‘Elite’ thriller that scored millions of viewers in 7 days breaks record-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Day of the Jackal has been a success story for Sky (Picture: AP)

Day of the Jackal is such compelling TV that it’s already broken records one week after first airing.

The 10-part thriller starring Eddie Redmayne as the titular character has become the biggest Sky launch from the past two years, and a record audience of 3 million watched in its first week making it the biggest Sky Original ever.

Also featuring Lashana Lynch and Úrsula Corberó, the overnight ratings were 711,00 before reaching the 3 million within seven days.

It’s not only the UK who are enjoying the series, the programme has been sold to 200 territories globally, that are simultaneously tuning in and loving it.

Executive Producers Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant of Carnival Films are in disbelief at just how well-received it has been. 

‘The overwhelming response to The Day of the Jackal has exceeded all expectations,’ they shared in a joint statement.

‘Our goal was to bring a fresh perspective to this iconic story, and we’re thrilled to see how well it has been received by audiences in the UK but also around the world. We couldn’t have done it without the exceptional Eddie Redmayne, Lashana Lynch and the entire cast and crew; this record-breaking success is a testament to their incredible talent.’

Úrsula Corberó plays Nuria in Day Of The Jackal (Picture: Sky UK/ Carnival Film & Television Ltd 2024)

Picking up an impressive 82% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, viewers have called it ‘action-packed’, ‘gripping’ and ‘engaging’.

‘The Day of the Jackal is top tier television. Elite so far,’ user A_Pount posted on X.

Siobhan Catherine added: ‘Superb TV, can’t believe I now have to wait for it to come out weekly. Eddie Redmayne, just [fire emoji].’

Rey called it ‘absolutely brilliant’ and Ellen Pope simply can’t get enough: ‘I am three episodes in, and I want all the #DayOfTheJackal episodes, please, plus another 40 episodes.’

The Jackal meets his match in Bianca (Picture: AP)

Originally released on November 7, The Day of the Jackal is based on the 1971 book by Frederick Forsyth. The series stars Eddie, 42, as ‘the Jackal’, an ‘unrivaled and highly elusive lone assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee’.

However, after one kill, he meets his match in tenacious British intelligence officer Bianca (Lashana), who makes efforts to track him down in a ‘thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake’.

Eddie was inspired by Edward Fox (Picture: AP)

Speaking to Metro at the show’s premiere last month, Eddie revealed he was inspired by the performance that Edward Fox gave in the 1973 movie.

‘I grew up on this. I grew up on the original Day of the Jackal, Edward Fox,’ he shared.

‘There was a kind of like casual, ruthless, debonair quality to him, the kind of peacocking thing that I loved, and also the shape-shifting quality that kind of defines him as a character.

‘So, I feel pretty thrilled to have got to play this guy.’

Metro.co.uk contacted Sky for comment

Episodes 1-6 of The Day of the Jackal are available now on Sky and streaming service NOW, with new episodes launching weekly each Thursday

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