Prime Video has officially ordered a sixth season of its hit action series Reacher, starring Alan Ritchson. This renewal comes just as season 4 concluded and with production underway for season 5. The decision underscores the show's significant global appeal, with Prime Video reporting that season 4 reached 66 million viewers worldwide within its first 28 days.
A Global Phenomenon
According to Prime Video, Reacher has garnered over 200 million total viewers globally and ranks among the platform's most-watched original series. Season 4, in particular, is noted as one of the top five most-viewed seasons of any original series in the service's history. Notably, more than half of the show's audience is international, with strong performance in regions including the U.K., Germany, and Brazil. Peter Friedlander, head of global television at Amazon MGM Studios, praised the series' success, highlighting Ritchson's portrayal of Jack Reacher and expressing excitement for continuing the story with partners at Paramount Television Studios.
Source Material and Future Adaptations
The fourth season of Reacher adapted Lee Child's novel Gone Tomorrow, the 13th book in the series. Season 5 is set to be based on Make Me, the 20th book. While Prime Video has not yet announced which of Lee Child's 30 novels or short story collections will serve as the basis for season 6, the series has previously adapted Killing Floor, Bad Luck and Trouble, and Persuader. Actor Alan Ritchson has indicated that Die Trying, the second book in the Reacher series, which features themes of white supremacy, is unlikely to be adapted due to its content.
A new novel in the series, Chain Reaction, co-authored by Lee and Andrew Child, is slated for release this fall. The series' production schedule suggests that season 5 is expected to wrap filming later this year, potentially leading to a mid- to late-2027 release. Given the typical turnaround time for the series, season 6 is not anticipated to arrive until late 2028 or early 2029.
Season 5's Dark Turn
Details regarding Reacher season 5 suggest a darker tone. Series creator Lee Child described the upcoming season's story as "brutal" and "disgusting," indicating that the adaptation may tackle sensitive or mature subject matter. Ritchson is also reportedly attached to star in a film adaptation of the video game Helldivers. Reacher originally premiered on Prime Video in 2022, and four seasons are currently available for streaming. An eight-episode spinoff series, Neagley, is also available on the platform.