How Prime Video’s 32-Episode Action Series Delivers a Masterclass in Adapting Books for TV

A flexible blueprint for television

Season four brought Reacher into a political conspiracy in New York City. Season five is set to adapt Make Me, the 20th book, published in 2015. The story for season six has not been announced. Ritchson has named Die Trying, the second book from 1998, as his favorite in the series, making it a possible future choice.

Why the novels suit Reacher

The books’ lead character has few enduring personal relationships and leaves each location after completing his work there. That structure lets the television series introduce new places and characters without discarding what came before.

The result has helped Reacher become a prominent critical success in the action-thriller genre and one of Prime Video’s most-watched original series, according to the article. Its format also allows each season to stand on its own while remaining part of a larger franchise.

A different fit from the films

Tom Cruise played Reacher in the 2012 film Jack Reacher, adapted from One Shot, the ninth book. The article describes Cruise as entertaining but says he was miscast as the imposing title character.

The 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, adapted the 18th book and received a less favorable assessment. The Prime Video series, with Ritchson in the lead role, offered a renewed direction for the franchise.