Netflix isn’t wasting time with its adult animation lineup. Fresh off the release of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, the platform has confirmed that the action-packed spy thriller will return for Season 2 — and it happened faster than anyone expected.
The renewal was announced barely 24 hours after Season 1 premiered, making Deathwatch one of Netflix’s quickest renewals of 2025. The news came during IGN’s FanFest, where showrunner Derek Kolstad (the creative mind behind John Wick and Nobody) revealed that Season 2 is officially in development.
“We’ve got a season two coming your way,” Kolstad told fans, adding, “We are fully into pre-production, and everyone is super excited about where we go next.”
The announcement not only confirms Netflix’s confidence in the show but also cements Splinter Cell: Deathwatch as one of the streamer’s most ambitious animated franchises — blending Tom Clancy’s espionage universe with stylized, mature storytelling.
Introduction to the Series
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an animated action thriller based on the globally acclaimed Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell video game franchise by Ubisoft. The adaptation was developed exclusively for Netflix by Derek Kolstad, known for redefining action storytelling in Hollywood.
The first season, which premiered on October 20, 2025, introduced fans to a darker and more introspective side of espionage — exploring loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a world where morality is as shadowy as the missions themselves.
While specific plot details of Season 2 are under wraps, Kolstad has promised “a larger scale story with the intimacy of character,” signaling that the series will continue to blend high-octane action with deeply personal stakes.
Key Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Splinter Cell: Deathwatch |
| Genre | Action, Thriller, Adult Animation |
| Creator & Showrunner | Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody) |
| Production Companies | Ubisoft Film & Television, Sun Creature Studio, Netflix Animation |
| Season 1 Premiere | October 20, 2025 |
| Renewal Confirmation | October 21, 2025 |
| Season 2 Status | Early Pre-Production |
| Animation Studio | Sun Creature (known for Love, Death & Robots) |
| Expected Episode Count | TBD (Likely 8–10 episodes) |
| Expected Release Window | Late 2026 or Early 2027 (TBD) |
The Journey So Far: Season 1 Recap
Season 1 of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch introduced audiences to Sam Fisher, the iconic NSA operative at the heart of the Splinter Cell program. Fisher’s latest mission took him deep into a covert world of bioengineered weapons, political conspiracies, and personal vendettas — culminating in a shocking finale that left fans reeling.
The final episode appeared to tie up major threads, but Kolstad has since teased that the apparent finality is an illusion.
“What I love about those kinds of endings,” Kolstad said, “is when you return to them and realize there’s more beneath the surface. Season 2 will explore that — through a hybrid approach that addresses some questions, ignores others, and twists the rest.”
This means that what fans thought was the end may just be the setup for something much larger.
Season 2 Renewal and Production Details
Netflix officially confirmed the renewal of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch on October 21, 2025, just one day after its global release.
This lightning-fast renewal mirrors the streamer’s recent approach with other successful adult animated series like Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft and Long Story Short, both of which were renewed within a week of release.
According to Kolstad, the new season is already deep in pre-production:
“Being new to animation, I’ve learned how much time it takes,” he said. “We don’t have a release window yet, but production is moving forward. The writers are already building something special.”
Early reports indicate that several members of the Season 1 creative team — including lead writer David Iserson and animation leads from Sun Creature Studio — have returned for Season 2.
What to Expect in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Season 2
While plot specifics remain classified (pun intended), showrunner Derek Kolstad and the production team have shared some hints about where the story could go next.
Season 2 will reportedly:
- Expand the geopolitical scope of the story, introducing new locations and intelligence agencies.
- Delve deeper into Sam Fisher’s moral struggle, exploring the toll of espionage on his psyche.
- Introduce new operatives, including potential adversaries-turned-allies.
- Continue exploring betrayal and loyalty, themes central to Season 1’s narrative.
Kolstad teased that the new season will raise the stakes without losing its emotional depth:
“You’ll see a larger scale story, but the intimacy of character and the intimacy of action remain the same,” he told IGN. “That balance is what makes Deathwatch stand apart from other action shows.”
Fan Response and Critical Reception
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch debuted to strong early reviews and quickly became a trending title among adult animation fans. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 88% critic rating, praised for its fluid action sequences, strong voice performances, and grounded espionage tone.
Critics from ButWhyTho? lauded its “meticulous fight choreography and morally complex narrative,” while Collider offered a more mixed review, calling it “visually stunning but occasionally lacking punch.”
Viewership data from FlixPatrol shows the series entered Netflix’s Top 10 in 17 countries within 24 hours of release — modest numbers for day one, but analysts predict growth as word-of-mouth builds.
Industry analyst Cameron Ellis noted:
“Adult animation takes time to catch fire on Netflix. Arcane and Blue Eye Samurai had similar starts. If Deathwatch keeps its momentum, Season 2 could break through globally.”
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch vs. Other Netflix Adult Animations
| Title | Genre | Renewal Timeline | Animation Studio | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splinter Cell: Deathwatch | Spy Thriller | 1 Day After Release | Sun Creature | Season 2 in Pre-Production |
| Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft | Adventure | 3 Days After Release | Powerhouse | Season 2 Confirmed |
| Castlevania: Nocturne | Fantasy | 2 Weeks After Release | Powerhouse | Season 3 in Production |
| Blue Eye Samurai | Historical Action | 1 Week After Release | Blue Spirit | Season 2 in Production |
| Long Story Short | Sci-Fi Comedy | 4 Days After Release | Titmouse | Season 2 Announced |
This rapid renewal trend highlights Netflix’s growing investment in mature animated universes, a segment that continues to perform strongly across demographics.
Why Netflix Is Betting on Splinter Cell?
The Splinter Cell franchise carries over two decades of brand recognition from Ubisoft’s blockbuster game series. By bringing it into a mature animated format, Netflix is tapping into both nostalgia and new storytelling opportunities.
With Deathwatch, Kolstad reimagined the espionage genre through animation — fusing tactical realism with emotional depth.
Industry insider Jessica Tang, an animation producer, summarized Netflix’s strategy:
“They’re treating adult animation not as niche, but as prestige television. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch proves you can blend art-house storytelling with blockbuster tension.”
This alignment with Netflix’s broader animation goals — to build lasting franchises like Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners — makes Deathwatch a cornerstone of its 2026 lineup.
Projected Timeline: When Could Season 2 Release?
Given that Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Season 2 is in pre-production, and animation pipelines are typically long, fans should temper expectations.
| Production Phase | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Q4 2025 – Q2 2026 |
| Voice Recording & Animation | Mid-2026 – Early 2027 |
| Post-Production & Marketing | Mid-2027 |
| Estimated Release | Late 2026 – Early 2027 (Likely December 2026) |
Netflix may release a teaser or production update during Geeked Week 2026 or FanFest 2027 if the timeline remains on track.
Why It Matters?
The renewal of Splinter Cell: Deathwatch underscores Netflix’s confidence in adult animation as a pillar of its future content strategy. The streaming giant has invested heavily in serialized animated dramas that blend action, philosophy, and high production values — a niche that’s capturing global audiences.
Critic Arianna Flores wrote:
“Kolstad’s Deathwatch isn’t just an adaptation — it’s a reinvention. The renewal means we’ll get to see the Splinter Cell mythos evolve in ways live-action never could.”
With a loyal fanbase, strong critical acclaim, and an ambitious creative team, Deathwatch is poised to join Netflix’s top-tier animation lineup.
Final Word:
With Splinter Cell: Deathwatch renewed mere hours after its debut, Netflix is doubling down on espionage-driven adult animation. As Kolstad himself put it, “Season 1 was just the beginning — now, we’re taking the story global.”
FAQs
1. Has Netflix renewed Splinter Cell: Deathwatch for Season 2?
Yes, Netflix confirmed the renewal on October 21, 2025, just one day after the show’s debut.
2. Who is behind the series?
The show is created by Derek Kolstad, known for John Wick and Nobody, and produced in collaboration with Ubisoft Film & Television and Sun Creature Studio.
3. What can fans expect from Season 2?
A “larger-scale” narrative with “intimate character focus,” according to Kolstad. Expect deeper espionage themes and expanded global conflicts.
4. When will Season 2 release?
Currently in pre-production, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Season 2 is expected to arrive on Netflix between late 2026 and early 2027.
5. How was Season 1 received by critics?
It scored 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its visual style, storytelling, and mature tone.
6. Is Sam Fisher returning?
While not officially confirmed, multiple sources indicate that Sam Fisher — the central protagonist — will return in some capacity in Season 2.
