The new ITV spy drama Betrayal, which aired its final episode on February 16, 2026, has left viewers hooked and asking one big question. People want to know if MI5 officer John Hughes will return for another mission . The show has completed its first season on ITVX, and its future is now a hot topic for its growing fanbase . The series was designed as a complete four-part story, which means a second season is not guaranteed and depends entirely on audience response and network decisions . This report explores the current status, what the star has said, and what could happen next for Betrayal.
What We Know About The Current Status Of Betrayal Season 2
As of today, ITV has not officially ordered a second season of Betrayal . The network and the show’s creators have not made any announcements about continuing the story. The first season told a self-contained story about agent John Hughes stopping a terrorist plot, and it concluded with most of its major plotlines resolved .
The show’s lead actor and executive producer, Shaun Evans, has been clear that the team’s primary goal was to create a strong, concise four-part drama without filler content . In an exclusive interview, he explained the approach:
“We set out to make a four-parter which was strong and felt like it had no filler, that it wasn’t hanging around, that it was tight and concise, and that the story was really strong,” he said. “And then you offer that to the world, and if there’s an appetite for more, then we will get together and discuss whether there’s more story to tell. But it wasn’t like, ‘This is a brilliant setup for running and running and running’.”
This means the possibility of Betrayal Season 2 hinges on how well the first season is received by audiences and if the creative team believes there is a compelling new story to tell .
How Fans Have Reacted And When A New Season Could Release
The fan response to Betrayal has been a major factor in discussions about its future. Many viewers took to ITVX to binge-watch all four episodes shortly after the premiere, with social media filling up with positive reactions . Comments praised the show as “excellent,” “well written,” and “well acted” . This strong viewer engagement is the exact “appetite” that Shaun Evans said would be necessary for the team to consider more episodes .
However, not all feedback has been uncritical. Some viewers pointed out perceived plot holes or moments that strained belief, especially in the second episode, discussing them on social media . Despite these criticisms, the overall reception appears to be strong, keeping hope alive for a renewal .
If ITV does decide to move forward with Betrayal Season 2, fans should expect a significant wait. Evans revealed that initial conversations for the first season began about five years before it finally aired . While a second season would likely not take as long to develop now that the foundation is set, the process of writing, production, and filming would still take considerable time. Based on standard TV production timelines for British dramas, the earliest a potential second season could realistically be expected is late 2027 or 2028 .
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Which Characters And Actors Could Return For Season 2
While the central terrorist threat of Season 1 was stopped, the ending left several character doors open for a potential continuation . If a new season is commissioned, the core cast would almost certainly return to reprise their roles.
Shaun Evans would return as John Hughes, the MI5 officer who managed to keep his job but was ordered to retake basic training courses . Romola Garai would also likely return as his wife, Claire. The season finale showed them back in marriage counseling, trying to rebuild their relationship after a major crisis brought them back together .
Other key MI5 personnel would probably return, including:
- Zahra Ahmadi as Mehreen Askari-Evans, the MI6 operative who transferred to John’s department at MI5 .
- Nikki Amuka-Bird as Simone Grant, the Head of State Threats and John’s boss .
- Gamba Cole as Rudy Kember, John’s tech expert colleague .
The dynamic between John and Mehreen, now set to be partners at Thames House, was specifically highlighted as a thread that could continue, complete with “simmering sexual tension” . Furthermore, the series hinted at a potential undisclosed illness affecting John, which could become a major storyline if the show continues .
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