Prime Video's ambitious, big-budget spy thriller Citadel was supposed to be the streaming service's answer to James Bond — a globe-trotting, action-packed franchise that could anchor its original content for years. But if the latest Nielsen ratings are any indication, that dream is far from becoming reality.
The second season of the Russo brothers-produced series, which reportedly cost over $300 million to produce, has hit a new low in its streaming debut. According to Nielsen's latest streaming charts, Citadel Season 2 failed to crack the top 10 most-watched streaming originals in its opening week, a stunning result for a show with such a massive budget and star-studded cast including Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
This underwhelming performance is a major blow to Prime Video's strategy of building a long-running espionage franchise that could rival the cultural and commercial dominance of 007. The first season of Citadel also faced mixed reviews and lukewarm viewership, but the streamer doubled down with a second season and an expanding universe of international spin-offs. Now, those plans look increasingly uncertain.
Industry analysts point to several factors that may have contributed to the show's struggles. The crowded streaming landscape, with heavy competition from Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, makes it harder for any single series to break through. Additionally, the show's convoluted plot and reliance on high-octane spectacle over character development may have failed to hook a broad audience.
For viewers looking for something to binge on Prime Video this week, there are other options. Check out our Top 3 Prime Video Binge-Watches to Stream This Week (June 8, 2026) for curated picks, or explore the Best Movies on Prime Video: June 8 Picks You Can't Miss for film recommendations.
The Nielsen data also reveals that Citadel Season 2's viewership dropped significantly compared to its first season premiere, which itself had a muted reception. This trend suggests that the series is not only failing to attract new subscribers but also losing existing ones. For a show that was marketed as a tentpole for Prime Video's original programming, these numbers are alarming.
Prime Video has not yet commented on the ratings, but the company's investment in the Citadel universe — including spin-offs set in Italy and India — now appears to be a high-stakes gamble that may not pay off. The show's performance also raises questions about the viability of the streaming model for mega-budget productions that don't immediately resonate with audiences.
In contrast, other Prime Video originals like Reacher and The Boys have consistently drawn strong viewership and critical acclaim, proving that the platform can produce hits. The failure of Citadel to replicate that success underscores the challenge of launching a new franchise in an era of peak TV.
As the streaming wars intensify, the fate of Citadel may serve as a cautionary tale for studios chasing the next big thing. For now, the show's second season is available to stream on Prime Video, but whether it will get a third remains to be seen.
