The critically acclaimed survival thriller series Yellowjackets has landed on ITVX, giving UK viewers a chance to stream the show for free. This move comes after the series, known for its intense and traumatic scenes, left a global fanbase emotionally reeling.
A Harrowing Tale of Survival and Trauma
Premiering on Showtime in 2021 and also available on Paramount+, Yellowjackets follows a New Jersey high school girls' football team whose plane crashes in the remote Canadian wilderness. Set in the 1990s, the narrative masterfully interweaves their immediate fight for survival with the profound trauma that haunts the adult survivors 25 years later.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast. The adult versions of the survivors are portrayed by Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, and Juliette Lewis. Their teenage counterparts are played by Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Sammi Hanratty, Courtney Eaton, and Liv Hewson.
With over 20 awards and more than 100 nominations to its name, the show was created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, who previously worked on the hit series Narcos.
UK Streaming Release and Fan Reaction
ITV has announced that the first two seasons of Yellowjackets will be available to stream exclusively on its ITVX platform from 15 February. The show's arrival follows a wave of intense fan reactions to its marketing, particularly the trailer for the upcoming third season.
Viewers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their visceral responses, with many using phrases like "screaming, crying and throwing up" to describe their anticipation and shock at the series' graphic and suspenseful content.
A synopsis for the forthcoming third season hints at new tensions, stating that while the brutal winter is over, distrust threatens the team's rescue. In the present day, long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing the women to confront dark truths about themselves and each other.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Yellowjackets has been a critical darling, with its first season achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and the second season securing a 93% rating. However, reception to the second series was more divided among some critics and fans.
While The Guardian awarded it a glowing five-star review, praising its imaginative twists, The Telegraph noted that the "novelty has worn off" for some, criticising the parallel timelines. The Independent similarly suggested a "loss of momentum."
A central, and often discussed, element of the show is its depiction of cannibalism. Star Melanie Lynskey addressed the fascination, telling Metro: "I understand it’s fascinating to people... It's also the least interesting thing to me." She emphasised the show's many layers, beyond its most shocking plot points.
Yellowjackets seasons one and two are available to stream free on ITVX from 15 February. All seasons are also available on Paramount+.
