
The Day of the Jackal (TV Series) Episodes: Season 1 & 2 Guide
A single bullet from a high-powered rifle can change the course of a country’s future — and that’s exactly the premise that has drawn millions to the small screen. The 2024 adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel The Day of the Jackal updates the cold-war assassination plot for a world of digital surveillance and modern geopolitics.
Number of episodes in Season 1: 10 ·
Network: Sky Atlantic ·
Lead actor: Eddie Redmayne ·
Release year of Season 1: 2024 ·
Status of Season 2: Reportedly in development
Quick snapshot
- 10 episodes in Season 1 (Epguides (TV episode database))
- Eddie Redmayne stars as the Jackal (IMDb (film and TV database))
- Sky Atlantic is the primary broadcaster (Sky Atlantic (UK broadcaster))
- Whether Season 2 has been officially greenlit (Peacock (streaming service))
- Season 1 aired November 7 – December 12, 2024 (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- IMDb lists a Season 2 episode dated 2026 (IMDb (film and TV database))
- Season 2 reportedly in development (Peacock (streaming service))
- Filming not yet confirmed (Sky Atlantic (UK broadcaster))
- Expected release likely 2026 (IMDb (film and TV database))
Six key facts about the series stand out, one pattern: the adaptation stays faithful to the original thriller while modernising the setting.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Network | Sky Atlantic |
| Number of seasons released | 1 |
| Lead actor | Eddie Redmayne |
| Genre | Spy thriller |
| Based on | Novel by Frederick Forsyth (1971) (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)) |
Is There a Season 2 of The Day of the Jackal?
The question on everyone’s mind: will the Jackal return for another season? According to Peacock (streaming service), the platform and Sky have renewed the series for a second season. IMDb’s season 2 page lists an entry with a 2026 date, suggesting production is in early planning stages.
Has filming started for season 2?
As of mid-2025, no official production announcement has been made. The cast, including Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch (Bianca), are reportedly in talks, but no cameras are rolling yet.
What is the release date for season 2?
If the pattern of the first season holds (announcement in early 2024, premiere in November 2024), a 2026 window is the most realistic estimate. The IMDb listing for Episode #2.1 points to that year, though it remains unconfirmed.
The implication: the wait tests loyalty, but the renewal signals confidence in the franchise.
Where Can I Watch The Day of the Jackal Season 2?
When Season 2 eventually arrives, its home will be the same as Season 1. In the US, Peacock (streaming service) is the exclusive streamer, while in the UK and Ireland it airs on Sky Atlantic (UK broadcaster) and its streaming companion Now TV.
Streaming platforms for season 2
- US: Peacock (subscription)
- UK: Sky Atlantic / Now TV
- International: Distribution deals with partners like Disney+ or local broadcasters are expected but unconfirmed
Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) confirms Season 1 is also available to buy on Fandango at Home. Season 2 will likely follow the same model.
International viewers outside the US and UK may need a VPN to access Peacock or Sky streams, as no global platform has been announced yet.
For cord-cutters, Peacock remains the only reliable way to watch — and its subscription cost may be a factor for fans who only want the one series.
Character Questions: Does the Jackal’s Wife Leave Him? Did Jackal Sleep with Rasmus?
Season 1 wove personal drama into the spy thriller, and viewers have plenty of questions about the Jackal’s relationships.
Jackal’s relationship with his wife Nuria
Nuria (played by Úrsula Corberó) discovers her husband’s true identity late in the season. According to the Sky Atlantic (UK broadcaster) guide, the season finale leaves Nuria in a perilous situation, with the Jackal on the run — setting up potential fallout in Season 2. Whether she stays or leaves remains unresolved.
Jackal’s backstory and connection to Rasmus
The Jackal’s past with Rasmus (a European arms dealer) is hinted at through flashbacks. IMDb’s episode summary for Episode #1.6 notes that the Jackal seeks out an old associate, implying a complicated history. The question of whether they had a physical relationship is left ambiguous, but the emotional tension is clear.
The pattern: the series uses these relationships to humanise the assassin, making his choices feel more consequential than a typical hitman story.
What Happens in The Day of the Jackal Season 1?
Season 1 follows the Jackal (Eddie Redmayne) as he is hired by a mysterious client to assassinate a high-profile target. Across 10 episodes, the story alternates between his meticulous planning and the MI6 investigation led by intelligence officer Bianca (Lashana Lynch).
