The Day of the Jackal has officially been renewed for a second season

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky and Peacock's The Day of the Jackal is officially coming back for a second season, and let's be honest, nobody is shocked. This drama-thriller has taken the world by storm, breaking records and pulling in massive audiences everywhere it has aired.

In the UK, it has become the biggest Sky Original ever. Yes, ever. It pulled in a jaw-dropping three million viewers in its first week alone, making it Sky's most successful launch in over two years. And it is not just the UK that is obsessed. Across Sky's other markets, including Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Ireland, it is now the most successful debut for any UK Sky Original. That is quite the achievement.

Meanwhile, in the US, The Day of the Jackal has been just as dominant. On Peacock, it shot straight to number one on the platform's Top 10 list during its opening week. It also became one of the top five streaming originals in the US, according to early Nielsen data. The success story does not stop there. In Australia, the show has been named the highest-rated new series launch of the year on Fox Showcase.

The series has been sold in nearly 200 territories worldwide, proving it has universal appeal. It is airing on SkyShowtime across Europe, Disney+ in Latin America, Amazon Prime Video in France, and Foxtel in Australia. Other regions like Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, and the Middle East are also tuning in. Wherever you are, chances are The Day of the Jackal is making waves.

Critics have been just as enthusiastic. They are calling it exhilarating, sensational, and a breathless adventure. Eddie Redmayne's portrayal of the enigmatic assassin, the Jackal, has been singled out as one of his finest performances. Lashana Lynch, who plays the British intelligence officer tracking him down, has also received glowing reviews. Viewers and critics alike are raving about the thrilling action and smart storytelling, with words like "top-notch" and "compelling" being thrown around.

For anyone who has not yet seen it, the first season follows the Jackal, a deadly and elusive assassin played by Redmayne. After a high-profile hit, he finds himself hunted by Lynch's determined British intelligence officer in a gripping chase across Europe. The stakes are high, and the destruction they leave in their wake makes it impossible to look away. The stellar cast also includes Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, and Chukwudi Iwuji.

Behind the camera, the talent is just as impressive. Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant of Carnival Films are among the executive producers, along with writer Ronan Bennett. The episodes are directed by a team that includes Brian Kirk, Anthony Philipson, Paul Wilmshurst, and Anu Menon, ensuring every moment is packed with tension and drama. The series is produced by Carnival Films under Universal International Studios, with NBCUniversal handling global distribution.

With a debut like this, it is hard to imagine how season two could top it, but fans are already buzzing with excitement. Wherever the Jackal's story goes next, one thing is clear. This show has cemented itself as one of the most thrilling watches of recent years. If you have not joined the hype yet, now is the time.