A wave of viewers across the UK are flocking to Amazon Prime Video to rediscover a critically acclaimed BBC spy drama, propelling it back into the streamer's top ten charts. The resurgence comes as anticipation builds for the show's long-awaited second season, set to premiere on New Year's Day 2026.
A Decade-Later Phenomenon
Originally released in 2016, The Night Manager has found a massive new audience nearly a decade later. Fans are binge-watching the first season to prepare for the new episodes, creating a remarkable revival for the series. The gap between seasons will be almost ten years, marking one of the longest waits for a continuation in recent television history.
The series stars Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier working as the night manager of a luxury hotel. He is recruited by intelligence operative Angela Burr, played by Olivia Colman, to infiltrate the inner circle of notorious arms dealer Richard Roper, portrayed by Hugh Laurie.
Praise That Rivals 007
Since its debut, the show has drawn frequent and favourable comparisons to the James Bond franchise, with many viewers arguing it exceeds the iconic spy series in quality. Fan reviews highlight its sophisticated tone and gripping narrative.
"This show is what James Bond should aim to be. Sexy, fast and writing that is tongue-in-cheek but serious," wrote one viewer on Google Reviews. Another fan, Dave Jackson, noted its "realistic" feel compared to 007, making the espionage "all the more believable." The praise extends to its pace, with reviewer Caleb Green calling it "more suspenseful than an Alfred Hitchcock movie."
The show's critical pedigree is undeniable. In 2017, it won three Golden Globes for Hiddleston, Laurie, and Colman, alongside a BAFTA for supporting actor Tom Hollander.
What's Next for Pine and Burr?
The first season, based on John le Carré's 1993 novel, followed Pine's dangerous mission to bring down Roper, becoming entangled with the arms dealer's girlfriend, Jed Marshall (Elizabeth Debicki). The upcoming second season will move beyond the source material.
Returning stars Hiddleston and Colman will be joined by new cast members including Diego Calva and Camila Morrone. The action shifts from London to Colombia, where Pine, living under a new identity, must penetrate another illicit arms network while confronting a conspiracy that threatens a nation's stability.
The Night Manager season one is available to stream on Amazon Prime now. Season two will premiere on BBC One on January 1, 2026, at 9.05pm.
