The news of 'Ride or Die's' cancellation, announced in September 2026, struck many as an unexpected move, especially given the series' initial success. The eight-episode first season, launched on July 15, 2026, quickly climbed to the top of Prime Video's charts, holding the number one spot for three consecutive weeks in the United States. It garnered approximately one million views within its first two days, outperforming other highly anticipated Prime Video originals like 'Elle' and 'Off Campus'.
Hannah Waddingham, the acclaimed actress known for her Emmy-winning role in 'Ted Lasso', expressed her surprise during an interview with Entertainment Weekly on the red carpet of the Albies 2026 in London on October 9, 2026. When asked about the possibility of another platform picking up the series for a second season, Waddingham admitted, "Oh, I don't know. I have no idea!"
Despite the abrupt end, Waddingham conveyed immense satisfaction with her work on the show. "I'm happy with my work on this project, to be honest," she stated, highlighting her physical commitment to the role. She revealed a remarkable dedication to her character, Judith Burton, by performing a significant portion of her own action sequences. "I even did 85 to 90% of my stunts myself," she proudly shared, underscoring the demanding nature of the production.
'Ride or Die', created by Tessa Coates, followed the unlikely duo of Judith (Waddingham), an international hitwoman, and her unsuspecting friend Debbie (Octavia Spencer). After a mission goes awry, Judith is forced to flee with Debbie, embarking on a perilous, action-packed road trip across Europe. The series not only captivated audiences but also received favorable reviews, with AlloCiné members rating it 3.8 out of 5 based on 114 reviews, while the press awarded it an average score of 3.3 out of 5.
Waddingham even paid a subtle tribute to her character at the Albies, sporting an asymmetrical bronze-green dress that was a wardrobe piece for Judith Burton in the series. She playfully noted, "I thought I'd get it out of my closet again, because I like to reuse things!" Her sentiment reflects a broader attachment to the project, making Prime Video's decision to pull the plug even more puzzling for those involved and its growing fanbase.
