Hijack is an intense thriller that's told in real time over the course of 7 hours, or 7 episodes. It's a hijacking on a plane to London with an extremely successful negotiator (Idris Elba) on board who does his best to step up and save the lives of everyone on the plane including his own. This is unlike any role Elba has played before and he absolutely knocks it out of the park. I'd be surprised if he's not nominated for best actor of a limited series. The show itself may get nominated but Elba definitely deserves it. I was hooked from the very beginning. This is a show that's probably best watched binged because you're not going to want to wait week to week for an episode.
408 Reviews
Elba makes this worth watching
Supermanfan-136 September 2023
I've been looking forward to seeing Hijack ever since I first heard about it. Then my expectations grew even more after seeing the trailers. I can now say that those expectations were not only met but surpassed on every way. I'm a big Idris Elba fan as he's a terrific actor who good in just about everything he does. This is no different. As good as he's been this is actually one of his best jobs to date. This show is filled with tension and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout each episode. His acting makes up for some uneven writing, the writing is good just uneven in places. I can't recommend this series enough. Give it a chance and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Ignore the obvious flaws and you'll enjoy this show
mark-4946613 July 2023
So let me get the obvious out of the way. This could never happen like this. I'm a pilot and almost everything about the aviation side of this show is about as wrong as you can get.
So if you can suspend your disbelief about the aviation, tech, firearms, policing and politics... you can actually enjoy this.
The suspense and trying to figure out how things are going to pan out makes this a pretty enjoyable watch in my view.
It could be better of course, but there is plenty here to get you engaged and the characters have plenty of depth to make them interesting and three dimensional.
So just put aside your objections to the obvious flaws, and enjoy the ride.
So if you can suspend your disbelief about the aviation, tech, firearms, policing and politics... you can actually enjoy this.
The suspense and trying to figure out how things are going to pan out makes this a pretty enjoyable watch in my view.
It could be better of course, but there is plenty here to get you engaged and the characters have plenty of depth to make them interesting and three dimensional.
So just put aside your objections to the obvious flaws, and enjoy the ride.
Starts Well But Quickly Becomes Silly
sumtim3s00n29 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Who doesnt like Idris, ever since Stringer Bell, the guy is a legend.
As the show starts, the acting is on the level and the tension starts rising. Unfortunately its quickly apparent none of the characters are interesting or someone you would root for or like. Also people act weird (how long did it take for the girl to spit out bullet or for such a prepared team not to be able to deal with them for5 mins is ridiculous). But the major gripe is with Idris. Its obviously going down the Taken route with Liam Neeson for his character. Thats fine. But it is BEYOND RIDICULOUS that he basically turns the hijackers to be favourable towards him in 5 minutes. Giving the gun back or not, NOBODY in their right mind would listen to him like that because wanting to go home or not, he is obviously playing a game. And people hijacking the plane, criminals NEVER trust anyone, they would never let him stay close. Might take his advice but the way they let him be just ruins the story. Not to mention they come super prepared with months of surveilance and training yet they have NO IDEA about how plane operations work, how autopilot works. Come on...
All in all, good acting, starts interestingly and tense but quickly noticable no likeable characters and the story/characters actions too dumb too often.
As the show starts, the acting is on the level and the tension starts rising. Unfortunately its quickly apparent none of the characters are interesting or someone you would root for or like. Also people act weird (how long did it take for the girl to spit out bullet or for such a prepared team not to be able to deal with them for5 mins is ridiculous). But the major gripe is with Idris. Its obviously going down the Taken route with Liam Neeson for his character. Thats fine. But it is BEYOND RIDICULOUS that he basically turns the hijackers to be favourable towards him in 5 minutes. Giving the gun back or not, NOBODY in their right mind would listen to him like that because wanting to go home or not, he is obviously playing a game. And people hijacking the plane, criminals NEVER trust anyone, they would never let him stay close. Might take his advice but the way they let him be just ruins the story. Not to mention they come super prepared with months of surveilance and training yet they have NO IDEA about how plane operations work, how autopilot works. Come on...
All in all, good acting, starts interestingly and tense but quickly noticable no likeable characters and the story/characters actions too dumb too often.
