Red Eye is officially returning to ITV in 2026, bringing viewers another suspense-packed thriller led by Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp. After the success of Season 1, the high-stakes drama is back with a brand-new storyline involving a US Embassy lockdown, an endangered aircraft, and rising geopolitical tension. With new cast additions and a six-episode arc filled with danger, betrayal, and political intrigue, Season 2 promises to escalate the drama even further.
ITV is ringing in the new year with one of its most intense originals, and fans eager for the show’s comeback won’t have to wait long. Below, we break down the release date, cast list, plot details, and everything you need to know before tuning in.
Red Eye Season 2 Release Date and Where to Watch
Red Eye Season 2 will premiere on Thursday, 1st January 2026, at 9pm on ITV1. All six episodes will also be released the same day on ITVX, allowing viewers to binge-watch the full season immediately.
This dual release model mirrors ITV’s recent strategy with its major thrillers, giving fans the choice between weekly viewing or consuming the entire story in one sitting. Season 1 is available on ITVX for those who want to catch up before the new season begins.
Red Eye Season 2 Cast: Returning and New Faces
Season 2 brings back several key characters while introducing major new additions, including a fresh leading man.
Returning Cast
- Jing Lusi as Detective Hana Li
- Lesley Sharp as Madeline Delaney (now MI5 Director General)
- Jemma Moore as Jess Li
- Robert Gilbert as Superintendent Simon O’Brien
New Additions
- Martin Compston as Clay Brody (US Embassy Security Chief)
- Cash Holland as Ruth Banks
- Jonathan Aris as John Tennant
- Steph Lacey as Megan Campbell
- Nicholas Rowe as DSEC Alex Peterson
- Trevor White as US Ambassador Ronald Tillman
- Isaura Barbe-Brown as DCM Cece Redding
- Danusia Samal as Captain Sarah Wright
- Guy Williams as Air Marshal John Johnson
Notable Absence
- Richard Armitage does not return as Dr. Matthew Nolan in Season 2.
Martin Compston steps in as the new male lead, playing Clay Brody—an ex-colleague of Hana’s with a complicated past. His character is expected to bring new friction and depth to the season’s central conflict.
Red Eye Season 2 Plot: What’s the Story This Time?
Season 2 expands the show’s international scope by splitting the narrative between two high-risk locations: a locked-down US Embassy in London and a sabotaged flight heading toward the UK. This dual setting increases the tension and brings both political and personal stakes to the forefront.
The threat begins during an embassy celebration for the newly appointed US Ambassador. The festivities are abruptly halted when an anonymous caller delivers a chilling ultimatum: if anyone leaves the embassy, a British government plane will be blown out of the sky. The warning forces an immediate lockdown, trapping all guests and staff inside.
As chaos unfolds inside the embassy, a series of murders begin, placing DC Hana Li at the center of a jurisdictional nightmare. As a British officer, she must navigate the complications of US soil, political pressure, and diplomatic consequences. Forced to collaborate with Clay Brody, the head of embassy security—and someone she has a fraught history with—Hana must put aside her distrust to unravel the conspiracy. Their tense dynamic will shape much of the season’s investigative arc.
Meanwhile, the aircraft under threat carries none other than Madeline Delaney, now the Director General of MI5. Her presence on the endangered flight ties the mystery directly to the events of Season 1. This time, both women find themselves fighting for survival on two fronts thousands of feet apart. The plot combines hostage conditions, political deception, personal vendettas, and international intrigue, raising the stakes beyond Season 1’s already intense storyline.
FAQs
How many episodes are in Red Eye Season 2?
Six episodes, all available on ITVX from January 1, 2026.
Do I need to watch Season 1 first?
While Season 2 introduces a new case, many returning characters and relationships carry over from Season 1.
Is Richard Armitage in Season 2?
No, he does not return for the new season.
Is the new season set on a plane like Season 1?
Partially. This time, the narrative is split between a grounded embassy and a threatened flight.
Conclusion
Red Eye Season 2 returns bigger, bolder, and more politically charged than before. With its New Year’s Day premiere and a cast led by Jing Lusi, Lesley Sharp, and newcomer Martin Compston, the thriller is set to offer a gripping blend of embassy intrigue and airborne suspense. The entire six-episode season will be ready to stream on ITVX, making it the perfect binge-watch to start 2026. Stay tuned to TrendingNewsBuzz.com for more updates, trailers, and episode breakdowns.
