'Reacher' Spin-Off 'Neagley' Hits No. 1 on Prime Video to Critical Acclaim

A spin-off that stuck the landing

The launch of Reacher spin-off Neagley on Prime Video has been a clear success, impressing critics and audiences alike. As Digital Spy reported, the action-packed crime drama, starring Maria Sten in the title role, dropped all eight of its episodes earlier this month and quickly climbed the charts.

Topping the charts

At the time of Digital Spy's report, Neagley was the UK's number-one TV show on the streamer, ahead of both The Grand Tour and its own parent series, Reacher, and it also sat at the summit in the US. On Rotten Tomatoes it carries a hefty 94% critics' approval rating alongside a strong 84% audience score.

What the critics said

Digital Spy gave it four stars, praising Sten for finding 'nuance in what could have just been stilted' and paying close attention to the physicality of Neagley's every movement. The Hollywood Reporter noted 'storytelling missteps' but said the show delivers the 'pulpy, action pleasures' it promises. The Daily Telegraph's four-star review called it a 'wham-bam romp' that lands its punches with verve, while the Seattle Times praised it for remembering that 'Neagley isn't Reacher,' and But Why Tho? declared the first season 'an absolute success' that proves Frances Neagley can carry a show on her own.

How it fits the Reacher-verse

Reacher, based on Lee Child's novels and starring Alan Ritchson, has aired four seasons since 2022, with seasons two and three peaking at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Sten appeared as Neagley in seasons one through three before graduating to her own show. Neagley is streaming on Prime Video now.

Why the spin-off is working

Part of the appeal, echoed across the reviews, is that Neagley is not simply a Reacher clone. Rather than a drifter passing through, Frances Neagley puts down roots in Chicago and runs her own investigation firm, giving the series a stability the flagship's episodic resets never allowed. Critics repeatedly noted that leaning into that difference, while keeping the pulpy action the franchise is known for, is exactly what lets the show stand on its own two feet. For Prime Video, a spin-off outperforming its parent series in two major markets is a strong signal that the Reacher universe has room to grow beyond its title character.

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See also: Neagley finale introduces Reacher's replacement, Missing Reacher? Prime Video's Hanna is a great binge.

Sources

• Reacher spinoff Neagley hits number 1 on Prime Video amid acclaim (Shaun Kitchener, Digital Spy, 25 Sep 2026)

Published date reflects the original event date (2026-09-29). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.