The Artful Dodger Season 2: Trailer Breakdown, Release Date, Cast & Why Disney+’s Hit Is Back Bigger Than Ever

The Dodger is in — and this time, the noose is waiting.

Disney+ has officially dropped the full trailer for The Artful Dodger Season 2, confirming that all episodes will stream exclusively from February 10, 2026. After a critically praised first season, the Australian Original returns with higher stakes, deadlier enemies, and far more to lose — for Jack Dawkins and everyone around him.

Inspired by Oliver Twist but unafraid to reinvent Dickens’ world, The Artful Dodger Season 2 promises more romance, danger, deception, and razor-sharp wit than ever before.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 Release Date & Where to Watch

• Global Premiere Date: February 10, 2026

• Streaming Platform: Disney+

• Availability: UK, US, Canada, Australia & worldwide

• Episodes: All episodes drop at once

Season 1 is currently streaming on Disney+, making this the perfect time for a binge catch-up before the explosive return.

What Is The Artful Dodger?

The Artful Dodger is an Australian historical comedy-adventure drama, set in 1850s Australia, acting as a bold sequel to Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

The series follows Jack Dawkins, once a notorious London pickpocket, now reinvented as a respected surgeon in the colonies — until his criminal past, and Fagin himself, come crashing back into his carefully rebuilt life.

Season 1 blended:

• Historical drama

• Heist storytelling

• Sharp humour

• Romantic tension

Season 2 turns the pressure up to eleven.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 Plot: What’s New?

Season 2 opens with Jack Dawkins in mortal danger.

He’s:

• Facing execution

• Being hunted by a relentless new lawman

• One look away from losing the woman he loves

• And being dragged into his most dangerous heist yet

Key Story Threads in Season 2

• Jack Dawkins vs the Noose: Jack is officially marked for death — and every move could be his last.

• Inspector Boxer Arrives: A new, formidable adversary arrives in Port Victory, determined to bring Dodger down.

• A Deadly Love Triangle: Boxer and Jack both compete for Lady Belle’s affection — with fatal consequences.

• Lady Belle’s Fight: Belle refuses to be sidelined, pushing into the male-dominated world of medicine despite immense danger.

• Fagin’s Biggest Heist: Just when things couldn’t get worse, Fagin pulls Dodger back into crime.

• A Killer on the Loose: Murder stalks the colony, raising the stakes across every storyline.

This season isn’t about survival anymore — it’s about choice.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 Cast: New Faces & Returning Favourites

Returning Main Cast

• Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins / The Artful Dodger

• David Thewlis as Fagin

• Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox

New Season 2 Cast Members

• Luke Bracey as Inspector Henry Boxer

• Jeremy Sims as Uncle Dickie

• Zac Burgess as Phineas Golden

Returning Fan-Favourite Characters

• Susie Porter as Lady Jane Fox

• Damien Garvey as Governor Fox

• Tim Minchin as Darius Cracksworth

• Lucy-Rose Leonard as Lady Fanny Fox

• Nicholas Burton as Dr Sneed

• Kim Gyngell as The Prof

• Luke Carroll & Vivienne Awosoga

• Aljin Abella, Brigid Zengeni & Albert Latailakepa as Fagin’s crew

This ensemble keeps the show’s chaotic energy intact while adding serious dramatic muscle.

Why Season 2 Could Be Even Bigger Than Season 1

1. A Clear Evolution in Tone

Season 1 introduced the world. Season 2 threatens to burn it down.

2. Stronger Romance Stakes

Jack and Belle’s relationship is no longer playful — it’s dangerous, forbidden, and potentially fatal.

3. A True Antagonist

Inspector Boxer isn’t just a villain — he’s smart, charming, and personally invested.

4. Bigger World, Bigger Risks

New locations, new crimes, and deeper moral dilemmas push the show beyond its original setup.

Who’s Behind The Artful Dodger Season 2?

• Creators: James McNamara, David Maher, David Taylor

• Production: Curio Pictures (Sony Pictures Television)

• Executive Producers: Jo Porter, Rachel Gardner, James McNamara

• Series Producer: Cameron Welsh

• Writers: James McNamara, Dan Knight, Kate Mulvany, Miranda Tapsell

• Directors: Ben Young, Ben C. Lucas, Gracie Otto

Filmed in Sydney, Australia, the series is supported by Screen NSW and backed by Disney’s growing commitment to premium Australian storytelling.

Why The Artful Dodger Works So Well

The show succeeds because it:

• Respects Dickens without copying him

• Modernises themes of class, ambition, and identity

• Balances comedy with genuine emotional stakes

• Gives its female lead real agency

• Treats history as a playground, not a cage

Season 2 doubles down on all of that.

Do You Need to Watch Season 1 First?

Yes — absolutely.

Season 2 builds directly on:

• Jack’s past crimes

• His relationship with Belle

• His uneasy alliance with Fagin

• The political tensions of Port Victory

Watching Season 1 enhances every betrayal and every risk in Season 2.

Final Verdict: Is The Artful Dodger Season 2 Worth the Hype?

Without question.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 looks sharper, darker, funnier, and more dangerous than before. It’s rare to see a period drama that feels this alive — and even rarer to see one that keeps reinventing itself without losing its soul.

On February 10, 2026, the game begins again.

And this time, Dodger may not escape.