Having watched all episodes, a simple but engaging thriller
GabrielSymes4 August 2023
And of course, the legion of armchair airline and counter-terrorism experts are along to tell everyone how a fictional programme isn't at all like the real world. No doubt they also take issue with the latest Star Trek for not having realistic Klingons, and Dr Who because real aliens are not made out of styrofoam. And if you pay attention to the date of those reviews, you will see they were all written after the first episode airs.
I have zero issue with a fictional TV programme's realism, so long as I am entertained. And Hijack is entertaining. It's a bit far-fetched in places. But the acting is good, no surprises there with Idris Elba, the whole cast is strong. There are some tense moments, handled well. In particular, you really feel that they are on a real plane, an incredible set.
If you are able to put your armchair joystick to one side, this is definitely worth a watch.
I have zero issue with a fictional TV programme's realism, so long as I am entertained. And Hijack is entertaining. It's a bit far-fetched in places. But the acting is good, no surprises there with Idris Elba, the whole cast is strong. There are some tense moments, handled well. In particular, you really feel that they are on a real plane, an incredible set.
If you are able to put your armchair joystick to one side, this is definitely worth a watch.
Decent
skankbitch10 December 2023
First of all, if you don't mind your conspiracy/hijack/action/ drama plots to have more holes than a kilogram of Swiss cheese, then you won't mind this. Personally, I find what it lacks in credibility is more than compensated by having massive viewer interaction. You could easily create a plot hole bingo with this if were binging over a night or two.
So many inaccuracies and unrealistic scenarios are saved by a stellar Brit cast, with Idris Elba and Archie Panjabi as the cool protagonists, Neil Maskell playing his archetypal cockney bad guy and sneering Simon McBurney as Mr Big and ultrasmart uber-villain - not so smart he was in prison to start with.
Despite all the shortcomings, it's an easy and enjoyable watch. Have a laugh at the caricature Brit politicians and super polite police.
So many inaccuracies and unrealistic scenarios are saved by a stellar Brit cast, with Idris Elba and Archie Panjabi as the cool protagonists, Neil Maskell playing his archetypal cockney bad guy and sneering Simon McBurney as Mr Big and ultrasmart uber-villain - not so smart he was in prison to start with.
Despite all the shortcomings, it's an easy and enjoyable watch. Have a laugh at the caricature Brit politicians and super polite police.
The ending was awful and unsatisfying
sashaqt2 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Most of the characters were unbearable, including Idris Elba, but luckily his acting held it together. The ending was honestly pretty lazy with a final on board sequence that's masking as a climax though it's completely purposeless and then it just ends. No reconnection with his kid that we've not seen him interact with, or reactions from his two dimensional wife, no consequences for the bigger political calls, it just ended. They introduced all these characters and instead just ended it. We don't even know what happened to one of the villains and his mysterious bodyguard. Very disappointing. They also bring in the bigger financial/marketplace impact and don't address what will happen there in the end either.
Entertaing Though Ridiculous
perth7018 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
English Crime Syndicate with untold manpower and reach hijacks plane full of British passengers to force the UK government to release two of their jailed kingpins while making a fortune shorting the airline and insurance company stocks. Not only does this crime family have dedicated murder squads in several countries, it manages to to get a catch of pistols and a half dozen coerced hijackers past security and on the plane. Add corrupt stock traders, ground crews and air traffic controllers to the mix. So many blackmailed people working in murderous concert that it beggars belief. One of the hijackers is a housewife doppelgänger who kills quickly yet reluctantly and can fly the modern airliner. Not only does the plane fly willy nilly over European capitals and threatened by fighter planes along the way, but governments lack the will to defend themselves against a possible 911. Ildris Alba is an unwitting passenger caught in this hi jinx. He manages to antagonize yet ingratiate himself with the bad guys, but in reality he should have been shot or beaten unconscious any number of times. He organizes the passengers into resistance by his dynamism. If you leave your common sense behind you can enjoy the show.
Better binged Bri-ish show.
