Luke Cage: Season 2 (2018)
TV SeriesOptionalNetflix era
Luke Cage defends Harlem from Bushmaster while a new power rises in the borough. This 2018 season comes from Marvel’s Netflix era. It joined Marvel’s official timeline in 2024, but it’s optional for the films, so we leave it out of our main 81-title order. All 13 episodes stream on Disney+ in the US, about 9h 45m in all.
| Release date | June 22, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 13 × ~45 min |
Why it’s worth knowing about
Continues Luke Cage’s Harlem story as Bushmaster challenges Mariah Dillard.
About Luke Cage: Season 2
In season 2, Luke is Harlem's celebrity hero, and that reputation is proving hard to live up to. Mariah Dillard is trying to make her family business look legitimate, with Shades at her side, when John "Bushmaster" McIver arrives from Jamaica with an old score to settle against the Stokes family. Bushmaster heals and strengthens himself with nightshade, which makes him a real physical threat. Misty Knight is also back on duty after losing her arm in The Defenders.
Cheo Hodari Coker returned as showrunner for 13 episodes, shot in New York in the second half of 2017. Mustafa Shakir joins as Bushmaster and Gabrielle Dennis as Mariah's daughter Tilda Johnson. Reg E. Cathey plays Luke's father, James Lucas, in his final role, and the season is dedicated to him. Many critics thought it improved on season 1, especially Woodard's performance, though pacing remained a complaint. Netflix canceled the series in October 2018, making this the last season.
Good to know
- Episodes are titled after Pete Rock & CL Smooth songs, following season 1's Gang Starr theme.
- Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick appear as Danny Rand and Colleen Wing, who help Misty get her new robotic arm.
- Live performers at Harlem's Paradise include Faith Evans, Ghostface Killah, Stephen Marley, KRS-One and Rakim.
- The working title during production was "Tiara."
- Detective Brigid O'Reilly, a character from the Cloak & Dagger series, gets a mention.
How to watch it
Watch this after The Defenders and Jessica Jones season 2, since Misty's injury and Luke's status both follow from The Defenders. Iron Fist season 2 makes a good follow-up after Danny's guest spot here. The Bushmaster-Mariah feud drives the whole season, so it rewards anyone who liked her in season 1. Expect a slower, character-heavy crime story with fewer street fights and more family politics.
Where to watch Luke Cage: Season 2 in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home |
Where to watch Luke Cage: Season 2 outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | None needed |
| Canada | Disney+ | None needed |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
Related guides
Luke Cage: Season 2 FAQ
Who plays Bushmaster in Luke Cage season 2?
Mustafa Shakir plays John "Bushmaster" McIver, a Jamaican gang leader with a grudge against the Stokes family.
Is Iron Fist in Luke Cage season 2?
Yes. Finn Jones guest-stars as Danny Rand, and Jessica Henwick appears as Colleen Wing.
Why was Luke Cage canceled after season 2?
Netflix canceled the series on October 19, 2018, so season 2 is the last one.
Can you skip Luke Cage: Season 2?
Yes. Marvel added it to its official timeline in 2024, but it’s optional for the films.
How many episodes does Luke Cage: Season 2 have?
Luke Cage: Season 2 has 13 episodes, around 45 minutes each.
Is Luke Cage: Season 2 part of the MCU?
Marvel added the Netflix shows to its official Disney+ timeline in 2024, so they now count as part of the MCU. We keep them out of our main 81-title order because the films don’t depend on them; our Netflix canon guide explains the details.