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The Hunting Party made a quiet but powerful entrance when it first aired on NBC. It didn’t just deliver on the action, it offered something deeper, something more human. Now that a second season is officially on the way, the buzz is growing. Scheduled to return this fall in a primetime Thursday slot following Law & Order and SVU, the series is being positioned as one of the network’s strongest returning dramas. And from the way season 1 ended, there’s no shortage of tension to pick back up.
At its core, The Hunting Party isn’t just about soldiers or missions, it’s about what happens when people carry trauma into the field and still show up, day after day. The show mixes high-pressure rescue operations with the emotional weight of loss, loyalty, and personal history. Season 2 promises more of that balance: intimate character moments set against the backdrop of global danger.
What is The Hunting Party really about?
The story centers on an elite military unit that steps into some of the most dangerous places in the world to rescue civilians in crisis. But it’s not the explosions or gunfire that keep you watching, it’s the emotional fallout that follows each mission.
Melissa Roxburgh leads the cast as Rebecca Bex Henderson, a former Marine brought back into the fold after a personal tragedy. She's not the only one with baggage, though. She’s surrounded by a team of highly skilled but deeply human colleagues: Oliver Odell (Nick Wechsler), who reads the room and the battlefield better than anyone, and Jacob Hassani (Patrick Sabongui), whose quiet intelligence hides deep emotional wounds.
Rather than fall into the rhythm of a typical procedural, the series builds on character over spectacle. Missions come and go, but the emotional consequences stick around.
Looking back at season 1
The first season didn’t shy away from slow burns and complicated backstories. Each episode offered a self-contained crisis, but the real story simmered underneath, mainly around Bex and the ghosts she couldn’t shake.
That all came to a head in the finale. One of the most talked-about moments was Oliver’s apparent death in Bex’s arms, a scene that left fans stunned and unsure of what was real. At the same time, Shane Florence (Josh McKenzie) uncovered a secret that will likely define his arc moving forward: the powerful Colonel Lazarus (played by Kari Matchett) is, in fact, his estranged mother. That kind of twist is rich with emotional payoff, and season 2 seems ready to go there.
What’s coming next
According to the team behind the show, season 2 won’t waste time with a time jump. It picks up right where we left off, and that means answers are coming fast, especially about Oliver’s fate. Whether he lives or dies, it’s going to change everything for Bex and the rest of the team.
Shane and Lazarus will also be front and center. There’s a lot to unpack between them, and it’s not just about family; it’s about trust, duty, and what happens when those things collide.
Another storyline set to deepen is Jacob’s grief. Late in season 1, we learned his wife had passed away, and now that revelation will ripple outward. It’s likely we’ll see him confront what that loss really means, not just to him, but to how he connects with those around him.
Who’s returning
The main cast is confirmed to be back for season 2, including:
Melissa Roxburgh as Rebecca Bex Henderson
Nick Wechsler as Oliver Odell
Patrick Sabongui as Jacob Hassani
Josh McKenzie as Shane Florence
Sara Garcia as Jennifer Morales
Kari Matchett as Colonel Lazarus
No official word yet on new cast members, but given how much the show thrives on tight dynamics and fresh tension, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a few new faces in the mix.
How critics responded
While The Hunting Party didn’t make a loud debut, critics were quick to praise it for what it was doing differently. Instead of flashy drama, the show delivered grounded storytelling, thoughtful pacing, and real emotional stakes. Melissa Roxburgh’s performance in particular drew attention, critics called her portrayal of Bex haunting and deeply nuanced.
Even the action scenes, which are always part of the package in a show like this, felt like they served the characters rather than stealing the spotlight. That balance of adrenaline and authenticity helped The Hunting Party find a loyal audience who are now eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Where to stream
Season 1 is currently available to stream on Peacock, and season 2 episodes will premiere weekly on NBC before landing on the platform.
Final thoughts
Trending
If season 1 laid the foundation, season 2 is ready to shake it. With storylines that are deeply personal and characters still finding their footing after loss and betrayal, The Hunting Party is gearing up for a return that could hit even harder than its debut.
The hunt isn’t over, and the next chapter might be its most intense yet.
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