If you have yet to watch Hilary Swank’s new show “Alaska Daily,” now is the time to watch the first season. The second part of the season premiered on Feb. 23.

Eileen Fitzgerald (Swank) is a high-powered investigative reporter in New York City. She knows how to get to sources and extract information. But when she writes an article accusing a top politician of corruption, her reporting comes into question and Eileen finds herself out of a job.

Her friend Stanley Cornik (Jeff Perry) comes to her rescue. He is the managing editor of a newspaper in Anchorage, Alaska, and is working with a small staff — but Alaska is in need of reporters who can get to the bottom of stories. Specifically, Cornik wants Eileen to delve into the disappearances and subsequent murders of Native women and girls.

There is no coincidence with all the cases, but they have not been fully examined. Paired with local reporter Rosalind Friendly (Grace Dove), Eileen looks under every rock and into every cranny. Swank spoke with members of the media before the first half of the season aired.

“I’m sure we’ll understand better why these two (reporters) were paired up by Stanley and the strengths that they both bring to the reporting. You know, go at it very differently, and their strengths complement one another. But in the beginning, they definitely butt heads. But I think it takes both of their strengths in order to get the job done, really,” Swank said.

Watching the way the two women work is a lesson in journalism. Eileen is hard as nails while Roz tends to go at things a little less ruthlessly.

Swank has had a successful career in the film industry. When asked about moving to television, she answered, “It seemed like a great opportunity to be able to really dig deep into those stories that matter from that article and dig deep into characters and all the journalists and their backgrounds.”

After reading the article “Lawless,” which inspired this series, the actress knew she wanted to be part of bringing this story to the public. When asked what drew her to this character, she was direct.

“You know, I love people, and I love what makes them tick, and I love people who persevere through adversity. I love outsiders. I love the underdog, and I love what makes us all one person. And at the heart of these stories, everyone wants to be seen, and everyone deserves justice. And so I think a lot of the roles that I choose have that theme in one way or another, and I feel like Eileen Fitzgerald is a truth seeker,” Swank said.

The entire newsroom is filled with interesting characters, and Eileen’s influence is soon taking over. Her ability to get to those who hold information is uncanny. She manages to ruffle feathers while uncovering truths. But has she gone too far?

“Alaska Daily” is an intriguing series with a phenomenal cast. It airs Thursdays on ABC and streams on Hulu. Catch up on the first half of the season and follow along with new episodes.

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