
The Day of the Jackal (TV Series) Episodes: List & Season 2
Eddie Redmayne plays a frosty, methodical assassin in Sky’s adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s novel — and audiences devoured it.
Season 1 Episodes: 10 · Premiere Date: November 14, 2024 (US) · Lead Actor: Eddie Redmayne as The Jackal · Highest Rated Episode: Episode 1 (8.2/10) · Streaming Platforms: Now TV, Sky Atlantic, Peacock
Quick snapshot
- Exact Season 2 premiere date (Digital Spy)
- Complete Season 2 cast list beyond announced additions (Digital Spy)
- Full episode titles and air schedule for Season 2 (Digital Spy)
- Episodes 1–4: 7 November 2024 (Epguides)
- Episode 6 and US premiere: 14 November 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Season 2 filming in early 2026 (Hot Magazine)
- Season 2 in production, expected 2026 (Digital Spy)
- Eddie Redmayne reprising lead role (Radio Times)
- New cast members Weruche Opia, Pablo Schreiber joining as series regulars (Digital Spy)
The key facts below summarize genre, source material, episode count, networks, main cast, critical reception, and content rating for quick reference.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Genre | Spy Thriller |
| Based on | Frederick Forsyth novel |
| Episodes | Season 1: 10 |
| Networks | Sky Atlantic, Now TV, Peacock |
| Main Cast | Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch |
| Metascore | 72 |
| Content Rating | TV-MA |
Is there a season 2 for The Day of the Jackal?
Season 2 for The Day of the Jackal is officially happening. Sky and NBCUniversal renewed the series shortly after Season 1 wrapped in late 2024, confirming Eddie Redmayne will reprise his role as the cold-eyed assassin. The renewal came fast — a vote of confidence in the show’s audience reach, which spans both UK and US markets.
Season 2 confirmation status
The show’s creator Ronan Bennett remains attached as executive producer but stepped back from day-to-day operations as head writer. Radio Times reports that David Harrower has taken over as primary writer and showrunner for the new season, bringing his experience with political thrillers to the series. New cast additions include Weruche Opia and Pablo Schreiber as series regulars, per announcements from Digital Spy.
Expected premiere details
No firm release date has been announced. Industry reporting suggests a 2026 window, with filming reportedly underway since early 2026 in London, Budapest, and Croatia according to Hot Magazine. The production timeline points to a late 2026 debut at the earliest.
The Day of the Jackal Season 1 Episodes List
Ten episodes make up the inaugural season, with staggered UK and US releases. Episodes 1–4 launched simultaneously in the UK on 7 November 2024, while US audiences waited a week for the November 14 premiere, according to Wikipedia.
Episode 1
Episode 1 introduced viewers to the Jackal executing a record-distance sniper shot to kill Manfred Fest — staged as a false flag attack. Wikipedia details how MI6 expert Bianca Pullman traced the weapon to Northern Irish gunsmith Norman Stoke. The episode ends with the Jackal offered a $100 million contract to eliminate billionaire Ulle Dag Charles. Collider ranked this as the third-best episode of the season.
Episode 2
Episode 2 shifts to the Jackal plotting revenge after a previous client refuses payment. Rotten Tomatoes describes the episode as slower-paced, a sentiment reflected in Collider’s ranking it as the season’s lowest-rated installment at tenth place.
Episode 3
The midpoint episodes explore the Jackal’s international movements as Bianca closes the intelligence gap. Sky’s official episode guide confirms the structure keeps tension high despite varying episode pacing.
The implication: early episodes establish the Jackal’s methods while later entries shift focus to the cat-and-mouse chase that defines the back half.
Episode 1 stands out as the highest-rated installment. If you’re time-pressed, start there — the explosive opening sets the tone for the entire series.
Episodes 7 through 10 deliver the tightest narrative, so bingers should expect the back half to outpace the slower middle stretch.
Episode 4 to 6
Episode 5 features the Jackal commissioning Norman for a new job while Bianca edges closer. Episode 6, airing 14 November 2024, follows the Jackal’s escape after a shoot-out with Bianca — a turning point that accelerates the season’s final act.
Episode 7 to 10
Episodes 7 through 10 tighten the cat-and-mouse dynamic as Bianca tracks the Jackal to his home base. The Season 1 finale delivers the season’s most shocking moment: Bianca is fatally wounded in the confrontation, though the Jackal survives and flees.
Where can I watch The Day of the Jackal TV series?
Streaming access depends on your region. UK viewers catch the series on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with all episodes available on the respective apps. TV Guide confirms US audiences stream via Peacock, with Episode 1 premiering on 14 November 2024.
Streaming options for Season 1
The catch: regional exclusivity means UK fans cannot use Peacock and vice versa, so check your platform accordingly.
Platforms for future seasons
Season 2 is expected to follow the same distribution pattern — Sky and NOW in the UK, Peacock in the US — though official announcements from the streamers are pending.
