Prime Video's globe-trotting spy thriller Citadel is finally locking in its return date. The second season of the Russo Brothers-produced series will premiere on May 6, 2026, bringing back stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for a new round of high-stakes espionage. The season will consist of seven episodes, a slight bump from the first season's six.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period for the franchise. Originally conceived as a sprawling interconnected universe with spin-offs set in Italy and India, Citadel was designed to be Prime Video's answer to James Bond. However, the first season's budget ballooned from $160 million to a reported $300 million, making it one of the most expensive TV seasons ever produced. Production was notoriously troubled, with the season essentially being made twice.
In October 2024, the Italy-set spin-off Citadel: Diana debuted, followed a month later by the India-set prequel Citadel: Honey Bunny. Both spin-offs were canceled shortly after the executive who green-lit the franchise left Prime Video. The new leadership also delayed the main show's second season by several months.
Despite the franchise's rocky road, the second season is now set. Joe Russo, who was initially reported to direct every episode of Season 2, ended up sharing directing duties with Greg Yaitanes. A third season has not yet been ordered, and with the spin-offs dead, the future of the Citadel universe remains uncertain.
Interestingly, the show's return comes as Amazon prepares to reboot the James Bond franchise with a film directed by Denis Villeneuve, now in pre-production. For the first time in Bond's decades-long history, Amazon plans to expand the 007 universe into streaming series and spin-offs. This development raises questions about whether Prime Video will continue to invest in Citadel as its own spy franchise or let it fade in favor of the iconic British agent.
The first season of Citadel holds a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it a "fairly fun spy caper" that "creaks under the weight of its own exorbitance." The spin-offs fared better critically, with Citadel: Diana scoring 83% and Citadel: Honey Bunny scoring 75%. Audience scores for all three shows hover in the 60% range.
For fans of the genre, Citadel isn't the only spy thriller on Prime Video's roster. The platform also offers J.K. Simmons' 'Embassy', which brings a Reacher-style action vibe to the streaming service's spy lineup.
As the countdown to May 6 begins, viewers can catch up on the first season of Citadel and decide for themselves whether this expensive spy saga deserves a second look. Stay tuned for more updates on the show's return.
