The Day of the Jackal - First three episodes (screener)

SkyShowtime hopes to conquer a piece of the European streaming market with The Day of the Jackal, and it seems they've chosen the right show for the job.The Day of the Jackal tells a familiar story: a skilled assassin targets high-profile individuals, while a government agent races to stop them. In that sense, it’s not the first series to explore this premise, and it likely won’t be the last. However, it executes the story exceptionally well. The first few episodes have kept me engaged and intrigued.

While the pace is not high, the series manages to keep the viewer’s attention easily. This is largely due to the outstanding acting performances. Eddie Redmayne (The Pillars of the Earth) plays the assassin, codenamed The Jackal, a cold and methodical killer who shows a different side of himself in every new scene. Our spy from MI6, Bianca (Lashana Lynch, Bulletproof), is an equally skilled opponent, not afraid to blur the line between legal and illegal in pursuit of her targets. She might be as smart, but also cold and calculated as the Jackal. In the background of their game, both of them struggle with combining their unorthodox professions with their lives at home. The performances from Redmayne, Lynch, and the supporting cast elevate the series to a higher level.



What sets this show apart is how it keeps you hooked despite none of the characters being particularly likeable. They’re all cold, manipulative, and always scheming to further their agendas, leaving the audience unsure of who to root for. Nothing is black and white in this series. But its ethically complex characters never alienate the viewer.

The series is also strengthened by its carefully designed sets across Europe. The good pacing, music and scripts then seal the deal. That makes this show a particularly strong one to lure viewers to yet another streaming service. SkyShowtime clearly has faith in the show; before even finishing the first season, it has already been renewed for a second.

So far, that confidence seems well-placed. While it’s already available in some countries, the first season will officially premiere across Europe on December 6th. Based on the first three episodes we received, the rest of the season looks promising. Let’s hope the show can maintain its momentum — one of the biggest challenges for spy thrillers is delivering a satisfying finale. But so far, we’re off to a great start.