ITV thriller returns in 2024 without lead after viewer backlash
- The first season of Red Eye received a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was criticized for its implausible plot and inconsistencies.
- Despite the backlash, the series attracted nearly 30 million streams and 8.3 million viewers for its first episode.
- The second season will feature a new conspiracy and will begin filming in 2025, indicating ITV's commitment to the series.
ITV1 and ITVX's thriller series Red Eye has been recommissioned for a second season despite facing significant criticism for its first season. The initial six-part drama, which garnered nearly 30 million streams, received a disappointing 45 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers criticized the show for its implausible plot and numerous inconsistencies, including filming locations and legal inaccuracies. The first season followed Dr. Matthew Nolan, a British surgeon embroiled in a chaotic legal situation after returning from a medical conference in China. Despite the backlash, the series has found a dedicated audience, with the first episode attracting 8.3 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated new dramas of the year. The show's lead actor, Richard, will not return for the second season, but Jing Lusi will reprise her role as DS Hana Li, alongside Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore. The new season promises a fresh conspiracy to unravel in the high-stakes environment of Red Eye. The decision to continue the series reflects ITV's confidence in its potential, as expressed by Polly Hill, ITV's Head of Drama. Filming for the new series is set to begin in 2025, with the release date yet to be confirmed. The production is backed by Bad Wolf, a company known for its work on popular series like Doctor Who and His Dark Materials. As the series moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the creators address the criticisms from the first season and whether they can maintain viewer interest while improving the narrative quality.