Would you be upset if your best friend shared a major secret with you that they had kept for 20 years? Would you feel betrayed, or would you want to know more, and then join them on an intense journey? Most people would probably be mad... but then again, it depends on what this friend is hiding. That's the premise of Prime Video's new action thriller. It not only will appeal to those who love Reacher, but it's an unforgettable ride on its own. No, that pun wasn't intended, but it works.
With the new season of Alan Ritchson's beloved series premiering on Aug. 12, 2026, everyone is excited, especially since Reacher Season 4 made a smart change from the book it's based on. But since that's still several weeks away, there's another show that you can become obsessed with in the meantime, and that's Ride or Die. While it was number 1 on Flix Patrol on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the time of this writing it is now #3, which still proves that it's a hit.
'Ride or Die' Is a Fantastic Binge-Watch on Prime Video
Ride or Die is about London-basedbest friendsJudith (Hannah Waddingham) and Debbie (Octavia Spencer), who have fun together, are part of a boring book club, and realize they don't know everything about each other when Debbie finds out Judith is an assassin. The first scene of Episode 1 couldn't possibly be more action-packed, as Judith races through a fancy party while wearing a ski mask and kills someone, as she was hired to do. While she attempts to keep living her regular life, more than a few obstacles come her way. Debbie is dealing with a lot, too. After running her husband David's (Jamie Parker) campaign for prime minister for a while, she figures out that her peaceful lifestyle is coming to an end. Even though the friends are in totally different situations, they can relate to each other since they're both dealing with how hard it is to embrace change.
There's a great performance from Bill Nighy, who portrays The Director, Judith's boss. The series also holds a97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ride or Die Season 1 only has eight episodes, and it's a one-night binge with smart characters and epic chase scenes. I would love for the series to last as long as Reacherand I think it has the potential to do so.
If the coolest part of Reacher is how the main character doesn't lean on anyone else and can handle absolutely anything, anytime, the most compelling element of Ride or Die is Judith and Debbie's meaningful bond. Sometimes, a story about friendship leans into lackluster tropes, and one character is more developed than the other. While Judith is an assassin who is tough, carefree, and dynamic, Debbie is just as well-written. Both characters are at an interesting moment where things are changing. By the end of Episode 1, Judith is in trouble, and Debbie's marriage is forever altered. That sets up an amazing first season.
There are more than a few hilarious moments in Ride or Die Season 1, which is what appealed to me the most about this story. The best action TV shows need to hold your attention with chase scenes and wild twists, but I think they also need to be playful, vibrant, and sometimes even silly. In the first episode alone, Judith and Debbie quote Little Women, dance in Debbie's kitchen, and Debbie expertly makes her way out of a tight parking space. The lighter moments in the series are something special.
Judith isn't just an action hero who escapes her enemies and expertly jumps out of windows. Debbie isn't simply her friend. They're both fascinating characters who are questioning what they've known their entire adult lives and are now hoping that they can figure it all out. So, although we'll all be watching in just under one month when Jack Reacher makes his highly anticipated return, I think Ride or Die is perfect entertainment in the meantime. I would love to watch Reacher, Debbie, and Judith work together. Wouldn't that be so interesting?