Top_Dawg_Critic3 August 2023
Hijack, like Apple's Silo, is one of those series that is more enjoyable binging episodes back to back. Unlike the king of streaming, Netflix, that releases an entire series one shot, Apple's each-week format takes away from most series, especially one that is real-time linear storytelling. This show was enjoyable, and the seven hour flight detailed into seven almost one-hour episodes worked for this show, and probably the reason I enjoyed it more than I would have watching it weekly. Elba was great in his role, but his character was a little underwhelming, as was the season finale. I would've enjoyed this concept more if Elba had less talking and more action in his role. Aside from some plot holes and technical issues in the writing, this show is a decent one-time watch and better binged in half a day.
Started out pretty good...
JKDahl26 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The first few episodes were tense and good and you looked forward to watching another one. Since then it's become dumber and dumber each episode. Logic is no longer at play and the characters behave very unreasonably. It's gone from relatively grounded to utterly ridiculous. I thought I had found something special but it turned out to be just another run of the mill lazy writing stupid show.
The frustrating thing is it could have been good. The acting is good and so is the production value. It's just the script and the direction that doesn't hold up, and those are the most important things. The hijackers can't think of anything by themselves but need constant help from the hero. The super criminals are releast from prison because of demands from the hijackers, and then half an hour later, with the plane still hijacked, the special forces are sent catch them again. Why?! There is an abundance of dumb stuff in this. Wasted potential and a waste of time.
The frustrating thing is it could have been good. The acting is good and so is the production value. It's just the script and the direction that doesn't hold up, and those are the most important things. The hijackers can't think of anything by themselves but need constant help from the hero. The super criminals are releast from prison because of demands from the hijackers, and then half an hour later, with the plane still hijacked, the special forces are sent catch them again. Why?! There is an abundance of dumb stuff in this. Wasted potential and a waste of time.
Love
jacqs-968-69535921 September 2023
Really loved this series. Idris is exceptional as always. My negative (which is why there are 8 stars and not 10!) is that it could have been 10 episodes. The last episode and a half, a lot happened. There could have been a bit more at the end (although not crucial as it keeps you thinking) but definitely felt like the last hour and a half were rushed and could have been extended. Excellent series. Could extend to a new series with a different negotiation story... Would recommend regardless. This is a great story, well played, well acted. Twists and turns. Great views of London and surrounds. Well played.
Enjoyed it
TreeFiddy5312 August 2023
A sucker for British Crime drama, I was looking forward to this one and Idris Elba in the show was a bonus.
I quite enjoyed the show, something slightly different from everything else I've been recently watching. Idris Elba - you're either going to LOVE his acting or say, bruh he did what he usually does, what's new? The support cast however did a good job. The writing and the music for the show, however, were the highlight for me. Of course, there are cinematic liberties that you'll have to be okay with, the plot is not airtight.
Each episode builds and retains the intensity well; this show had weekly episodes and the plot made me care enough to come back and watch the next ep. Now that all of them are out, you might want to binge it and might end up liking it more than I did. Would recommend!
I quite enjoyed the show, something slightly different from everything else I've been recently watching. Idris Elba - you're either going to LOVE his acting or say, bruh he did what he usually does, what's new? The support cast however did a good job. The writing and the music for the show, however, were the highlight for me. Of course, there are cinematic liberties that you'll have to be okay with, the plot is not airtight.
Each episode builds and retains the intensity well; this show had weekly episodes and the plot made me care enough to come back and watch the next ep. Now that all of them are out, you might want to binge it and might end up liking it more than I did. Would recommend!
Way too many plot holes
toyl-9229711 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What to say? So many ridiculous add ons (Idris son scuttling about the house in the final episode being a classic guff storyline), too many factual errors in terms of aviation (the Romanian fighter jets breaking off completely after aborting the deployment of missiles). That simply wouldn't happen. They would stay astern of the aircraft until it left Romanian air space), and the Kingdom flight would then be picked up by the next nation's fighter jets.
So many details that once you spot them, they affect everything the already wafer thin credibility of everything else. For whatever reason, the Doctor's wife is more loathsome than all of the hijackers combined. The escape of the two "Mr Bigs" is worthy of a guffaw of laughter.
