Hijack (stylised as H/JACK) is a Grippling thriller television series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith. The show made its debut on Apple TV+ on June 28, 2023. Following its success, it was renewed for a second season in January 2024, which is scheduled to premiere on January 14, 2026.
The series stars Idris Elba as Same Nelson, a skilled corporate business negotiator, alongside Eve Myles, Max Beesley, and a talented supporting cast.
The plot follows a group of hijackers who take control of a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London, and Same must use his negotiation skills to secure a peaceful resolution.
Hijack is an intense thriller told in real time across seven episodes, mirroring the seven-hour hijacking at the center of the story. Idris Elba takes on an atypical role as Same Nelson and he delivers impressively. The series starts strong, gradually building tension while giving insight into the characters’ backgrounds. While I found many of the characters somewhat difficult to connect with, the strong performances keep the show compelling. That said, the ending feels rushed, with an onboard sequence presented as a climax that ultimately feels unnecessary, leaving the conclusion abrupt.
Furthermore, the series leaves several threads unresolved. There is no reconciliation with Same’s child, no reactions from his wife, and no consequences for some of the major political decisions made during the hijack. We are also left in the dark about the fate of one of the villains and his bodyguard, and the financial repercussions of the events are never addressed. For a show that builds so much anticipation, the abrupt and unresolved ending feels disappointing.
Despite some minor shortcomings, this show was highly enjoyable. The cinematography, visuals, and performances were all impressive, and I’m looking forward to the second season bringing even more depth to the storyline.
