitively be part of another hijacking; the creators are looking for some realism, not some guy who happens to get involved in hijacks for the rest of his life.

Hijack Season 2 estimated release date

Though Season 2 has been announced, don't expect it for a long time. It took the first season two years to get made, and work on Season 2 has barely even started (that we know of). 2025 seems like the soonest you'd be able to see Sam talk his way out of another difficult situation.

Where can I watch Hijack?

Hijack is only on Apple TV+, so you'll need a subscription to watch. Season 1 is now streaming.