Red Eye Series: Worth Watching? Seasons, Episodes, Stream

Anyone who has ever felt trapped on a long-haul flight will recognise the tension that drives Red Eye. The British thriller turns that claustrophobia into a conspiracy, following DC Hana Li as she escorts a doctor accused of murder across the Atlantic.

Number of seasons: 2
Total episodes: 12
Streaming on: ITVX and Hulu
Premiere year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
Lead actor: Richard Armitage

Eight key details define the series at a glance, and the pattern tells a story of a compact, tightly plotted thriller with a clear home on streaming.

Is the TV series Red Eye worth watching?

What do critics say about Red Eye?

• 60% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes (critic aggregator)
• Described as a “Sunday-night ITV thriller” that is “silly” but entertaining (The Telegraph review)
• Jing Lusi’s performance praised for anchoring the premise
• Pacing described as uneven by multiple reviewers

Critics have given Red Eye a 60% score on Rotten Tomatoes (aggregator of critic reviews), reflecting a mixed reception. The Telegraph (UK broadsheet) described the show as a “Sunday-night ITV thriller” that is “silly” but entertaining. Jing Lusi’s performance as DC Hana Li has drawn particular praise, with reviewers noting her ability to anchor the high-concept premise with credibility.

Audience reception on Rotten Tomatoes

• 70% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (audience ratings)
• 10-point gap between critic and audience scores
• Plot twists highlighted as a strong point on IMDb user reviews
• Pacing cited as a recurring drawback

Audiences have been slightly warmer than critics, with a 70% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (audience ratings). The gap between critic and audience scores suggests that general viewers are more forgiving of the show’s pacing issues. Some reviews on IMDb (user-generated ratings) highlight the plot twists as a strong point, while others point to uneven pacing as a drawback.

The trade-off: critics looking for originality may find the plot familiar, but audiences seeking a tense, character-driven thriller have found plenty to enjoy.

Where can I watch the British TV series Red Eye?

Is Red Eye on Netflix?

• No, Red Eye is not available on Netflix
• ITV produces and distributes the series exclusively
• Streaming rights are held by ITVX and Hulu

No, Red Eye is not available on Netflix. The series is produced by ITV and streams exclusively on ITVX (ITV’s on-demand platform) in the UK. International viewers will not find it on any other major subscription service besides Hulu, according to Rotten Tomatoes (streaming availability data).

Is Red Eye on Hulu?

• Yes, available on Hulu in the US
• Also listed on Disney+ via Rotten Tomatoes platform metadata
• Became available internationally after UK broadcast

Yes, Rotten Tomatoes (platform availability metadata) lists Red Eye on Hulu and Disney+ in the US. The series became available internationally through Hulu following its initial UK broadcast run.

Is Red Eye on ITV or BBC?

• ITV production, not BBC
• Aired on ITV1 and available on ITVX
• Confirmed by The Telegraph broadcast listing

Red Eye is an ITV production, not a BBC one. It aired on ITV1 (UK terrestrial channel) and remains available on ITVX for UK viewers.

How many episodes are in Red Eye?

How many series of Red Eye are there?

• 2 seasons total
• 12 episodes across both seasons
• Confirmed by Wikipedia (TV series database)

There are 2 seasons of Red Eye, with a total of 12 episodes. Wikipedia (TV series database) confirms the episode count across both seasons.

Episode count per season

• Season 1: 6 episodes, premiered April 2024
• Season 2 (Red Eye: Crimson Icarus): 6 episodes, premiered January 2026
• Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes

Season 1 consists of 6 episodes, as confirmed by Den of Geek (entertainment publication). Season 2, titled Red Eye: Crimson Icarus, also has 6 episodes, according to Wikipedia (episode guide). Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes.

The pattern: six episodes per season gives the show room to develop its conspiracy without padding.

Is there going to be a season 3 of Red Eye?

Is there a season 3 of Red Eye on Hulu?

• No official announcement as of 2025
• Series not listed as renewed on Wikipedia (series status tracker)
• Hulu has not confirmed additional seasons

As of 2025, there is no official announcement regarding a third season. Wikipedia (series status tracker) lists the show as neither canceled nor renewed.

Renewal status

• Series has not been canceled
• No renewal confirmed by ITV
• Production cycle suggests potential season 3 would not arrive before 2027

The series has not been canceled, but no renewal has been confirmed either. The gap between season 1 (April 2024) and season 2 (January 2026) suggests a production cycle of roughly 18-20 months, which could mean a potential season 3 would not arrive before 2027 at the earliest.

The implication: fans should not expect a quick renewal decision. ITV is likely evaluating the show’s international performance on Hulu before committing to a third season.

Do you need to watch series 1 of Red Eye before watching series 2?

Can you watch season 2 without watching season 1?

• Technically possible but not recommended
• Season 2 continues the story directly from season 1
• Character arcs are sequential, per Wikipedia (series synopsis)
• Martin Compston reportedly joined the cast for season 2

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Season 2, Red Eye: Crimson Icarus, continues the story directly from season 1, with the same lead characters and ongoing plot threads. Wikipedia (series synopsis) confirms that the character arcs are sequential. Martin Compston reportedly joined the cast in season 2, but the narrative foundation is built in season 1.

The catch: skipping season 1 means missing the setup of DC Hana Li’s relationship with Dr. Nolan and the origins of the conspiracy. Watching both seasons in order gives the full picture.

Six specifications define the production, and the pattern reveals a show designed for tight, efficient storytelling.

“Jing Lusi delivers a performance that anchors the high-concept premise with credibility and presence.”

— Rotten Tomatoes critic review

“The plot twists keep you guessing, even if the pacing sometimes drags between them.”

— IMDb audience review

For UK viewers weighing whether to start Red Eye, the choice is clear: subscribe to ITVX and watch both seasons in order, or risk missing the full arc of a thriller that relies on its character development as much as its twists. For international audiences on Hulu, the same recommendation applies — start with season 1, and let the flight take off from the beginning.

Frequently asked questions