Hijack season 2: Release date, cast and latest news

*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Hijack season 1.*

It's the Apple TV action thriller that kept us guessing and worrying about whether or not the plane would actually land safely, but Hijack certainly delivered in the drama stakes when it premiered two years ago.

It seems like an age ago since we saw Idris Elba helm the series as expert negotiator Sam Nelson but Sam is finally back – and this time it looks as though things are unfolding on the German underground system.

A date announcement teaser for the highly anticipated second instalment was released just last month, providing fans with their first look at the action to come and it looks as though Sam is set to face another crisis on a moving vehicle.

The synopsis teases that its "commuters are taken hostage, while authorities scramble to save hundreds of lives. Sam Nelson (Elba) is at the heart of the crisis on board, where one wrong decision could spell disaster".

The first season was a hit for the streamer, with Elba even bagging an Emmy award nomination for his leading performance in the series. We now have a confirmed release date for season 2 also, as well as a batch of first-look images which are dotted throughout this article.

But just when will the new season of Hijack land on our screens? Read on to find out.

Hijack season 2 release date

The second season of Hijack is confirmed to premiere on Apple TV globally on Wednesday 14th January 2026 with the first two episodes. As is usually the case for Apple TV shows, new episodes will then be released weekly, with the finale set for 25th February 2026.

The series was renewed in January 2024, with executive producer and star Idris Elba saying at the time: “I was floored by the overwhelming audience response after season one. It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!"

Prior to the renewal announcement, Elba had floated the possibility of returning for more but stressed the importance of returning for the right story.

He told Variety previously: "What would be the acceptable scenario that he comes back? Because we’ve thought about this and obviously Apple have gone, 'Well, we really love the show.' And I think, you know, Rotten Tomatoes is at 92% at the moment, which is a good sign, but it’s kind of like — he’s not a cop — what would be the acceptable Sam Nelson return? And if I’m honest, I’m not sure."

He added: "I’d like that, but I just don’t want to put him on another hijack. I’m open to that character coming back. I think if people were compelled to like the character, then I’m in."

Hijack cast: Who will return and who joins for season 2?

It wouldn't quite be Hijack without Idris Elba leading the cast and Elba will once again be leading the new series.

Elba isn't the only familiar face returning as Christine Adams reprises her role as Sam's estranged wife Marsha Smith-Nelson, Max Beesley as her partner DI Daniel O'Farrel and Archie Panjabi as as DCI Zahra Gahfoor.

As for new cast members, those include Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Top Boy), Christian Näthe (Ballon), Lisa Vicari (Django), Karima McAdams (Dune: Prophecy) and Christiane Paul (Counterpart).

The confirmed returning cast for Hijack season 2 are as follows:

• Idris Elba as Sam Nelson
• Christine Adams as Marsha Smith-Nelson
• Max Beesley as DI Daniel O'Farrel
• Archie Panjabi as DCI Zahra Gahfoor
• Toby Jones as TBC
• Clare-Hope Ashitey as TBC
• Christian Näthe as TBC
• Lisa Vicari as TBC
• Karima McAdams as TBC
• Christiane Paul as TBC

Hijack season 2 plot: What will happen?

While we do have an official trailer for season 2 and a synopsis, we're still none the wiser as to how exactly Sam finds himself in yet another hijack situation. We do know that it's set to unfold on the Berlin underground system but as for who's responsible, why Sam finds himself in Germany and everything in between, we'll just have to wait and see.

Elba had previously admitted that if he was to return to do another instalment of the series, it can't just follow the same format as season 1.

It makes a lot of sense because if Sam was to fall victim of yet another plane hijacking, fans may be a little confused. But what could Sam do in season 2? Well, speaking to TV Insider, Elba said: “Look, 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.”

We did see Sam eventually make it out of the plane after a tense confrontation with lead hijacker Stuart but as for what Sam could be walking out to, it remains to be seen. We're sure after helping in the takedown of the hijackers, Sam would likely be commended by the home secretary and foreign secretary but would he turn to government work?

As for his personal life, the hijack could very well bring him and his estranged wife Marsha closer but that could spell some tricky dynamics between Sam and Daniel.

And could Sam be facing a future looking over his shoulder after Stuart gets imprisoned? Quite possibly, as it's clear the OCG member wanted to exact some kind of revenge on Sam after the death of his brother. We're sure with the Cheapside Firm deal being usurped by a change of plan, it could spell trouble for Sam as he was the most prominent passenger on the plane trying to take them down.

Is there a trailer for Hijack season 2?

Not quite! However, you can watch the date announcement teaser below, which also reveals a first look at Hijack season 2.

Hijack season 1 is available to stream on Apple TV, sign up now with a 7-day free trial.

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