The female 1st officer seems to disappear into the ether. She is the only one certified to land an Airbus, but heyho, the script sees handing this task on to two rank amateurs somehow elevates tension......it doesn't.....it simply lowers credibility even further.
Apple has given us some incredibly high class drama of late......I am thinking Black Bird and Under The Banner of Heaven as particular high points. Hijack falls a million miles short of those shows despite Idris Elba and the Welsh lass Eva Myles(?) putting in excellent performances. Bizarrely the characters of the British Home and Foreign Secretaries coming across as a pair of wooden tops who would both be out of their depth in a car park puddle is the only thing that rings as factually accurate.....you could be looking at a Matt Hancock and Nadine Dorris double act.
In summary, a good cast let down by a ropey script and a plot with more holes than your average fishing net that results in a drama littered with unresolved story lines and character developments. Ultimately disappointing and forgettable.
So many details that once you spot them, they affect everything the already wafer thin credibility of everything else. For whatever reason, the Doctor's wife is more loathsome than all of the hijackers combined. The escape of the two "Mr Bigs" is worthy of a guffaw of laughter.
The female 1st officer seems to disappear into the ether. She is the only one certified to land an Airbus, but heyho, the script sees handing this task on to two rank amateurs somehow elevates tension......it doesn't.....it simply lowers credibility even further.
Apple has given us some incredibly high class drama of late......I am thinking Black Bird and Under The Banner of Heaven as particular high points. Hijack falls a million miles short of those shows despite Idris Elba and the Welsh lass Eva Myles(?) putting in excellent performances. Bizarrely the characters of the British Home and Foreign Secretaries coming across as a pair of wooden tops who would both be out of their depth in a car park puddle is the only thing that rings as factually accurate.....you could be looking at a Matt Hancock and Nadine Dorris double act.
In summary, a good cast let down by a ropey script and a plot with more holes than your average fishing net that results in a drama littered with unresolved story lines and character developments. Ultimately disappointing and forgettable.
Bonkers but brilliant
tommdennehy6 August 2023
Just go with it. Don't take this series seriously. Most things about it are in the realms of ridiculousness.
However, it's binge worthy stuff. Whether it's Idris Elba's coolness under pressure and sheer screen magnetism or the constant surprises and cliff hangers, you just can't enough of this stuff.
This series does what it says on the tin. It's a hijack. But there are different layers of story waiting to unfold.
There are a few irritants such as some of the miscast hijackers and irritating passengers and yes Elba is constantly to cool for school.
But on the most part this feels like a pretty original of stupid idea which draws you in and refuses to let you leave.
Try it and let it hijack you.
However, it's binge worthy stuff. Whether it's Idris Elba's coolness under pressure and sheer screen magnetism or the constant surprises and cliff hangers, you just can't enough of this stuff.
This series does what it says on the tin. It's a hijack. But there are different layers of story waiting to unfold.
There are a few irritants such as some of the miscast hijackers and irritating passengers and yes Elba is constantly to cool for school.
But on the most part this feels like a pretty original of stupid idea which draws you in and refuses to let you leave.
Try it and let it hijack you.
Lots of promise but Fails in the end
robertlsmithjr6 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Starts out great but the story gets muddled and confused. Sam's character as a corporate "fixer" who gets hijacked along with the other passengers and crew never really takes off as his attempts to mediate a solution are weak and often based on little to know viable information. Some very odd casting that don't help us understand the characters or action (which there isn't much until the last episode). A few technical goofs, specially in regards to the jetliners operations and capabilities, that make the final action just plain dumb. "The engines are flaming out, we're at 1500 feet and 6 miles from the airport!. We're gonna glide it in." No, You're not.
Exciting drama
corinnescrapbook17 October 2023
What's with all the negative reviews. First of all, Idris Elba was superb and worth watching just for him. But it was an exciting thriller. Hey its TV entertainment. It is not a docu series. Was it far fetched? Yes. Was it gripping? Totally. The cast were top notch and I must say I'm glad not to be flying anywhere in the near future!
I binged this in 2 evenings and enjoyed every minute. The script was well written. The air traffic control lady was so good. I only hope there are such characters in the ATC.
