As the second season of the NBC crime thriller The Hunting Party approaches, Melissa Roxburgh reflects on the show’s rocky start. The series, created by JJ Bailey, features Roxburgh as Rebecca “Bex” Henderson, an FBI profiler leading a team to track down dangerous escaped criminals from a secret government prison.
The Show’s Initial Reception
Upon its premiere, The Hunting Party faced significant criticism, receiving an unprecedented 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. Over time, this score improved to 25%. However, audience reception was notably more positive, achieving an impressive 83% approval rating.
Renewal for Season 2
Despite its slow critical reception, the show demonstrated strong viewership numbers. After debuting with 3.67 million viewers, it managed to maintain an average of around 4 million viewers and concluded its first season with 3.72 million viewers. This solid performance led to its renewal for a second season.
Melissa Roxburgh’s Response
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Roxburgh addressed the early controversy surrounding the show’s ratings. She acknowledged that “people are going to criticize everything,” but emphasized that the series aims to entertain audiences rather than achieve critical acclaim. “The Hunting Party is supposed to be fun,” she stated, highlighting its appeal to fans of the serial killer genre.
Looking Ahead
The second season of The Hunting Party will debut on Thursday, January 8, 2025, airing weekly episodes. Fans will hope it builds on the foundation established in the first season, with writers exploring deeper character development and story arcs.
Future Prospects
The upcoming season will serve as a critical test for the series. With more episodes than the previous 10-episode count, the expanded format could offer opportunities for better storytelling, potentially winning over more critics and solidifying its place in the procedural genre.
Key Facts
- Show Title: The Hunting Party
- Lead Actress: Melissa Roxburgh
- Initial Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0% (later 25%)
- Audience Rating: 83%
- Season 1 Viewership: Debuted at 3.67 million, ended with 3.72 million
- Season 2 Premiere Date: January 8, 2025
The show’s ability to keep audiences engaged despite initial criticism may set the stage for a successful continuation of the series, paving the way for future seasons.
