Netflix has launched its latest animated series, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, which premiered on October 14, 2025. The show features Liev Schreiber in the role of Sam Fisher, the iconic protagonist from the beloved stealth-action franchise. As the series unfolds, creator Derek Kolstad has indicated that a second season will hinge on the performance of the first.
In an interview with Animation Scoop, Kolstad, who is also known for his work on the John Wick franchise, emphasized that while the first season is crafted as a standalone narrative, it has the potential for further development. He explained, “If there was one Die Hard, you’d be happy, right? It’s fully encapsulated, but because of the strength of the character, you got more.”
Kolstad aims for the inaugural season to resonate with both longtime fans of the Splinter Cell series and newcomers alike. He expressed a desire for the show to appeal to a broad audience, stating, “Let’s make sure it works as a series that no one has ever heard of the IP. Let’s make sure that if someone stumbles across this and doesn’t even like anime or cartoons, it’s like, Ooh.”
Character-driven storytelling is at the heart of Deathwatch. Kolstad noted, “You wanna see Sam and McKenna survive. You wanna see Thunder come into his own and to see this team that had been splintered come back together.” This focus on character arcs is designed to create an engaging viewing experience that invites audience investment.
Looking ahead, Kolstad shared his thoughts on potential future storylines. “At the end of the season here, I hope we earned our way into more. Have another season with these guys… There’s any number of places we could go, but you gotta make sure the first one works.” This optimistic outlook suggests that a successful launch could pave the way for additional seasons.
Whether Netflix opts to renew Deathwatch for a second season will likely depend on viewership metrics and audience engagement following its premiere. The streaming platform has a history of evaluating series performance closely, making the upcoming weeks critical for the show’s future.
As fans await the outcome, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is positioned to capture the attention of a diverse audience, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. The series not only seeks to honor the franchise’s legacy but also aims to attract new viewers, setting the stage for exciting possibilities ahead.