Day of the Jackal: Where to Watch, Season 2 & Cast

Few fictional assassins still spark debate the way the Jackal does, five decades after Frederick Forsyth first invented him. The 2024 TV adaptation starring Eddie Redmayne has pulled the character back into the spotlight, but if you’re trying to figure out where to watch it, whether a second season is coming, or how the new series compares to the original film, this guide sorts through the streaming options, official renewal signals, and key facts so you can spend less time searching and more time watching.

Original novel publication year: 1971 ·
1973 film release year: 1973 ·
2024 TV series premiere date: November 7, 2024 (UK) ·
Lead actor in 2024 series: Eddie Redmayne ·
Number of episodes in season 1: 10

Key details at a glance: here is the factual backbone of the franchise.

Will there be a season 2 for Day of the Jackal?

The short answer: yes. Peacock officially confirmed a season 2 renewal after the show ranked number 1 on Peacock’s Top 10 TV Shows and remained in the Top 5 streaming Originals in the US during its debut weekend. Sky simultaneously announced the go-ahead for a second season, though a specific release date has not yet been set.

When is season 2 expected?

According to TV Insider, Peacock’s internal timeline points to a 2027 premiere. Separately, Sky suggests the season may arrive at some point in 2026. Neither network has committed to a firm window, so viewers should expect a gap of at least two years between seasons.

What about the cast for season 2?

Peacock confirmed that Eddie Redmayne will return as the Jackal. Other main cast members, including Lashana Lynch as intelligence officer Bianca Pullman, are likely to reprise their roles given the first season’s open-ended finale, though official casting announcements are pending.

The pattern: The renewal is locked in, but the wait will be long. For fans eager to continue the story, the confirmed production is a clear green light — just not a fast one.

Is The Day of the Jackal on Netflix?

The 2024 TV series is not on Netflix in the UK or the US. As Sky explicitly states, the series is exclusive to Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK and to Peacock in the US. It is not available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ in those territories.

One partial exception: the 1973 film is available on Netflix in some regions. But the new series remains a platform-specific release.

Where can I watch The Day of the Jackal in the UK?

• Sky Atlantic: The series airs exclusively on Sky Atlantic in the UK. Episodes are available on demand for Sky subscribers.
• NOW: Sky’s streaming service NOW carries the show as part of its Entertainment membership (around £9.99 per month).
• Not on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ in the UK (per Sky).

Can I watch Day of the Jackal on Prime?

In the UK, no — Prime Video does not carry the 2024 series. In the US, JustWatch lists the series as available only via Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus. No free streaming options exist at this time.

For the 1973 film, Amazon Prime Video does offer it for rent or purchase in both the UK and the US.

Why this matters: The streaming fragmentation means viewers must choose their platform before picking their version. No single service covers both the original and the remake across all markets.

How much did Eddie Redmayne get paid for the Jackal?

Exact salary figures for Eddie Redmayne have not been publicly disclosed by Sky or Peacock. However, industry estimates for top-tier actors in high-budget streaming series typically range from £500,000 to £1 million per episode. With 10 episodes in season 1, that would place his potential earnings between £5 million and £10 million for the first season, though this is speculative.

Redmayne’s stature as an Oscar-winning actor (The Theory of Everything, The Danish Girl) and the show’s reported budget — estimated at over £100 million for the first season — support the upper end of that range.

Where can I watch Day of the Jackal?

Here is a region-by-region breakdown for the 2024 series.

Four regions, one pattern: the series is split between Sky- and Peacock-controlled platforms, with no single global streaming home.

Is Jackal available on Netflix?

No — the 2024 series is not on Netflix in any major market. The 1973 film does appear on Netflix in select regions, including some European countries, but availability varies.

The implication: If you’re a Netflix subscriber hoping to binge the new Jackal, you’ll need a second subscription. The series is a platform-exclusive by design, not by accident.

What is the Day of the Jackal original movie?

The 1973 film adaptation, directed by Fred Zinnemann, remains the definitive big-screen version of the story. It stars Edward Fox as the assassin known as the Jackal and is widely regarded as one of the best political thrillers ever made.

What is the plot of The Day of the Jackal (1973)?

The film follows a professional assassin hired by a French paramilitary group to kill President Charles de Gaulle. The Jackal (Edward Fox) uses multiple identities, meticulous planning, and a custom sniper rifle to get within range of his target. The narrative cuts between the assassin’s preparations and the French authorities’ increasingly desperate efforts to stop him.

The contrast: The original film covers the assassination plot in 142 minutes. The 2024 version stretches the same core story across 10 hours, allowing for deeper character work and modern updates to the technology and setting.

What is confirmed — and what is still unclear

Here is what we know for sure versus what remains speculative.

Timeline: The Day of the Jackal through the decades

Five key milestones trace the Jackal’s journey from page to screen.

• 1971 — Frederick Forsyth publishes The Day of the Jackal novel (Penguin Random House)
• 1973 — Film adaptation directed by Fred Zinnemann, starring Edward Fox (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
• November 7, 2024 — TV series premieres on Sky Atlantic in the UK (CNET)
• November 14, 2024 — TV series premieres on Peacock in the US (Peacock)
• 2025 — Season 2 officially confirmed; release window TBA (Peacock blog)

What the critics say

Two perspectives capture the range of critical reaction to the 2024 series.

“Impressive, chilling, and just a little bit silly.”

The Guardian (review)

“A British spy thriller television series based on the Frederick Forsyth novel.”

Wikipedia (TV series entry)

Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the series as “fresh” with favorable reviews from critics, while audience scores note the pacing differences between the film and the series.

Fans eager for more can read all about its second season renewal in our detailed guide.

Frequently asked questions