The highly anticipated second season of the historical drama series The Artful Dodger will debut on Hulu on February 10, 2026. This season follows the success of the first, which captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a remarkable 92% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 96% audience score.
The first official trailer for Season 2 was unveiled last month, providing viewers with insights into the evolving storylines and character dynamics. Created by James McNamara, David Maher, and David Taylor, the series stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as the titular character, Jack Dawkins, also known as The Artful Dodger. The supporting cast features notable actors including David Thewlis, Maia Mitchell, Tim Minchin, Luke Carroll, and Susie Porter.
Plot Developments and Character Arcs
Set years after the events of Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist, the series portrays Jack Dawkins in 1850s Australia, where he has transitioned from a pickpocket to a surgeon after serving in the Royal Navy. The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the reappearance of Fagin, Jack’s former mentor, who brings complications into Jack’s new life.
Season 2 will pick up from the cliffhanger ending of Season 1, where Jack was arrested by Captain Lucien Gaines after performing a lifesaving surgery on Lady Belle Fox. The season finale left audiences in suspense as Jack reunited with Fagin in jail, setting the stage for their tumultuous relationship to continue in the new episodes. Jack’s escape from a scheduled execution leads to a new conflict with Inspector Boxer, Port Victory’s lawman, who not only hunts him but also becomes a rival for Lady Belle’s affections.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
The first season, released on November 29, 2023, received widespread acclaim, reflected in its ratings on platforms like Metacritic, which awarded it a Metascore of 67 alongside a user score of 8.2, indicating generally favorable reviews and universal acclaim from viewers.
The anticipation for the second season underscores the show’s ability to resonate with an audience eager for engaging storytelling and character development. With all eight episodes scheduled for release simultaneously, fans are expected to dive into the unfolding drama and heists that await Jack Dawkins in his new adventures.
As viewers prepare for the return of The Artful Dodger, they can expect a mixture of suspense, humor, and historical context that has defined the series thus far. The combination of rich storytelling and dynamic character interactions promises to make this season a notable continuation of the narrative begun in the first season.