Episode 6 explained
By Episode 6, the Jackal’s operation faces its first major complication. Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) lists this episode as airing on November 14, 2024. In it, Bianca closes in on the Jackal’s alias, forcing him to change his plans mid-course.
Season 1 finale recap
Episode 10, which aired December 12, 2024 according to Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), brings the hunt to a climax. IMDb (film and TV database) summarises it: “The Jackal is on the run and Bianca gets one last shot to bring him to justice.” The ending leaves the door wide open for a second season.
What this means: the finale is designed as a pause, not a conclusion.
The Day of the Jackal Episode Guide and List
For those diving in or rewatching, here is the full season 1 episode list based on data from Epguides (TV episode database), IMDb (film and TV database), and Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator).
Full episode list for season 1
| Episode | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Episode 1 | November 7, 2024 |
| 1.2 | Episode 2 | November 7, 2024 |
| 1.3 | Episode 3 | November 7, 2024 |
| 1.4 | Episode 4 | November 7, 2024 |
| 1.5 | Episode 5 | November 7, 2024 |
| 1.6 | Episode 6 | November 14, 2024 |
| 1.7 | Episode 7 | November 21, 2024 |
| 1.8 | Episode 8 | November 28, 2024 |
| 1.9 | Episode 9 | December 5, 2024 |
| 1.10 | Episode 10 | December 12, 2024 |
Episode runtimes average around 45 minutes, according to Epguides (TV episode database). The first five episodes were released simultaneously on November 7, 2024, with weekly drops thereafter culminating in a double finale.
The early dump of five episodes rewards binge-watchers but risks overwhelming casual viewers who prefer a weekly pace.
The pattern: this release strategy reflects modern streaming habits while keeping traditional appointment viewing for the finale.
Timeline
- November 2024: Season 1 premieres on Sky Atlantic and Peacock (Epguides (TV episode database))
- Early 2025: Rumors of season 2 renewal; cast in talks
- June 2025: No official confirmation; production still unannounced (Peacock (streaming service))
The catch: the gap between seasons may test audience patience.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Season 1 consists of 10 episodes (Epguides)
- Eddie Redmayne stars as the Jackal (IMDb)
- Sky Atlantic is the primary broadcaster (Sky Atlantic)
- Season 2 renewal announced by Peacock (Peacock)
What’s unclear
- Whether season 2 has been officially greenlit (beyond the renewal announcement)
- If Bianca’s character will return in season 2
- Exact release date for season 2
- Filming start date
The implication: most details remain speculative until official updates.
Quotes
“Peacock and Sky have officially renewed The Day of the Jackal for a second season.”
— Peacock (streaming service)
“The murder of Manfred Fest, a prominent political figure in the running to be the next German Chancellor, sets the story in motion.”
— Sky Atlantic (UK broadcaster)
For viewers who have followed the Jackal’s journey from the start, the stakes are clear: either the series delivers a satisfying conclusion in Season 2, or it risks becoming another stylish thriller that overstays its welcome. The trade-off is between binge-worthy suspense and a taut, limited-series arc. For Sky and Peacock, the decision to renew may hinge on whether the audience stays loyal until 2026.
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For a detailed breakdown of each episode, check out this complete episode guide that covers season 1 and season 2 updates.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes does The Day of the Jackal season 1 have?
Season 1 consists of 10 episodes, released between November 7 and December 12, 2024 (Epguides).
Who is the showrunner of The Day of the Jackal TV series?
The series is created by Ronan Bennett, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Is The Day of the Jackal worth watching?
With an 85% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series is widely praised for its performances and tense pacing. It’s a strong pick for spy thriller fans.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes (Epguides).
Will there be a third season of The Day of the Jackal?
As of June 2025, only Season 2 has been announced (Peacock). A third season would depend on the success of Season 2.
Is The Day of the Jackal available on Netflix?
No. The series is exclusive to Peacock in the US and Sky Atlantic/Now TV in the UK (Rotten Tomatoes).
How does the TV series differ from the original novel?
The 2024 adaptation updates the setting from 1971 to the present day, incorporating modern surveillance technology and shifting the target from a French president to a German politician-elect.
For fans waiting for the next installment, the wait may be long but the promise is clear. For Sky and Peacock, the gamble is whether the audience will stay patient through 2026, or whether the hype will fizzle. The Jackal has escaped once — now he needs to keep running.