TL;DR
The Verdict: Hijack is a high-octane, "real-time" thriller that is generally safe for older teens (14+), provided they can handle constant profanity and high-stress situations. It’s essentially 24 meets Air Force One, but with a corporate negotiator instead of a super-soldier.
Quick Links:
- Watch on: Apple TV+
- Best for: Fans of The Night Agent or Slow Horses
- Parental Controls: How to set up Apple TV+ restrictions
Hijack is a seven-episode miniseries starring Idris Elba as Sam Nelson, a high-stakes corporate negotiator who finds himself on a hijacked flight from Dubai to London. The "hook" is that the show plays out in real-time—each hour-long episode represents one hour of the seven-hour flight.
Sam doesn't have a "particular set of skills" like Liam Neeson; he isn't a pilot or a Navy SEAL. He’s a guy who talks people into deals. This makes the show feel a bit more grounded than your typical action flick, though it still asks for a healthy dose of "suspension of disbelief" as the plot twists tighten.
While this might look like "dad TV" (and it definitely is), it has gained a lot of traction with Gen Z and Gen Alpha for a few reasons:
- The Binge Factor: The real-time aspect makes it incredibly hard to stop watching. If your teen is into "cliffhanger culture," this is peak content.
- TikTok Edits: Idris Elba’s "main character energy" has fueled a lot of social media edits.
- The "Prestige" Feel: Teens who have graduated from Stranger Things are often looking for "adult" shows that feel sophisticated but aren't necessarily slow-burn dramas.
Language: Heavy
This is the main reason for the TV-MA rating. The show is packed with F-bombs. It’s not "gratuitous" in the sense that people are just swearing to be edgy; it’s more like "we are on a plane that has been taken over by terrorists and we are all terrified" swearing. If your family has a hard "no-profanity" rule, this show is going to be a non-starter.
Violence: Intense but not "Gory"
There is violence, but it’s more about the threat of violence and the tension of the situation. You’ll see:
- Characters being held at gunpoint for extended periods.
- Physical altercations (punching, struggling).
- A few scenes involving blood (a character is stabbed with a small object, a pilot is injured).
- Characters die, but the camera doesn't linger on the gore like it might in The Last of Us.
Psychological Stress
This is the big one. If your child has a genuine fear of flying, Hijack is essentially a seven-hour nightmare. It leans heavily into the claustrophobia of an airplane cabin and the psychological warfare between the hijackers and the passengers.
According to our community data, about 22% of households with 8th and 9th graders have watched Hijack together. It’s becoming a popular "bridge show"—something parents and teens can actually agree on because it’s genuinely exciting for both.
However, there are a few "real world" themes that might require a conversation:
- The "Negotiator" Mindset: Sam Nelson often helps the hijackers or seems to be on their side to gain their trust. For a younger teen, this might be confusing. It’s a great opening to talk about strategy vs. morality.
- The Role of Tech: The show features a lot of "digital drama"—sending secret texts, trying to hack into the plane’s Wi-Fi, and how the ground crew uses data to track the flight. It’s a very "modern" thriller.
- Group Dynamics: The show does a great job (and sometimes a frustrating job) of showing how people react in a crisis. Some are heroes, some are cowards, and some are just selfish.
Check out our guide on how to talk to teens about intense media themes
If you’re on the fence about Hijack, here is how it stacks up against other popular "suspense" media your kids might be asking about:
The Night Agent (Netflix)
Comparison: The Night Agent has more "traditional" action (running, jumping, shooting) whereas Hijack is more about the mental chess game. Both have similar levels of language.
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
Comparison: Slow Horses is much more cynical and dialogue-heavy. It’s brilliant, but it might bore a teen who wants the "ticking clock" energy of Hijack.
Air Force One (Movie)
Comparison: If you want a "contained thriller" but with a bit more 90s-heroism and less "real-time" anxiety, this is the classic. It's rated R, but by today's standards, it feels almost like a PG-13.
If you decide to watch it with your teen, here are three questions to spark a conversation that isn't just "So, did you like it?"
- "Do you think Sam is actually a 'good guy,' or is he just doing whatever it takes to survive?" (This hits on the moral ambiguity that makes the show interesting).
- "How much of the tension comes from the fact that they can't communicate with the outside world?" (A great way to discuss our reliance on being 'connected' 24/7).
- "If you were in that situation, would you be the person trying to fight back or the person trying to stay invisible?"
Hijack is "brain rot" adjacent in the sense that it is pure, unadulterated entertainment designed to keep you clicking "Next Episode," but it’s well-made and features a stellar performance by Idris Elba.
Skip it if: Your teen has anxiety about travel, or if your household is strictly "no F-words." Watch it if: You have a 14+ teen who loves puzzles, high stakes, and shows that make you yell at the TV screen.
- Check the WISE score: Head over to the Hijack media page to see how other parents in the Screenwise community rated the "stress factor."
- Set the boundaries: If you're worried about them finishing the whole series in one school night (it's very possible), read our guide on managing binge-watching habits.
- Explore more: Not into planes? Check out our list of the best mystery shows for families.