The BBC thriller has returned for a second series, with Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine facing a new adversary

The Night Manager's second series has been criticised by viewers, with some suggesting it isn't as good as its first run.

The BBC show, based on John le Carré's novel, sees Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as MI6 agent Jonathan Pine. The thriller returned for its second series on New Year's Day, a decade after the first series had audiences hooked.

It finds Jonathan back undercover, this time facing off against new villain Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva).

The third episode of the second series aired on Sunday (January 11), featuring Jonathan in a tense confrontation with Teddy and sharing a sultry dance with both him and businesswoman Roxana Bolaños (Camila Morrone).

However, some viewers were less than impressed with the latest episode, reports the Express.

One viewer vented their frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: "Does anyone else think the new Night Manager is pretty s***, like it's made by and for Hiddleston's ego. Pretty poor."

Another said: "Unpopular opinion... this series of Night Manager is c**p... without the music it's tension free."

A third chimed in: "What a shame The Night Manager is b***** this time around."

They added that "Corky will be turning in his grave," referencing Tom Hollander's character from the first season.

A fourth viewer seemed baffled by the plot, asking: "What is even going on?"

"The new series of The Night Manager is bad," said someone else, as another viewer remarked: "The drop off in the latest Night Manager is massive - pure poor Bond cliche now in 2nd series."

However, not all reactions were critical, with some viewers thoroughly enjoying the new series.

One fan declared the opening episodes were "making a case for being one of the best TV shows out there," whilst another enthused: "The Night Manager Season 2 is as good if not better than season 1. Can't wait for the remaining episodes. Absolute cracker 5/5."

The original season of The Night Manager centred on former soldier Jonathan Pine, following his infiltration of the secretive world of an illicit arms dealer.

Despite garnering widespread acclaim, viewers had abandoned hope of a second season, particularly after John le Carré's death in September 2020. Yet, in a surprising development, it was revealed in April 2024 that the programme would make a comeback.

The second season again centres on Jonathan, who is now going by the alias Alex Goodwin and working with the nocturnal surveillance unit, the Night Owls.

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The Night Manager season two can be viewed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.