Apple TV+ has cultivated a portfolio of prestige dramas that typically launch to immediate acclaim, from the corporate intrigue of The Morning Show to the existential puzzles of Severance. Yet, even this critically adored platform isn't flawless, and the trajectory of the Idris Elba-led thriller Hijack tells a fascinating story of star power versus critical consensus. While its debut season won over reviewers, audience reaction was more measured. The recently concluded second season saw ratings dip further across the board, making its ongoing streaming dominance a compelling paradox.
The numbers, however, don't lie. Over a month after its Season 2 finale aired, Hijack stubbornly clings to a spot in Apple TV+'s top 10 most-watched titles, currently sitting at number seven. This enduring popularity suggests that while the plot of the latest chapter may not have fully captivated, the magnetic presence of Idris Elba as crisis negotiator Sam Nelson remains an irresistible draw for subscribers seeking late-night tension.
From Sky to Rails: A Shifting Stage for Suspense
The series launched with a gripping, confined premise: Elba's Sam Nelson, a master negotiator, must use his skills to survive when his commercial flight is seized by hijackers. His interventions have lasting consequences, which propelled the story into a second season that transplanted the action from a plane to a train speeding through Berlin. This change of venue received a mixed response, with some fans feeling the shift in setting didn't fully recapture the claustrophobic magic of the original premise.
Yet, the core appeal—watching Elba's charismatic and calculating character navigate impossible scenarios—appears undimmed. It's a testament to how a powerhouse performance can anchor a series, even when narrative elements fluctuate. This phenomenon isn't unique; other services have seen similar sleeper hits defy expectations, like Apple TV+'s own Presumed Innocent, which found a massive audience in April 2026 after a quiet start.
The Burning Question: Will Sam Nelson Return for Season 3?
Originally planned as a limited series, Hijack earned a second season due to its strong viewership. With Season 2 demonstrating similar streaming stamina, speculation about a third installment is inevitable. Series writer Jim Field Smith has addressed the possibility, emphasizing that the future hinges on story, not just setting. "The question I will always ask is, what story is there for Sam?" Smith noted. "It could be on a boat... a submarine. Or it could transcend the Hijack format. The precinct is kind of irrelevant. It's more about 'Where could Sam go?'"
This leaves the door firmly ajar but unconfirmed. The decision will likely hinge on whether the creative team can devise a new high-stakes scenario worthy of Elba's talents that feels fresh, rather than a simple change of transportation. For fans of the thriller genre eagerly awaiting what's next, the landscape is rich with options, from the tech-stalker chills of NBC's The Hunting Party to the star-studded survival drama of Netflix's Apex.
The success of Hijack underscores a broader trend in streaming: the undeniable pull of A-list talent in familiar, high-concept genres. It joins a roster of thrillers that have captured audience attention through sheer execution and star power, much like the projects featured in our ranking of the most flawless thrillers since 2020. Even with noted criticisms, the show's performance proves that in the algorithm-driven world of streaming, consistent viewer engagement often speaks louder than review scores.
For now, audiences can stream both seasons of Hijack on Apple TV+. Whether Sam Nelson's story continues on a boat, a bike, or in a completely new arena, his current journey on the small screen remains one of the platform's most-watched adventures.
