The Day of the Jackal
"The hunter. Hunted."
A Sky Atlantic Original
A cold, efficient killer known only as the Jackal makes a living by taking the highest-paying contracts and vanishing without a trace. After one hit sets off unexpected consequences, a relentless British intelligence officer begins to piece together the Jackal's methods and movements. What starts... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 31, 2026
About The Day of the Jackal
A cold, efficient killer known only as the Jackal makes a living by taking the highest-paying contracts and vanishing without a trace. After one hit sets off unexpected consequences, a relentless British intelligence officer begins to piece together the Jackal's methods and movements. What starts as a professional pursuit becomes an extended cat-and-mouse chase across European capitals, where careful planning collides with improvisation, and the lives of bystanders and agents alike are upended. The series follows the tactical chess match between hunter and hunted, showing how each decision widens the ripple effects of violence and secrecy.
Created in 2024 by Ronan Bennett with source material from Frederick Forsyth, the series adapts Forsyth's story for television. The cast is led by Eddie Redmayne as the Jackal, with Lashana Lynch, Eleanor Matsuura, Chukwudi Iwuji and Úrsula Corberó in key roles, bringing high-profile attention to the project.
The show's release has reignited interest in Forsyth's novel and prompted talk about how classic spy thrillers can be updated for modern viewers. Casting a well-known actor as the mysterious assassin and centering a strong female intelligence officer have both generated conversation about representation and the procedural thriller format.
Audience response has trended positive, with a vote average of 8.137/10 from 889 votes, reflecting enthusiasm for the performances and the tense pacing. Critics and viewers note recurring themes of moral ambiguity, professional codes among killers and agents, the ethics of state violence, and how surveillance and modern technology change pursuit and escape. The tone mixes methodical planning with sudden bursts of action, keeping the investigation unpredictable.
As of now, there are no widely reported major awards or nominations attached to the series. Given its cast and source material, further recognition could follow as the show circulates through festivals and awards seasons.
Details
- Release Date
- November 07, 2024
- Rating
- TV-MA
- User Ratings
- 942 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 10
- Network
- Sky Atlantic, Sky Showcase
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Studio
- Carnival Films +1 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Eddie Redmayne
The Jackal
Lashana Lynch
Bianca Pullman
Eleanor Matsuura
Zina Jansone
Chukwudi Iwuji
Osita Halcrow
Úrsula Corberó
Nuria
Adoney Díaz Barajas
Carlitos
Created by: Ronan Bennett, Frederick Forsyth
Seasons (1 season, 10 episodes)
Series 1
10 episodes - 2024