Apple TV’s hit parade: critics vs. viewers
Apple TV’s drama lineup continues to draw attention, but critical praise and viewer habits don’t always line up. Gary Oldman’s Slow Horses currently enjoys exceptional acclaim — scoring roughly 97% on Rotten Tomatoes — while Idris Elba’s Hijack sits lower on the aggregator at about 81%. Yet streaming metrics tell a different story: Hijack is topping Apple TV viewing charts right now, proving popularity can outpace prestige.
Hijack’s streaming surge
According to FlixPatrol, Hijack currently ranks as the most-watched show on Apple TV, outpacing other high-profile offerings such as Shrinking, Tehran, and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. The series has also generated traction beyond Apple’s platform:
- On PVOD charts, Amazon lists Hijack as the third most popular title, behind Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and Taylor Sheridan’s Landman.
- In France, Hijack has climbed to the top five on Canal+, demonstrating international interest in the series.
This level of cross-platform performance is noteworthy for an Apple TV original, underscoring either the show’s particular appeal or a broader willingness from viewers to access Apple’s series outside the native app.
Why viewers are tuning in
Several factors appear to be fueling Hijack’s momentum:
- Star power: Idris Elba’s presence and charisma remain a major draw; critics frequently note his ability to elevate material.
- High-stakes set pieces: Recent episodes placing Elba’s character, Sam Nelson, in perilous situations — including a tense sequence set in Berlin’s underground train system — have kept audiences engaged and talking.
- Serialized momentum: The show’s twists and short-burst pacing make it easy to binge, which helps it climb daily streaming charts.
Even as critical enthusiasm for Season 2 has cooled compared with the first season, those elements have kept viewer interest strong.
Critical reception: Season 2’s mixed reviews
Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus captures the split between performance and perception: critics suggest Hijack’s second season largely reuses the original formula in a new setting, producing thrills but not necessarily justifying an extended storyline. In short, many reviewers feel Idris Elba’s performance remains the series’ primary saving grace even when the creative risks feel limited.
That pattern—an acclaimed lead elevating material that critics see as middling—helps explain why the show can rank highly in streaming popularity despite more muted reviews.
Where Hijack fits in Apple TV’s broader slate
Hijack’s success arrives amid a diverse Apple TV catalog that includes crime thrills, comedies, and heavyweight sci-fi. Highlights currently making waves on the platform and charts include:
- Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — building momentum ahead of Season 2 and performing strongly on genre charts.
- Pluribus — another rising title in the sci-fi/crime mix.
- Severance — still a cultural touchpoint, though some new entries are eclipsing it on certain popularity charts.
- Ted Lasso — re-emerging on charts amid renewed interest following Season 4 news.
- Drops of God — a returning underrated favorite, now in its second season.
- The Morning Show — one of Apple TV’s longest-running successes that continues to draw viewers.
Together, these shows illustrate Apple’s strategy of offering a varied slate that can reach different audience segments simultaneously.
Quick show details: Hijack at a glance
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Rating: TV‑MA
- Release window: 2023–2024
- Creators/showrunners: George Kay and Jim Field Smith
- Directors: Mo Ali, Jim Field Smith
- Writing team includes: Adam Gyngell, Catherine Moulton, Fred Fernandez Armesto, Anna‑Maria Ssemuyaba, George Kay, Kam Odedra
- Lead cast: Idris Elba as Sam Nelson (among others)
What this means for Apple TV
Hijack’s chart-topping performance highlights a recurring streaming-era dynamic: strong viewer engagement can outweigh critical consensus. For Apple TV, the series’ ability to find audiences both on and off its platform is a positive signal for the streamer’s reach and for the marketability of its star-driven thrillers. As new seasons roll out across the service’s portfolio, expect continued competition between critically lauded dramas and those that simply keep viewers glued to the screen.