Maxton Hall Season 2 dropped on Prime Video November 14, 2025, and one thing is crystal clear after the first three episodes: James Beaufort (Damian Hardung) is physically incapable of looking away from Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten). Every frame is dripping with “I’m madly in love but too proud to admit it” energy, and the internet is calling it the slowest, hottest burn of the year.

The stares. THE STARES.

Episode 1, 12:47 — James watching Ruby across the dining hall like she’s the only person in the room (slow zoom on his face = 8 full seconds of pure longing).
Episode 2, library scene — Ruby bends over to pick up a book, James’ eyes literally follow the entire movement, then he catches himself and pretends to read upside-down.
Episode 3, the Oxford interview waiting room — he’s supposed to be prepping, but his gaze is locked on Ruby the whole time Cyril is flirting with her. The micro-expression when she laughs at Cyril’s joke? Murderous.

Fans are compiling “James staring at Ruby” supercuts that already have 15 million views on TikTok. Top comments:

“This man invented heart eyes.”
“Damian Hardung deserves an Oscar for staring like he wants to devour her soul.”
“Ruby could sneeze and James would look at her like she invented oxygen.”

Director even admitted in a post-screening Q&A: “We told Damian ‘just look at her like you’re in love.’ He said ‘I don’t need acting for that.’” (The silence in the room was deafening.)

The chemistry is so thick you need a knife. Every time Ruby walks into a room, James’ entire posture changes — shoulders tense, jaw clenches, eyes soften. Meanwhile Ruby is still in denial, telling Lin “I’m over him” while literally blushing when he breathes in her direction.

Season 1 was enemies-to-lovers tension. Season 2 is lovers-who-won’t-admit-they’re-lovers tension. And the stares are doing ALL the talking.

Only 3 episodes in and James Beaufort has already set the new standard for “eyes never lie.” Maxton Hall Season 2 — now streaming. Good luck surviving the gaze.