If you want an exciting good action drama, this is for you. People are too negative and I suspect they are trolls.
Enjoy.
I binged this in 2 evenings and enjoyed every minute. The script was well written. The air traffic control lady was so good. I only hope there are such characters in the ATC.
If you want an exciting good action drama, this is for you. People are too negative and I suspect they are trolls.
Enjoy.
Good, but could've been better
jeppepalmari12 September 2023
Interesting premise and the show started off well. However, I thought there were a few pretty meh episodes in the middle and I almost lost interest at oen point. Maybe this should've been a few episodes shorter because it felt a bit slow and dull at moments.
The hijackers were complete amateurs at points and the woman hijacker trying to act tough wasn't very believable. Neither was the hijacker in charge that believable. I just didn't buy him being in charge and having what it takes to actually keep things under control.
I also thought that the last 5 minutes was a bit stupid. Why do that? Felt really unnecessary.
Over all a enjoyable mini series, but could've been better. To be honest I only watched this because of Idris Elba. Otherwise the cast was pretty meh.
The hijackers were complete amateurs at points and the woman hijacker trying to act tough wasn't very believable. Neither was the hijacker in charge that believable. I just didn't buy him being in charge and having what it takes to actually keep things under control.
I also thought that the last 5 minutes was a bit stupid. Why do that? Felt really unnecessary.
Over all a enjoyable mini series, but could've been better. To be honest I only watched this because of Idris Elba. Otherwise the cast was pretty meh.
Fantastic and compelling
terrylarosa5 July 2023
The level of intensity even in the slower moments is always there like a slow simmering. Well directed, acted and excellently paced. Ignore the whiners who state nobody would do this or that. Yes I'm sure they would make every move a perfect one ( I'm guessing probably whimpering in their seats the entire time ). Fact is people do and say the most incorrect things in any given situation hundreds of times in their lives. It's called being human. Now back to the show. The cliffhangers are great but this show should have dropped all at once cause it's a long week waiting for the next. Elba as usual gives a commanding though also subdued performance. Add the mystery to what's really going on, the ground personnel trying to unravel if the plane is in trouble or not and some truly suspenseful moments and Apple has a real winner on its hand ( which is usually not the case). Can't wait for the finale.......
Squawk 7500GetThisCr-pOffMyTv
red_spade22 July 2023
Massive gaps in plot lines, in a world where everything fits the screenwriters' plans, ridiculous though they are. Six episodes of real-time hijinx hijackery on Kingdom Air 29 from Dubai to London. The wifi is down, the service is terrible, onboard storage is infinitesimally small and I'm 90% sure it's going to be severely delayed (with no compensation offered) or crashed, or - god forbid - turned into a Spirit Airlines regular route.
About the only realistic thing is that the captain is ban*+#g the head flight attendant.
I'm not yet sure what the hijackers want - at least one of them had more than adequate leg room, from what I could see - but somehow, Idris Elba, corporate negotiator par excellence, will save the day.
About the only realistic thing is that the captain is ban*+#g the head flight attendant.
I'm not yet sure what the hijackers want - at least one of them had more than adequate leg room, from what I could see - but somehow, Idris Elba, corporate negotiator par excellence, will save the day.
Deteriorates very quickly
joe-8252 August 2023
The first episode set up an interesting premise and introduction to the characters on this plane as well as on the ground. Unfortunately the further the series progressed the more implausible it became. Not implausible due to the many factual flaws around aviation in general but air traffic control in particular. These points are passable for e as this is clearly not a documentarybut a drama. So close enough to get a pass. However the show stetched credibilty to breaking point the further into the series it got. To the point where the final two episodes were sufficient to provoke rolled eyes, the final one being so far away from 'reality', that I really wondered if the writer had just lost interest and wanted it over and done with.
