Prime Video has opted not to renew the spy comedy series "Ride Or Die," starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, for a second season, despite the show garnering rave reviews and achieving significant viewership numbers.
The series, created by Tessa Coates, premiered in July and was a global hit for the streaming service, topping Prime Video's original series charts for its first three weeks. It holds a 96% score among critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85% audience score. In the U.S., "Ride Or Die" drew nearly a million views within two days of its release, outperforming other Prime Video originals like "Elle" and "Off Campus."
Reviews highlighted the "electric chemistry" between Waddingham, 52, and Spencer, 56. The show follows Judith Burton (Waddingham), a secret international assassin, and her best friend Debbie Claybourne (Spencer). The Wall Street Journal described the series as "compelling," noting Waddingham's ability to portray both action hero and comedic elements. The Guardian praised it as a "perimenopausal comedy thriller caper of your dreams," celebrating its portrayal of middle-aged women in leading roles.
Despite its critical and commercial success, the reasons for the cancellation are described as "murky." However, a report from Deadline suggests that the show's focus on middle-aged women may have been a contributing factor. According to Deadline's editor-in-chief, Nellie Andreeva, Amazon executives may view this demographic as less desirable for attracting new subscribers, as many middle-aged women already subscribe to Prime for shopping purposes.
Paramount Television Studios, the lead studio behind "Ride Or Die," is reportedly seeking other buyers for the series. This development has led to a furious response from fans on social media, who are urging other streaming platforms to pick up the show. Season one concluded with significant cliffhangers, leaving viewers eager to see the story continue.
Comedian and writer Katy Brand expressed little surprise at the cancellation. Brand, who has experience writing for similar demographics, stated on Instagram that the "misogyny in the film and tv business is out of control." She recalled instances where male executives have dismissed or altered her work, such as removing menopause-related jokes or deeming female characters "too funny."
"Ride Or Die" is an eight-episode series. The first season concluded with a series of cliffhangers, leaving fans questioning the future of the characters' storylines.