TechRadar Verdict
The Night Manager proves to be even more exhilarating and well-crafted than its predecessor, a significant achievement for a legacy sequel. Season 2 maintains substantial screentime for Olivia Colman, whose performance remains a highlight.
Pros
- The quality improvement from 2015 to 2025 is notable.
- The high-stakes drama feels fresh.
- Tom Hiddleston meets and exceeds expectations.
- Indira Varma and Diego Luna are exceptional new additions.
- Hayley Squires continues to be an underrated talent in the UK.
Cons
- Similar to season 1, the drama consistently maintains a serious tone.
January 2026 marks the return of Tom Hiddleston in the highly anticipated The Night Manager season 2, available on BBC from January 1 and Prime Video from January 11. A decade later, the shrewd and aloof spy Jonathan Pine makes his comeback, or does he?
Tom Hiddleston’s character assumes multiple identities in the new season. A decade after the first season, Pine is still involved with the Night Owls. However, the sighting of a henchman connected to the deceased villain Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie) triggers a new chain of events.
The ten-year hiatus likely benefits The Night Manager season 2, as the new episodes surpass the first season. They appear sharper, more confident, and creatively adventurous in ways that many crime dramas of the 2010s did not.
Hiddleston maintains his commanding presence. Since The Night Manager‘s initial run, his international profile has grown significantly through the MCU. His return to this role offers a grounded portrayal of an MI6 spy, despite the outrageous circumstances.
The drama expands globally in a fresh direction. Moving from the war zones of the 2011 Egypt revolution, the narrative now explores the clandestine drug trades of Colombia. These seemingly disparate scenarios are, in fact, interconnected.
Tom Hiddleston Brings New Energy to a Liberated The Night Manager Season 2
The Night Manager Season Two – Official Trailer | Prime Video – YouTube
Second seasons are uncommon for John le Carré adaptations. However, with Carré’s approval before his passing in 2020 (as confirmed by his son and producer Simon Cornwell), a new creative direction was established. This allows The Night Manager season 2 to build upon its original foundation while exploring significant dramatic liberties.
This approach proves highly effective. The BBC, renowned for its high-stakes crime dramas, has intensified its creative output in recent years. Its productions are confident and daring, offering viewers unexpected challenges. Jonathan Pine’s constantly evolving identity ensures the narrative remains consistently intense.
Hiddleston delivers a strong performance, guiding the audience through difficult and complex action with assurance, even when Pine’s decisions are questionable. Season 2 introduces a host of new characters, including Diego Calva as the calculated and cool-headed antagonist, Teddy dos Santos.
A romantic entanglement develops between Pine and the smart, seductive Roxana, portrayed by Camila Morrone, escalating the drama. The series notably features a scene reminiscent of the viral Challengers pool party, set in Medellín, as previewed in the trailer.
Despite the Flourish, Core Elements Remain Strong
The Night Manager maintains a serious tone, contrasting with the lighter fare found in shows like Death in Paradise or Black Ops. This straightforward approach effectively subverts genre stereotypes prevalent across streaming services. Jonathan Pine’s mission is relentless.
The high stakes and constant risks taken by Pine lead to significant narrative rewards. Olivia Colman returns for substantial scenes in season 2, and MI6 is now led by Indira Varma as the head of operations, a character whose cunning nature is evident.
Hayley Squires delivers a standout performance. Since her breakthrough in I, Daniel Blake, her exceptional British acting talent has been somewhat overlooked. While Pine drives the action, Squires’ character, Sally, serves as the vital link that holds the operation together. Her contribution is indispensable to The Night Manager season 2.
The series launches 2026 with an alluring, intricate, and thrilling narrative, rewarding the long wait for its return.