Major Thriller
ldennis6428 June 2023
I just finished episode 2 and I'm so so hooked. Its like a chess game or checkers if you please. WHAT'S THE NEXT MOVE & COUNTERMOVE. I cant wait for the remainder of the episodes. It is an intense thriller. There were a few stupid & fatal moves by a few of the characters that I can't understand at the moment but that I hope is explained at some later episode. However I don't think so because their actions were illogical. No spoilers so I can't be specific but when you watch you'll understand. It is so good that I just want to binge watch all the episodes if they were available. The acting, directing and cast are great. The show has some of my favorite actors and others who I enjoy watching. I love a show that make you feel for the characters and this does and I can't easily see where the plot is headed which I like also but is pleasantly frustrating. Look forward to the remaining episodes.
At the edge of your seat type of series
lakings9716 September 2023
Hijack is an AppleTV+ series that stars Idris Elba who played a passenger on a 7 hour flight from Dubai to London. During the flight, a group of hijackers take possession of the plane but things don't work out their way. Elba acts an accomplished negotiator in the business world and steps up to intervene to talk down the threats made by the terrorists. This edge of your seat thriller reminded me of Air Force One with Harrison Ford, they are very similar in plot. Ben Miles acted as the captain of the plane, Neil Maskell and Zora Bishop were the hijackers. The story does leave a void for subsequent seasons in which I am looking forward to viewing them. Overall I loved the series, the layered stories of each passenger although i did not find how they got guns passed through security especially this day in age after 9/11. Definitely add this series to your list, it's worth it.
Watchable, just.
kenbo-8736029 July 2023
This feels like an afternoon show that would be aired over successive days on the BBC or similar. Had I known each episode was going to be released weekly I wouldn't have started it. It has kept me reasonably entertained though.
Idris Elba plays a corporate negotiator who uses his skills to talk down the hijacker's. I haven't seen much in the way of decent negotiating (there's still one episode left to watch) or even outfoxing his foe to much extent.
The scenes onboard the plane are more entertaining than the scenes that take place on the ground. Politicians and police running round like headless chickens feels like filler for each episode.
Most British viewers will recognise a lot of the cast. They have been in numerous things before without ever really being a star (Idris excepted).
Not the best but certainly not the worst.
Idris Elba plays a corporate negotiator who uses his skills to talk down the hijacker's. I haven't seen much in the way of decent negotiating (there's still one episode left to watch) or even outfoxing his foe to much extent.
The scenes onboard the plane are more entertaining than the scenes that take place on the ground. Politicians and police running round like headless chickens feels like filler for each episode.
Most British viewers will recognise a lot of the cast. They have been in numerous things before without ever really being a star (Idris excepted).
Not the best but certainly not the worst.
Great start but no binge available
suespy2 July 2023
Tempting us with 2 episodes during which time we are already working out how to solve it we have to wait another week! This isn't 1980's and with so much choice the danger of losing your audience is high regressing to one episode a week. There is a lot to be said for leaving new series until all episodes are streamed as it helps the blood pressure. All the typical stereotypes and back stories are here plus the annoying characters you would happily feed to the terrorists. Armchair sleuths would also be shouting at the tv that surely there should be a code word pilots can use to imply their statements to ground are made under duress but maybe then they couldn't fill 7 episodes.
Generic but watchable
danielcereto30 June 2023
I just watched the two first episodes and it doesn't looked bad. It looked more into generic side of action-thriller series.
First, the cast is good but acting is just acceptable. Nothing remarkable, just generic.
Second, the storyline is interesting but slow. I just guessed almost everything in this two episodes. So, do not expect big surprises or great tension.
Last, I am not going to burn a series because it is slow. Here timing is not the best and it does not look credible keeping in mind is a 6 hours flight. I am not sure where this story goes but hopefully will be better on the next episodes.
Last, if you love Liam Neeson movies or Elba's ones, this series might be interesting for you.
First, the cast is good but acting is just acceptable. Nothing remarkable, just generic.
Second, the storyline is interesting but slow. I just guessed almost everything in this two episodes. So, do not expect big surprises or great tension.
Last, I am not going to burn a series because it is slow. Here timing is not the best and it does not look credible keeping in mind is a 6 hours flight. I am not sure where this story goes but hopefully will be better on the next episodes.
Last, if you love Liam Neeson movies or Elba's ones, this series might be interesting for you.
See also
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