In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming content, a new spy thriller on Peacock has been making quite a splash, quickly climbing the streaming charts. Over recent years, the spy subgenre has witnessed some remarkable additions. Take, for instance, the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, which draws from Mick Herron novels and delves into the lives of those in Slough House. Then there’s the David Fincher film The Killer on Netflix, presenting an intriguing concept of an assassin’s self-awareness. Meanwhile, big-screen spy sagas like the upcoming Mission: Impossible installment starring Tom Cruise continue to hold our attention. However, a fresh and engaging take on the classic spy narrative, one that combines novelty with the time-honored cat-and-mouse tropes, has been somewhat lacking.
“The Day of the Jackal”: A Streaming Success
“The Day of the Jackal”, featuring Eddie Redmayne of “Fantastic Beasts” fame and Lashana Lynch from “No Time to Die”, has made an impressive debut on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently boasting an 84% score based on 44 reviews, which averages out to a remarkable 7.60/10, and with a strong 77% audience score derived from over 100 ratings, it’s clearly catching the eye of viewers and critics alike. Mary Kassel’s review for Screen Rant was especially effusive, noting that the series “genuinely rejuvenates the genre”.
Reelgood, a platform that monitors audience interest, reveals that “The Day of the Jackal” has had a stellar start on the streaming charts. Streaming on Peacock, it recently premiered and secured the No. 2 position in the TV-centric Top 10 for the week of November 14 – 20 across all platforms. The television list was dominated by the returning powerhouse “Yellowstone” season 5. On the overall charts, which include movies, it ranked No. 4. Here’s a look at where “The Day of the Jackal” landed in Reelgood’s overall November 14 – 20 chart:
Plot and Production Details
Based on Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel, which has seen previous film adaptations, “The Day of the Jackal” follows the story of the elusive lone assassin known as the Jackal (played by Redmayne). This Jackal makes a living by carrying out high-paying hits. However, after his latest assignment, he encounters a formidable adversary in the form of a tenacious British intelligence officer (played by Lynch). What follows is a high-stakes chase that spans across Europe, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The series features an ensemble cast including Úrsula Corberó, Charles Dance, Richard Dormer, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lia Williams, Khalid Abdalla, Eleanor Matsuura, Jonjo O’Neill, and Sule Rimi. It is a co-production of Sky Studios and Universal Television, in collaboration with Carnival Film and Television. The show is helmed by showrunner Ronan Bennett, who also serves as an executive producer along with Redmayne, Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, and Brian Kirk.
Audience and Critical Reception
“The Day of the Jackal” has already had its season 2 confirmed, following its outstanding performance on Peacock’s charts. One of the key factors contributing to its success, as consistently emphasized in reviews, is its fast-paced and entertaining nature. The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “A globetrotting thriller made eerily plausible by Eddie Redmayne’s reptilian performance, The Day of the Jackal turns dark deeds into good fun.”
The performances of Redmayne and Lynch have been widely lauded. In Esther Zuckerman’s review for The New York Times, she remarks: “If Redmayne’s portrayal of the Jackal is steeped in mystery, Lynch’s take on Bianca is a stirring mix of impulsivity and cunning.” Similar sentiments are echoed in numerous other reviews, highlighting the crucial role that the casting has played in the series’ appeal.
Nevertheless, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics and viewers have pointed out issues with the series’ pacing and episode count, common concerns in the current television landscape where some projects seem to be extended versions of feature-length films. However, it’s also been commended for delving into areas that the film adaptations were unable to explore.
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