The news of 'Ride or Die's' cancellation by Prime Video in September came as a surprise to many, especially given its performance. The series, which followed Waddingham as an international assassin on the run with her best friend (played by Octavia Spencer), quickly climbed to the number one spot on Prime Video's global charts for three consecutive weeks. Critically, it garnered a remarkable 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 84% audience score, indicating widespread appeal.
In a recent interview, as reported by Collider, Waddingham reflected on her time on the show. While acknowledging she has "no idea about the future of the series," she expressed contentment with the work accomplished in its single season. The actress also highlighted her significant physical involvement, noting that she was "doing 85% to 90% of her own stunts," a demanding feat that left her "a little tired" but ultimately "very happy with the show."
The decision to cancel a show with such positive metrics raises questions about Prime Video's strategy. While the streamer has not provided an official reason, a report cited by Collider offers a potential explanation. According to this report, the show's primary demographic—middle-aged women—may not align with Amazon executives' goals of attracting new Prime subscribers. Many within this segment are already Prime members for shopping, meaning a show targeted at them doesn't necessarily translate into significant new sign-ups, even if it performs well among existing users.
Despite the cancellation, the door for a potential revival remains open. 'Ride or Die' concluded its first season with a cliffhanger, leaving Judith (Waddingham) and Debbie (Spencer) still pursued by professional killers, even as they planned a fresh start. This unresolved narrative, coupled with the shifting allegiances of supporting characters like assassin handler Sam (Calam Lynch) and weapons specialist Queenie (Savannah Steyn), provides ample material for future seasons.
Paramount Television Studios, which produced the series, is reportedly actively shopping 'Ride or Die' to other potential buyers. This move offers a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see the story continue on a new platform. For now, the first and only season of 'Ride or Die' is available for streaming on Prime Video, allowing audiences to show their support and perhaps influence its future.
