Sometimes, you come across the perfect show that feels like it was made just for you. When Reacher debuted on Prime Video, that’s exactly how it felt for many of us who tuned in: an action thriller TV series with a charismatic leading man who turns his resourcefulness into a superpower. It seemed like the studio knew they had a hit on their hands, because since then, there have been a few similar high-caliber genre entries. However, none have compared to the smash success of Reacher.
But Prime Video’s greatest returning action thriller, The Terminal List, has a good shot at being the perfect follow-up with its second season on the horizon. Now that it has a premiere date, it’s officially leading the charge as the streamer’s most adrenaline-packed show with the same grounded storytelling that made Reacher a phenomenon.
Prime Video’s Action Hot Streak Continues With ‘The Terminal List’
Chris Pratt’s James Reece, a former Navy SEAL, has numerous similarities to Alan Ritchson’s Jack Reacher, from their tactical approach and military backgrounds to their instant likability on screen. But while Reacher thrives on brute force with a certain swagger, The Terminal List leans more into the complex morality that comes with war— which is yet another reason why it’s the ideal thematic follow-up. That contrast is exactly why Prime Video is the leading streamer for action TV. The studio isn’t just repeating the same formula, but instead, building a spectrum of compelling content.
And it just so happens that both shows are adapting books, with The Terminal List Season 2 based on Jack Carr’s bestselling novel True Believer, pulling Reece into a global conspiracy premise as he hunts for a terrorist. It isn’t the type of lone wolf mission you would expect from Reacher, but it still features some similar big stakes with character-driven writing.
The thing that truly makes The Terminal List a strong successor to the Prime Video hit show is the way it feels tailor-made for the same audience. Reacher is an unstoppable force with a strong moral code, and he’s practically a superhero, which fits considering Ritchson has played a few of those throughout his career. On the other hand, Reece is a hero who was shaped by the trauma of his past, making his mission feel more like a burden at times.
The debut season of The Terminal List didn’t just focus on the physical, but also the psychological, and the upcoming season is likely to push him even deeper, making him question his own code. And the timing of Season 2 couldn’t be better. I’m currently enjoying Season 4 of Reacher, but once it’s over, The Terminal List is set to fill the void through elevated storytelling and intense action, with an A-list star at the center. There aren’t many shows like it on streaming, but Prime Video has managed to produce a few of them.
The Terminal List Season 2 releases all 8 episodes on Prime Video on Wednesday, October 21.
- Release Date
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June 30, 2022
- Network
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Prime Video
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Jeanne Tripplehorn
Secretary Hartley
