Mickel Clark
Netflix has officially renewed Splinter Cell: Deathwatch for a second season, just days after its thrilling debut. The animated series, based on Ubisoft’s acclaimed stealth-action franchise, has quickly made its mark among fans and critics alike.
The fast renewal reflects Netflix’s confidence in the show’s direction and creative team, who have managed to bring the world of covert espionage back to life in a new and visually intense way.
From Game Franchise to Animated Adaptation
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an ambitious adaptation of Ubisoft’s long-running Splinter Cell video game series. Created by Derek Kolstad, best known for his work on John Wick, the show captures the gritty tension and intricate plotting that made the games a global success. It was produced by Ubisoft Film & Television in partnership with Sun Creature Studio and FOST Studio.
The first season premiered on Netflix on October 14, 2025, introducing a fresh take on the legendary agent Sam Fisher. After years in retirement, Fisher is pulled back into action for one last mission.
This comeback not only revives a dormant franchise but also redefines the series’ tone for a new generation of viewers.
The Cast and Their Characters
The voice cast of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch plays a major role in its success. Liev Schreiber leads the series as Sam Fisher, stepping into the role once voiced by Michael Ironside. His performance brings a mature and grounded presence to the character, perfectly suited for Fisher’s darker and more reflective arc.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste stars as Zinnia McKenna, a young operative whose story intertwines with Fisher’s in a dangerous mission that tests loyalty and trust. Janet Varney reprises the fan-favorite role of Anna “Grim” Grimsdottir, providing continuity between the games and the new adaptation. The supporting cast, including Helen Hong and Joel Oulette, adds depth and variety to the story’s ensemble.
A Look Back at Season 1
The first season of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch offered a blend of stealth-driven storytelling and explosive action sequences. Set years after the events of the games, it follows Fisher’s reluctant return to duty as he faces new threats in an increasingly unstable world. Kolstad’s writing balances the cold precision of espionage with emotional undertones of aging, legacy, and consequence.
Critics praised the series for its strong performances and faithfulness to the Splinter Cell tone, though some noted pacing issues and uneven character development. Despite those critiques, the animation’s cinematic flair and tense score kept audiences engaged throughout its eight-episode run.
What to Expect from Season 2
The announcement of the second season came through IGN’s FanFest, with showrunner Derek Kolstad confirming the news.
“We’ve got a season two coming your way,” he announced to the world. When asked about timing or a release window, Derek admitted, “We don’t, you know, and being new to animation, I know how long it takes.” He explained that while production is still early, things are moving forward: “We are fully into pre-production, and everyone is super excited about where we go next.”
With a second season already in development, fans are eager to see what direction Splinter Cell: Deathwatch will take next. Season 2 is expected to dive deeper into Fisher’s past missions and the emotional toll of his long career in espionage. The evolving dynamic between Sam and Zinnia could also play a significant role, serving as a bridge between generations of covert operatives.
Showrunner Derek Kolstad hinted that Ubisoft gave the creative team significant freedom, with only two main rules: to love the character and respect the legacy of the franchise. This open approach suggests that Season 2 could explore new global storylines, introduce original enemies, and expand the political intrigue that defines the Splinter Cell universe.
The decision to bring in a new voice actor for Fisher was made with longevity in mind. Schreiber’s tone and delivery are designed to carry the character into future arcs and ensure the series can evolve naturally without losing its essence.
How and Where to Watch
All eight episodes of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Season 1 are available to stream exclusively on Netflix. The show is designed to appeal to both long-time fans of the video game series and newcomers who are discovering the world of stealth espionage for the first time. The blend of action, intelligence work, and moral complexity makes it one of the most ambitious animated adaptations in Netflix’s catalogue.
With Season 2 on the way, the story of Sam Fisher is far from over. Viewers can expect higher stakes, darker conspiracies, and a continued exploration of what it means to live in the shadows while protecting the world from threats unseen.
Final Words
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch proves that the world of Sam Fisher still has stories worth telling. It stands as a successful bridge between nostalgic gaming culture and modern streaming storytelling. The renewal for a second season feels like the start of a long-term revival for the Splinter Cell universe, one that has the potential to bring stealth and strategy back to mainstream entertainment.
As the next chapter unfolds, Netflix’s adaptation continues to remind fans why Fisher’s quiet, calculated missions remain among the most compelling in the world of action and espionage.
