Amazon Prime Video has officially canceled the international spinoffs of its ambitious series Citadel, specifically Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana, which will not return for second seasons. This decision comes as part of a strategic shift to focus on the main series, which stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and is set to premiere its second season in Q2 of 2026.
The cancellation was announced by Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, who confirmed that storylines from both spinoff series will be woven into the upcoming second season of the flagship show. "Having successfully traversed India and Italy, storylines from both Citadel: Honey Bunny and Citadel: Diana will be woven into the upcoming second season of the mothership series Citadel," Sanders stated. He added that Season 2 promises to be the most exhilarating yet, featuring high-stakes storytelling and new cast additions.
Despite receiving decent reviews in their respective local markets, both spinoffs struggled to achieve the global breakout success Amazon had anticipated. Citadel: Honey Bunny, featuring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Citadel: Diana, the Italian adaptation, failed to garner the expected international audience, leading to their cancellation after just one season each.
The spinoffs had been eagerly awaited since their launches in September and December of 2023, respectively, but both series lacked the global impact necessary to continue as standalone projects. Following their cancellation, plans for additional spinoffs in other countries, including Mexico, have also been put on hold.
The first season of the main Citadel series faced its own challenges, including a troubled production history marked by multiple showrunner changes and reshoots that reportedly pushed the budget beyond $200 million for just six episodes. Although it became Prime Video's second-most-watched new original series outside the U.S. and fourth-most-watched worldwide after 24 days of release, its critical reception was mixed, with a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering around 51%.
In contrast, the spinoffs performed better in terms of ratings, with Citadel: Diana achieving an 82% rating and Citadel: Honey Bunny receiving 75%. However, this success was not enough to secure their futures as independent series. Critics had described the mothership series as "generic" and "style over substance," highlighting the disconnect between viewer interest and critical acclaim.
As the Citadel franchise continues to evolve, all eyes are now on the main series to deliver a compelling narrative that meets the expectations set by its ambitious premise. Season 2 is expected to explore deeper emotional journeys for its characters, including spies Nadia, Mason, and Orlick, as they navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue.
The upcoming season is set just one month after the events of Season 1, with the spies forced underground and evading Manticore agents worldwide. They will join forces with new rogue operatives to counter the sinister plans of Brazilian billionaire Paulo Braga, who threatens to unleash a catastrophic piece of technology developed by Citadel's own Bernard Orlick.
With the cancellation of the spinoffs, the focus will now shift entirely to the flagship series, as fans hope for a revitalized narrative that captures the high-octane excitement promised by the show's creators. The anticipation for Season 2 is palpable, as viewers await to see how the intertwined storylines from the canceled spinoffs will enhance the overall narrative.
As the franchise moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the main series can reclaim its footing and deliver the cinematic experience that the brand has aimed for since its inception. With a promise of fresh talent and exhilarating storytelling, the stage is set for Citadel to make a significant impact upon its return.
