One of the most widely-streamed shows in the United States will face a shift in production after Paramount Global and Skydance Media merged, creating a standalone entertainment company known simply as Paramount.
“Reacher,” which stars Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, is set to be produced by Paramount Television Studios as a result of the move, as well as its upcoming spinoff, “Neagley.”
“Reacher” follows a retired military police officer as he navigates a web of conspiracies, shiesty businessmen, and politicians who are not what they seem. The show is based on multiple novels by author Lee Child, including “Killing Floor,” “Bad Luck and Trouble,” and “Persuader.”
The show’s first season is one of the top five most watched original seasons ever in the U.S. and globally on Prime Video, according to Amazon MGM Studios.
Also part of the Reacher universe is actress Maria Sten as Frances Neagley, a member of the U.S. Army 110th MP Special Investigations Unit Reacher puts together. Neagley will be the focal point of a spinoff series.
How does the merger impact ‘Reacher’ production?
Shows “Reacher” and “Neagley” were previously co-produced by Skydance and Paramount Television Studios, CBS Studios confirmed to USA TODAY on Monday, Aug. 18.
For the past year, however, the shows were co-produced by Skydance and CBS Studios. And now, due to the merger, the shows will be produced again by Paramount Television Studios as a single studio.
Another show that’ll be impacted by the merger is “Cross,” starring Aldis Hodge as Washington, D.C. detective Alex Cross. The show is based on author James Patterson’s novels about the detective, according to IMDb. “Cross” will go back to production at Paramount Television Studios.
Other shows previously produced or co-produced by Paramount Television Studios include “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” the first and second installments of the horror anthology series that aired on Netflix.
Recently, the company co-produced and released “Murderbot,” in May 2025, a show about a security android that is secretly able to make his own decisions starring Alexander Skarsgård.
Will ‘Reacher’ still stream on Prime Video?
“Reacher,” “Cross,” and “Neagley,” all original series of Amazon Prime Video, will still be available to stream on the platform, Skydance confirmed to USA TODAY on Aug. 18.
What we know about ‘Reacher’ Season 4
All seasons of “Reacher” are available on Prime Video. The streaming platform announced last fall that the show was renewed for a fourth season. While no release date for Season 4 has been announced, Seasons 1, 2, and 3 all premiered in early February, mid-December, and late February, respectively.
Season 1 of “Cross” is already available for streaming on Prime Video. The platform has not publicly revealed the release date for Season 2.
As the first season of “Neagly,” no official release date has been announced.
More on the Paramount Global and Skydance merger
Paramount said in a news release on Thursday, Aug. 7 that the merger with Skydance “positions Paramount to forge a new path forward in the entertainment industry” by combining its library and distribution network with Skydance’s production expertise.
Skydance Media Chief Executive Officer David Ellison said in an open letter on Aug. 7 that the move has been in the works for two years. The goal, he said, is to transform Paramount by investing in “high-quality storytelling and cutting-edge technology and pursuing opportunities that will help define the next era of entertainment.”
According to Ellison, the combined company will now have a large content library, globally recognized brands, and access to Skydance’s revered experience in expertise in film, television, animation, and gaming.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What the Paramount-Skydance merger means for ‘Reacher,’ ‘Neagley’
