Last year, Line of Duty fans were thrilled when the BBC finally confirmed that the AC-12 were returning for a seventh season.
However, today it’s ITV viewers who get to celebrate, as it’s being reported that an underrated thriller series could be getting a third season.
Apparently, Red Eye, which stars Gangs of London’s Jing Lusi and Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, has got the green light for season 3 despite rumours it had been cancelled.
Reportedly, the show struggled to catch the attention of viewers when it was released, in part because it was scheduled against The Night Manager season 2.
According to broadcastnow.co.uk, Red Eye season two had an overnight broadcast audience of just under 1.5 million for its opening, a far cry from season one’s 3.7 million viewers.
However, an insider told The Sun all is not lost.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘The drama launched on New Year’s Day and went up against one of the most hyped shows of 2026 so far, so it always faced a challenge, an unnamed TV insider explained.
However, despite initial viewing figures disappointing ITV bosses, it was ‘hugely boosted’ by people watching on ITVX.
‘So, from fearing it might not return, it now looks like bringing Red Eye back is a bit of a no-brainer for ITV. Though they’ve yet to officially recommission the third outing or confirm casting.’
Indeed, it’s reported that the consolidated viewing figures for season two (which includes streaming) pushed the audience from 3.6 million for some episodes, up to 7.9 million for the most viewed episodes.
Would you like to see a new season of Red Eye?
-
Yes – I’m on-board!
-
No, I think it should be left on the runway
Season one of Red Eye followed doctor Matthew Nolan (Richard Armitage), who is due to be extradited back to China after being accused of murder in Beijing.
As such, he’s forced onto a red-eye flight to face justice in China, by DC Hana Li (Lusi), and all hell breaks loose during their 10-hour flight.
The second series introduced Compston as Regional Security Officer Clay Brody, the man in charge of the US Embassy’s security, who teams up with Hana to foil an emerging conspiracy.
While critics were divided on Red Eye, the first season has just 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, while season two has 33%, it has built up a loyal fanbase.
‘There are a lot of negative reviews stating that the whole thing was ridiculous,’ wrote dalescotbates on IMDb.
‘Perhaps they should watch a documentary or something. Myself and the Mrs watched the whole thing in less than 24 hours and, to be honest, it was a damn sight more believable than a James Bond film.’
Victimbo agreed, calling it ‘delicious, brilliant escapist fun.’
‘Yes, some bad acting, yes, plot holes the size of Texas, yes, lots of MI5, MI6, CIA, Nempnett Thubwell Parish Council jargon,’ they admitted before adding it you want ‘fun, escapist nonsense, watch this. You won’t regret it.’
It wasn’t just fans either; some critics enjoyed it as well, including Christopher Stevens from the Daily Mail, who wrote that while it was ‘ineffably silly’, he was hooked for the whole ride.
Metro has reached out to ITV for comment.
Red Eye seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on ITVX now.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.