The Day of the Jackal Season 1 Episode Summaries
Beyond the episode list, viewers have requested consolidated plot breakdowns. Rotten Tomatoes provides short recaps for each installment, while Radio Times covers the finale in detail.
Key plot points per episode
The series follows the Jackal’s evolution from hired killer to primary target of an international manhunt. In Episode 1, his $100 million contract sets the global stakes. By Episode 6, the shoot-out forces him into hiding. The season’s back half explores the fallout of his actions on both MI6 operatives and political figures.
Finale explained
The Season 1 finale ends on a grim note for the protagonist side. Bianca tracks the Jackal to his home and is fatally wounded in the confrontation, per Radio Times. The Jackal escapes alive, setting up an obvious continuation. “A globetrotting thriller made eerily plausible by Eddie Redmayne’s reptilian performance,” noted the Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus.
The pattern: the Jackal’s survival at the expense of his hunter sets up an entirely new dynamic for the sequel.
Bianca’s death in the finale is the season’s emotional anchor. Her elimination raises the stakes for Season 2’s new characters, who must now hunt the Jackal without the series’ most determined operative.
Has The Day of the Jackal season 2 started filming yet?
Filming for Season 2 is reportedly underway. Hot Magazine places production in London, Budapest, and Croatia as of early 2026, though this comes from a tier-3 source and should be treated as unconfirmed pending official announcements from Sky.
Filming updates
Industry tracking suggests production moved quickly after the Season 1 renewal. The international shoot locations point to the globe-trotting structure that defined the first season.
What this means: the series is moving fast, with a 2026 release window looking realistic pending Sky’s confirmation.
Cast returning
Eddie Redmayne returns as the Jackal. The new series regulars — Weruche Opia and Pablo Schreiber — represent the show’s expansion, with their characters’ roles still undisclosed. Radio Times confirms their casting alongside the creative shift behind the scenes.
Timeline
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 7 November 2024 | Season 1 Episodes 1–4 UK premiere |
| 14 November 2024 | Season 1 Episode 1 US airdate |
| 14 November 2024 | Season 1 Episode 6 airs |
| Late 2024 | Season 1 release completes |
| Late 2024/Early 2025 | Season 2 renewal announced |
| Early 2026 | Season 2 filming reportedly in progress |
Clarity check
Confirmed
- Season 1 has 10 episodes
- Available on Now TV and Sky in the UK
- Peacock streams in the US
- Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal
- Lashana Lynch plays MI6 agent Bianca Pullman
- Season 2 confirmed and renewed
- Bianca dies in the Season 1 finale
- Metascore: 72
Unconfirmed
- Exact Season 2 premiere date
- Specific episode titles for Season 2
- Complete Season 2 cast beyond announced additions
- Official filming locations confirmation from Sky
What critics say
A globetrotting thriller made eerily plausible by Eddie Redmayne’s reptilian performance.
— Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus (Rotten Tomatoes)
“Gripping” thriller that’s a ‘throwback to the best’ with “outstanding”
— Digital Spy entertainment team (Digital Spy)
Redmayne’s unsettling Jackal anchors the series, but the loss of Bianca leaves the show with a void to fill in Season 2.
Related reading: How Many Episodes in Stranger Things Season 5: What We Know · The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 – Full Recap and Ending Explained
collider.com, youtube.com, rottentomatoes.com, tvinsider.com
The ten-episode first season premiered in November 2024 on Sky and Peacock, with this episodes and streaming guide detailing the full cast alongside viewing options.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes are in The Day of the Jackal Season 1?
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes. Episodes 1–4 aired on 7 November 2024 in the UK, with the full season completing by late 2024.
What is the plot of The Day of the Jackal episode 1?
Episode 1 opens with the Jackal executing a record-distance sniper shot to assassinate Manfred Fest, staged as a false flag attack. He is then offered a $100 million contract to kill billionaire Ulle Dag Charles, while MI6 expert Bianca Pullman traces his weapon to Northern Irish gunsmith Norman Stoke.
Where to watch The Day of the Jackal Season 1?
UK viewers can watch on Sky Atlantic and Now TV. US audiences stream via Peacock. Apple TV also carries the series.
What happens in The Day of the Jackal finale?
The Season 1 finale features MI6 agent Bianca tracking the Jackal to his home. She is fatally wounded in the confrontation. The Jackal survives and flees, setting up Season 2’s continuation.
Who stars in The Day of the Jackal TV series?
Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, with Lashana Lynch as MI6 agent Bianca Pullman. New cast members Weruche Opia and Pablo Schreiber join as series regulars in Season 2.
Has The Day of the Jackal season 2 started filming?
Season 2 filming is reportedly in progress as of early 2026, with production locations including London, Budapest, and Croatia. However, no official confirmation has come from Sky or Peacock.
Is there a season 2 for The Day of the Jackal?
Yes, Season 2 has been confirmed and renewed. Eddie Redmayne returns, with new cast members Weruche Opia and Pablo Schreiber joining. No specific release date has been announced, though reporting points to a 2026 window.