The BBC's critically acclaimed espionage thriller, The Night Manager, is poised to deliver its dramatic conclusion as the second series builds towards its highly anticipated finale. With the final episode expected to match the first season's gripping climax, substantial viewing figures are anticipated for the broadcaster.
A Decade-Long Return
Marking a significant comeback nearly ten years after its initial run, the second series premiered on New Year's Day. Tom Hiddleston reprises his iconic role as MI6 agent Jonathan Pine, who operates under the intricate cover identities of Alex Goodwin and Matthew Ellis. The first season's finale captivated over 10 million viewers across the UK, setting a high benchmark for this sequel.
Familiar Faces and New Additions
The latest instalment welcomes back numerous original cast members, including Olivia Colman, Douglas Hodge, Michael Nardone, and Noah Jupe. It also introduces a host of new stars to the complex world of espionage:
- Diego Calva as Teddy
- Camila Morrone playing Roxana
- Indira Varma in the part of Mayra
- Paul Chahidi as Basil
- Hayley Squires as Sally
A surprising mid-series development sees the return of Pine's formidable adversary, Richard Roper, portrayed once again by Hugh Laurie.
An Original Conclusion
While The Night Manager draws from characters originally conceived by the legendary novelist John le Carré, the second season ventures into uncharted territory. Unlike the inaugural series, which was based on an existing novel, no sequel book exists. This has left writer David Farr to craft an entirely original conclusion, shrouding the finale in mystery.
Discussing Farr's script, Tom Hiddleston remarked: "David Farr has achieved the impossible. The Night Manager was based on a novel by John le Carré, there was no second novel, no sequel. David has written it with all the sophistication and complexity that le Carré would approve of and admire. Teddy, Roxana, Colombia, Alex Goodwin and Matthew Ellis have all emerged from David’s imagination. This is where he chose to go, and we all followed him there. He’s forensic about detail, and brilliant at the plotting of a complex spy thriller. It feels like a roller-coaster. David’s scripts are exciting, dangerous, edgy, mythic and complex. It’s about shame, guilt, and redemption."
Finale Broadcast Details
Unlike many contemporary BBC dramas, The Night Manager is not available for binge-viewing on iPlayer, compelling audiences to follow the traditional weekly broadcast schedule. The series debuted on a Thursday in the coveted New Year's Day primetime slot but has since settled into a regular Sunday evening position.
The second series has unfolded weekly throughout January, with the concluding chapter, episode six, scheduled to air on Sunday, February 1 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Complete Release Schedule
The second run of The Night Manager consists of six hour-long episodes in total, with only the finale left to be broadcast. The full transmission schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1 – Thursday, January 1 at 9:05pm
- Episode 2 – Sunday, January 4 at 9pm
- Episode 3 – Sunday, January 11 at 9pm
- Episode 4 – Sunday, January 18 at 9pm
- Episode 5 – Sunday, January 25 at 9pm
- Episode 6 – Sunday, February 1 at 9pm
Episodes one through five are currently available to catch up on BBC iPlayer, alongside the complete first series for viewers who missed the original broadcast or wish to revisit the story's beginnings.
