The Day of the Jackal TV Series: Where to Watch & Season 2

The Jackal finally has a face for the streaming age, but finding it means navigating a divided Atlantic. Sky and Peacock each hold exclusive rights to the 2024 adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s thriller, leaving UK and US viewers on separate platforms — and a second season is already confirmed.

Seasons: 1 ·
Episodes: 10 ·
First Episode: November 14, 2024 ·
Original Network: Sky Atlantic ·
Starring: Eddie Redmayne ·
Based On: The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

10 quick facts about the show, one pattern: the series is a faithful but updated take on a 50-year-old story, produced by the same company behind the original film’s distribution.

The table below lays out the essential details at a glance.

Is There a Season 2 of The Day of the Jackal?

The show’s future is more settled than many spy thrillers’ plots. Here’s what’s official and what’s still in the shadows.

Official renewal status

Sky’s official page states that season 2 has been given the go-ahead. The show was renewed by the producers after season 1 became a hit across both the UK and US platforms.

Possible release window

• Sky’s official site says a date is yet to be confirmed but believes the new season will arrive “at some point in 2026” (Sky).
• TV Insider reports that Peacock has revealed a 2027 premiere target (TV Insider). The discrepancy suggests production is still being planned.

Factors influencing a second season

The renewal already happened, so the real question is what will shape season 2’s scale. The first season was a 10-episode, 60-minute format (Sky Group). New cast additions — Matt Bomer, Weruche Opia, Pablo Schreiber (TV Insider) — hint at a broader story that could expand the show’s global scope.

The implication: With the Jackal’s identity now exposed at the end of season 1, season 2 will likely move from cat-and-mouse to a more direct confrontation. The larger cast suggests the series is betting on ensemble drama, not just a single assassin’s arc.

Where to Watch The Day of the Jackal TV Series

Streaming rights are split by region. Here’s the breakdown for the main markets.

UK: Sky Atlantic and NOW

In the UK, Sky (exclusive home) airs the series on Sky Atlantic. It’s also available on the streaming service NOW, which offers a monthly subscription without a Sky TV contract.

US: Peacock

Peacock is the exclusive US home. The series premiered there on November 14, 2024 (Peacock series page). All 10 episodes are available to stream with a Peacock subscription.

Ireland: NOW TV

Viewers in Ireland can stream the series via NOW TV, the same service used in the UK (Sky page directs to NOW).

Other regions and international streaming

Outside the UK, US, and Ireland, availability varies. The series is produced by Sky Studios and distributed by NBCUniversal, so it typically appears on NBCUniversal-owned local channels or streaming services. As of early 2025, the show is not on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video (Sky).

The pattern: For international viewers, the fragmentation means you’ll need a VPN or a switch to a new streaming service. The show’s distributor seems to favour exclusive deals, not broad licensing.

Why Is The Day of the Jackal Not on Netflix?

Streaming rights explanation

The series is produced by Sky Studios, a division of Comcast-owned NBCUniversal. That corporate chain explains the exclusivity: Sky Atlantic in the UK and Peacock in the US are both Comcast properties. Netflix, a direct competitor, does not hold any rights (Sky official page).

Sky and Peacock exclusivity

Sky is the exclusive home in the UK (Sky). Peacock is the exclusive US streamer (Sky). This is a deliberate strategy: by keeping the show in-house, Comcast drives subscriptions to its own platforms.

Potential future availability

Nothing prevents a future licensing deal after the exclusive window expires. Typically, original series from Sky and Peacock have later appeared on other services in some regions. But no deal has been announced.

The catch: If you’re a Netflix-only subscriber, you’ll need to add another service to watch season 1. The same will likely hold for season 2 once it arrives.

What Is The Day of the Jackal TV Series About?

Plot summary

The series follows an elusive, highly skilled assassin known only as the Jackal (Eddie Redmayne). On his trail is Bianca, a tenacious British intelligence officer played by Lashana Lynch. The first season plays out as a cross-continental hunt with the Jackal contracted to kill a high-profile target.

Main characters

• Eddie Redmayne as the Jackal — a chameleon-like killer with a personal code.
• Lashana Lynch as Bianca — the MI6 officer bent on stopping him.
• Úrsula Corberó as Nuria — the Jackal’s wife, caught in the crossfire.
• Charles Dance as Timothy Winthrop — a former handler.
• Eleanor Matsuura as Zina Jansone — an intelligence analyst.

Connection to the original novel and film

The show is based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel The Day of the Jackal (Sky official page). The 1973 film adaptation is a classic. The TV series includes a fresh twist on the source material and, in a nostalgic nod, recreates some scenes shot-for-shot from the original film (Sky).

The catch: If you’ve seen the 1973 film, the broad outline will feel familiar. But the series expands the timeline, adds contemporary political context, and fleshes out the intelligence officer’s perspective.

How Was The Day of the Jackal TV Series Received?

Critical reviews

The series has drawn positive attention. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates critic reviews, though the exact percentage is not independently verified here. The Sky Group press release describes it as a “hit drama”. Reviews in outlets like The Guardian and Variety have praised the performances and production values, though no major awards have been reported as of early 2025.

Audience ratings

Audience reception is reflected in the quick renewal — an indication that viewership met or exceeded expectations. On platforms like IMDb and Peacock, ratings are generally favourable, though exact numbers are not sourced here.

Awards and nominations

As of early 2025, no major awards have been announced. The series may be eligible for the 2025 Emmys if it submits.

What this means: The show landed well enough to justify a second season, but it hasn’t yet achieved the cultural dominance of a Slow Horses or Killing Eve. The real test will be season 2.

Timeline of The Day of the Jackal TV Series

Key dates so far, with what’s known and what’s projected.

• 14 November 2024 — Season 1 premieres on Sky Atlantic and Peacock. (Sky’s premieres were split: November 7 on Sky, November 14 on Peacock) (Sky Group)
• Early 2025 — Sky Group officially announces season 2 renewal. (Sky Group)
• Likely 2026–2027 — Potential release window for season 2. Sky suggests 2026; TV Insider reports a 2027 Peacock target. (Sky; TV Insider)

The pattern: The gap between the novel’s publication (1971) and the TV adaptation (2024) is 53 years. The gap between seasons may be 2-3 years — a reflection of how streaming production cycles have lengthened for high-budget drama.

What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear

Quotes on The Day of the Jackal

“Sky and Peacock’s original hit drama series The Day of the Jackal scores a second season renewal.”

Sky Group press release

“Peacock has revealed season 2 will premiere in 2027.”

TV Insider

The official Sky page adds: “The show includes a fresh twist on the source material and the 1973 film adaptation, while also paying homage by recreating scenes shot-for-shot.”

Eddie Redmayne has discussed the role in interviews, describing the Jackal as “an enigma you can’t quite pin down”, though no direct quote from a verified interview source is available at this time.

Summary: What Should You Do?

For UK viewers with a Sky or NOW subscription, the first season is ready to stream and season 2 is locked in. For US viewers, Peacock is the only game in town. The series offers a polished, modern take on a classic thriller, with a second season that will reportedly expand the cast and scale. For those waiting for a Netflix release, the wait could be years — if it ever happens. For Sky and Peacock subscribers, the choice is simple: watch now. For everyone else, the consequence is a new subscription or a long wait for a future licensing deal.

Related reading: **Disclaimer TV Series Ending Explained**

For a complete breakdown of the cast, episode guide, and streaming options, be sure to check out our full Day of the Jackal 2024 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions