Apple TV+ is pulling the trigger early on The Last Frontier’s penultimate episode. Originally scheduled for a late-week release, Episode 9, titled “Converge,” will now premiere on Wednesday, November 26, two days ahead of its usual Friday slot. The change is part of the platform’s holiday schedule, with the service moving up its top shows — including Pluribus — to allow families to stream them during the Thanksgiving week.
Created by Jon Bokenkamp (The Blacklist) and Richard D’Ovidio, The Last Frontier has quietly built a strong following since its debut on October 10, 2025, despite mixed critical reception. The series stars Jason Clarke, Haley Bennett, Alfre Woodard, and Dominic Cooper in a tense story that blends psychological mystery with Western grit — set against the frozen, isolating backdrop of Alaska.
“This isn’t just a crime thriller,” Clarke told CBR. “It’s about survival, secrets, and how far people will go to protect their truth.”
Episode 9: ‘Converge’ Brings the Storylines Together
Apple TV released an exclusive clip teasing the upcoming episode, offering fans their first glimpse at the confrontation that’s been brewing all season.
The scene opens with Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke) receiving an anonymous tip that appears to reveal Sidney Scofield’s (Haley Bennett) location. What initially seems like a breakthrough quickly turns into a trap — Sidney wanted to be found.
Her plan draws her into a dangerous face-off with Jacqueline Bradford (Alfre Woodard), the calculating CIA operative who’s been manipulating events from the shadows. As Frank races to reach them, Dominic Cooper’s Havlock resurfaces, adding an unpredictable twist to the standoff.
“This episode lives up to its title,” teased co-creator Richard D’Ovidio. “Everything — every betrayal, every clue — converges in this moment.”
Official Episode Synopsis:
“Bradford lands in Fairbanks with a CIA task force and new primary target. Sidney makes a desperate attempt to expose the truth.”
“Converge” serves as the second-to-last episode of the season, setting the stage for a finale expected to resolve the series’ most complex mysteries.
Sidney’s Master Plan Unfolds
Episode 8, titled “L’air Perdu,” began unravelling Sidney Scofield’s troubled backstory and hinted at her true motives. Viewers learned that Sidney’s father’s death was not an accident — it was tied to Archive 6, a classified project exposing corruption within the CIA.
Sidney’s ultimate revelation? She orchestrated the plane crash that killed Havlock, triggering a “dead man’s switch” designed to leak Archive 6 to the public automatically. Her plan, while morally murky, positioned her as both whistleblower and fugitive.
| Character | Actor | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sidney Scofield | Haley Bennett | Fugitive; truth-seeker with a dark past |
| Frank Remnick | Jason Clarke | Lawman torn between justice and loyalty |
| Jacqueline Bradford | Alfre Woodard | CIA official hiding deep-state secrets |
| Havlock | Dominic Cooper | Presumed dead operative with hidden agenda |
As “Converge” approaches, Sidney’s carefully constructed plan begins to collapse — and her desperate attempt to “expose the truth” may come at the cost of her life.
“Sidney is one of those rare characters who’s both hero and villain,” Bennett said. “You understand why she’s doing it, even when it terrifies you.”
Production and Story Background
The Last Frontier follows Frank Remnick, an Alaskan lawman drawn into a vast government conspiracy after a mysterious plane crash exposes hidden ties between the CIA, private contractors, and a global surveillance network known as Archive 6.
The series blends neo-Western aesthetics — vast wilderness, moral ambiguity, isolation — with espionage intrigue. Its icy landscapes and rugged small-town setting mirror the inner coldness of its characters, who are often forced to choose between the law and their conscience.
“It’s No Country for Old Men meets The Bourne Identity,” said co-creator Jon Bokenkamp. “We wanted a show that feels grounded but mythic — a story where the environment itself becomes a character.”
A Holiday Week Release Shake-Up
Apple TV confirmed that both The Last Frontier and Pluribus will shift their usual Friday release to Wednesday, Nov. 26, aligning with U.S. Thanksgiving week.
| Series | Usual Release Day | Special Release (Thanksgiving Week) | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last Frontier | Fridays | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | Holiday schedule adjustment |
| Pluribus | Fridays | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | Synchronization and family viewing window |
The move is designed to capitalize on the surge in holiday streaming traffic, giving audiences more time to catch up before the series finale drops the following week on December 5, 2025.
“It’s smart scheduling,” noted streaming analyst Amira Klein. “Holiday weekends are gold for serialised dramas — it keeps them trending longer and boosts word-of-mouth before the finale.”
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews, Strong Viewership
While critics have offered a lukewarm response, audiences have tuned in week after week. The Last Frontier currently holds a 44% critic score and 52% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but remains a Top 5 show on Apple TV since its premiere.
| Metric | Score / Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 44% | “Stylish but uneven storytelling.” |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 52% | “Engaging despite pacing issues.” |
| Apple TV Streaming Rank | #2 (behind Pluribus) | Consistent since October debut |
| Premiere Date | October 10, 2025 | Two-episode launch |
| Season 1 Finale | December 5, 2025 | “Resolution” episode |
“It’s flawed but fascinating,” wrote Variety. “Jason Clarke’s performance grounds the chaos, and Haley Bennett’s Sidney is the show’s unpredictable heart.”
Despite the divided opinions, Apple TV’s viewership metrics suggest the show has quietly become a streaming hit, performing strongly in North America, the U.K., and Australia.
Will There Be a Season 2?
Apple TV has yet to confirm whether The Last Frontier will return for a second season. Insiders close to production note that the show’s finale could serve as both a series conclusion or a narrative reset, depending on audience demand.
“There are threads left dangling,” Clarke hinted. “But they could be intentional — or explosive.”
If renewed, future episodes could expand beyond Alaska, exploring the global implications of Archive 6 and the reach of the CIA’s covert operations.
A Frontier Worth Crossing
As The Last Frontier nears its explosive finale, the tension between truth and survival reaches a breaking point. With Haley Bennett’s Sidney facing the consequences of her choices and Jason Clarke’s Frank forced to pick a side, “Converge” promises to deliver the show’s most pivotal hour yet.
Even with mixed reviews, Apple TV’s neo-Western experiment has struck a nerve — reminding audiences that sometimes the most dangerous wilderness is the human mind.
“It’s about finding morality in the cold,” said Clarke. “And in Alaska, everything is cold.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The penultimate episode, “Converge,” premieres on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Apple TV shifted several shows to earlier release dates for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday to maximise family viewing and engagement.
The season consists of 10 episodes, with the finale scheduled for December 5, 2025.
Apple TV has not yet announced a renewal, but the creative team has hinted at leaving room for continuation.
It’s a neo-Western thriller, combining elements of crime drama, espionage, and psychological suspense.
The show was primarily filmed in British Columbia, Canada, doubling for Alaska’s rugged frontier.
