Apple TV+ has built a reputation for ambitious sci-fi, but its library now boasts a diverse slate that includes everything from raunchy comedies like Margo's Got Money Troubles to chilling mysteries such as Widow's Bay. Yet one of the platform's most enduring hits is a taut crime thriller that first took flight in 2023: Hijack, starring Idris Elba.
The series grabbed audiences with a simple, high-wire premise: a commercial airliner is seized by organized crime, and the passengers decide to fight back. At the center is Sam Nelson (Elba), a corporate negotiator who must broker peace between the hijackers and the terrified travelers before everything explodes. Originally conceived as a limited series, the show's massive success earned it a second season, which shifted the action to a hijacked train in Berlin.
Even though Season 2 wrapped about two months ago, Hijack hasn't lost its momentum. According to FlixPatrol streaming data, the series consistently ranks among Apple TV+'s top ten most-watched shows, especially on weekends—it currently sits at number ten. This sustained popularity is notable given that the second season received a cooler reception than the first, with some viewers criticizing the twist that placed Nelson on the other side of the law.
The show's continued success mirrors trends seen with other streaming hits. For instance, Jon Bernthal's Punisher crime thriller dominates Disney+, proving that intense, character-driven action can keep audiences coming back. Similarly, Stephen King's favorite Apple TV series 'Constellation' finds streaming success, showing the platform's growing strength in gripping narratives.
Will 'Hijack' Return for Season 3?
Apple TV+ has not yet renewed the series for a third season. The second season's shift from a plane to a train—and Nelson's controversial role as a hijacker—divided fans. But writer Jim Field Smith believes the concept can evolve. "The show could transcend the Hijack format and move into a different arena," he said in an interview. "The precinct is kind of irrelevant. It's more about 'Where could Sam go?'"
This open-ended possibility has fueled speculation about a potential third season, especially as the show continues to draw viewers. With Westworld streams surging ahead of an Apple TV+ remake set for May 2026, the streamer is clearly investing in high-stakes thrillers that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
For now, all episodes of Hijack are available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S. Whether or not Sam Nelson's story continues, the series has already cemented itself as a must-watch for fans of pulse-pounding, smartly crafted entertainment.
