One of Peacock’s hottest new shows is getting a network premiere so here’s what to know about The Day of the Jackal coming to NBC!
Lately, there’s been a trend of networks connected to streaming services showing some of their big streaming hits on the network as well. ABC has shown the first season of Only Murders in the Building and CBS has given some airings of Paramount+ series premieres. It’s a good way to get more eyes on the shows and perhaps sway viewers into subscribing to those services to take in the whole series.
Now comes The Day of the Jackal as NBC announced they will air the series premiere of the new Peacock thriller on Monday, Dec. 30 at 10/9c. This is a great showcase for the series, and given that there’s nothing else major airing that day before the college football games kick off, it should get more attention.
It’s also good for Jackal, which has already established itself as one of Peacock’s biggest hit shows with a second season coming. It’s also landed on several “Best of 2024 TV” lists, and a network showcase can only enhance its popularity.
What to know about The Day of the Jackal
The show is based on the 1971 novel by Frederick Forsyth that was later adapted into a hit 1973 movie. It updates the plot and gives it a few new spins.
The central premise is a deadly assassin known only as the Jackal (Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne) is hired to take out Ulle Dag Charles (Khalid Abdalla), a tech billionaire whose plans to change the world via a new computer program would disrupt some power players. As the Jackal prepares to kill Charles, he’s hunted by an MI6 agent (Lasha Lynch) out to stop him. Their cat-and-mouse game is the backbone of the series.
A twist in the series is the Jackal has a wife (Úrsula Corberó) who’s initially unaware of his true life as a killer. That adds a personal level to the show, which won acclaim for Redmayne’s performance.
The series finished its first season strong, with Peacock ordering a second season. Without giving away the ending, it had a good finale, leaving the door open for more adventures.
By showing the premiere on NBC, the network is able to get more attention on the show and entice folks to join Peacock in order to see the full series. It’s a smart move and ensures the Jackal has plenty more days ahead of him for his dark adventures.
The Day of the Jackal Episode 1 airs Monday, Dec. 30 at 10/9c on NBC. Season 1 streaming now on Peacock.