Turns out, one Day of the Jackal just wasn’t enough. Sky and Peacock are doubling down on the cat-and-mouse thriller, granting a second season to the Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch-led series after what they’re calling a “record-breaking” global debut. While “record-breaking” gets thrown around more than a frisbee at a dog park these days, the numbers, at least in the UK, seem to back it up: Sky reports a hefty 3 million viewers tuned in across the pond during the first week. Peacock remains tight-lipped about specific streaming figures, vaguely citing “top performer” status.
For those unfamiliar, season one tracked the titular Jackal (Redmayne), an assassin of considerable skill, as he’s chased across Europe by a tenacious British intelligence officer (Lynch). Based on the best selling novel by Frederick Forsyth (which was also turned into a hugely successful movie in 1973) season one was reasonably diverting, with strong performances and tension, even if the plot occasionally veered into predictable territory. With a solid supporting cast including Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, and Richard Dormer, the series has clearly found an audience.
Whether the second season can maintain the momentum — or if viewers will grow weary of the chase — is an open question. One thing’s for sure: Redmayne’s Jackal isn’t likely to go down without a fight, and Lynch’s dogged pursuit will undoubtedly continue to drive the drama.
“The Day of the Jackal” airs on Sky and Peacock.
