The Night Manager season two

Several years after his ordeal in Cairo, MI6 officer Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) is back for the second season of the multi-award-winning BBC thriller The Night Manager. Living in London under the new identity of Alex Goodwin, he works a quiet, low-level surveillance job in the hope of putting his past behind him. However, when he spots a familiar face on what should have been a routine mission, he’s thrust into a violent conspiracy that appears to be connected to an enigmatic Colombian businessman named Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva). Written by showrunner David Farr (inspired by the characters created by author John le Carré), the first two episodes offer a rich blend of suspense and tightly woven intrigue that sets the stage for an exceptionally slick espionage drama.

Hiddleston is at the top of his game here. The new season presents a more damaged version of Pine, who’s struggling to deal with his past trauma. The actor handles this depiction with great nuance, switching seamlessly to his suave and charming undercover persona at a moment’s notice. Rivalling him is Calva as the series’s new antagonist. While Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of menacing arms dealer Richard Roper left enormous shoes to fill, Calva’s electrifying charisma makes him a fitting successor. Camila Morrone is another notable standout as Roxana Bolaños, a Miami-based deal broker who’s somehow involved in the unfolding mystery.

The action moves forward at a brisk pace as Pine delves deeper into his investigation. With fresh layers of deceit and unexpected revelations being uncovered at every turn, Farr expertly draws out the pieces of this elaborate conspiracy, increasing the stakes and tension as he goes. The thrills are only elevated further with a collection of high-octane set pieces that cannot be spoiled here. It’s during these sequences that the show’s spectacular production values are put on full display, treating viewers to gorgeous visuals set within stunning locations.

Hiddleston and Calva are utterly riveting in the second season of The Night Manager. Although this is a wholly original story, Farr has crafted a follow-up that is every bit as incredible as what came before.

Andrew Murray

The Night Manager season two is released on BBC iPlayer on 1^st January 2026.

Watch the trailer for The Night Manager season two here: