New Spy Thriller With 84% RT Score Becomes Streaming Hit

A new Peacock spy thriller is making a fast impact on the streaming charts. The subgenre has enjoyed some solid additions in recent years, whether it’s the breakout Apple TV+ series Slow Horses or the David Fincher film The Killer. Both of these titles come at the story from a different starting point, with The Killer cheekily asking the question of what it would be like if a skilled assassin wasn’t quite as good as he believed. Slow Horses, meanwhile, is based on the Mick Herron novels and centers on the lowly dwellers of Slough House.

There are of course the established thrillers on the big screen, with a new Mission: Impossible soon to arrive and potentially eying its last installment with Tom Cruise at the center of the story. The pleasure of an old-fashioned spy saga that’s new while still honoring the established cat-and-mouse tropes has been somewhat lacking. One of the newest entries on the streaming charts serves as a bit of a corrective.

The Day of the Jackal Is A Streaming Hit

It’s Just Behind Yellowstone

The Day of the Jackal, led by Fantastic Beats star Eddie Redmayne and The Woman King‘s Lashana Lynch, debuted strong on Rotten Tomatoes. It currently holds an 84% based on 44 reviews, which averages out to a high of 7.60/10. The audience score is also solid, coming in at 77% based on more than 100 ratings. Mary Kassel review for Screen Rant was glowing, noting in part that the series “actually refreshes the genre.”

Reelgood, which tracks audience interest, shares that The Day of the Jackal is starting strong on the streaming charts. The series, which streams on Peacock, recently debuted and took the second spot in the TV-centric Top 10 for the week of November 14 through to November 20, across all platforms. The television list was topped by the returning juggernaut Yellowstone season 5. On the overall charts, which includes movies, Jackal comes in at #4.

What’s The Day of the Jackal About?

It’s Based On A Classic Novel

Based on the Frederick Forsyth novel, which has previous film adaptations, The Day of the Jackaltracks the unrivaled and elusive lone assassin known as the Jackal (Redmayne). The lone assassin makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. However, following his latest kill, the Jackal meets his match when he comes across a relentless British intelligence officer (Lynch) who tries to capture the Jackal. What ensues is a chase all over Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.

With a Day of the Jackal cast that also includes Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, and Sule Rimi. It hails from showrunner Ronan Bennett, who also executive produces with Redmayne, Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, and Brian Kirk.

The Verdict On The Day of the Jackal

It’s Already Been Renewed

After becoming Peacock’s top-trending show over the past week, The Day of the Jackal solidified its success with a speedy renewal before the season 1 finale. It’s a strong recommendation for anyone who wants a familiar spy thriller that is well-acted and thoughtfully conceived.

Source: Reelgood

In this gripping thriller, an elusive assassin known as the Jackal orchestrates high-stakes hits for exorbitant fees, only to confront a determined British intelligence officer. Their tense pursuit unfolds across Europe, blending intense action with strategic maneuvers in a relentless cat-and-mouse chase.

Cast

Úrsula Corberó , Eddie Redmayne , Lashana Lynch , Ben Hall , Sule Rimi , Florisa Kamara , Stuart Whelan , Jonjo O’Neill , Adam James , Christy Meyer , Lee Byford , Martin McDougall , Russell Balogh , Andreas Jessen , Jan-Martin Müller , Lucy Russell , Gerard Kearns , Eddie Elks , Charles Dance , Richard Dormer , Chukwudi Iwuji , Lia Williams , Khalid Abdalla , Eleanor Matsuura

Character(s)

Núria , Jackal , Bianca , Damian , Paul , Jasmine , Police , Edward Carver , Jeremy Whitelock , Leonora Boggs , Police Officer , Keith Canvey , Chris , Rasmus , Joachim Müller , Marjorie Marshall , Gary Cobb , Captain Baldwin , Timothy Winthorp , Norman , Osita Halcrow , Isabel Kirby , Ulle Dag Charles , Zina Jansone

Release Date

November 7, 2024

Seasons

1

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