Eddie Redmayne transforms into a chilling, master-of-disguise assassin in The Day of the Jackal, a high-stakes spy thriller series that reimagines Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel. As the elusive “Jackal,” Redmayne’s character takes on his most dangerous contract yet: a high-profile hit that could fund his retirement. But his precision kills catch the eye of tenacious MI6 agent Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch), sparking a relentless cat-and-mouse chase across Europe. With twists involving shadowy conspiracies, personal stakes, and explosive action, this 10-episode Peacock/Sky series (released November 2024) delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish.
Why You Should Watch It
- Eddie Redmayne’s tour-de-force performance: He embodies the Jackal’s calculated menace and vulnerability, making the assassin eerily relatable and terrifying.
- Nail-biting suspense and action: From sniper setups to high-speed pursuits, the series builds tension with clever twists, high production values, and realistic spycraft.
- Strong ensemble and themes: Lashana Lynch brings fire to Bianca’s role as a determined agent juggling family and duty; explores power, morality, and conspiracy in a post-truth world.
- Bingeable format: Slow-burn buildup leads to explosive payoffs—perfect for thriller fans craving depth without filler.
- Overall: Despite minor pacing dips and some divided opinions on supporting arcs, it’s a fresh take on espionage that keeps you guessing until the end. Plus, Season 2 is already confirmed, though with a creative shakeup as creator Ronan Bennett has exited. radiotimes.com +1
Who Is This Series For?This one’s perfect if you love:
- Spy thrillers with anti-heroes (fans of The Bourne Identity, Homeland, or Killing Eve).
- Character-driven action (Jack Reacher series, The Night Manager).
- Globetrotting conspiracies (24, Bodyguard, or the original 1973 Day of the Jackal film).
- Stellar acting in tense dramas (Redmayne admirers from The Theory of Everything or Lynch from No Time to Die).