Reacher fans rejoice! The third season of the popular series, starring Alan Ritchson as the towering and tough hero, has finally premiered on February 20, 2025. And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—critics are raving about the new episodes, which have secured a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
This season, which adapts Lee Child's gripping novel Persuader, brings Jack Reacher back to the screen with fresh challenges. The story follows Reacher as he goes undercover to rescue a DEA informant ensnared within a treacherous criminal network. Along the way, he encounters formidable new characters, including Zachary Beck, played by Anthony Michael Hall, and Paulie, portrayed by towering 7-foot-2 enforcer Olivier Richters, who adds significant tension to the narrative.
The narrative shift to Season 3 has sparked renewed excitement. Alan Ritchson, who was candid about his dissatisfaction with the second season, expressed hopes for improvement on the new installment. "Season Two, I wasn't really thrilled with a lot of the action at all. I was really upset with where some of those fights were executed. We didn't do a good job on the day," he stated during his appearance on The Movie Podcast. Clearly, the creative team took his words to heart, as early reviews indicate they have delivered on those expectations this time around.
Critics are lifting the show higher, highlighting its blend of electrifying action and storytelling depth. Nate Richard from Collider remarked: "Even though this new season of Reacher feels more like a traditional action-crime show, it's still one of the hotter ones of its ilk. While the central mystery might lack some of the muscle, it's still incredibly entertaining and immensely watchable." Such praise coupled with Ritchson's optimistic input signifies significant progress from the previous season.
Adding to the drama is the dynamic trio of villains, with Anthony Michael Hall, Brian Tee, and Olivier Richters bringing different strengths to the story. "We have been on this show for over the year because of the actor strike. It really felt like more like family," Richters commented, solidifying the bond forged among the cast during their collaborative efforts. The actors expressed their enthusiasm for the nuanced material they have to work with, with Hall stating, "I think Nick [Santora] and the team were very true to Persuader, the novel, and I had it on set with me. It was really great. Fans of the book series and the show will be very happy because I think this is one of the most popular of all of Lee’s [Child’s] books."
The release model this season also creates excitement. Unlike the binge-watch format of Season 1, this time, viewers can catch three episodes at once, followed by weekly releases. Upcoming episodes air every Thursday, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to savor the action-packed episodes as they are released. Here is the complete schedule: the first three episodes kicked off on February 20—an event many viewers have eagerly awaited.
The premiere episodes witness Reacher negotiating the underbelly of crime and corruption with wit and tenacity. The conflict expands not only through physical confrontations but also by exploring the emotional baggage Reacher carries from previous encounters, promising a rich viewing experience for audiences. With themes of secrecy, violence, and unresolved past conflicts woven throughout the season, viewers can expect to witness the character's complexity across eight thrilling episodes.
The anticipation is palpable as viewers eagerly await each new chapter of Reacher. Critics and fans alike remain optimistic about the unraveling storylines, rooting for the iconic hero as he faces seemingly insurmountable odds. People are hopeful for this next evolution of Reacher's adventures, as they cling eagerly to their popcorn and devices, ready to hit 'play' every Thursday morning.
Don't miss out on the white-knuckle escapades of your favorite hulking investigator as he returns to Prime Video, now streaming all episodes from the first two seasons as well!